Minutes

Senior Forum meeting minutes 26.7.16

The Senior Forum meeting took place recently, download the full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Dementia Action Alliance – Sara Rathbone.

 

Sara explained to us her role, the structure that she works within and the breadth of residents covered.

 

Sara has been in post since 28th April and is currently working on making more people / organisations dementia aware. These include the police, transport. National companies including Tesco, Virgin and Taxi firms to help them improve their offering and support to people who suffer from Dementia / Alzheimers etc.

 

Sara is working on developing Dementia Friends and Champions, hourly sessions, will visit workplaces.

 

It was felt that there could be real value in Sara addressing our Youth Forum (next meeting Sept 14th venue TBC) MS to send agenda to her nearer the time.

Senior Health Fayre – 30th September, Congleton Town Hall 10am to 1pm

Usman putting a flyer together, as he is away, Lynn will discuss this with the team at Plus Dane.

Wendy to check out with new manager what support Tesco can offer ( Slow Cooker ingredients)

PR support :-

Bob’s Blog

The Chronicle

Flyers for service providers to promote through their groups, U3A signing on day, Doctors Surgeries,Churches, Chemists, Plus Dane residents etc.

Posters. Noticeboards,Buses,Shops,Town Centre on the day

Lisa to see if she can get a small budget to support this.

MS send out a list of Exhibitors, arrange for an area for unloading to be coned off at back door.

Alyssa / Lisa to send an article about the Fayre to Louise for Bobs Blog

There are 4 themes :-

Winter Wellbeing, Social Isolation,Health & Technology. (31 Exhibitors already confirmed)

Target is to get an attendance of around 150 residents.

Meeting Finished at:4.30pm

 

Next Meeting:-

Tuesday in October date TBC

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes 1.08.16

Congleton Sustainability Group latest meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

 

Highlights include:

Congleton Community Coop

SH working on opening a bank account, currently discussing with Handlesbanken at Wilmslow.

The meeting was asked to give their permission for CSG to act as CCC’s accountable body until the account is opened.                                                                                                           This was unanimously agreed.

Weekly letter continues to be sent out to all.

Titanic Breweries (12 outlets) approached us to be their Cider suppliers (approx. 20 Tonnes) they would supply the apples via their collection system. PA / SH have met with Dunham Massey to keep them informed of our long term plans. Phil Worthington (CHS) is designing a new Logo/ Label for the bottles for 2016 vintage, we must make sure the brand name remains constent.

Bookings for use of some of the rooms are starting to come in at an encouraging level.

Membership of the Coop will commence around the end of September

Neighbourhood Plan Draft.

First draft was issued to members last week (80+ pages) have until the end of August to make comments. Next steering group meeting early September to review comments and further rerfine the document.

Apple Juice / Cider.

 

Congleton Apple Juice won 1st Prize for Cheshire Life – Food & Drink Award. Congratulations to all involved.

Stock left. Apple Juice 3 c/s & Cider 600 Litres 9unbottled) at Dunham Massey.

 

Next Meeting:-

Mon 5th September, The Old Saw Mill ,10.00am

 

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes 4.7.16

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

 

Looking to go ahead with the project, support has already been received from both Eaton Bank Academy and Siemens.

 

Possible use an Archimedes Screw design

 

PA working on applying for a second phase grant, decision expected from meeting of DVCE 5th July.

 

Cycling Campaign – P.Hall

Congleton Cycling Club is organising a Tour Of Britain promotional/charity ride called “Cheshire East Tour of Britain Charity Sportive”. This will be an 86 mile ride over some of the ToB route raising fund for North West Air Ambulance and Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. Considerable discussion took place as to the legacy opportunities from the Tour of Britain – agreed that we should have a plan of a proposed ‘Circuit of Congleton’ highlighting work to achieve and drive an ambition forward that is open to residents and visitors alike to fulfil the ambition – Congleton is the Cycling Centre of Cheshire East through Congleton Partnership.

 

Meeting closed at 11.35am .

Next Meeting:- Monday 1st August at The Old Saw Mill.

Congleton Youth Forum meeting minutes 8.06.16

Congleton Youth Forum meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Glen welcomed everyone to the meeting. Round the table introductions carried out for new members attending. M.Howell,J.Pestell-Hassal, R.Pickles and guest L.Nagle.

Update from Mike Smith.

