• News
• News Archive
• Newsletters
• Events
• Media Library
• Gallery
• Translations
• Downloads
• Useful Links

News

The Oscars come to the Elephant

14 May 2006

The stars of the Elephant Links Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) programme were commemorated at an awards ceremony held at London Southbank University on March 22.  The event marked the final year of full funding for the programme.

Elephant Links was established in 1999 in response to a central government invitation to create a partnership that would create social and economic change in the Elephant and Castle, ahead of the major £1.5 billion physical redevelopment of the area. The partnership has been unique as it has bought together a diverse range of interests including Southwark Council, residents, voluntary sector groups, education providers, statutory agencies and employers

Forty–three projects have been established by the Elephant Links programme including training and employment opportunities, community safety schemes, capacity building initiatives, support to local schools and environmental improvement schemes.

There were five categories of awards at the Elephant Links ceremony. Winners included:

The Elephant Links project that has had the most overall impact on the Elephant and Castle community was won by the Kickstart programme.  Kickstart youth projects provide opportunities for young people in the Elephant and Castle area to become involved in sports, music, dance and other activities as an alternative to youth crime and offending behaviour.  The project has launched the SE1 LUV initiative where young people have produced a record andbeen involved in event organisation and promotion. 

The most innovative Elephant Links project: award was won by Fones for Safety.  This project works to increase personal safety by recycling mobile phones to operate as early response alarms for victims of domestic violence.  The idea has been taken up nationally, with the potential to have life savings effects for women and children facing the threat of domestic violence.  The project has proved successful at a national level and attracted funding from the home office, the Scottish Office, Comic Relief and the Body Shop is funding a national publicity campaign and launch for the initiative in 2006.

The most sustainable Elephant Links project award went to Southwark Credit Union.  This organisation offers access to financial services for benefit members and provides opportunities for cheap loans and savings accounts, the project gives the Elephant and Castle community an alternative to the high interest loans made by doorstep lenders; the be ‘Wiser YSA (Young Savers Accountis in schools programme, which targeted ten schools in the Elephant and Castle area, was particularly successful, with more than 50 percent of children opening saving accounts, and saving a total of £46,630.

The individual achievement award went to Richard Anderson who has been the project manager for the CRISP programme, which implemented a number of environmental intitiatives in the Elephant and Castle area Richard is a social entrepreneur, demonstrating project management skills and a commitment to the SRB process as well as running successful projects;

There were also three special programme awards presented by the Elephant Links board to community members who have shown a special commitment to the SRB programme.  These were presented to: Helen O’Brien, Doreen Gee and Abdul Kadir.

A succession body called the Elephant and Castle Trust has been formed to continue the social and economic regeneration programme in Elephant and Castle. The trust is currently recruiting resident directors to sit on its board.  Local residents interested in becoming involved should contact the Elephant Links team on 0207 525 4939.