Great Yarmouth People: Steering Group Minutes 12/06/08
Great Yarmouth People
Steering Group
Minutes of the meeting 12th June 2008
Jargon Buster
BWCF Borough Wide Churches Forum
CC Community Connections
GYVSP Great Yarmouth Voluntary Sector Partnership
CG Community Grants
CDW Community Development Worker
DCLG Department for Community and Local Government
GYST Great Yarmouth Support Team
CP Community Partnership
GO-East Government Office – East of England
GYBC Great Yarmouth Borough Council
GYIA Great Yarmouth International Association
GYLC Great Yarmouth Learning Community
GYLSP Great Yarmouth Local Strategic Partnership
GYP Great Yarmouth People
GYPSG Great Yarmouth People Steering Group
LAA Local Area Agreement
LSP Local Strategic Partnership
NCC Norfolk County Council
NM Neighbourhood Management
NRF Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
SCS Sustainable Communities Strategy
SSCF Safer and Stronger Community Fund
WNF Working Neighbourhoods Fund
NM Neighbourhood Management
NRF Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
SSCF Safer and Stronger Communities Fund
VSP Voluntary Sector Partnership
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Welcomes and Introductions:
Mike Hewitt welcomed us all to the meeting, introduced ourselves around the table
Attendance: Mike Hewitt (North Yarmouth Rep), Trish Aydin (CC), Peter Paine (Port Chaplain), Judith Edmonds (BWCF), Lindsey Seward (Disability Forum) Tony Rozier (Rural Transport) Wendy Long (Rural 1st Rep), Peter Kirkpatrick (Rural 2), Alison Tyler (Sergeant Partnerships Norfolk Constabulary), Alan Ellison (Mag Rep), Cora Batley (South Yarmouth 2nd) Jo Chaplin (GY V), Nick Davey (CY Rep) Kate Kingdom (Community Foundation) Stephanie Vincent (Gorleston Central Rep),
Diana Baxter (GFS Platform), Oliver Cruickshank (CLIP Coordinator) Tracey Souter (CC Admin) David Wilkinson (South Yarmouth1), Simon O’Leary (VSP Development Worker) Mark Llewellyn (CDW) Carlos Antunes (BME Worker) Joe (Seachange Arts)
Apologies: Tim Leonard (LSP Officer) Margaret Ward (Waterside Rep), Pam Cranston (GYVC) John Drinkill (Finance Officer CC), Paul Cheeseman (VSP),
Minutes from Last Meeting (8th May 2008): the minutes of the last meeting were checked and verified. No corrections needed.
Matters Arising:
Kate Kingdom – External Community Grants:
We welcome Kate Kingdom, Director, Norfolk Community Foundation, to the meeting. Kate informs the group of Community Grants. Norfolk Community Foundation offer grants to all community and voluntary groups. These grants come from donors and Norfolk Community Foundation deliver these funds in the form of Grants of up to £5000 per group. The donors of these funds like to receive regular updates and feedback on how the money is being spent and what difference their money has made to the groups. Community Foundation Grants are Norfolk based only and each group can apply for up to £5000 each. As with any grants, criteria must be met, such as the group must have been established for one year or more and have a bank account with 2 signatories. There are 2 elements to the funds, Core funds and Grassroots grants program, applied for designated small groups. There is just one application form for the grant and all the information can be found within the application packs that Kate distributed within the group. Alternatively, the criteria and application information is available to be downloaded form www.norfolkfoundation.com Norfolk Community Foundation is keen to get all of the money to the community and voluntary groups as they have £500,000 to distribute within the next year. It was pointed out that Community Development Workers will be promoting this to the community. Peter Paine raises the issue of whether or not the Grants were available to all groups, regardless of faith orientation. Kate tells us that the grants are not restricted to single faith groups, but must be for groups that are providing a service for all community members, not sole faith groups. Norfolk Community Foundation does not support animal or housing charities, groups or organisations.
Carl from the Newtown Youth Group asks if a group can apply more than once for the fund. Kate informs the group that a maximum of £5,000 will be awarded to any group, and that will be for the duration on the funding.
