Hackney estates reaping rewards of pioneering Family Intervention Project

A pioneering project that works with families in Hackney at the risk of eviction due to anti-social behaviour has reached its six month mark.

The Hackney Family Intervention Project (FIP) is a joint project between Hackney Homes, Hackney Council and Children’s Charity (NCH).

Whilst recognising the importance of reprimanding the individuals causing the anti-social behaviour, Hackney FIP acknowledges that these individuals and also importantly, their families have complex and diverse needs that require multiple solutions.

Hackney FIP looks at the root causes of the problems that these families have and works with them to find solutions that will benefit them and their neighbours.

Parenting classes, employment training, healthy eating and dealing with debt are all areas that FIP assists families with and successes are already being seen.

Deborah from Stamford Hill has lived in Hackney for over seven years and had received complaints about nuisance and anti-social behaviour taking place in her home. She was at risk of losing her home and did not know who or where to turn to.

“It was a horrible time. I knew what the problem was but I did not think anyone would listen to me and offer me help,” said Deborah.

“FIP has been a breath of fresh air to my life. My son has not been involved in any trouble for a few months now and I have just gained a qualification to help me further my career in care."

Eighteen-year-old Shannelle Brown attended the graduation ceremony for her mum, Denise Brown who has been on a twelve week parenting programme organised by the Hackney FIP.

Shannelle has seen positive changes in her mum since attending the course.

She said: “My mum is much more open now. Before she went on the programme, she would keep everything to herself, but now she is able to communicate her concerns to me and we can work through them together”.

Rupert Tyson, Chair of Hackney Homes Board, said: “There are often deep rooted reasons why families cause anti-social behaviour on our estates. Tackling the causes of these will not only help them to lead better and productive lives, it will benefit the whole community.

"Hackney Homes is committed to working with NCH to support this vital project and getting real results for families.”

Councillor Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Hackney Council said: “The Family Intervention project is working well in Hackney. Families involved in the project have said that they value the approach and that it has already brought positive change to their lives.

"It’s about working together as partners, to understand and tackle the underlying issues which can lead to anti-social behaviour, to improve the lives of all residents in the borough.”