LONDON BOROUGH OF HARROW

Transcription

1 LONDON BOROUGH OF HARROW Agenda item: Page no: Meeting: GRANTS ADVISORY PANEL Date: 6 MARCH 2003 Subject: ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY PREMISES ACCOMMODATION 2003/04 Key decision: Responsible Chief Officer: Relevant Portfolio Holder: NO MANAGER, CORPORATE POLICY & RESOURCES DEPUTY LEADER (PARTNERSHIP, BEST VALUE & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT) Status: PART 1 Ward: Enclosures: N/A APPENDIX A SUMMARIES OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR 2003/04 APPENDIX B SUGGESTED ALLOCATION OF ACCOMMODATION FOR 2003/04 APPENDIX C CURRENT PREMISES ALLOCATION (2002/03) 1. Summary/ Reason for urgency (if applicable) 1.1 This report presents the applications received for accommodation at the community premises and asks Members to approve the allocation of accommodation for 2003/ s (for decision by Portfolio Holder) 2.1 To approve the individual reports and recommendations attached at Appendix A 2.2 To approve two applications from new applicants, the Harrow Youth & Community Project and the Horn Response Project, on a casual use basis and subject to a sixmonth probation period. 2.3 To approve the allocation of accommodation as set out in Appendix B REASON: To enable eligible organisations to use the Community Premises in 2003/04 3. Consultation with Ward Councillors Not applicable

2 4. Policy Context (including Relevant Previous Decisions) 4.1 Grants Panel 5 December 2002 Members instructed officers that all new organisations using the Community Premises in the future should be subject to a sixmonth probation period. 4.2 Grants Panel 21 January 2001 Members approved the allocation of accommodation at the Community Premises for 2002/ Relevance to Corporate Priorities 5.1 This report addresses the Council s stated priority of strengthening Harrow s local communities by promoting social inclusion amongst all Harrow residents both young and old, by seeking to eradicate poverty and by reducing the fear of crime. 6. Background Information and options considered 6.1 Application packs for 2003/04 were sent to the 20 existing users on 4 November 2002 with a deadline of 13 December 2002 for their return. A notice about the application process was displayed at the premises and users were reminded of the deadline at the Community Premises User Group meeting held on 10 December Applications have been received from 19 existing user organisations as follows: Angolan Civic Communities Alliance East African Welfare & Development Concern Harrow African Caribbean Association Harrow Agenda 21 Environmental Forum Harrow Anti-Racist Alliance Harrow Bengalee Association Harrow Bilingual Association Harrow Gingerbread Harrow Iranian Community Association Harrow Islamic Society Harrow Kuwaiti Community Association Harrow Refugee Forum Harrow Somali Women s Action Group Hindu Council Harrow Indian Association of Harrow Islamic & Cultural Society of Harrow Iwanaaji Somali Disabled Association Pakistan Society of Harrow Russian Immigrants Association 6.3 One existing user, the Afghan Association, has not re-applied. The Afghan Association was given casual user status in 2002/03 to enable them to use the meeting room and other shared facilities as they had just moved into new premises in Pinner Road. Now that they are well established in their new premises, they have stated that they no longer require usage of the Community Premises. 6.4 An application has been received from Harrow Youth & Community Project. The organisation s application for the current year was deferred by Members at the last

3 Grants Panel meeting as the organisation had not opened a bank account. Confirmation has now been received that a bank account has been opened. Form more information see the organisation s individual report in Appendix A. 6.5 A new application has been received from the Horn Response Project, which is a newlyformed organisation for Somali people with mental health problems. For more information see the organisation s individual report in Appendix A. 6.6 Officers have analysed the monitoring information provided by each of the groups and have taken account of the groups attendance at User Group meetings and also the daily records of attendance at the premises. 6.7 A summary of each application is attached at Appendix A. In line with the minimum occupancy criteria, Officers recommend that Members approve the recommendations for allocation of accommodation for 2003/04 as set out in Appendix B. The accommodation has been allocated based on each organisation s usage of the premises during the current year *. The allocation of accommodation for the current year is set out in Appendix C. *The suggested allocation of accommodation shows Harrow African Caribbean Association (HACAS) being allocated a designated desk, rather than the individual office they currently occupy. This is because they have failed to meet the minimum occupancy criteria to enable them to continue to use an individual office. The organisation s individual summary in Appendix A details this further. 6.8 Due to the fact that the Community Premises Co-ordinator post was vacant from June 2001 November 2002, it has not been possible to monitor the development of user groups very closely. Therefore, the information provided in the summaries at Appendix A is based on factual information and does not include comments on each organisation s progress or development. Now that a permanent member of staff is in post, monitoring meetings with each organisation will take place during 2003/ Consultation not applicable 8. Finance Observations - none 9. Legal Observations - none 10. Conclusion 10.1 Applications for accommodation for 2003/04 should be approved and accommodation should be allocated according to groups usage of the premises as laid out in Appendix B. 11. Background Papers - none 12. Author 12.1 Charlotte Clark Grants Officer, Corporate Policy & Resources. Ext charlotte.clark@harrow.gov.uk

