240 Lancaster Road
240 Lancaster Road invited members to decide how they would spend their award. The money has been used in several ways – to stage plays, start up a fishing club and invest in drama, film, music and art groups.
Buying a digital video camera proved to be a particular success. Three participants videoed each other talking about parts of London they knew well, and the film was included in the Portobello Film Festival.
"Bill", a man in his 40s with a history of heavy drinking, became totally absorbed in the exercise, not only taking part in it but helping the other two with their reflections. "He found out that if you do things, your world moves forward. I was surprised at how radical an effect it had on him," says development director Edward Farrelly.
"He has stopped drinking and taken up a video-editing course."
One of the most effective ways to help people find their confidence and identity, Farrelly has found, is education. "It results in a shift from seeing themselves as ex-homeless to something else," he explains.
Based in west London, 240 Lancaster Road is a partnership between Notting Hill Churches Homeless Concern together with St Mungo Community Housing Association.
St Mungo's
St Mungo's employment team had worked together for only a year when it won its award, so it was a "tremendous encouragement" to be recognised so early on. It also generated interest from other organisations.
"We have found that the fundamental issue surrounding our clients is the need to build confidence," explains team leader Corin Pilling. "We decided to use some of our award money to train more of our workers in neurolinguistic programming to help our clients build up their confidence levels."
The remainder of the award has been used in partnership with a new charity, Street Shine, which provides shoe-shining services to city professionals. The money will also help fund the workers' travel, equipment, tools and clothing expenses.
Shepherd's Bush-based St Mungo's Employment Team – an offshoot of St Mungo Community Housing Association – works with homeless and ex-homeless people to help them find employment.
Time for Youth
Backed by the American Oak Foundation, the Gatsby Foundation, the Probation Service and the Association of London Government, Time for Youth aims to get young offenders back into independent living.
"Given that we had only been set up for six months, it was a fantastic honour to win the award," says project manager Liz Griffiths. "It has been really prestigious in terms of our profile."
As a result, the Home Office now uses the project as an example of best practice. Its many success stories include Omali, aged 20. Omali participated in Time for Youth's cognitive-behavioural programme and found it helpful in developing his thinking. Despite his nervousness about the presentation, Omali gave the judging panel a clear picture of the effects the programme had had on his thinking and his life. Thanks to work experience organised by Time for Youth, Omali got an excellent employer's reference and has recently found a job.
The Time for Youth project in Stratford, east London – part of Network East Foyers – works with young people aged 16 to 24 who are homeless or in housing need and at risk of becoming involved in crime. Time for Youth is unusual in that 50% of its clients are female.
Last year’s winner
When the Navigator project received the top prize, it had only been established for a year and a half. “Not only were we the only project to have ever won this type of award in the borough of Hillingdon, but it did an immense amount to raise our status and profile. It also gave us a credibility that we could never have had otherwise in such a short time,” enthuses Adesola Owolana, the centre’s manager. “As a result, we have got single regeneration budget funding to open a new Navigator centre in Hayes in mid-March. It will incorporate an additional element within it, a dedicated employment service to help youngsters to find and sustain jobs.” Navigator has used the £8000 award to create the Andy Ludlow Bursary, a general fund for young people. Owolana cites the case of “Dami”, a young man who came in for assistance with getting benefits, for which he needed a copy of his birth certificate. “He did not have £10 to pay for this and had no one to turn to but we were able to tap into the bursary immediately to pay for it,” she says. “It’s been terrific to have the fund to use when it’s needed. Normal structures don’t allow for emergency situations and in the past we have had to dig deep into our own pockets to help out.” The Navigator project tackles the root causes of homelessness among people aged 16 to 25. Part of Project 2041, it is located in Yiewsley, Middlesex.
To enter this year’s award
The winner of the 2003 Andy Ludlow Award will receive a prize of £8000. The runners-up get £2000 and £1000. Housing associations, council departments, NHS trusts or any partnership of agencies can enter. The London Housing Foundation will award a special prize of £5000 to a voluntary sector organisation. Closing date is 25 April 2003. Download a form from www.alg.gov.uk, email pauline.mcmahon@alg.gov.uk or call her on 020 7934 9759.Source
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