There are many concerns regarding accommodation and offenders, together with the impact on communities. These problems will affect people in all areas around the North West and the rest of the country. Finding accommodation for offender’s and/ or assisting them to sustain their tenancies, is difficult. There are a few schemes, which deal with offenders, however, it is increasingly difficult for offenders to obtain housing with the Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). There would appear to be conflicts of interest between the landlords providing housing for offenders and creating positive communities with ‘ideal tenants’. Some RSLs are using regeneration of estates as a reason for these actions. This is going to worsen as local authorities continue to ‘stock transfer’ their properties to RSLs. RSLs also gain from the increase in house prices, as people who would otherwise have purchased properties are becoming tenants.
Unfortunately this is resulting in offenders not being housed by the RSLs. They are creating more and more barriers to housing, initially this was any that have arrears with any other landlord, this is now becoming more targeted as they are requesting copies of criminal convictions. This is a double-edged sword as failure to produce them halts the application and once produced the offenders are not re-housed due to the list of offences.
This is quite relevant to the work organisations, such as Citylinks, are undertaking, because lack of stable accommodation is one of the biggest barriers to stopping offending. Homelessness is an enormous issue. Whilst rough sleeping is officially in decline, the reality is that is actually increasing as more people are prevented from obtaining housing. In addition to this there is a marked increase in ‘sofa surfing’, where people sleep on friends, family or acquaintances’ settees. This risk of re-offending often increases, especially when the ‘friend’ is a drug dealer or addict.
Rent arrears result for a variety of reasons. One is when a person with a tenancy is sentenced and leaves his/her house. Failure to contact the landlord can result in large arrears but even terminating the tenancy results in 4 weeks arrears, enough to prevent re-housing on release. Anti-social behaviour by any member of a family can automatically preclude the family from housing. The lack of money for deposits, quality references, and a reliance on benefits often prevents use of private landlords. There are often literacy, numeracy and communication problems, combined with an inability to deal effectively with authority.
Whilst there are many more reasons for offenders not being re-housed, there are more positive ways to improve areas, which do not leave many vulnerable people without accommodation. There are some small schemes operating in the North West area, which appear to be replicated elsewhere, involving tenancy floating support and drop-in sessions, that are helping to solve some problems and appease the RSLs. However, these do not support all the people who would benefit from this. Many problems are self-inflicted by offenders and others, but if the basic requirement of shelter is not met for an individual, their life is going to be unstable and change is difficult. This in turn affects any positive work that churches and other aid groups can do for the individuals.
Please pray
-
RSLs to change their policies to be more open to offender and other dis-enfranchised and vulnerable members of society.
-
Homelessness will reduce in all areas.
-
Offenders to work with the statutory agencies and other projects in their area to improve their lives.
-
Offenders to not be afraid of positive changes, as some cannot make the leap from their current insecure situation due to it being more comfortable than the unknown.
-
Those working in statutory organisations, Christians and non-Christians alike, will have a positive attitude, play their own part in changing people’s lives and feel valued by their local communities and organisations.
-
Those working in projects, especially Christian based, whether paid or as volunteers will continue their important work within their local communities and also feel valued by statutory bodies and the individuals they deal with.
-
Statutory Agencies to continue to network locally with other organisations for the good of the communities.
-
The provision of secure funding, whether from government or donations for all the important projects, which improve the lives of these vulnerable people.
3. PACT - Police And Communities Together
Graham Hooke, Pastor, Calvary Christian Fellowship, Lostock Hall
PACT is a new initiative launched by the Chief Constable of Lancashire to be implemented by all the forces across Lancashire. The initiative requires that local forces set up monthly meetings with representatives from the community.There should be public meeting for voicing concerns. A smaller committee should then decide on 3 priorities for the following month.
“By allowing reasonable, responsible, public-spirited members of the community to define some local policing priorities, in partnership with the local Community Beat Manager, we can enhance the way we engage with communities.” Chief Inspector Ashley, Southern Division.
Graham Hooke, Val McDermott and Bev Redman from Calvary Christian Fellowship attend meetings for the Lostock Hall PACT.
PACT Report for Ward Street
This is a report from last month on the incidents in the area of Ward Street where our church is situated:
-
Twenty-three incidents were reported in total, five of which resulted in Crime Reports. Fourteen reports of Juvenile Nuisance were made and six Youth Referral forms were submitted
-
The area was repeatedly visited by high visibility patrols
-
Meetings were held with parents of suspected offenders, with Youth and Community and with SRBC Antisocial Behaviour Officer Graham Simpson
-
Target youths have been spoken to and victims of crime and antisocial behaviour visited, reassured where possible and crime prevention advice given.
Prayer Points
• That the public meetings will be well attended
• That the churches of Lostock Hall will unite in praying strategically and persistently
• For protection for the police and all concerned especially Nigel Baker (Lostock Hall Community Beat Officer) and Alison Monks (PCSO)
• To see significant reduction in incidents in Ward Street which is a hot spot for crime but also across Lostock Hall.
• That fear of antisocial behaviour amongst residents will be a thing of the past.