4 APPENDIX A Summaries of applications received for Community Premises accommodation for 2003/04

5 Angolan Civic Communities Alliance Admitted to Community Premises: 2000/01 Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: Designated desk 140 hours per month 444 hours per month YES Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 3 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002): Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002): 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002): 579 The Angolan Civic Communities Alliance (ACCA) aims to empower members of the Angolan community, mainly those from Portuguese speaking communities, who are under represented in Harrow so that they are able to access information and services themselves, instead of being dependent on others. For the past four years, ACCA has been providing a service to the Angolan and other Portuguese speaking communities in Harrow to tackle issues surrounding access to services, community isolation and health education and promotion. The application states that ACCA s services included assistance and advice on employment and training, housing, immigration and asylum, interpreting and translation and education. The application also states that the project has been organising cultural and arts events and after-school support. Officers recommend that the Angolan Civic Communities Alliance be allocated an Individual Office for 2003/04.

6 East African Welfare & Development Concern Admitted to Community Premises: 2000/01 Minimum occupancy requirement for Shared Office: Shared Office Shared Office 50 hours per month 48 hours per month NO Designated Desk Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 1 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002): Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002): 0 out of 2 * Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002): 199 *The Co-ordinator of this organisation has stated that she was ill during the Summer and therefore had not been able to complete the last two monitoring forms. East African Welfare and Development Concern (EAW&DC) was formed in 2000 to promote the interests and welfare of Somali speaking people who live in the London Borough of Harrow. The organisation s main objectives are as follows: To help the Somali community who live in Harrow access statutory and voluntary services by providing advice and information To liaise with schools to help Somali children settle down and succeed academically To assist unemployed Somali people with their search for employment To assist with completing forms and accompanying users to meetings with statutory agencies, i.e. Housing, Social Services, Benefits Agency The organisation currently shares an office with two other Somali organisations (Iwanaaji Somali Disabled Association and Harrow Somali Women s Action Group) at the Community Premises and the service that EAW&DC provides is open to all members of the Somali community who live in Harrow. Officers recommend that the East African Welfare & Development Concern be allocated a designated desk in an office with the two other Somali organisations that they currently share an office with, Harrow Somali Women s Action Group and Iwanaaji Somali Disabled Association. They should be reminded of the importance of attending User Group meetings and returning quarterly monitoring forms.

7 Harrow African Caribbean Association (HACAS) Admitted to Community Premises: 1995/96 Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: 140 hours per month 97 hours per month NO Shared office (or Designated desk if amendments to criteria are agreed) Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002): Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002): 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002): 283 The aims and objectives of HACAS are: To unite African Caribbeans in the Borough of Harrow To actively encourage a thriving membership of all age groups, regardless of gender, religion or political beliefs To provide a meeting place and foster friendship, solidarity and good social relationships To promote the social interests of African-Caribbeans and to draw attention of local and central government to all matters affecting their well being To render all possible assistance to those who require help regardless of race and creed To co-operate with or affiliate to other organisations with similar aims The organisation runs a Day Centre to provide elderly, disabled and isolated members of the African-Caribbean community with a place where they can meet and socialise in a culturally sensitive environment. Officers recognise that HACAS has not met the minimum occupancy criteria in order to continue using an individual office. However, Members will recall that HACAS has applied to the Council for funding for 2003/04 to enable them to employ a member of staff (decision pending). If this application is successful, this member of staff would primarily be based at the premises. Members may wish to take this into consideration when allocating accommodation for 2003/04.

