Knowledge sharing for safer neighbourhoods

A conference dedicated to successful collaborative working to help keep neighbourhoods safe has been held by Thanet Community Safety Partnership and NOLA FOR LIFE – a multi-agency community safety strategy developed in New Orleans, USA.

The event, supported by Thanet Community Safety Partnership, Margate Task Force and Kent County Council, brought together multiple agencies to exchange knowledge and expertise in the areas of group violence and drug abuse.

Featuring discussions led by renowned experts in the field from New Orleans – Dr Roxanne Franklin and Shannon Barr – the event enabled those working across areas such as crime prevention, public health, and community safety, to discuss ways to approach and tackle common issues in an innovative and new way.

Cllr Lin Fairbrass, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Thanet District Council, said: “Working collaboratively has always been one of the reasons why Margate Taskforce has received both national and international recognition and acclaim. Being able to share best practice and knowledge with leading experts from America was an invaluable experience for those who attended, helping us to reflect on new ways to create safer neighbourhoods and how we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those in the area that we strive to improve on a daily basis.”

Dr Roxanne Franklin and Ms Shannon Barr’s expertise spans multiple programmes, including NOLA FOR LIFE, which is recognised for its best practice across major US cities.

The conference was supported by a Kent County Council Member grant, given by former Cllr Will Scobie.

Partner agencies in attendance, included:

• Thanet District Council: Margate Task Force and Thanet Community Safety Partnership
• Kent County Council: Early Help & Preventative Services, Adult Social Services
• Kent Police: Missing Persons Unit, Community Safety Unit – Joint Family Management Programme,
• NHS Public Health
• Porchlight Support Worker
• Dane Court Grammar School
• Addaction
• Oasis Independent Domestic Violence

The conference took place at the Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs on Tuesday 25 July.