To receive an update on Embedding the Community response.

Hilary Hall, Director of Adults, Health and Commissioning, gave a presentation to the Panel. Presentation attached to the minutes.

The Chairman thanked all staff at RBWM, especially Hilary Hall and her team and many other organisations in assisting during Covid-19.

Councillor Price said she had been involved in this project of creating an asset map of all community groups for over a year now and was very excited that the start of the pilot would take place in areas such as Dedworth and Clewer in Windsor as this would have great use there. Councillor Price enquired what the timeframe for all the work would be and was informed that the consultations were underway. The results would be analysed in the next few weeks and the solutions would follow on from there. The definite results would be available at the beginning of September 2020.

Councillor Price asked if RBWM would have the active role of holding the project together but was informed by Hilary Hall that the borough would be the facilitator to deliver the project and bring in expertise where and when required. The project would mainly sit with the community.

Councillor Price asked what system would be used for managing the volunteers since WAM had not been given any funding in the February 2020 budget. Councillor Price asked if it would be the national system or a RBWM system. Hilary Hall informed the Panel that both were currently being considered.

Councillor Del Campo asked if Maidenhead FoodShare would remain in the Nicholson’s Centre. Russell O’Keefe informed the Panel that the borough were in discussions with Maidenhead FoodShare and arrangements were in place at present. Councillor Del Campo informed the Panel that she had been assisting FoodShare to deliver food parcels to vulnerable residents. Councillor Del Campo was concerned that mental health issues were not being addressed as much as they could be. Councillor Del Campo had come across a great scheme that had been put into place by St Luke’s Church that would call and chat with those who were struggling. Councillor Del Campo asked if this was something the Council could do. Hilary Hall informed the Panel that it was easy to do the practical things like delivering food and collecting medicines. Mental Health was very high on the agenda, especially with winter approaching and the team were working very hard to get something in place, where there was no shame in accessing the services.

Councillor Hunt reiterated that the cooperation between the vulnerable people and the borough had been amazing. The local community groups had been amazing in leading and it was correct of the borough not to take over but to be there if they were required. Councillor Bhangra continued and informed the Panel that residents approached ward members if they needed specific help and assistance.

Councillor Bowden asked about the DBS checks for volunteers and how this had been taken forward within community groups. He was advised that during Covid-19 the requirements had been relaxed for volunteers but for most tasks, a DBS had not been required. However, going forward, volunteers with cleared DBS would be on hand where required.