8 Harrow Agenda 21 Environmental Forum Admitted to Community Premises: 2001/02 Minimum occupancy requirement for r: None Less than 30 minutes per month YES Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002): Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002): 0 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002): 5 Harrow Agenda 21 (HA21) Environmental Forum acts as an umbrella organisation for the environmental action groups dealing with environmental issues that affect people in Harrow. Issues include: Education & promotion Energy Business and the environment Natural and built environment Waste management Transport and air pollution Social, economic and leisure issues HA21 originally requested accommodation at the Community Premises to store files, information and literature for volunteers who provide administrative support. Officers recommend that HA21 be allocated use of the premises on a basis. If Members agree to the amendments to the Criteria and Conditions of Use (reported elsewhere on the agenda), HA21 should be informed that they will be required to use the premises for at least 2 hours per month during 2003/04. They should also be reminded of the importance of returning quarterly monitoring forms.

9 Harrow Anti-Racist Alliance Admitted to Community Premises: 1997/98 Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: 140 hours per month 476 hours per month YES Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 3 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002): Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002): 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002): 1123 Harrow Anti-Racist Alliance (HARA) was set up in 1993 as a black-led, multi-ethnic voluntary organisation, with the principal objective of supporting people subject to racial discrimination and harassment. HARA provides the following activities: User access, inclusion and participation in London Borough of Harrow decision-making groups (i.e. Multi-Agency Forum on Racial Harassment) Providing guidance and support to people and families experiencing social exclusion and racial harassment/discrimination Encouraging participation in, and the development of, arts and cultural activities in Harrow through the HARA Arts Unit projects and events, which are managed and delivered by young people Providing work experience and ICT training HARA is one of the founder members of CARRAMEA and members of HARA deliver training as part of the CARRAMEA ICT Training project. Officers recommend that HARA be allocated an individual office for 2003/04. However, in line with the criteria and conditions for use of the premises, the organisation should be encouraged to find alternative accommodation during the course of the year as they have occupied an individual office for more than 3 years. Officer assistance could be provided with identifying alternative funding sources to enable them to do this.

10 Harrow Bengalee Association Admitted to Community Premises: 1995/96 (Room 10) Designated Desk Minimum occupancy requirement for Designated desk: 10 hours per month 8 hours per month NO Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002): Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002): 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002): 42 The aims and objectives of the organisation are: To promote and foster educational, cultural, social and sporting activities of its members living in the London Borough of Harrow and surrounding areas without distinction of sex, political, religious or other opinion. To maintain liason and co-operation with local statutory authorities and/or voluntary organisations for the benefit of the association. To promote charitable events for the benefit of the Association and the community. To provide a focal point for the activities of the local Bengalee community. Officers recommend that Harrow Bengalee Association be allocated of the premises in 2003/04.

11 Harrow Bilingual Association Admitted to Community Premises: 1995/96 (Room 10) Designated Desk Minimum occupancy requirement for Designated Desk: 10 hours per month 30 minutes per month NO Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 1 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 0 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 2 The Harrow Bilingual Association is an umbrella organisation for community groups that provide mother tongue classes. The organisation s members work in partnership to resolve any difficulties when they arise. They aim to ensure that classes run smoothly. There are 5 affiliated organisations and individual membership of these is approximately 1,000, according to the Association. However, details of the organisation s number of members/users has not been provided. Officers recommend that Harrow Bilingual Association be allocated use of the premises on a basis. If Members agree to the amendments to the Criteria and Conditions of Use (reported elsewhere on the agenda), the organisation should be informed that they will be required to use the premises for at least 2 hours per month during 2003/04. They should also be reminded of the importance of returning quarterly monitoring forms and attending User Group meetings.

12 Harrow Gingerbread Admitted to Community Premises: 2002/03 Minimum occupancy requirement for : None 13 hours per month YES Designated Desk Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 57 Gingerbread is a voluntary self-help group of lone parents, many of whom rely on state benefits. The group aims to enhance the skills and confidence of adults and children from broken or bereaved homes by providing a meeting place, information and advice, emotional and practical support. The Group meets monthly and at present 60 children are supported by the group. Officers recommend that Harrow Gingerbread be allocated a Designated Desk for 2003/04.

13 Harrow Iranian Community Association Admitted to Community Premises: 1995/96 Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: 140 hours per month 382 hours per month YES Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 968 Use of premises (Monthly average Apr Nov 2002) 382 hours per month Harrow Iranian Community Association (HICA) was established in 1991 with the aim of providing mother tongue classes in Farsi to Iranian children born in the UK, and also to provide advice and information to their members and users from Harrow and neighbouring boroughs. The organisation s main services are to provide a point of reference for newly arrived refugees, to escort non-english speaking refugees to GPs, solicitors, hospitals and other statutory agencies, providing interpretation and translation services, organising social events and running a mother tongue language school for over 120 pupils. They also run English classes and visit housebound people in their homes. HICA is very active at the Community Premises and works closely with the other groups based there. They are also one of the founder members of CARRAMEA. Officers recommend that Harrow Iranian Community Association continues to be allocated an for 2003/04. However, in line with the criteria and conditions for use of the premises, the organisation should be encouraged to find alternative accommodation during the course of the year as they have occupied an individual office for more than 3 years. Officer assistance could be provided with identifying alternative funding sources to enable them to do this.

