·         Jeffrey Prick ( Thames Valley Police) informed the Forum that there had been a dramatic increase in the number of elderly and vulnerable scams and for all forum members to remain vigilant, seek support/assistance and report cases accordingly.

·         PC Louise Warbrick (Thames Valley Police) updated the forum on the minimised impact of the Royal Wedding. It was noted that a new Safety Hub would be launched on the 19^th October and would be led by the Windsor Street Angels to negate night time anti-social behaviour. The safety hub would be run over the Christmas eve and New Year’s eve period and would run as a pilot initially and would link into support for rough sleepers and those without permanent accommodation. It was also highlighted that as part of the partnership with Achieving for Children (AFC) and RBWM that a month of activity would be launched around children sexual exploitation, rough sleeping, young persons and drug addictions and knife crime. The Forum were also told that there was a conference on PREVENT taking place in the last week of September. Forum Members were also informed that there had been 281 hate crime occurrences and this had increased slightly from last year’s figure (244). These occurrences included racially aggravated, religious aggravated, physical disabilities as the top reasons for these hate crime incidents.  It was highlighted that the highest offending ethnicity was White British, followed by White Northern European aged 31-35 with victims predominantly being of an Asian or Muslim profile. 72% of offenders were male and reports that had been reported were mostly linked to road rage, neighbourhood disputes or night time economy staff/services.

ACTION- To add Hate Crime to the next agenda

·         Paul Samuels (Mens Matters), updated the forum with details of the success of the monthly drop ins. Mens Matters had been registered as a charity for the past three years. Forum Members were told that the two year plan was in place until 2020 and this would involve the opening of more drop in sessions for Mens Matters in the Slough area. It was also highlighted that the AGM for SWAMI was taking place on the 20^th September and that this initiative had been successful in bringing communities together. It was noted that the planned high street event that took place in July had a good turnout of attendance.

·         Usha Parmar (Berkshire Fire Authority), updated the panel with details of referrals for persons aged over 65 year olds, home fire safety sessions and fire alarm fittings. Forum Members were reminded that there was an open day at the Maidenhead Fire station taking place on the 22^nd October which was open to all of the community. Risk Assessment support would be available on the day for officers or individuals who may need this assistance.

·         Parwati Mistry updated the forum with details of the ‘Healthy Eating Workshop’ which was taking place on the 5^th October.

·         Liz Barr ( WAM Get Involved) informed the forum that the voluntary awards training would take place on the 20^th September and that various courses such as introduction to modern slavery would be taking place at the Town Hall later this year. A training session would take place on the 4^th December and the WAM Get Involved Forum would take place on the 14^th November at Maidenhead Synagogue.

·         Norden Farm had hosted a successful Kite Festival in Boyn Hill with over 400 attendees and had engaged with over 1500 people. As part of Norden Farm’s 10^th anniversary, a lantern parade had been organised. Promotion of the’ Fir Tree Moomins Tale’. It was also highlighted that a social arts group had been organised for isolated adults.

At the conclusion of the Community and Membership updates, Councillor S Rayner and the Chair thanked SGI UK for hosting the meeting and Members for attending.