Agenda item

Community and Membership update

To receive updates from Forum Members.

Minutes:

John Diack (Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, Thames Valley Police) introduced himself to the Forum. Members of the OBG were told that there were 12 police areas in the localised area and that there were 43 active police forces in the UK. Members were informed that as part of his remit that he co-ordinated schemes under the Neighbourhood watch and that these were dependant on community needs and wants. Current work was being carried out on promoting Neighbourhood Watch schemes and looking at ways of engagement. It was outlined that referrals were made through, family, friends, concerned residents.

 

Members of the OBG discussed the need for their details to be shared with the One Borough Group and it was noted that it would be useful to have a working directory of contact details and an outline for each organisation who attended the One Borough Group. It was highlighted that work had been carried out with Optalis to creating a directory and that it would be useful to add to this piece of work if possible to give the best signposting and guidance for all members.

 

ACTION- That DVS and NHF work together to produce an outline directory of OBG Members, their provided services and their contact details.  

 

Josephine Crabb (St Johns Ambulance) informed the Forum that there had been great youth engagement, holidays for those affected by a disability, first aid training, leadership and development and Duke of Edinburgh activities which were all planned to take place. The Forum were also told that the “count me in” campaign would be launched and that there was a private dinner planned at Windsor Castle.

 

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts updated the panel that there had been a bid proposal submitted to the Arts Council for further funding for their social project. It was noted that the next youth project would include a quest family fest which would be free to all and would take place over the Easter holidays. Members were told that there would be workshops held on Good Friday which included how to make a robot, street drum skills, circus skills. The Forum were told that an evaluation of the social project was undertaken and that results were available online. Members of the OBG were reminded that funds were still available through the PCC Fund and to apply to Thames Valley Police for further details.

 

Members of the OBG were informed that Dementia Action Alliance was now set up across the borough and that there was work being carried out to encourage other businesses to sign up. The Forum were reminded that referrals could be made into the Dementias Alliance via the Town Hall, Council Offices.

 

Ila Gangotra informed the Forum that there had been a successful Mosque Open day in Maidenhead held on the 3rd March. Members of the OBG were told that Allison Bradshaw (RBWM) had given a presentation and that voluntary organisation/interfaith reps were needed for the Early Help Governance Board. Members were asked to contact the clerk if they wished to become a member.

 

ACTION- That Allison Bradshaw attend a future meeting and give a presentation on the Early Help Board.

 

Signal 4 Carers queried whether members would be aware of any unpaid carers and that they currently were marketing their services through their mobile bus service.

 

Captain Nick Wright informed the Forum that there was an event being held on the 4th April for the 80th anniversary of the guards and that there would be a Freedom parade held in Windsor on the 18th May.

 

Jeffrey Pick informed the Forum that a Food academy event had been held last weekend and that this had been funded by the Army covenant and the Windsor Lions- Dragon Den. It was outlined that TVP wished to have three food academy banquets a year and that it was planned to have one held in Maidenhead subject to finding a school with suitable catering facilities.

 

Members of the OBG were updated on crime in the area and were asked to be vigilant in regards to a phone scam which was targeting the elderly to part with their money or to undertake criminal activity. It was noted that there had been various reported instances of this occurring across the borough and that work was being done to tackle this scam.

 

David Scott (RBWM) updated the Forum with details of the fire which had taken place in the town centre recently and advised that work to secure the area was being carried out. It was highlighted that the roads would be open as soon as the area was deemed safe and that there was currently instability with the affected buildings.

 

Paul Samuels informed that SGI UK were currently planning an event for July 2020 and would focus on the contributions made across Windsor and Maidenhead by voluntary organisations.  It was also updated that Mens Matters now had 21 members and that the oldest member was 95 years old. Members were told that the drop in sessions were held every Wednesday between 2-4pm at Maidenhead Community Centre to promote support to other men.