Brixton news, rumours and general chat: Autumn 2019

[Southlondon]

I've talked to rough sleepers and seen how they are dealt with in Brixton and in West End. West End has a lot of rough sleepers.

In Brixton what I've seen is the outreach team being called , not because of concern for well-being of rough sleepers , because they are considered a nuisance.

Outreach team are called. Rough sleeper does not want to engage with the team. So matter is referred to police by Council anti social behaviour officers. Then the rough sleepers take their tents and sleeping bags and disappear. In the case I know the rough sleeper was foreign and they guess he had visa problems or was East European. East Europeans can be deported , even though we are still in EU, if they can't prove they can live independently.

Like with Windrush the help they might be offered is to voluntarily accept paid for flight/ coach to leave this country. Voluntarily of course.

There is genuine help like church groups giving free food. This is different from the States "help" which is not that voluntary. The States help is conditional. The religious groups help is not.

I'm an atheist but know have a lot of time for the religious groups giving out free food. They periodically get accused of increasing the problem rough sleeping in West End.

Those who support Brexit were under illusion that EU citizens from other countries had an easy life here. Not so. It will only get worse after Brexit. Many East Europeans live here in precarious jobs and fall through the cracks if they lose a job.

Also some people I see have immigration issues so really don't want to be in the system. Churches and other religious groups set up free food for them in areas in West End. I see this with a lot of people queuing up for food.

Other thing is some people don't like hostels. They would rather be on streets than in a hostel. Feel safer with others on a particular spot than be in hostel.

Some homeless band together and occupy a spot.

What I see happen is that they are often moved on. One told me , in west end, an outreach team came to see him . He refused help. Next police came and told him if he didn't cooperate and accept "help" he would be moved on or arrested.

He moved on. He told me that what happens is you find a spot and get moved on .

I’m sorry but you are so wrong.charity and handouts might maintain a person in the short run, but a rough sleeper hostel will provide proper support, and for many Possibly after a few attempts, they will access healthcare, drugs services,psychotherapy etc and start to move through the hostel system and when they feel ready ,they are helped to resettle into permanent accommodation. To access these hostels they can’t just turn Up on the doorstep they have to Engage this with services . The average age of death for a rough sleeper is 42. most rough sleepers are not on the streets through choice, they have multiple issues that cause them to be on the streets - history of abuse. mental health, drugs etc. Life on the streets is dangerous, uncomfortable to the extreme and depressing. It makes it neigh on impossible to access employment, benefits, health care etc, and the street outreach teams can be a life saver on a cold wet winters night . You need to go and talk to some rough sleepers in hostels and ask them which they found preferable - a cup of tea and a new jumper in the local church, or professional help when they are ready and want it, to be able to access all the services we take for granted. A cup of tea and a tenner is temporary and provides nothing in the long term. You are talking from a point of ignorance, and your advice could cost lives

 

[Gramsci]

I’m sorry but you are so wrong.charity and handouts might maintain a person in the short run, but a rough sleeper hostel will provide proper support, and for many Possibly after a few attempts, they will access healthcare, drugs services,psychotherapy etc and start to move through the hostel system and when they feel ready ,they are helped to resettle into permanent accommodation. To access these hostels they can’t just turn Up on the doorstep they have to Engage this with services . The average age of death for a rough sleeper is 42. most rough sleepers are not on the streets through choice, they have multiple issues that cause them to be on the streets - history of abuse. mental health, drugs etc. Life on the streets is dangerous, uncomfortable to the extreme and depressing. It makes it neigh on impossible to access employment, benefits, health care etc, and the street outreach teams can be a life saver on a cold wet winters night . You need to go and talk to some rough sleepers in hostels and ask them which they found preferable - a cup of tea and a new jumper in the local church, or professional help when they are ready and want it, to be able to access all the services we take for granted. A cup of tea and a tenner is temporary and provides nothing in the long term. You are talking from a point of ignorance, and your advice could cost lives

Im not talking from ignorance. I gave specific examples from my own experience. So how you can say I am talking from a point of ignorance I don't understand.

