Agenda and minutes

Cllr Samia Haq introduced and Chaired the Forum.

VeronikaQuintyne

Avril Lennox 

The minutes of the last meeting held on 13 August 2020 to be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Chair.

No matters arising.

Existing Community Hub

Kane Radford explained that 130 volunteers had been recruited for the Community Hub to assist mainly with shopping and prescription collections, for vulnerable residents in the borough. He also explained that the opening hours of the Hub had now reduced to Monday to Friday 9-5pm. Although due to the new restrictions referrals have started to slowly increase again.

Future development of the Community Hub

Kane Radford continued to explain the Council are now working on developing the existing Community Hub. Initial research has been conducted into both virtual and physical Community Hubs across the UK and this data was now being collated. Additionally, a survey aimed at voluntary groups in the Borough has been promoted in order to gain feedback, on the future services that the Community Hub can offer.

Dr.Shahid Latif

Consultant Psychiatrist/Clinical Director

How to look after your mental health

Dr. Hitesh Pandya

Respiratory Physician / Medical Science Director (Chat Leicester Group)

Chris Huscroft

Wigston Food Bank

Imran Suleman and Shaimaa El Baz

Working with Young Adults

RaheemaCaratella

Oadby Support Group

(5 mins to speak and 5 mins for any questions per speaker)

A range of presenters gave talks on how the Covid 19 Pandemic has affected the Mental Health of different communities.

Julian Harrison - Julian gave insight in to how he deals with his own mental health challenges and the impact it has on his day to day life. Julian brought knowledge of tools including information on the support group MINDAPPLES which is a project developed in partnership with DeMonfort University.

Dr Shahid Latif - Consultant Psychiatrist/Clinical Director

Dr Latif gave a talk about the effects of Covid 19 on the population’s mental health and also on the impact it has had on individuals who have already been diagnosed with mental health conditions. Dr Latif also gave information on tools and techniques that people can use to help the pressures associated with the Pandemic.

Dr Hitesh Pandya - Respiratory Physician / Medical Science Director 

Dr Pandya gave lots of information on preventative measures that can be taken to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Chris Huscroft- South Wigston Food Bank

Chris gave an overview of the history of the South Wigston foodbank and how the group has supported vulnerable residents of the Borough since 2013. He also explained how the foodbank is supporting children on free school meals over the Christmas period.

Imran Suleman and Shaimaa El Baz – Oadby Supplementary School

Imran and Shaimaa updated the forum on the supplementary school they run in Oadby. They have adapted their services due to the Pandemic and now run their sessions on Zoom. This initially presented challenges but is now running really well. They also outlined to the group the various volunteering they also take part in.

Jan Bryars  - Oadby Mutual Aid Group

Jan explained to the forum how the Oadby Mutual Aid group was formed and the range of services it has provided to residents of the Borough including shopping and prescription collection.

Revd Steve Bailey – St Pauls Church

Reverend Steve Bailey explained how prayer has sustained people through the lockdown and how faith has helped with resilience during this difficult period.

Lesley Green – Oadby Methodist Church Foodbank

Lesley explained the services that have been provided by the Oadby Foodbank and the support they are providing to children on free school meals over the Christmas period.

GurjeetSamra – Oadby Gurdwara

Gurjeet spoke about the effects of Covid 19 on local resident’s mental health and how many people were struggling with isolation.

Covid 19 Communications – Philippa Fisher OWBC Head of Customer Service and Transformation

Philippa Fisher outlined the importance of everyone in the Borough, taking responsibility and encouraging others to follow the government’s guidelines. She explained the important role voluntary groups play in promoting the key Covid 19 messages to their communities and offered her support to anyone who needs more information.

Kane Radford reminded the forum that the Council is currently accepting applications for the Covid 19 Community Recovery Grant Scheme. The scheme offers up to £300 to local voluntary groups to support them with their reopening costs. The guidance and application form can be found on the Councils website.

No other business was presented at the forum.

Tuesday 9^th February – 1:30pm