BRIDGE BUILDERS
PROJECTS - Meet The Met

Inspired by the outreach of two senior police officers, MEET THE MET – and have your say is a series of conversations between young people and local members of the Metropolitan Police.

With troubling issues like knife crime, gang culture, drugs and radicalisation touching the lives of so many in Newham – as elsewhere in London – Bridge Builders runs these informal gatherings to break down suspicions and foster understanding.

The trailblazing policemen are Commander Nick Bracken and Deputy Commander Phil Morgan, both formerly at Newham and now in top posts elsewhere in London. Their trust-building with youngsters and their families in Newham spurred Bridge Builders to organize the meetings.

MEET THE MET sessions are held throughout the borough. Get-togethers have been at a mosque, a gurdwara, a Catholic church and a Buddhist temple. More are planned – both in Newham and beyond.

Youngsters air their concerns and grievances. The police listen, learn and explain. In general the sessions have worked well with both the youngsters and police benefiting from the exchanges.

In Newham, the Met’s key representitive is Deputy Borough Commander Superintendent Gary Buttercase. From Bridge Builders the organizer is project director Gowri Pillai.

“Peace in our borough is not about fixing a problem immediately”, says Gowri. “Nor is it about meeting Home Office targets and ticking boxes.

“It is a long process. We have to build trust between police and community - especially victims. We have to change the way we look at society and have the courage to say no when it comes to gambling fundamental values!”

For future sessions of MEET THE MET click on Upcoming Events..