Nor am I saying that services should not be available. Of course they should.

But its not as simple as you are trying to argue.

If you don't believe me here is recent Guardian article about Home office immigration officials providing "advice" to homeless in the premises of charities. Vulnerable people trying to get their lives on a firmer footing have been misled into thinking this State help isn't about deporting them.


Home Office 'infiltrating' safe havens to deport rough sleepers

A spokesperson for the Public Interest Law Centre said the practice would do nothing to improve the lot of the people it purported to help. “This scheme will deepen the mistrust that already exists,” the spokesperson said. “We are especially concerned that the presence of the Home Office is being presented as ‘advice’ when in fact it serves an immigration enforcement and removals agenda.”

One female rough sleeper from the Caribbean, with multiple health problems, told the Guardian she had attended the Salvation Army in Romford, east London, which hosts a Home Office immigration surgery on the first Tuesday of every month.

She provided sensitive and personal information to someone she believed was an independent legal adviser, only to find out afterwards that she had been speaking to a Home Office enforcement official. She was asked to sign voluntary return papers to her home country but refused.

“The Home Office has infiltrated charities like the Salvation Army,” she said. “I’ve been in the UK for 16 years and I’m trying to regularise my immigration status. My life is here now and I don’t want the Home Office to send me back to my country.”

 

[editor]

Seen on FB:

 

[Peckham runner]

From what I gather they run a bit and then go off and booze a bit which already sounds better than some of the po-faced running clubs I've seen. Is it free? Then I like it more. I still think they should rethink where they run though when there's over a hundred of them stomping, galloping and yes, thundering, along narrow, busy pavements.

Hi Editor and Jimbeau

A little context about Run Dem Crew for you. Run Dem has recently relocated to Brixton Street Gym on Somerlyton Rd after many years based in East London. Its founder Charlie Dark was born and schooled in East Dulwich (before ED was nappy valley) and, as you have inferred from some of what you've read, it's not intended to be a standard 'running club'. If you just want to run, there are plenty of other running clubs in London. Run Dem is not just about running, it's a community which aims to support and engage people of all backgrounds and social types. Over the years Charlie has run a Youngers project which aims to give young people an opportunity to get off the sofa and out of their estates to run. For some, coming to Run Dem on Tuesday night is just a safe, supportive space which provides a little structure which is otherwise missing in their lives. If you come to Run Dem you will find runners of all shapes, sizes, experience, colours and creeds. Slow and fast, newbies and old heads, all are catered for. There are different pace groups for different levels.

As for running on pavements down Coldharbour etc, sorry that's an issue, but there aren't many options for 100 people to get out of Somerlyton Rd and off somewhere else, especially with that hoarding on the corner. People try to be mindful of other pavement users, and it is only a few seconds for everyone to go past, but we will remind people to watch out and go single file.

Costs-wise, you need to sign up to a monthly membership of Brixton Street Gym to support this brilliant local venue which is giving us a home every Tuesday. It's only £12 a month and with that you can obviously also use the gym as much as you want and support what is a genuine community enterprise providing much needed gym space at low cost for people who need it. There's then a £1 charge to go on the run, which also goes to support the gym. Some people from Run Dem are also paying an additional patronage each month to cover the cost of someone else in the area having gym membership who can't otherwise afford it.

You are welcome to come down one Tuesday evening (7pm) and see for yourself. (If you want to go on the run you do need to be able to run at least a few km without stopping at whatever pace is comfortable for you, of course.)

 

[BusLanes]

According to Twitter/MPS, there was a stabbing on Millbrook Rs this afternoon and the injury is life threatening and so a S60 order is in place for Tulse Hill, Brixton Hill, Coldharbour, Ferndale, Vassell, Herne Hill, Stockwell and Larkhall Wards

 

[editor]

A bit about the Barrier Block.

Brixton’s Barrier Block (Southwyck House) at night – photos and history

 

[Gramsci]

A bit about the Barrier Block.