• To see a dramatic change in the lives of the young people involved in crime
• That a strong sense of community will be built in the Ward Street area.
4. Christian Police Association
Website: www.CPAuk.net
Email: info@CPAuk.net
Tel: (0161) 241 2416
Founded in 1883 by Catherine Gurney, OBE, the Christian Police Association now has Branches in the majority of Police Forces in the United Kingdom as well as maintaining links with similar groups overseas.
The challenges of today’s Police Service are evident for all to see as you open newspapers, watch television or listen to the radio. We believe that the Christian Police Association has a relevant, vibrant and active ministry for the Police Service and we strive to keep it that way.
The aims of the CPA are:
• To promote and foster the fellowship of Christians in the Police Service in that unity which is enjoyed by those who are born again by the Spirit of God;
• To demonstrate this relationship to God in a concern for righteousness both on and off duty;
• To obey Christ in proclaiming his gospel, especially to members of the Police Service that they might be brought to know him personally.
CPA in Greater Manchester
The Manchester Branch has continued to thrive over the past year, meeting regularly, and with God constantly opening doors giving members opportunities to share the work of the Association both in churches and private groups.
We have been involved with the Message Trust in training ‘personal safety’ issues for their staff engaged on the Eden Project within our region. This was also broadened to include Parish Youth workers.The Rev Les Isaacs from the Ascension Trust who heads up the Street Pastors initiative (see below) -reaching out to those involved in gun crime - sought to launch the programme in the Moss Side district of Manchester. Having worked with Neil this was launched in April 2004.
As a Branch we do feel that these are new and exciting times ahead for the CPA and we pray for God’s blessing on all he has in store for us.
Why do we call upon churches to pray specifically for the police service? We are following the Apostle Paul's charge to Timothy "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for ...all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" I Tim. 2:1-2 (NIV).
Please pray
-
For the ‘Adopt a Cop’ scheme. That local communities would be challenged to pray for local Police Officers and their colleagues. This has already had a significant impact on policing and public relations. Praise God!
-
Give thanks for the strong relationships that are growing between the Police Force in Manchester and churches across the city.
-
For individual officers as they seek to be effective witnesses for Christ in their work environment. For both physical and spiritual protection as they work in and around some of the toughest neighbourhoods in the UK.
4. Street Pastors
Website: www.streetpastors.org.uk
E-mail: info@carisma.me.uk
Phone: (0161) 227 9776.
Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue. It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev Les Isaac, Director of the Ascension Trust, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working.
Each city project is set up by Ascension Trust and run by a local coordinator with support from Ascension Trust and local churches and community groups. The Manchester Street Pastors project was launched on April 28, 2004, and training of the volunteers started on June 12. Work on the streets began on July 3. Part two of the training takes place in September/October. The project is being facilitated on behalf of local churches by CARISMA - Community Alliance for Renewal, Inner South Manchester Area.
"As a member of the Christian Police Association and a serving officer, I not only believe this will assist the police in tackling such problems but will also demonstrate real Christian concern and practical support for those people who find themselves involved with gangs and gun crime." Chief Supt Neil Wain, of Greater Manchester Police.
Please pray
-
For credibility amongst the local communities in which they work and support from local residents. That communities would begin to recognise that the Church is there for them in a practical way.
-
For the safety of the teams, energy and a continuing passion to see lives transformed.
-
For the young people with whom the street pastors are coming into contact with. That initial contacts made might be built upon and real relationships established. That the Street Pastors might be able to effectively get alongside and support the individuals they meet.
-
That through this work, and through other local Christian projects putting the Gospel to work at street level, local communities might be transformed.
5. Prayer and Policing in Blackburn - A Word of Encouragement
In November last year, the Christian Police Association came to Blackburn at the invitation of Women's Aglow. As a direct result, and with the direct involvement and encouragement of Chief Inspector Andy Pratt, we began a two-weekly prayer initiative for the Police in Blackburn.
The results have been stunning. Andy Pratt has been feeding back to us some of the measurable results. New Year 2004 was, for Andy, as senior Police Officer on duty in Blackburn "the quietest New Year in twenty two years of police work"!!! Staff were sent home - the 55 new cells almost empty - only three incidents in the Chief Constable's log in the six days over New Year compared to three or four per day normally!!
On Monday at the Community Safety Forum, we heard that burglaries in Blackburn are down from 2,300 last year to 950 this year - Glory to God!!
We have a list of the Community Beat Officers and CPSO's, and people who come to pray have "adopted" the Officers on their patch. It seems incredible to us that the Holy Spirit, as well as everything else He does, is actually dissuading criminals, and urging police officers to be in the right place at the right time. Several instances of "lucky breaks" as they would say - two officers taking an unusual route back to the station caught two burglars as they came out of the house with the stolen property!
Another "once in a career" happening. Ryan Giggs' Porsche, recovered undamaged within two hours of being stolen, and the gang arrested! The Lord is on the move, Hallelujah! Some "excellent policing and detective work" The Blackburn Police have just won a national award for crime reduction.
We give God the glory!
Next Prayer Update due 17 November.
To submit articles, please contact Debra Green - 0161 946 2373, debra@citylinks.org.uk