Newtown Youth – Carl, Kane and Maxi:
Trish introduced the group and explained that they were invited to share with GYP steering group the youth work they have been doing and their need for a youth centre. Carl is coordinator and Kane and Maxi are young people from Newtown Youth Group, CDW Mark L attended to support with video. Newtown youth centre was founded by Ray Hickleton using an old ship metal container. Carl feels that Newtown is overlooked on many of the current regeneration projects in the town.
There is a 200 strong membership currently at the Newtown Youth Centre and they run 3 nights a week. The centre is very run down and they have very poor amenities. Carl, Kane and Maxi brought along a DVD of their centre that Mark L the Community Development worker helped to produce to highlight the problems they face and the ideas they have to modernise and update their facilities.
The kids that are involved in the centre formed a committee to have a voice on what they want from their community centre and the things they would like to see happen there. Currently Newtown Youth Group are looking for new premises and the kids have drawn up plans and have fantastic ideas as to what they want to have. They have enlisted the help of Mike Brackenbury, a local architect, to help them finalise plans and drawings they have designed.
They want the building to be as eco-friendly as possible, with solar panels and re-used rain water etc… they want the building to have disabled access and separate male and female toilets, a kitchen area, office space, tuck shop, music and games room, but as it stands., they lack funding for the project. The council offer the group free lease on the site they currently occupy but the group estimate their project costings to be in the region of £1,000,000.
The group hope to open six nights a week once any regeneration work has been done, and can generate revenue from the new spaces in the form of renting out to groups and community. Carl stresses the fact that since the Newtown Youth Group has been founded, Anti Social Behaviour has been reduced by 15% and the continued work and effort by Carl and the other group leaders make a significant impact on the lives of the young people that attend the group. They were thanked for their presentation and it was acknowledged the difficulties and need of the young people.
Joe From Seachange Arts:
Joe was invited to come along to this months meeting to inform the group of the Seachange Arts project based work and the International festival they are planning.
There is an open cabaret night being held weekly at the Café Nova at 8pm, called “Melting Pot”. It is an open night for all the community to
attend to showcase their poetry, singing and dance etc. The main focus is on bringing the community together, there is no age restriction on people wishing to join in and the nights bring out a lot of talent fro within the community. They are hoping to hold a possible Sunday session too in the near future.
Joe also tells the group of the International Cultural Festival being held during Octobers half term week. This is to create a public platform for people to make their work known. The official title of the festival is “Out
There” and it is highlighting the fact that Great Yarmouth is home to many cultures. The festival will take place in the last weekend of the October half term and there will be some free activities for both children and adults. There will be some French Acts coming over, the Market place will be transformed into a village, a Brazilian carnival will be held and many groups such as samba and dance will be performing.
Feedback from Workshops:
Trish circulated a document regarding feedback to the training session that was held in May and will be circulated with the minutes.
Trish is also working on a “Who’s Who” Document which will be circulated when complete.
Wendy Long raises an issue regarding the Rural Partnership being very confused and disillusioned as they have had no feedback or communication regarding whether or not there will be a Rural Partnership in the future. Wendy says that Sue Brady was absent from the Rural CLIP and no information was given to Rural Partnership members as to whether or not Sue would be replaced and CDW support would be available at the Martham CLIP office. Wendy was concerned with the lack of communication regarding this matter.
Trish explained that a letter was sent out informing all of the funding situation and that community partnerships will continue to be supported.
David Wilkinson suggests that a press release could be done to remind the public and communities where the CLIP offices are and that CLIP is there to give them all the information they need on events and support in their area.
Trish explained that this is a great idea and that CLIPs are being reviewed, also that CLIPs are not fully promoted because some CLIPs have paid staff and others don’t therefore, promoting CLIPs although brilliant idea need to ensure that people are able to access someone to assist, if need be at the CLIP.
Employment Plan: Tim Leonard is absent from the meeting. Trish circulated copies of the Employment and Skills plan for discussions at the next meeting.