Brixton’s Barrier Block (Southwyck House) at night – photos and history

The problem the Barrier Block had was that it was finally finished as Thatcher was starting on her reconstruction of the British economy.

I was in Brixton when it was still being finished off.

With Thatcher mass unemployment strategy Brixton became an area of deprivation and conflict with the police. Thatcher's army.

It was not the architecture that caused this it was the social / political circumstances.

After the other great modernist estate the Barbican never had these problems. It always being for the better off. Not Council housing.

 

[CH1]

No , it is Whitworth Gallery & Museumand's event

À Propos of recent research into Pearl's I've done an update on the Brixton Society website.
I think two of us might be going. Seems rather odd that Manchester is celebrating how right-on we are in Brixton when all the Brixton locals do now is get pissed on £6 pints and throw up.

 

[discobastard]

.

 

[editor]

Word is that the Hand In Hand has been squatted and the new residents have a penchant for jungle music

 

[BusLanes]

Was walking past the prison / Jebb Ave this afternoon and saw what at first glance was a tour party, but on closer inspection was a memorial service for one Terence MacSwiney. There was even an Irish flag

 

[CH1]

Was walking past the prison / Jebb Ave this afternoon and saw what at first glance was a tour party, but on closer inspection was a memorial service for one Terence MacSwiney. There was even an Irish flag

According to Wikipedia Terence MacSwiney died on 25th October 1920 in Brixton Prison after a hunger strike.
That makes it a 99th anniversary. Is that an innovation?

 

[BusLanes]

According to Wikipedia Terence MacSwiney died on 25th October 1920 in Brixton Prison after a hunger strike.
That makes it a 99th anniversary. Is that an innovation?

I wanted to go ask, but they all looked quite serious.

My rule of thumb is don't interrupt serious looking men holding the Irish flag next to a memorial

 

[BCBlues]

According to Wikipedia Terence MacSwiney died on 25th October 1920 in Brixton Prison after a hunger strike.
That makes it a 99th anniversary. Is that an innovation?

From what I can gather theres a commemoration every year, in which case next years should be a bit more special, given its 100 years since he died.
This article is from 2018 and is quite informative.

Brixton remembers one of Ireland's most famous hunger strikers

 

[brixtonscot]

From what I can gather theres a commemoration every year, in which case next years should be a bit more special, given its 100 years since he died.
This article is from 2018 and is quite informative.

Brixton remembers one of Ireland's most famous hunger strikers

Yes , very informative article , thanks for posting ...particularly this -
" Marcus Garvey wrote: “Hundreds and thousands of Irishmen have died as martyrs to the cause of Irish freedom… They compelled the attention of the world and I believe the death of McSweeney (sic) did more for the freedom of Ireland today than probably anything they did for 500 years prior to his death.”
Gandhi and Nehru later cited MacSwiney’s protest as an inspiration, as did Nelson Mandela."

 

[editor]

Seen in Brixton today...

 

[editor]

Tonight!

Fusion, a new weekly Wednesday jazz, funk & soul DJ session launches at the Effra Social, Brixton

 

[editor]

Thirty fucking quid to slop some paint about

PopUp Painting invites you to sip and paint in London. Unleash your creativity – wine glass in one hand, paint brush in the other. No experience needed!

Your event at Effra Social, Brixton will be themed around Annie Dalton‘s Banksy-inspired Christmas Flying Balloon Girl painting! Forget the stencil, show us your inner rebel.

Your experience will include:

-All art supplies – including paint, brushes, canvas and apron
-Guidance from a practicing artist - but feel free to go off-piste!
-A themed playlist to immerse you in your experience
-Drinks available for purchase from the bar
-Your canvas is yours to keep. Hang it with pride!

 

[Pickman's model]

if it was 3 hours or more it'd be reasonable but it's 2 so you'll have only really started painting and it'll be turfing out time

 

[Pickman's model]

Seen in Brixton today...

