North London, United Kingdom — RISE Projects, a leading Youth and Community Empowerment Organisation, facilitated a crucial engagement event between members of the Somali community in North London and representatives from Haringey Council on Thursday.
The forum provided a much-needed platform for residents to raise concerns and seek guidance on critical issues such as housing repairs, tenancy rights, financial inclusion, and broader community support.
Held at a local community centre in Haringey, the event attracted a strong turnout of Somali residents, including families, young people, and elders. Attendees voiced frustrations over longstanding challenges related to poor housing conditions, delayed maintenance, limited access to financial resources, and confusion over tenancy policies.
Council advisors from multiple departments were present to listen, respond, and offer advice tailored to the community’s needs. Officials acknowledged existing service gaps and promised to follow up on specific cases raised during the session.
“We organized this event to bridge the gap between the Somali community and the local council. Many of our residents feel unheard. Today was about opening lines of communication and making sure people feel supported,” said a spokesperson from RISE Projects.
The discussions were held in both English and Somali to ensure full participation, with community translators assisting throughout the event. Several residents left with booked follow-up appointments and new contacts within the council system.
Haringey Council representatives praised the initiative and expressed willingness to collaborate further with RISE Projects to improve community engagement and service delivery.
This event is part of RISE Projects’ ongoing efforts to empower marginalized communities in North London through civic engagement, advocacy, and support services. Organizers hope it will be the first in a series of direct dialogues between local authorities and underserved communities.