 

MS – In Bloom & Carnival funding application forms

 

E.Stanton (Cheshire Police) Safer Schools and Young Persons Partnership x 3 reports

– Cheshire Police Schools Competition 5th Sept to 4th Nov

– 60 sec Radio Commercial 0n raising awareness around-

–  Legal Highs / Healthy Relationships / On-line safety

–  Key stage 2, year 6 & Key stage 3 year 8

– Winning commercials broadcast on local radio.

Visyon – Creative Space Programme (11 to 19 year olds)/ Photography Workshops (9th June for 6 weeks)

MS – Sent out the Evolve Service Provision document (Legal Highs) CHS using them during their RE Day activity (Year 10 / July)

Lisa / Cheshire East – Sexual Violence Support Services Awareness Workshops at Wilmslow and Crewe – Application forms included.

MS – Food & Drink Fest 12th June, call out for volunteers. Contact Jo Money 07833742200

D.Murphy – CAB (Citezens Advice Bureau) looking for young trustees and Readesmore Medical Practice looking for 2 young people to serve on their Patient Panel (contact Denis denismurphy@tiscali.co.uk )
Mental Health / Substance Misuse.

 

(a)  Kooth.com –Lana Nagle

 

Lana Took us through a presentation on Kooth and the services that are offered.

They have a fab website kooth.com where young people can access support on a range of mental health issues, feeling low, bullying, eating disorders, relationships etc. They are commissioned by the local authority so any of out groups can get free support.  They also have an online counselling service which is open in the evenings and over the weekends (M to F 12.00 to 10,00 and Weekends 6.00 to 10.00pm) and also an online forum which is monitored by trained counsellors. Live forum activities are carried M/W/F 7.30 to 9.00pm.  All schools should / could  be accessing KOOTH and their materials they have to offer. They will also go into schools and do assemblies and workshops too.  They have a wealth of knowledge and support, they can also offer posters and wallet sized cards to give to students. KOOTH can support a young person in the interim (whilst waiting other services appointments) and offer support in the evenings and weekends and all from their smart phones or laptops.

If you would like KOOTH to come into your school, youth group or youth council committee then please let me know and I can pass her details onto you. Direct contact with Kooth/ Lana is :- lnagle@xenzone.com

(b)  Glens Paper – Project Proposals.

Purposes:

 

To raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health.

 

To highlight the negative effects of substance misuse especially legal highs.

 

To provide young people with details of a range of support available in relation to these issues.

 

 

Possible Solutions:

 

Presentations to school year groups and youth groups on mental health.

 

Substance misuse detached work with youth workers in known hot spot areas.

 

Production and distribution of essential helpline numbers and key facts.

 

Production of a play relating to the topics of mental health and substance misuse – link to Congleton Creative.

 

Health and wellbeing counsellor appointment to go into schools.

 

Mental health signs, what to look out for workshop – student leaders – what can be done, what support available?

 

Drug awareness day focussed around legal highs.

 

Video of someone who suffers mental health issues.

 

Access to wellbeing opportunities promotion – sports clubs, youth clubs, uniformed groups, healthy activities etc.

 

Discussions and Actions.

 

Look to get following on school assembly rotas for Sept term

* Kooth

*Evolve

*Cheshire Police / Jane Cummings

 

Put together a pamphlet local to Congleton re services / support etc – L.Alcock to action

 

Talk to Frank website programme www.talktofrank.com

Lisa to contact Caroline McQuaker re what is happening in Congleton.

Should schools contact all parents re issues around local highs

Do we look to go out into the town with information around the issues eg  a stand in Tesco’s Foyer

Lisa to speak to Dawn Clark to see if any funding available to support an initiative.

Kooth to make a presentation to Congleton Youth Committee, MS talk to L.Minshull.

 

Congleton Partnership Executive meeting minutes 7.06.16

Congleton Partnership Executive meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

Hightlights include:

The Old Saw Mill Project – P.Aston

Peter outlined the current situation regarding the development of the Old Saw Mill Project at Back River St.

Change of use planning application has gone in, various pieces of work are being carried out in terms of decorating, electrics, flooring, gardening etc.

Discussions have been held with a range of organisations, clubs, service providers for future usage of the facility. This could make a very effective community hub in the centre of Congleton.