14 Harrow Islamic Society Admitted to Community Premises: 1995/96 (Room 10) Shared Office Minimum occupancy requirement for Shared office: 50 hours per month 4 hours per month NO Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 17 The Harrow Islamic Society holds mother tongue classes in Urdu and Arabic. These are religious and cultural classes held on Saturdays at a local high school for all Muslim children aged 5 years 14 years. There is a mix of nationalities including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Ethiopian and Somali. This organisation liaises with other members of the Islamic community and is actively involved in the wider Harrow community. They are represented on the Executive of the Harrow Council for Racial Equality, the Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE), HPCCG, Age Concern and the Race Forum. Officers recommend that Harrow Islamic Society be allocated of the premises in 2003/04.

15 Harrow Kuwaiti Community Association Admitted to Community Premises: December 2002 Minimum occupancy requirement for : Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) None 7 hours (December 2002 only) YES N/A N/A 6 (December only) Harrow Kuwaiti Community Association is a newly constituted organisation, which has started using the Community Premises subject to approval by the Grants Advisory Panel. The organisation aims to provide a translation service and advice regarding matters such as housing, social and welfare rights and health. They will represent the Kuwaiti Community in Harrow by offering them opportunities to mix with others and offer education, training and employment opportunities. The organisation has made a successful application to the Peabody Trust for 5,000 to produce a bi-monthly newsletter for the Kuwaiti Community. The organisation has been working closely with the Harrow Refugee Forum and has received 1,500 from Renewal SRB via the Forum to purchase a computer. Officers recommend that Harrow Kuwaiti Community Association be allocated of the premises in 2003/04. Officers will meet with the organisation on a monthly basis as part of their probation period and will monitor their progress.

16 Harrow Refugee Forum Admitted to Community Premises: 2001/02 Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: 140 hours per month 216 hours per month YES Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 461 The Harrow Refugee Forum is an umbrella organisation consisting of more than twenty refugee community and ethnic minority organisations based in the London Borough of Harrow. The Forum assists local Refugee Community Organisations (RCOs) with capacity building programmes in order to enhance the quality of the services they provide and increase their abilities and capabilities of accessing resources by implementing an agreed work plan. The Forum plays an important part in consulting local communities for the purpose of enabling them to voice their opinions on existing and future policies, projects and services aimed at refugees. The Forum participates in partnerships and joint-working initiatives targeted at refugees. The Forum is in the process of employing a Development Officer, funded by Renewal SRB, and hope to obtain funding to employ four other members of staff in the near future. Officers recommend that Harrow Refugee Forum continue to be allocated an in 2003/04.

17 Harrow Somali Women s Action Group Admitted to Community Premises: 2000/01 Minimum occupancy requirement for Shared office: Shared Office Shared Office 50 hours per month 111 hours per month YES Shared office (or Designated desk if amendments to criteria are agreed) Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 0 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 360 The aims and objectives of the organisation are to provide services to Somali women and their children including interpreting, translation, advice on immigration matters, welfare benefits, housing, health, leisure and recreation and youth activities. They aim to empower Somali women to enable them to understand the systems in the UK. Officers recommend that the Harrow Somali Women s Action Group be allocated a designated desk in an office with the two other Somali organisations that they currently share an office with, East African Welfare & Development Concern and Iwanaaji Somali Disabled Association. They should also be reminded of the importance of attending User Group meetings.

18 Admitted to Community Premises: Harrow Youth & Community Project New application - not yet admitted Minimum occupancy requirement for : Not applicable None Not applicable Not applicable The Harrow Youth and Community Project is a new organisation which hopes to set up a community centre in the Borough for the unemployed, single parents and the elderly to participate in different activities. The organisation intends to use the Community Premises as an office base from which to operate the organisation and co-ordinate fund-raising and other events. The organisation has submitted an application to use the premises during the current financial year. This application was considered at the last meeting of the Grants Panel but it was deferred as the organisation had not set up a bank account. Confirmation has now been received that an account has been opened. Officers recommend that Harrow Youth & Community Project is allocated of the premises for 2003/04. This would be subject to the six-month probation period during which they will be required to meet with Officers on a monthly basis to discuss their progress. Members are asked to decide whether the organisation could be admitted to the premises prior to 1 st April 2003, bearing in mind that they have also applied for the current year.

