Agenda and minutes

Apologies received from Ben (Unison)

Minutes of the last meeting agreed as a true record.

Matters arising

Fostering event – NCF have agreed that the left over funding can be used to create a resource pack to be circulated – work in progress.

Winter Pride – a Celebrate Lottery bid was submitted for this but was unfortunately unsuccessful. Feedback was not very clear.

Matthew Toresen was re-elected as Community Co-Chair of the Forum.

A presentation was circulated – please see for further information.

Ron, a volunteer Case Worker for Victim Support / Voice for the last 10 years, explained that the service supports victims of any crime, and are here for any communities.

Questions

Cllr King – is there a maximum time you spend with clients?

A: No maximum period of time – as long as the victim requires support.

John – does the service work directly with Military Veterans?

John to share details of Pat Haslam for support.

Zoe – where to referrals come from?

A: Police, other agencies, or self – referral

Matthew – is there a waiting list?

A: No, usually around a week for an appointment, but contact is made as soon as possible by the case worker.

See updates on action plans.

Zoe – Support for groups who seem to be dropping off, and a signposting service for services that are available to support individuals coming out, who are open to new members.

Prioritise updating the Facebook and Website of Forum

John – images of LGBT people, stock images for use in marketing material. Need more real and reflective images for use.

Agreed to put out a call for models to take part, Matthew happy to take the photos.

Attendance at the forum – possibility of using Skype to connect with those who are unable to attend the meeting?

Alice - There are four consultations currently taking place, which we would like to bring to your attention:

Budget: http://www.northampton.gov.uk/budget2017

Taxi and Private Hire Emissions and Age Policy: http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200063/licensing/2271/taxi-and-private-hire-emissions-and-age-policy

Environmental Services Review: http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200040/environmental-health/2207/environmental-services-review

Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/oands2016

Also, please note that the Partnership Grant is now open for applications, and will be closing on Friday 17^th February. More information can be found here: http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200260/community-funding/1946/partnership-fund-grants-scheme

Also, Alice is leaving her role in the Partnerships and Communities Team, and moving to the Museum services as their Activity Plan Coordinator. The Forum thanked Alice for her support over the last three years.

Tuesday 21^st March (social – time and location tbc),

Tuesday 9^th May 6:30pm, The Guildhall

Tuesday 18^th July (social – time and location tbc),

Tuesday 12^th September 6:30pm, The Guildhall

Tuesday 14^th November  (social – time and location tbc)

9 May

12 September

(March, July, and November social meetings. Please contact us for further details)