Collaboration and compassion – Council’s approach to anti-social behaviour

With Chief Executive Nigel Philpott confirming that Council will look to install CCTV in problem areas and the Male Room brought in to support people who need help, Council is part of a combined approach to begging and rough sleeping our city centre.

As Director of Male Room, a charitable organisation that provides a range of services, including supporting people who are homeless or close to being homeless access support services, Male Room Director Philip Chapman has first-hand experience of what life in Nelson is like for people in crisis.
“People see the visible side of homeless, but there’s so many people they don’t see who are homeless or close to it,” says Philip.

“These people are their own community and show incredible levels of resilience every day. Most have suffered some form of childhood trauma, whether that is sexual, physical or emotional abuse. But there’s also a lot going for them – I love working with this community, they are fantastic people and don’t judge.”

As part of Council’s collaborative approach to anti-social behaviour in our city centre The Male Room has been contracted by Council to provide initial assessment, referrals and help, for people experiencing homelessness or who may be at risk of homelessness. They are part of the Housing First partnership who provide accommodation and wrap-around support to people who are homeless.

“This isn’t an easy fix, and I don’t have the answer myself. We had 50 people through one day last week. We do what we can to help people whose trust in society has been destroyed to use support services that are getting harder and harder to access.

“I really appreciate the working relationship with NCC. Their Community Partnerships team do a lot to build trust and bring all the relevant people together.”

Chief Executive Nigel Philpott says begging, and other anti-social behaviour in the city centre is not acceptable and Council is looking at ways to enhance its ability to enforce the relevant parts of the Urban Environment Bylaw.

To read our full Media Release, visit News – Pitopito.