19 Hindu Council Harrow Admitted to Community Premises: 1999/2000 Minimum occupancy requirement for Designated Desk: Designated Desk 10 hours per month 12 hours per month YES Designated Desk Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 1 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 1 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 57 The Hindu Council is an umbrella organisation for approximately 25 groups based mainly in Harrow. The Hindu Council is a non-political entity and the has a service level agreement with the Council to: Advance the education and social welfare of its members. Work towards improving the quality of life for all Hindus. Promote greater understanding between its members and the wider community. Officers recommend that the Hindu Council Harrow be allocated a Designated Desk in 2003/04 and reminded of the importance of attending User Group meetings and completing quarterly monitoring forms.

20 Admitted to Community Premises: Horn Response Project New application - not yet admitted Minimum occupancy requirement for : Not applicable None Not applicable Not applicable The Horn Response Project was set up in 2002 with the specific aim of assisting Somali people with mental health problems. They provide advocacy, interpreting and practical support for mental health patients in hospitals and outpatients, in liaison with statutory mental health services and other voluntary organisations in this field. They aim to raise awareness of mental health needs within the Somali community. In May 2002, the Co-ordinator received a Millennium Award to undertake specialised training covering all aspects of refugee issues and has now completed training with Shelter, RETAS and the Tavistock Clinic. The organisation needs a base to work from and to enable their clients to access their services more easily. They aim to apply for funding from other sources and require a postal address and use of the other shared facilities at the premises in order to publicise their services. Whilst officers are aware that there are already three Somali organisations using the Community Premises, the Horn Response Project concentrates specifically on mental health issues. Officers recommend granting the Project casual use of the premises for 2003/04, subject to a six-month probation period, and encouraging them to work in partnership with the other Somali organisations based there.

21 Indian Association of Harrow Admitted to Community Premises: 1995/96 Minimum occupancy requirement for Shared office: Designated Desk Shared Office 50 hours per month 26 hours per month NO Designated Desk Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 3 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 125 The Indian Association of Harrow is an umbrella organisation. It acts as a sign-posting agency for members e.g. counselling, harassment, support for social problems, who are referred to other agencies for specialist assistance. They also organise a number of events for the youth and older people as well as social and cultural activities. They are involved with the wider community including HPCCG, Harrow Council for Racial Equality, Harrow Primary Care Trust and CARRAMEA. Officers recommend that the Indian Association of Harrow be allocated a Designated Desk in 2003/04.

22 Islamic & Cultural Society of Harrow Admitted to Community Premises: 1995/96 (Room 10) Shared Office Minimum occupancy requirement for Shared office: 50 hours per month 22 hours per month NO Designated Desk Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 3 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 79 The Islamic & Cultural Society of Harrow (ICS) provides help and assistance to the Muslim community in Harrow. The services and activities include: Social events Sports and educational activities for young people Information on health issues and advice surgeries Officers recommend that the Islamic & Cultural Society of Harrow be allocated a Designated Desk in 2003/04.

23 Iwanaaji Somali Disabled Association Admitted to Community Premises: 1999/2000 Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: Shared Office 140 hours per month 98 hours per month NO Designated Desk Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 0 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 451 Iwanaaji provides advocacy and other support for disabled and non-disabled members of the Somali community in Harrow, thereby improving their access to health and social care services. Iwanaaji also hopes to encourage awareness of issues concerning the Somali community by establishing a forum for the open exchange of experiences. Iwanaaji was originally set up for disabled members of the Somali community living in Harrow and Hillingdon but they have only had 2 users from Hillingdon in the past year, the remainder have been Harrow residents. They are also assisting more non-disabled people now as they share an office with two other Somali organisations (East African Welfare & Development Concern and Harrow Somali Women s Action Group) at the Community Premises and offer assistance to any Somali resident who visits the office. As a result of this, they are due to review the name of the organisation and its constitution in the near future. Officers recommend that the Iwanaaji be allocated a designated desk in an office with the two other Somali organisations that they currently share an office with, East African Welfare & Development Concern and Harrow Somali Women s Action Group. They should also be reminded of the importance of attending User Group meetings.

