To receive any apologies for absence from the Group.

Apologies for absence were received from Erin Laybourne, David Bonney, Emily Warburton, Clare Hegarty, Philip Reynolds, Andrew Douglas, Karnail Pannu, Andy Saunders, Viviana Salmon, Aleksandra Brown, Valerie Pike, Pippa Banham, Peter Haley, Belinda Dixon and Marie-Noelle Djoma.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th June 2023.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY: That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th June 2023 were approved as a true and accurate record.

To hear about the work undertaken by Councillor Jack Douglas, Volunteering Champion, and Councillor Helen Price, Corporate Social Responsibility Champion.

Councillor Douglas highlighted the RBWM Together platform, which was the central hub for all consultations and community engagement projects which the council were involved with. He helped to run the Maidenhead Volunteers Facebook group which allowed organisations to advertise for help and for interested individuals to be matched with these organisations. He was working collaboratively with Councillor Price, who was the Corporate Social Responsibility Champion. A volunteering fair was being explored and could take place in January 2024, any interested organisations were encouraged to get in touch.

Paul Andreianu mentioned that there was a community showcase event organised in Windsor, this was run by the rotary group.

Councillor Douglas was asked if the group was just for volunteers in Maidenhead, or for the whole borough. It was initially for Maidenhead only, as volunteers often preferred to volunteer in Maidenhead if they were a Maidenhead resident, or Windsor if they were a Windsor resident.

Asma Aziz said that when WAMGI had held volunteering fairs, they had only attracted residents from the town which the fair was being held in.

It was noted that due to the number of tourists in Windsor, the location of a volunteer fair needed to be considered to attract local Windsor residents.

Steve Sansom suggested that Councillor Douglas should discuss the plans with the economic development team at the council. He had recently attended a small business forum, this could be an avenue to approach to recruit volunteers.

Councillor Price explained that she was the Corporate Social Responsibility Champion, this involved building relationships with big companies in the borough to explore how they could help the local community, for example through allowing their staff to volunteer for local community groups. She was starting in Windsor, speaking to the businesses who should had already built a good relationship with. Councillor Price did not want to ‘cold call’ on organisations and was keen to speak to individuals who could discuss how best to move forward.

Paul Samuels advised the One Borough Group that if they were a community group that wanted help with volunteers, they should contact Councillor Douglas. If there was a big business that were looking to work closely with the council for the benefit of the local community, Councillor Price was the best person to speak to.

To hear about the local services provided including the new recovery service specifically being offered in RBWM.

Catherine Horrocks outlined the various services that were provided by Mind in Berkshire. This included the new recovery service, which involved people being invited to training sessions on coping strategies, dealing with depression and dealing with panic attacks. These were run face to face and were taking place three or four times a month. There did not need to be a diagnosed mental health problem for residents to take part. Mind had also employed a mental health practitioner who could provide intensive support.

Ansa Khan said that wellbeing activities were provided for those suffering with mental health difficulties, for example, walks and art and crafts. Day trips and other activities were also part of the programme, with activities also available for younger cohorts. Referrals were taken from a number of places. Mind in Berkshire appealed for interested volunteers to get in touch.

To receive an update on security items for the vulnerable and elderly project.

John Diack said that Maidenhead Community Watch Association was a new independent group. There had been a focus on giving security items and providing free home security checks to elderly and vulnerable residents. The group had received funding from various sources and had bought some stock which could be given away free of charge. 12 initial enquires had been received through Facebook and that there had been lots of positive interest. A fire alarm inspection was also offered, which could be completed by the fire service. There was no means testing for who could benefit from the offer. The offer was currently open to Maidenhead residents, a similar scheme for Windsor could be explored if John Diack had the time and resource to do it.

The latest round of the Household Support Fund was available and it had been difficult to contact elderly residents, it was suggested that John Diack could advise any residents he helped of this offer. Information on scams was also suggested.

Some residents had misinterpreted the free security checks as a scam itself, some more work needed to be done to reassure residents that the offer was genuine.

To hear any updates from members of the Group.

Joanne Campbell from the family friends charity said that they were looking to recruit volunteers based in Windsor.

Alison Batey was from No 22, which was a youth counselling service which offered support to residents across the borough.

Laura Regazzacci said that the library service had successfully delivered the summer reading challenge to over 2,000 children.

Tia from Driven Forward said that they ran a community fridge in Windsor. It was open to anyone, there was no need for a referral.

Baljit Mann said that she was able to offer adult learning courses at Riverside Children’s Centre. Breaking down isolation, sewing, Pilates, learning new skills and functional Maths and English courses were offered.

Danielle Lane represented Abri, who ran activities for the local community.

Joanna Dixon was from Healthwatch, who were a statutory organisation that considered the healthcare services being provided.

Paul Andreianu said that St John Ambulance were raising awareness about the important of first aid. 20 defibrillators had been installed across Windsor and training could be offered to local groups. The rotary club had raised over £500,000 for local communities over the past decade.

Barbara Grossman said that the Maidenhead Synagogue provided services for around 90 local families.

Rachel Harvey said that Age Concern Windsor ran activities for all adults. Cooking for one was an example of an activity offered.

Edward Piekut mentioned Mens Matters, a group designed for older men to get together to combat social isolation and loneliness. The Older Person’s Working Group ensured that services were coordinated and considered the needs of older residents. The rotary boundary walk would take place on 1^st October. There were plans for individuals and teams to be sponsored and there could be as many as 600 walkers taking part.

Steve Sansom represented Age UK Berkshire and said that a dementia walk would be taking place. Two dementia cafes would be launched, on 27^th September and 2^nd October.

Angela was from Maidenhead United Football Club community trust and wellbeing team. The team helped people in the borough from referrals, the team could help with whatever was needed.

Councillor Price added that Windsor Foodshare covered a wide area and the number of users had increased with 175 families now relying on the organisation. Donations were just about keeping up but were gratefully received.

Asma Aziz was from Windsor and Maidenhead Get Involved and they provided training and support to organisations, for example first aid and funding support. These sessions were free to voluntary groups. The newsletter would be changing to once a month going forward. The next meeting of the Forum would be on 16^th November at Maidenhead Synagogue. A diversity day was also planned for 3^rd October at Windsor Racecourse as part of Black History Month.

Nick West-Oram from Get Berkshire Active aimed to increase physical activity and improve wellbeing using sport. The organisation had been speaking to young people involved in crime and were helping to support them by using sport as a force  ...  view the full minutes text for item 275.

·         Tuesday 5^th December 2023 – 11am

The next meeting would take place on Tuesday 5^th December 2023.