Agenda and minutes

None

Councillor Peter Kemp declared a non-pecuniary interest, as he was a Governor of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, and remained in the room during the consideration thereof.

Councillor Phoday Jarjussey declared a non-pecuniary interest, as he was a member of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, and remained in the room during the consideration thereof.

Councillor John Hensley declared a non-pecuniary interest, as he was an Academic Advisor at Brunel University, and remained in the room during the consideration thereof.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 January 2013 be agreed as a correct record.

Fiona Gibbs, Stronger Communities Manager, introduced the report to Committee and gave Members an update on Community Cohesion over the past year.

There was a focus on ‘Stronger Communities’ which was promoted and delivered in areas identified as having specific challenges relating to community cohesion such as West Drayton, Yiewsley, Hayes, Yeading and Heathrow Villages.

Ms Gibbs spoke about the different projects that took place which focussed on pride in local environment, partnership working, engaging young people and families, town centre improvements and promoting residents’ involvement in sports, leisure and cultural activities.

The Partnership monitored the needs of communities to ensure a better understanding and improve engagement.  This report to the Committee focused on young people in the Borough.

Some of the work of the partnership was highlighted in the report to the Committee, but partners present at the meeting provided more detailed updates.  Ms Gibbs informed Members of the Junior Citizens Programme which was delivered by the London Fire Brigade, which delivers various workshops on safety, crime, transport safety and chatroom safety to approx 3000 year 6 students from local schools .

Members were keen to know what work had taken place following the Olympics.  Ms Gibbs informed Members that the Council’s Sports Team had run taster sessions for Council staff and would request Howard Griffin to provide further information.

Schools Partnership

Ms Gibbs gave a presentation on behalf of Carole Jones, Head Teacher of Yeading Junior School.  Ms Gibbs explained to the Committee that the Schools Partnership started 3 years ago as a result of schools carrying out activities together.  The aim of the partnership was to bring schools together and promote community cohesion.  13 schools were involved including Uxbridge High, Swakeleys, Minet Junior, Dr Tripletts, Brookside along with others.

There had been a number of projects due to successful funding which included the ‘Community Choir’. 5 schools had initially joined the choir and due to the choirs success 8 schools now participate. Over 160 children are part of the choir which highlighted the success of the school partnership.

Ms Gibbs explained there was various challenges but there had been an inter faith understanding which had broken barriers with many parents who sat and listened to the choir.  Ms Gibbs informed Members that there was a workshop taking place on 22 March 2013 surrounding learning and development and that she would share details with the Committee.

Members questioned whether Hillingdon Council’s Music Service had any involvement with the School Choirs.  Ms Gibbs informed Members that they were not.  Members discussed the involvement with the RAF and the Council’s Music Service.  Ms Gibbs informed Members that the choir were planning a performance on 19 March 2013.

Members discussed the choir and highlighted that the Mayor was very pleased at the turnout of people as well as the diversity and ethnicity of those who attended the performance.  Members agreed there was always more to do with community cohesion.

Specialist Health Promotion Team, LBH

Priscilla Simpson, Health Promotion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

Consideration was given to the Committee’s Work Programme.  It had been previously agreed that the next review undertaken by the Committee would be Diabetes Services in the Borough.  It was noted that the review was in progress.

Members were reminded that the next meeting scheduled for 19 March 2013 was an update on Crime and Disorder. 

RESOLVED:  That:

1.   the Work Programme be noted.