Wendy raises the issue that too much paperwork is being distributed for the volunteers to read. Wendy feels it is unfair to expect volunteers to read through a lot of paperwork to be able to have input into the discussions.
Representation across GYP and LSP: Currently there is full representation across GYP and LSP.
Appointment of Vice Chair: Ballot papers were distributed and present members cast their vote. Lindsay Seward and Peter Paine were both nominated for the position of Vice Chair. Peter Paine was nominated by Mike Hewitt, seconded by Judith Edmonds and appointed Vice Chair at this meeting with the majority vote.
Update on Transport Project – Tony Rozier: Tony reports to the group on the transport project and a report will be circulated with the minutes. Cora Batley wants to know whether Tony could possibly help her with information regarding a “South Yarmouth to North Yarmouth” bus route that doesn’t involve a change of bus at the town centre. Tony would be happy to try and help, but would require more information to read on the matter. Tony reminds the group that a “Flexi Bus” does a loop around the rural villages. This is a pre-booked service that is totally flexible on times and routes. This service has to be pre booked due to the nature of the bus being flexible.
Sustainable Community Strategy and LAA Targets Update:
Mike reports of the SCS Update in the Social Forum report (to be included with minutes)
Working Neighbourhood Funds: Paul Cheeseman sends his apologies. Simon O’Leary informs us that the work is ongoing to gain access to the WNF. Tony Holten’s report is being issued in July and application processes will follow.
2nd Homes Council Tax: At the last LSP Exec meeting, Trish presented report requesting access to additional funds to support transport project initiative and included the Martham CLIP from the 2ndHCT funds.
Trish explained that both she and Tony met with the Leader of the Council to discuss further. Although support could be available for transport project, CLIP support was not agreed. To demonstrate the need and use of the CLIP office this requires community backup to support the 2nd HCT fund request.
Wendy reports of not knowing anything about Trish’s request. Trish explained that it is not always possible to consult beforehand on everything that needs to be done as some things cannot wait. Trish also said that rural partnership had sent a letter to Tim L about the 2nd Home Council Tax and although she was not copied into the letter she is aware that Tim had responded and that she was informed by Tony R the transport coordinator of the need as CLIP becoming transport hub. This formed the basis of the request. Wendy also spoke of her disappointment of lack of communication between Community Connections and the Rural Partnership. Trish agreed to look into any communication breakdown and what action is needed to address this.
Finance: John is on annual leave and is not available to report on the finances. Claim expense forms are available upon request.
Mike reports that there are no small grants available. Trish reminded all that the Norfolk Community Foundation now offer small grants to community groups.
Reports from all networks:
Faith: Judith circulated a report to the group, this will be included with the minutes. Peter reports that after the move out of the Chapel Centre, Peter will be located at 55 South Beach Parade by the end of the month.
VSP: Simon reports that it is National Volunteer Week, and a newsletter with details is available at CLIP offices.
Environmental: Alan reminds us all of the Magdelen Fair on the 9th of August.
David would like to mention that the next South Yarmouth Partnership meeting will be held at Great Yarmouth Library, not St James.
Rural: next partnership meeting is the 30th of June. Village Life Magazine is out now and has been distributed to the present members.
KIN – Key Individual Network: Giving police information on specific areas. 3 priorities were flagged up in North Yarmouth, Watergardens, Fly-tipping on Tar Works Road and North Road. South Yarmouth flagged up 3 areas of priority, which are Cars speeding in the Cobholm and Southtown areas, Anti-social behaviour at Halfway House and Drugs and Alcohol in the Cobholm area.
Reports:
Social Forum: Report tabled by Mike
Environmental Forum: Environmental Forum meeting cancelled, it is said because of shortage of agenda items.
Economic Forum: Cancelled - Re-scheduled Thurs19th June 3.45
Learning Forum: 11th June, No written report yet.