Congleton Community Cooperative now has an accredited Logo (thanks to Phil Worthington, Congleton High school)

S.Halliday sends out a weekly All Points Bulletin (MS will circulate to the Executive) updating development, plans and equipment/material requirements.

G.Baxendale, G.Williams and L.Alcock to make Cheshire East Community Service aware of this development and for support both financially and service wise. This is a great opportunity for Cheshire East to be able to deliver their Community Hub objective.

At the end of the session The Partnership agreed to support more electrical work on site to the value of £1200.

Proposed by G.Williams and seconded by M.Gartside, this was then voted through by The executive.

 

The Public Realm £1 million funding The main bulk of the consultation has finished – although the group will be at the Food and Drink Festival on Sunday for further feedback. The Project Manager has not yet been given the electronic feedback – but the 140 + paper copies were largely positive about the scheme. This will be discussed with the CEC Portfolio holder and then the project board group and then hopefully the build will start early next year.

 

Britain in Bloom / North West in Bloom:  North West in Bloom judging is on Monday 25th July and Britain in Bloom judging on Monday 8th August. The Group has been strengthened by the additional support of the Sustainability Group. Biggest improvements for this year have been the Community Orchard, the Antrobus Street Garden  (hopefully to be renamed Margaret’s Place, the Greening of Mountbatten Way project, The Bath House and Physic Garden and the Visyon Garden, all the additional signage. Even more business took up the offer of baskets and the streetscape staff are working hard on the formal beds, roundabouts and keeping the town as weed and litter free as possible – a huge task for 11 people in a town of Congleton’s size. Volunteer help is required – weeding, litter picking, improving areas can take place at any time – but there will be a couple of organised mass community events on the two Sunday evenings before judging.

 

Tour of Britain – START TOWN FOR DAY 3! –We’re getting geared up for the race which will be starting in Congleton at 11am. We expect people to start arriving about 2 ½ hours before the race – hopefully the streets will be lined with thousands of people. Our job in Congleton is to make sure that the town looks great, people visiting the race have a good time and leave with a positive opinion of the town, townspeople have a good trading day. Cheshire East Council is working on the logistics with sweetspot – re Health and Safety, first aid, toilets, marshals.

 

Next Meeting is :- Tuesday 13th September, Bridestone Suite, 5.30pm. AGM/Executive Meeting.

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes 6.06.16

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download full minutes HERE.

Highlights includes:

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

Looking to go ahead with the project, support has already been received from both Eaton Bank Academy and Siemens.

Possible use an Archimedes Screw design

PA working on applying for a second phase grant.

PA has visited the Halton Loom project, they employed a skilled project manager who then directed local resource and resulted in a much reduced cost.

S.Halliday to contact an acquaintance who has managed similar projects and put him in contact with PA.

 

Cycling Campaign – P.Hall

In Peter’s absence PA briefed the meeting on an event planned for Sat 4th September.

Congleton Cycling Club is organising a Tour Of Britain promotional/charity ride called “Cheshire East Tour of Britain Charity Sportive”. This will be an 86 mile ride over some of the ToB route raising fund for North West Air Ambulance and Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

 

Congleton Community Co-operative  –  S.Halliday

 

Reports issued by S.Halliday weekly including both a task and supply sheet so no need to further issue those.

Further items discussed at the meeting:-

Grand opening is still planned for 4th July, but can be moved back if circumstance dictate.

A good source of paint supply has been found using the Burslem recycling centre community paint mechanism.

A CHS student on a work experience scheme is doing a fantastic job in helping with the redecoration.

PP has a design for the secret garden and will apply for funding support from William Dean Trust to support plants, soil and paving etc.

 

Next Meeting:- Monday 4th July at The Old Saw Mill (tbc)

Senior Forum Meeting Minutes 18.05.16

Congleton’s Senior Forum meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Anti-Scamming Awareness  – Andy Burrows (CEBC)

 Andy talk about his work involving the Community Partnership and Trading Standards Investigation Team. He indicate that there was quite a large number of residents within Cheshire East that were regularly being targeted (up to 600)

Most of the scams were physical (not electronic) with an average loss of around £1300 per victim equating to around £1m in Cheshire East, the average age of the victim being 82.

He explained tell-tail signs to look for in home – High number of letters, vitamin pills, high cheque book usage being the mail indicators.

Andy promised to send out some supporting documents for MS to circulate.