View attachment 188529

those heads should really be on pikes

 

[editor]

They had knife arches and cops inside Brixton's McD last night.
(Pic: Raymond Howard)

Once local went full knee jerk in response:

And this is going to stop knife and gun crime how, this is just rediculous, why don't they just make everyone strip to their underwear, they won't be able to conceal any weaponss then, plus the youths of inner city's always go to another part of town to cause gang warfare, It's always about who's got the best knifes and gun and who has used them the most,the only solution to this in Conscription, it damn well works in other countries but the problem with London and the UK is, it's let's protect the criminals as they need help and to hell with the victims of knife and gun crime. And if McDonalds was to close then they go to another venue,

 

[Nanker Phelge]

Check your chainsaw at the door...

 

[editor]

If anyone has a shit load of cash to spare, the units inside the Walton Lodge Laundry are up for an unspecified rent

Of course, there's vibrancy:

Walton Lodge Laundry comprises five duplex style offices, set over ground and lower ground floors, situated in the vibrant hub of Brixton, amongst it’s bustling lifestyle,coffee shops and trendy eateries.

To Let - A CONTEMPORARY NEW DEVELOPMENT | 5 DUPLEX STUDIO STYLE OFFICES, 374 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8PL

Interesting to see how they choose to sell Brixton:

Local occupiers include; Jellyfish Animation, The New Zealand Cellar, Fitness First, The Department Store, Brewdog plus a number of coffee shops and fashionable eateries within Brixton Market itself.

 

[alex_]

They had knife arches and cops inside Brixton's McD last night.
(Pic: Raymond Howard)

Once local went full knee jerk in response:

Presumably they have some undercovers on the street who pick up the people who suddenly turn around when they see this ?

 

[jimbarkanoodle]

Presumably they have some undercovers on the street who pick up the people who suddenly turn around when they see this ?

Thought the same, very likely. Same as when they have sniffers at the tube.

 

[editor]

Excellent stuff
Brixton Soup Kitchen hosts free community fireworks display, Tues 5th Nov 2019

 

[GarveyLives]

It has been reported today that Daniel Couson who is in his eighties, has been missing for two days, having last been seen at 10.00 p.m. on 29 October 2019 in Brixton.

He is described as a black man, five foot four inches and slim build, and at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a red jumper, brown or grey coat and brown trousers.

Mr Couson suffers from a number of serious medical conditions and requires medication, which he has missed whilst being missing.

(Source: Metropolitan Police)

The police are increasingly concerned for his well-being and would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police on 999, quoting CAD ref. 4872/30OCT19, or Missing People on 116000, with the reference 1233522/19.​

 

[editor]

This is great fun Watch the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run drive through Brixton, Sun morning, 3rd Nov 2019

 

[editor]

Bit out of Brixton but a different day out!

Visit Southwark’s Kirkaldy Testing Museum on its monthly open day, Sun 3rd Nov 2019

And also on Sunday

Brixton Market Row Record Fair this Sunday, 3rd Nov 2019

 

[friendofdorothy]

Interesting documentary - free local showings:

In a time of political and economic unrest, what gives you hope? What makes Brixton one of London’s most socially active communities?

We The People is a short film by Virginia Nimarkoh and Fan Sissoko, made in partnership with The Advocacy Academy, the UK’s first campus for young activists, based in Brixton.

Filmed over summer 2019, 'We The People' explores themes of activism and community, past and present. We follow six inspiring conversations between activists and grassroots organisers, young and less young, making positive change at a local level. For many people, these are dire times. Meet some who dare to resist.

Original soundtrack by Dubmorphology.
We The People is a Museum of London commission.​

7 November 7pm - The Advocacy Academy, 7 Vining Street, SW9 8QA


14 November 7.30pm - Cressingham Gardens Estate SW2 2NJ


26 November 6.30pm Brixton Library Windrush Square, SW2 1JQ


28 November 7pm - Brixton Housing Co-operative, SE24 0LD

(free tickets available on eventbrite and more details on twitter but I don't know how to link)