LSP Board: Tim absent, no report
LSP Exec: Protocol to be revised and updated
Partnership for Health: Brian Absent, no report
Runham & Vauxhall Fair Shares: Report tabled by Mike
Library Update: The library had opposition regarding the enclosure of one of the rows. The plans have now been redesigned and re-drawn, and will be sent for approval to the planning office.
End of meeting 12.25pm
Next meeting: 10th of July 2008
REPORT FROM THE FAITH COMMUNITY
We have fixed 30th June to move into temporary offices at 55 South Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3JP. This move affects BWCF, Industrial Mission, Port Chaplaincy, and Mission to Seafarers. All email addresses will remain as now but the phone number will change – not available yet
BWCF’s next Open Forum will be on 19th June at 7.30pm at All Saints Church Hall in Filby. The theme will be ‘the Church at Work’. We shall have two workplace chaplains, Norman Pierpoint of the College Chaplaincy Project and Rev Peter Glanville who lists the JPH as one of his chaplaincies, explaining what they do and the value to those at work
Network Yarmouth continues to grow, achieving 29,608 hits in May
Judith Edmonds
Borough Wide Churches Forum
GYP Actions Identified from workshop feedback and Action Plan. Other member’s comments or addition to this is requested to move forward the actions for next few months.
Review Communication Strategy.
Bring LSP papers to GYP to be discussed and taken to community partnerships for further discussion of relevant items and have concerns/comments feed back into the forums, especially as pre-meeting no longer seem to work
Review Partnerships and communication in line with identifying issues in the community, and within voluntary and statutory sector service provision and improve links, feedback into GYP / LSP.
Update and produce information on who is who in GYP particularly for GYP memberships that will also be provided to each new member
Initiates to support involvement of young people to make known their views.
Step up promotion of GYP and community partnerships to wider community for greater involvement in identifying issues.
Utilise partnerships, CLIP’s, Events and Media to feed back good news on overall achievements to the community e.g. developments in the borough.
Review and evaluation of CLIP office’s to be further developed and utilised as community hubs.
Trish Aydin
Officer of GYP
Rural Transport Development Co-ordinator Project
Introduction
The objective of this report is to inform of the progress to date, and the resultants, from the outset in mid-May 2007.
Project – mid-May to date: The originally defined project parameters, as per 2nd Homes Council Tax funding, were as follows:
Must address the concerns of the local community
Projects must be highly visible to the local community
Services provided should be borough wide and universally accessible wherever possible (initial concentration to be on the northern rural villages)
The first objective was research into services already in place and the wants of users and potential users. This was undertaken by the collation and monitoring of available services, the issue of questionnaires and by forum discussion in the area - this fully addressed parameters (a) and (b).The initial outcomes were quite revealing in that although both public and community bus services were in-situ the available information, and information flow, was very poor. While the in-situ services may not be optimum with regard to routing, timing or reliability, the lack of information regarding same can only diminish the usage and could easily be viewed as being a root cause of ineffectiveness. To rectify this a Transport Guide was produced in conjunction with the Community Connections rural Village Life magazine. Published in late November this has been very well received and has brought praise from operators and users and it has also featured in articles in the local press. Relevant websites, and shortcuts, have also been set up on the rural CLIP office computer systems so that comprehensive travel information is available for those who enquire.
A second project theme was the investigation of a ‘Taxi Token’ scheme and the progression towards implementation of the process. The timing of this was important as the Concessionary Transport Bill 2007 received royal assent in July 2007 and with implementation in April 2008 it was crucial to try to optimise certain new proposals that would benefit such a scheme. Taxi Tokens is a scheme that allows those who hold concessionary bus pass status but either do not have a bus service or can not use same to exchange their entitlement for tokens to be used on taxi or other flexible transport methods. A plan has been initiated for a potential local scheme with Norfolk County Council (NCC) and Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) with the backing of Mr Tony Wright MP and Ms Rosie Winterton, Minister of State for Transport. The basis for the process was finalised and a 3 month Taxi Token trial was undertaken with completion in May 2008. The trial was an outstanding success with many comments from the participants that they had enjoyed access to services and social activities that had been not possible previously. The process of lobbying to get Taxi Tokens included in the concessionary transport scheme is now underway. It is estimated from research that the actual take up of the scheme would be fairly low with probably only circa 1% of the 15,000 entitled to concessionary travel opting for the scheme.
