To receive updates on community issues from One Borough partners, including:

·         The Men’s Matters charity

·         Signal for carers

·         The SWAMI17 event

·         Community Education Provider Networks.

Members were invited to provide updates on their group activities.

Tim Walker said that the Men’s Matters group had recently become a registered charity and had held official launch events in Windsor and Langley, both of which had been attended by dignitaries from the relevant councils. Tim Walker said that the group was continuing to grow in terms of numbers and held a regular drop-in event at All Saints Church in Dedworth on Mondays. Tim Walker said the group was particularly looking to encourage Armed Forces veterans to join in with their activities. Tim Walker said that the group would be hosting a Dad’s Army-themed barbecue at the Duke of York pub in Windsor on June 24^th and encouraged One Borough members to invite their groups to attend. Tim Walker said the group was hoping to launch a drop-in event in Maidenhead in September, once a suitable venue could be found.

The clerk informed the group that the Signal representative had sent apologies for the meeting and sent an email to be read to members. The email stated that Signal was urging One Borough organisations to identify unpaid and informal carers and let them know about Signal. The email also stated that Signal had uncovered a potential unmet need for an ex Armed Forces carers group, and requested further details in relation to this to be sent to Signal. Members were informed that Signal hoped to give a full presentation on their work at the next meeting. Nighat Ellahi informed members that drop-in sessions for female carers had been taking place at Maidenhead Town Hall on the first Friday of each month and had been successful. There was a focus on identifying younger carers.

Anthony Lewis introduced the SWAMI group to members, explaining it had been launched in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead as a means of promoting cohesion between community groups. The group would be holding events in Peascod Street, Windsor, on July 8^th, Slough town square on July 15^th and at Kidwells Park as part of the Maidenhead Festival on July 23^rd. Anthony Lewis said 40 groups had signed up to take part over the three events. However a stall was still available at the Windsor event and Anthony Lewis encouraged anyone interested in taking it to contact him. Eileen Denny stated that the Community Fair had had to be cancelled due to the General Election, but a stand to represent the groups that could not get a stall to themselves would be at the SWAMI events.

Samreen Aslam introduced the Community Education Provider Networks and explained its role as identifying the local needs of GP surgeries within Berkshire, in order to reduce the demand for capacity. She explained that CEPN was exploring if the surgeries could be helped by being linked to volunteer groups that could provide additional support and/or treatments, as an alternative to patients being placed on a waiting list for services. Training for GPs and nurses in responding to local needs and linking to volunteer groups was also being provided. Samreen Aslam asked volunteer groups, including any not present at the meeting, that could assist to contact her. Eileen Denny said that information on CEPN and contact details could be circulated by WAM Get Involved.

Robin Roberts informed members that Save The Children was hosting a screening on a documentary about Syrian children at the United Reformed Church on June 21^st.

Josephine Crabb expressed her thanks for grants that had recently been made available to St John Ambulance, including one from the Council.

Cllr Majeed informed members that Maidenhead Mosque was accepting donations for residents affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

Sian Smith informed members that public health information about keeping safe in hot weather was available on the NHS website and would also be circulated on the Council’s website.

Lyn Mangisi informed members that Radian had a vehicle aimed at promoting healthcare available to hire. She explained the vehicle had been used in the past to facilitate blood and diabetes tests, and to promote Mental Health Week.

Robyn Bunyan informed members that Norden Farm would be hosted an exhibition of artwork created by members of its Social Arts Group for isolated older people would be held on July 5^th. There would also be a workshop on July 17^th, which One Borough members would be invited to.

Louise Warbrick informed members that Thames Valley Police had been successful in securing its bid to the Armed Forces Covenant; however time had been too short in completing the next part of the process and the funding had ended up not being secured.

Emma Mills informed members that free fire safety checks were available to residents, particularly for vulnerable people. These could also be requested following referrals from carers and community groups.

Neil Fleck thanked the police for their recent work in relation to combatting the threat of terrorism, and the community for their increased vigilance.

Craig Miller thanked the representatives of both Maidenhead mosques for their patience and understanding during the General Election count, as car parks normally used for attending the mosques were being used.

Eileen Denny informed members that WAM Get Involved had successfully recruited several new volunteers and made contact with many more during events for Volunteers’ Week held in Ascot, Windsor and Maidenhead. Eileen Denny stated that the most recent WAM Get Involved network forum had been its most well attended. Eileen Denny said a training session for people with financial responsibilities would take place on June 28^th at Maidenhead Town Hall, and the next networking forum would take place on July 19^th. The 2017 Volunteer Sector Awards would be launched next week.

Harjit Hunjan informed members that the final round of community grants from the Council would be available in September. Full details would be on the Council website. Harjit Hunjan said the Contact The Elderly had recently opened a group in Maidenhead and were looking for residents to get in contact and sign up, and that further details would be circulated to members.