I can be

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What is the ‘I can be’ campaign?

‘I can be’ is a campaign is to inspire a new generation of community leaders by following in the footsteps of established community champions.

The emphasis is on Black, Asian and Multi-Ethnic (BAME) residents being the change they want to see. Influencing decision making by becoming a community leader by:

participating in voluntary roles such as applying to be a magistrate
school governor
being a health scrutiny lead
police community support officer and
representing on boards that can influence decisions (as these roles are under-represented within the BAME community).

The campaign is part of the council’s approach to tackling race inequality in the borough. It has been designed to encourage and promote community leadership amongst our Black Asian and Multi Ethnic residents. The campaign focuses on working with local leaders as 'I can be campaign champions' to inspire our BAME residents in taking up community leadership roles.

Why do we need the 'I can be' campaign?

Despite the progress, race inequalities have been an issue for a very long time. They are particularly relevant to Tower Hamlets given the make-up of its population. For instance, evidence from Public Health highlight the challenges and disparities that BAME communities face in accessing services. This was particularly obvious during the pandemic.

Community leadership acts as the golden thread across different areas supporting our diverse communities. It supports racial justice in all aspects of life and encourages BAME voices to be heard across decision-making channels.

Addressing race inequality is not just a moral ambition but equally, it’s a strategic need which fosters and aligns with values of justice, fairness and respect for all. Race inequality can hinder economic growth and through promoting equal opportunities it can unlock potential of a diverse community leaders, innovation and social cohesion and prosperity.

Community leadership opportunities

For more information visit the Young Foundation website or complete the exercise for everyone form.

Stay informed

Are you interested in community leadership? Stay up to date with the latest roles and training opportunities.

Signup

If you have any questions please email icanbe@towerhamlets.gov.uk

How will the ‘I can be' campaign be delivered?

The council has commissioned Olmec, (an award-winning provider on community leadership) to deliver a bespoke community leadership programme for Tower Hamlets BAME residents. The upskilling of residents will be the first step to supporting people to develop the key skills as community leaders.

We have commissioned Olmec, (an award-winning provider on community leadership) to deliver a bespoke community leadership programme for Tower Hamlets BAME residents. The upskilling of residents will be the first step to supporting people to develop the key skills as community leaders.

We will be working with partners across the borough to jointly explore opportunities for community leadership roles within the organisations and sector. Residents will be able to apply for council and our partner community leadership roles on our website.

Meet our 'I Can Be' champions

Dr Martin Griffiths

Answer:

Martin is a consultant trauma and vascular surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust and national clinical director for violence reduction for NHS England.

His community work with young people has turned around many lives. He is keen to make sure young Black people have their voices heard.

Fatima Kagwa

Answer:

Fatima is a mum of five and lives in Tower Hamlets.

She is a school governor and an advocate for young people with Special, Educational Needs and Disabilities.

She is keen to get more residents from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups (BAME) backgrounds to become school governors.

Imam Kazi Ashiqur Rahman

Answer:

Ashikur Rahman is the lead imam at Darul Ummah Shadwell and has vast experience of serving the local community.

He has lived in the borough for more than 20 years and has been involved in community work all his life.

During the pandemic the mosque set up many projects to support residents including a

food hub
befriending service to provide support to elderly residents including delivering medicines and groceries.

He is also an expert with engaging with young people and understands the issues facing Asian Muslim teenagers.

Jai Singh

Answer:

Jai is a Chief Inspector with the Met Police, policing neighbourhoods in Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

He has risen through the ranks from a police constable right through to senior leadership.

When he was a police community support officer he enjoyed engaging with local communities, having been born and bred in Newham and had a good understanding and lived experience of local issues.

The Met offers many routes for residents to take an active role in helping to keep our communities safe.

There are many opportunities for residents such as becoming a cadet and volunteer, special constables and police community support officers.

Professor Shafi Ahmed

Answer:

Shafi is a chief surgeon at the Royal London Hospital, teacher, innovator, professor and entrepreneur.

He is a pioneering surgeon who grew up and was educated in East London. Shafi’s online videos have been watched hundreds of thousands of times, earning him the accolade of the most-watched surgeon in human history.

Shafi has set up a women’s clinic in Bangladesh and trains clinical staff to ensure the most vulnerable have access to the best care.

Safia Jama

Answer:

Safia is the CEO of the Women’s Inclusive Team based in Bethnal Green.

Safia received the ‘The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’ in 2022, for exceptional services in supporting the most vulnerable in Tower Hamlets during the pandemic.

Safia and her team of 500 volunteers established a food bank, community kitchen and delivery service supporting vulnerable residents throughout the pandemic.

Over the last twenty years Safia has continued to work with often unheard and marginalised communities.