The objectives already achieved are seen as the ‘quick fixes’ to give momentum to the project and to also form the basis for further upgrading and discussion. However, the core workload to date has been the investigation and compilation of ideas from other operators, users and scheme organisers in order to develop and implement successful transport solutions to the local needs. These key needs are primarily the requirement for public and community transport to enable access to employment, health, education and life/social activities. Access to employment is key in that transport to relatively local work is denied due to public transport not meeting the needs by either route and/or timing. To meet this need, and others, it is the proposed to trial a flexibly routed bus scheme to give access. This trial will also assess the overall utilisation and determine whether to implement a fixed route service or continue the flexible approach. I have provisional agreement with NCC for the supply of vehicle for trial purposes with further support for an implemented scheme.
Actions are now also being progressed regarding the upgrading of community transport services. The focal point for this is the predominant provider – Centre 81 Door-to-Door. Whilst Centre 81 have a fairly new fleet – 6 vehicles – which are compliant with the needs of the disabled and elderly, they neither offer a comprehensive service or are sustainable. The planning therefore is to upgrade their service provision structure and bring them into the concessionary fares system.
Another significant area of investigation, and research, that has been carried out is with regard to the current funding expenditure and also what is available. A monitoring programme has been set up, as mentioned previously, to assess the usage of current bus services. Compilation of information regarding funding is also being compiled which is mainly by way of subsidy with regard to public bus services. In due course – the monitoring programme is lengthy – cross analysis will reveal how well available funds are being spent. It is impossible to draw any conclusion at present other than to note that very significant amounts of subsidy funding are made currently with little or no assessment as to if value for money is being achieved and funds are being used in the correct areas.
Tony Rozier
Rural Transport Development Co-ordinator
Community Connections (Great Yarmouth)
June 2008
RUNHAM VAUXHALL FAIR SHARE PANEL
The Report of the last meeting, 30th March 2008
Members welcomed, including Tony Hedge who will take over as chair. Also to Maggie Carroll & Julie Freeman-Hooper new Northgate Reps.
Old Garage Site: Mark has been in contact with the owners in an attempted to improve the look of the site.
Disabled Access: A meeting was held on 18th April and agreement has been reached on remedial work within the next financial year.
Wherry Sails Landscape -
Sarah reported that she now has the project. Work should have started, but a unmapped sewer has been found on the site.
Environmental Project -
The Village Sign is moving ahead and the improve railings are all ready. This is one project and the work has to be completed at the same time for funding purposes.
Other Projects-
Updates were given as to progress.
Next meeting 24th June.
Mike Hewitt
GYP Rep
REPORT OF SOCIAL FORUM 5th June 2008
TO G Y P 12th June 2008
1. Terms of Reference:
We agreed that a small sub-group of Chair plus 4 others to look at the Terms, as they need updating.
2. Working Group Reports were received.
3. Community Housing Board - Robert Read Presented.
Was GY Housing Management - It’s not just a new name.
WHY: Appraisal of stock: This follows a decision by council tenant to stay with the council.
Council Restructure:
Now a separate housing service: with a focus on tenants.
4. Rainbow Savers Credit Union
We received a presentation on the Union, which covers the whole borough, not just a small area/district.
5. Employment Skills Action Plan: Paul presented.
Working through 9 key steps. Awaiting a resources report which should be published in next 2/3 weeks. A briefing paper is on the Web site. Tim attended a learning day for WNF.
6. LAA - Tim
The S.C.S. is very close to completion. Some of the indicators we put forward but not agreed could be included as local indicators. Especially any that related to Gt. Yarmouth. Now looking at setting targets.
7. GYP/Community Partnerships
Tony Rozier presented an update on the Rural Transport Project. He issued a transport guide, reported on the taxi token trial.
Mike Hewitt
North Yarmouth Community Partnership Member.
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