Insights from the Luton Fairness Taskforce Event: Building Community Partnerships.

Author: Elrica Feride Degirmen FRSA | Human Engine

As part of the Neighbourhood Working Model project in collaboration with Luton Borough Council , I recently had the privilege of attending the Luton Fairness Taskforce Event on Wednesday 28th February 2024. This initiative seeks to integrate a community network approach to ensure accessibility, activity, and support for all residents, amplifying the positive initiatives already underway in Luton.

The Neighbourhood Working Model envisions a future where systemic collaboration shapes public service delivery, aligning with the ambitious 2040 vision. It lays the groundwork for transformative change, particularly in addressing health inequalities as part of Luton's drive to become a 'Marmot town'.

Luton Borough Council CEO Robin Porter set the tone by highlighting the pivotal role of community stakeholders as 'changemakers', emphasising their collective responsibility in supporting Luton residents. Key values of equity, social justice, and poverty eradication underscored the importance of understanding diverse experiences and fostering equal partnerships.

The Fairness Taskforce event aimed to:

1. Review progress achieved thus far,
2. Share insights on ongoing initiatives and their impact,
3. Outline the roadmap for future programme development.

A highlight of the event was the opportunity to visit various stalls showcasing efforts to promote fairness and equity in the criminal justice system, health equity, and community-based approaches. Hearing about innovative solutions to societal challenges firsthand was both insightful and inspiring.

Discussions also centred on the Luton Collaboration Fund, a partnership between several organisations (Azalea, Citizens Advice Luton , The Disability Resource Centre , Luton Christian Fellowship, and Luton Foodbank ) aiming to support new partnerships, embed collaborative practices, and improve residents' access to services.

The most valuable takeaway was engaging with community stakeholders face-to-face and establishing a network of contacts whose insights will inform the overarching model. A creative activity encouraged organisations to identify needs and offers, facilitating immediate 'match-making' and fostering new connections. This is what 'Asset Based Community Development' is in a nutshell: identifying what assets each organisation has to offer and building the links so that these can be used as effectively as possible.

In a post-COVID world, the importance of personal connections and proactive engagement is underscored, aligning with Hilary Cottam 's principles of 'Radical Help'. Our work with Luton Borough Council and community stakeholders will help to continue to build these networks that foster capabilities and enact positive change to address emerging community needs for the long-term.

Further Reading:?

Luton Collaboration Fund link: https://blcf.org.uk/local/collaborative-efforts-to-support-our-community/

Asset Based Community Development: https://www.nurturedevelopment.org/asset-based-community-development/

Radical Help: https://www.hilarycottam.com/radical-help/