For systematic change we must work together

Establishing a national day of hope that is truly led by young people will put young people in a position to contribute and take social action to create greater opportunity for themselves, others and the communities in which they live.

I grew up and live very close to what was the North Peckham Estate where Damilola died on 27^th November 2000. I’ve been witness to the grief and devastation of many families who have lost children to violence; and I’ve worked actively over many years with local communities to address the root causes.

At MTVH we know that no single organisation can tackle the epidemic of violence affecting young people in our communities alone and, if we are serious about making a systemic change, then we must work together across all levels of civil society.

Collaboration is one of our values and it is key to tackling social inequalities. Only through working with a range of different partners that have different perspectives, but who are motivated to work together towards a common goal, can we hope to solve big societal challenges like the rising levels of violence that impact young people and communities.

Homes must be at the heart of tackling violence that affects young people. We know there is a major housing crisis that will only be solved by cross-sector collaboration, leading to the building of many more new affordable homes.

But whilst the homes and buildings in the areas where we live are important, we know that helping people to live well is not just about physical regeneration and new development. At MTVH, as well as providing the homes people need, we understand that wider support is needed if we are to enable young people to fulfil their potential and if society is to share in their future success.

We can see that young residents have been exposed, directly and indirectly, to increased levels of violence across our communities. It is vital that we listen to the voices of young people and we are working with young people and local communities to build solutions. These solutions need to be grounded in hope and foster ambition and raise aspirations.

Seeing violence through a health lens means it is solvable. If we can interrupt the transmission through working with local communities and stakeholders we can create systemic change. The housing sector must be included in the work of local Violence Reduction Units that are starting to make a difference. Through the sharing of data, evidence and intelligence, we could significantly inform a public health approach to reducing violence.

Now, more than ever, we can see the stark reality of how inequalities impact the most vulnerable young people in society and how vital it is to launch a relentless drive to open up opportunities and engender hope for young people.

We are delighted to be working as part of the Hope Collective and to supporting the amplification of young people’s voices. Investing in young people is an investment in the future success of society.

Sarah Willis

Head of Strategic Partnerships & National Delivery at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH).

MTVH provides affordable homes for people across the country and our mission is to help people to live well.