24 Pakistan Society of Harrow Admitted to Community Premises: 2001/02 (Room 10) Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: 140 hours per month 44 hours per month NO Designated Desk Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 3 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 144 The Pakistan Society of Harrow was launched in April It s aims are to provide services to the Pakistan community to improve health, encourage access to services, promote equality, encourage citizenship, increase access to education and improve knowledge about domestic violence and childcare facilities. They aim to provide services for young people, women and elderly members of the community. The overall, long-term aim of the organisation is to establish a Pakistan House, which would be used to house all of the activities in the Borough for the Pakistan community. The organisation has a number of social functions planned for 2002/03 where the aims of the organisation will be promoted. They use the Community Premises as an office base. Officers recommend that the Pakistan Society of Harrow be allocated a Designated Desk for 2003/04.

25 Russian Immigrants Association Admitted to Community Premises: 1999/2000 Minimum occupancy requirement for Individual office: 140 hours per month 196 hours per month YES Attendance at Premises User Group meetings (3 held 2 out of 3 Apr Nov 2002) Monitoring forms returned (2 required Apr Nov 2002) 2 out of 2 Number of people visiting (Apr Nov 2002) 583 The Russian Immigrants Association (RIA) provides a service for all Russian speaking immigrants including refugees and asylum seekers: Advice and information Interpreting and translation Health & care e.g. counselling service for refugees Education week end mother tongue class and literature and history lessons, every week Summer holiday scheme for children Sports events including football and hockey team Cultural events including New Year, Russian Christmas, World Peace Day & Women s day Employment Project in partnership with the Job Club English classes for 50yrs+ students RIA works in partnership with CARRAMEA, providing support and information to other members. Officers recommend that RIA continues to be allocated an in 2003/04. However, in line with the criteria and conditions for use of the premises, the organisation should be encouraged to find alternative accommodation during the course of the year as they have occupied an individual office for more than 3 years. Officer assistance could be provided with identifying alternative funding sources to enable them to do this.

26 APPENDIX B ALLOCATION OF ACCOMMODATION AT COMMUNITY PREMISES FOR 2003/04 The following allocations take into account the recommendations for amendments to the Criteria and Conditions of Use (reported elsewhere on the agenda). This means that there is no Shared Office accommodation allocated. 1 East African Welfare & Development Concern Designated Desk 1 Harrow Somali Women s Action Group Designated Desk 1 Iwanaaji Somali Disabled Association Designated Desk 2 Angolan Civic Communities Alliance 3 Harrow Iranian Community Association 4A Harrow Refugee Forum 4B Russian Immigrants Association 5 HACAS Designated Desk 5 Harrow Gingerbread Designated Desk 6 Harrow Anti-Racist Alliance 7 Corporate & I.T. Services office 8 Indian Association of Harrow Designated Desk 8 Pakistan Society of Harrow Designated Desk 8 Islamic & Cultural Society of Harrow Designated Desk 8 Hindu Council Harrow Designated Desk 9 Resource Room 10 Harrow Bengalee Association 10 Harrow Bilingual Association 10 Harrow Islamic Society 10 Harrow Kuwaiti Community Association 10 Harrow Agenda 21 Environmental Forum 10 Harrow Youth & Community Project * 10 Horn Response Project * * Subject to a six-month probation period

27 APPENDIX C ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY PREMISES ACCOMMODATION 2002/03 Room No. Organisation Eligibility criteria Key holder Casual user 1 Indian Association of Harrow Designated desk! 1 Hindu Council (Harrow) Casual user! 2 Iwanaaji Somali Disabled Association Shared Office! 2 East African Welfare & Development Shared Office! Concern 2 Harrow Somali Women s Action Group Shared Office! 3 Harrow Iranian Community Ass! 4A Harrow Refugee Forum! 4B Russian Immigrants Assoc.! 5 Harrow African Caribbean Ass.! 6 Harrow Anti-Racist Alliance! 7 Corporate & I.T. Services 8 Angolan Civic Communities Alliance Designated desk! 8 Afghan Association Casual user! 8 Harrow Agenda 21 Environmental Forum Casual user! 8 Harrow Gingerbread Casual user! 9 Resource Room 10 Harrow Bilingual Association Casual user!! 10 Harrow Islamic Society Casual user!! 10 Islamic & Cultural Society of Harrow Casual user!! 10 Harrow Bengalee Association Casual user!! 10 Pakistan Society of Harrow Casual user!