ACF in Action
Defending Da Hood Conferences
Defendin Da Hood was set up as series of conferences in association with the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership between local authorities, housing associations and hard to engage young people involved in street gangs. The first Defendin Da Hood was focused on tackling the issue of the escalation of gun/gang/knife crime. The following conferences included other social issues, such as violent extremism, teenage pregnancies and faith matters. ACF organised young people involved in gangs to attend these conferences - a unique capability which ensured the effectiveness of the project.
Defendin Da Hood is one of many projects where ACF has redefined integration between disaffected young people and local agencies. Firstly, ACF orchestrated the inclusion of ‘hard to reach’ individuals with which they have an ongoing relationship. Secondly, ACF created an atmosphere which allowed for open and honest dialogue between disaffected young people and local agencies such as the police, to whom they would usually be antipathetic.
ACF was the major partner in both the inaugural Defending Da Hood event and the subsequent conference in August 2005, which took place in response to the London bombings in July 2005.
Five hundred Muslims discussed the impact of this outrage and information was gathered to develop a community plan. This event was the first and largest event held surrounding this issue. Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Tariq Gaffur and Lord Ahmed both praised the event and the founders of ACF for organising it.
Defending Da Hood has attained three national awards for good practice:
- Youth Justice Board : Engaging with Young People Award
- Inside Housing: Community Safety Award
- Race Actionet Award: Community Engagement Award