Ongo’s cuckooing project wins national award

An Ongo initiative to tackle cuckooing has been recognised as ‘Project of the Year’ at the national Resolve ASB awards, for its huge, positive impact in making our communities safer.

The annual awards shine a light on the outstanding contribution of tenants, housing officers, anti-social behaviour (ASB) practitioners and their partners, to tackling crime and making a difference across the UK.

The awards took place on Friday 23 July. Ongo were up against ASBHELP, an organisation to support practitioners to help resolve ASB, and Colchester Borough Homes. However, they came out on top and were recognised for their fantastic results.

Ongo’s project works with victims who have been cuckooed to keep their home and ensure they receive the right support moving forwards. They also aim to cause disruption to the perpetrators of cuckooing and undertake proactive work to prevent it.

The team also train and raise awareness with their staff, partner agencies and the wider community around what cuckooing is, and how to raise concerns.

Jo Sylvester, part of Ongo’s Community Resolution Team has been leading on the project. She said: “We’ve been able to shine the spotlight on cuckooing and raise awareness that it is a real, growing problem, and for that I’m very grateful.

“Since the project began in April 2019, our team has supported 86 tenants to make their homes safe again. This is a significant amount and we’re so glad we could be there to offer help.

“The awareness raised has enabled closer relationships with Humberside Police, and Adult/Children Services, and I’ve even been asked to carry out training for their staff too.

“Winning this award means so much to us all, I’m just so proud of the work we do, it really does change people’s lives.”

Jo Sylvester was also shortlisted for ‘Anti-social behaviour (ASB) Practitioner of the Year’ at the awards, as along with leading on this project, shares vital skills and knowledge at regional events, hosting talks on this and county lines in particular.

To find out more about Ongo and the support they offer, follow them on social media or head to their website: www.ongo.co.uk.