(Docs received and circulated – Scams Toolkit Edition 1, Flow chart of scamming & Questions to ask)

 Actions:- If we find this happening within our day to day operations or even family / friends then send details to Andy (andy.burrows@cheshireeast.gov.uk)

Louise to involve Bob’s Blog and CVS Newsletter to communicate this issue

AgeUK have a booklet (Avoiding |Scams) available to down load from their websites publications page www.ageuk.org.uk

Andy has agreed to support the Senior Health Fayre 30th September.

 

Senior Health Fayre – 30th September, Congleton Town Hall.

The next meeting of the subgroup is planned for 6th June. They are in the process of drawing up a list of organisations they would like to participate, after which they will send out formal invitations.

Looking to promote the event through flyers (MS check on U3A signing on day, could be a good source to use), through member organisations/clubs/ churches and social media

Group to talk to our commercial partners re refreshments.

Tesco to be approached to see if they would support / supply food for our cooking demonstrations.

Target is to get an attendance of around 150 residents.

 

The next senior forum meetings are.

Digital Inclusion Sub Group – Tues 5th July 2016 – 3.00pm Spencer Suite, Town Hall

 

Senior Forum (Full group) – Tues 19th July 2016 – 3.00pm Spencer Suite, Town Hall.

 

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minute 9.05.2016

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download the full minutes from the meeting HERE.

Highlights include:

Congleton Community Co-operative – S.Halliday

Report issued by S.Halliday prior to the meeting, but because of the size of the project this has been kept separate from the other Group Reports.

• Tenancy at Will Agreement signed and keys provided for our Open Days
• Site cleared with assistance from:-
• Patti Pinto – Secret Garden
• LOL Foundation
• Book Marks and Posters designed and printed by Congleton High School
• Open Days on 16/17 Apr. 2016 a great success with over 80 people coming to visit.
• Research into best Bank Account to open.
• Incorporation of Community Co-Operative underway.
• Water and Electricity on.
• Grant received from Congleton Town Trust
• Apply again for Grant from Inclosure Trust in Jul. 2016 but they are very interested in the project.
• Other Grants applied for and more to apply for.
• Web Site http://www.congletoncommunityco-op.org registered. Still to be developed.
• Facebook Page – Congleton Community Co-Op up and running
• Change of Use Planning Permission application submitted. Thanks to Anna Morrison for her valuable input.
• Met with Property Manager for Old Saw Mill
• Electrical Engineer appointed and quotations received for Ground Floor (Cafe & Processing area)
• Inventory of requirements drawn up and cutlery, crockery, outside tables, etc., etc. already received from neighbours, friends and associates. Kitchen cabinets received so that we can build counter from them. Lots more needed including half full bags of compost, half full tins of paint, etc.
• Notice given to person who is storing his personal effects at the Old Saw Mill at present. Should be clear by end of May.
• Lots of interest shown for upstairs “open space” from the community, groups, etc., including Police.
• Renault Espace shell now removed from Secret Garden and decking washed down.
• BioLiquid installation being researched.
• Rain trough and grey toilets being considered
• Project Plan developed. Shall request for volunteers to assist. Offers of help already given.
• Wayne Doyle (BoJangles) assisting in requirements for cafe, etc.
• Congleton High School to be engaged to create murals.
• Plans of Land and Property being sought.

• Planning permission has been put in for “Change of Use” (16/2191c) result will be known by 29th June, you can support this application by commenting on line until 26th May.

 

In Bloom- P.Pinto

Dates for the diary:-

25th May Britain In Bloom route check.

25th July Northwest In Bloom Judging (Tbc)

8th August Britain In Bloom judging day

14th October Britain In Bloom Awards (Birmingham)

 

Patti updated us on some of the projects:-

11 potential “Children’s Gardens”

Visyon have taken over the site on River Dane Walkway.

270 Hanging baskets ordered.

Tesco , developing the Bark Area at the front of the store.

Community orchard. Fruit bushes and tree area now complete, Apple Core carving now done.

 

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

 

Feasibility study now complete meeting called for 9th May to discuss findings and practicalities of the project.

 

Support had already been received from both Eaton Bank Academy and Siemens.

 

Meeting closed at 11.30pm and adjurned to The Old saw Mill for a site visit.

Next Meeting:- Monday 6th June 2016, 10.00am, Astbury Mere Visitor Centre.

