Latin American Network Join us for our next network meeting! Next meeting date TBA. Background: The Latin American Network is a forum of service providers, community organisations, voluntary groups and activists working in the London Borough of Southwark and supporting the Latin American community in the borough. The multi-sector network brings together the local government (Southwark Council), non-profit organisations and voluntary groups, stakeholders and providers of services for and by the Latin American community in Southwark and neighbouring boroughs), and public organisations (such as the University of London, Public Health England, Public Health Southwark). The group aims to articulate a common understanding of issues, needs, goals and solutions, increasing more effective and equal collaborative working, reducing gaps and duplication in programs and improving services for the Latin American community at a local level. Future Planning: In the next few months the network will focus on its governance, strategic direction and key activities. These will be shared here once finalised. This group is supported by Dr María Soledad Montañez, Researcher and Consultant. If you would like to be part of this network, please contact David at: [email protected] Latest Reports: These reports have been produced by members of the Latin American Network. Community Engagement of the Latin American Community in Southwark - Executive Summary Translations - Full Report The report is the result of a three-year action-research project carried out by Dr Maria Soledad Montañez on community engagement and the Latin American community in Southwark. The research was part of the AHRC-funded Open World Research Initiative project ‘Cross-Language Dynamics: Reshaping Community’ in partnership with Southwark Council. The report includes a translated executive summary in Spanish and Portuguese. IRMO COVID- 19 Briefing This briefing aims to shed light on the impact of the COVID- 19 crisis on the Latin American Community drawing attention to the specific vulnerabilities faced by this group. It presents the key findings from a recent research report drawing on a survey carried out by IRMO with 170 low-income Latin Americans at the height of the first lockdown between April and May 2020. Read report here. Supporting Migrant and Ethnic Economies Through Regeneration in London After 55 years, Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre closed its doors for the final time on 24 September 2020. This was not without a fight. Latin Elephant, a London based charity that promotes participation, engagement and inclusion of migrant and ethnic groups, and in particular Latin Americans, in processes of urban change and supporting BAME traders, residents and workers, has been a key player in this. This report provides some insights and lessons learned into the processes of fighting for fair regeneration processes Read report here LAN ebulletin We also produce a monthly Latin American Network ebulletin for network members only. Organisations are welcome to join this once they have joined Community Southwark and are members of the Latin American Network network.