Team wins Islington Compact award for work with Somali youth
Published: 26th November, 2010
by TERRY MESSENGER
A TEAM which has worked with young Somalis on Islington estates has been honoured with an award.
The project, which involved police, the Town Hall, a church and Somali leaders, won the Islington Compact award for best community group.
The team befriended young Somalis in Finsbury Park, Highbury and Holloway in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Youth worker Abdul Ali, from Islington Somali Community, said: “By going out to talk to some of the young Somalis we discovered some of the reasons behind the anti-social behaviour.
“We found out that many were struggling at school or had problems at home.”
The team focused on the Andover, Six Acres and Harvist estates in Finsbury Park and Holloway, setting up a homework club and group discussions on drugs, gangs and religious extremism.
Sergeant Chris Walsh, of Finsbury Park Safer Neighbourhoods police team, said: “In dealing with the large gang of Somali youths, the Islington Somali Community proved to be very helpful. Without them we’d have been left with enforcement as the only option.
“Residents have told me the estates are very much more peaceful, and people don’t feel intimidated or threatened going to or from their homes.”
St Mark’s Church in Tollington Park and Islington Council were also involved in the project. The team received its award from Mayor Mouna Hamitouche at Islington town hall earlier this month.