IT’S BEEN a very tough few weeks for North Kenners affected by Grenfell. 

The Channel 4 programme of September 8 — Grenfell: the Untold Story — included footage of Grenfell residents at meetings discussing the refurb before the fire, as well as scenes from the fire. 

It was very honest and very painful. In 2016 the artist/film-maker who made the film had been commissioned by Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO) to create art projects with residents in the run-up to the proposed “regeneration” (bulldozing and redevelopment) of Silchester West and the refurb of the tower. 

The artist admits it could be regarded as artwash, and some residents objected loudly at the time. But he was then asked by residents to film meetings, and his work has become a priceless legacy. 

Grenfell: the Untold Story was a hugely difficult watch for many of us, returning to the horror of the event itself and bringing new perspectives on the time leading up to the fire. 

Having friends in the area, I knew what had been happening at the time (it wasn’t my ward) but seeing it all on film was difficult. 

I wanted to scream at KCTMO officers, and the former Tory MP, so uncomfortable sitting with social tenants, so condescending and rude, I wanted to say: “Stop laughing and take this seriously!” 

People sitting around the table feared for their wellbeing, feared for their lives, but she clearly thought they were exaggerating and “scaremongering,” presumably briefed by the council.

The former MP smiled. She took notes. She said: “You know I can’t do anything” (which wasn’t true). 

She did nothing. People died. These people. The people sitting right there talking to you, trying to make a point, who you ignored. They. Died. Horribly.

While tens if not hundreds of thousands of people across the country are in fear of their lives, their financial status, their future itself, because they are trapped in buildings they know are flammable, while so many of them are mobilising, joining together to protest, lobby, walk to Parliament, write to MPs — they are all thinking about Grenfell. 

They all know that it could happen again today. Their building could go up like a torch, they could be trapped inside, they could be talking to their family not knowing whether or not they will die. 

This, and more, keeps tenants in non-firesafe buildings awake, and scared.

The news about the future of the charred skeleton of the tower was yet another blow to the community. I have my own views. 

I see the shroud every day and it pains me. Those whose presence it should shame don’t live here; the secretary of state will be at one of his four fire-safe houses. 

But I won’t be drawn into the “take it down, leave it up” debate; those most affected must decide if and when.

The difference of opinion on the issue between the secretary of state (“it could be dangerous”) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government minister (“it’s fine”) hardly helped those struggling to deal with the long-term fate of the site. 

Given that the site was handed over to the government as local people don’t trust the council — who do we trust now? 

Once again — perhaps — this is a deliberately divisive tactic to keep us arguing between ourselves rather than with those in authority. A tactic which, frankly, they excel at. 

So September 14 is the 51st month anniversary, and I will head down the road to light a candle and reflect, a little later. 

I was ashamed, a month ago, returning from a visit to the memorials, to meet a group of women trying to help a young man who was clearly in distress. They asked me who to contact. I had no idea (I do now). 

They were, in the end, able to connect the young man with some friends, but where is the help on the ground? 

You can’t call the police for someone having a mental health episode (unless they are “a danger to themselves or others”). 

After the millions spent on mental health services in North Kensington in the past four years, it seems there is zero help between a bed in a “place of safety,” and being back on the streets.

That same week another young man suffered a serious episode, and three new pieces of casework I picked up all involved people who were suffering mental distress and who may have considered suicide at some point. 

All have connections to Grenfell, either having watched the fire in shock and horror, or having lost friends or family. 

Local councillors, however caring they may be, should not be the front line of mental health support for their residents. But we are. Where is the help?

I hear that some on the council said the Channel 4 programme shouldn’t have been shown, that it was preventing people from healing.

So here’s a mini-history of gaslighting the community, RBKC-style. 

Before the fire: residents are “scare-mongering” or “exaggerating” “vexatious complainants” (residents were right).

During the fire: as the fire burnt behind them, “Residents refused sprinklers” (simply not true).

Days after the fire: residents and councillors are “hysterical,” “lying,” “no-one was sleeping in parks” (when they were).

Two years after: overheard from a Tory councillor: “haven’t WE suffered enough?”

And now: apparently some senior Tories don’t think residents should watch an honest representation of what happened, it “stops them healing.”

All in all, the Grenfell community has been told “chin up” or “snap out of it,” while some people are still in bits.

And while government delays any meaningful change to fire safety, or building safety, let alone a concerted attempt to protect hundreds of thousands of leaseholders from bankruptcy, they continue to gaslight and game the public, ensuring their millionaire and billionaire donors aren’t touched by any hint of accountability. 

And the mental health crisis in North Kensington is of no interest to them whatever.

Emma Dent Coad is a Labour councillor and Labour Group deputy leader. She is former MP for Kensington.