Congleton Youth Forum meeting 26.04.16

Congleton Youth Forum meeting took place recently, download the full meeting minutes HERE.

 

Highlights include:

Mental Health / Substance Misuse.

 

Last meeting we split into two groups to discuss the following 4 questions around mental health.

1.What were the issues.

2.What offers do we believe are out there /current solutions.

3.What are the gaps in offers that need to be filled.

4.What collectively can we the Youth Forum do to address some of those gaps.

 

 

G.Williams pulled together the ideas from both groups and issued them to the forum prior to the meeting (same day)

 

It was felt that we had to a large degree answered Q1& 2 and that today we should concentrate around Q 3&4.

 

Drugs.

Kevin highlighted that there was a possibility of a change in legal highs and how they would become illegal, this will not now happen as there are wider connotations with other legal products.

 

There is a need for comprehensive education on the real effects of these legal highs – make people understand the risks in a graphic, unbiased way. Need to understand there is no real specification in terms of production like prescription drugs and that the strength and make up can vary widely with in the same packet. Something similar to the education on the effects of smoking which everyone now has a clearer view on.

 

CE felt that there could be value in a “Drugs Awareness Day” across all year groups at both secondary schools (they do this with pornography, bullying, ex-offending etc).

 

KB stated that he knew of a lady who has be greatly affected familywise by these drugs and that she may be willing to carry out these sessions. Later in the meeting it was agreed that MS contact KB to see the cost of this ladies time and if she would be willing to do a one off session to CHS Leadership Group (17th May) so that they could make a judgement on the value and appropriateness of this talk being delivered to all of the year groups.

 

**

Information on the “Lady” is :-

Evolve  their website address is :- www.evolvenorthwest.com

MS has contacted CE re leadership meeting date and requirement.

 

Mental Health.

 

A discussion then took place around the issue of mental health. It was felt that the stigma around MH may lead to lack of openness, concealment from parents, reluctance to talk to a teacher that the person would be bumping into on a regular basis etc.

 

Signs are not always easy to pick up on, then when we do or someone confides in you, how do you handle the situation.

 

May be a need for a workshop / presentation on “Signs to look for”

 

It may be that we try and replicate the “Macclesfield” model of a “Visitor” someone who goes into schools 1 or 2 days a week under the guise of “Health and Wellbeing Councillor” and is detracted from the school and its day its day running.

JR Commented that delivery of the solution is critical and questioned what was out there to carry it through once diagnosed.

 

Schools / Young Persons event :-

MENTAL HEALTH – A Voice for Young People

Sunday May 8 2016 12.45 to 3.30 pm   

Holiday Inn Express

Macon Way, Crewe CW1 6DR

                                                                                                                            

Possible presentation from KOOTH at our next Youth Forum Meeting. Lisa to invite Angela to attend (8th June)

 

 

GW to draw up a list of proposals prior to the next meeting with a view of having one or two small presentations.  Glen would welcome support from Youth Forum members on this.

 

 

 
Congleton Carnival – Sat 16th July.

 

Funding support available for Youth Based Groups form will be sent out with instructions

 

 

MH and GW looking at developing a “Youth Zone”

 

Meeting Dates.

 

Wednesday 8th June  – Congleton High School (TBC)

Congleton Sustainability Group Meeting Minutes 4.04.16

Congleton Sustainability Group latest meeting took place recently, download the full minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

In Bloom- P.Pinto

Next Clean for the Queen event Wednesday 6th April, 9.30am to 1.00pm.

-Litter Picking

– Weeding, pruning etc

Bath House Physic Garden group awarded £10k by the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme.

Patti has spent another day with an RHS judge to both walk the route and pick up tips.

In Bloom launch. Town centre 16th April 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Britain In Bloom judging day confirmed as Monday 8th August.

 

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

 

Feasibility study continues, should know results this month.

PA / GW met with EBA who were keen to be involved in any way they could.

Siemens also indicated interest around supporting the capital equipment requirement as they as a company manufacture these items. If the report is positive then DVCE will need to look at financing for the project.

 

Community Orchard – First edible hedgerow (currant bushes) planted, second one to be done next few days. 7th/8th May Apple Care to be carved, MS to discuss signage with CEBC (Genni Butler) then let Astbury Mere Trust know of proposed plans.

 

Meeting closed at 12.03pm.

Next Meeting:- Monday 9th May – Plus Dane Boardroom.