Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked those on the top table to introduce themselves.  Attendees were reminded to introduce themselves, state the organisation they represent, if applicable, and to use the microphone when addressing the meeting.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Estelle Brown (Chorley Pensioners Association), Councillor David Dickinson (Vice-Chair), Judy Daniels (Disability Forum), Diane Gradwell (Chorley, South Ribble & District Citizens Advice Bureau), Finlay Hodge (Community Futures), Albert and Rita Jeffrey (Deaf Forum), Ginny Jones (Chorley Pensioners Association) and Terry Reynolds (Deaf Forum). 

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2011 and 5 October 2011 and be signed by the Chair (enclosed).

The minutes of the meetings held on 5 July 2011 and 5 October 2011 were confirmed as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

Lee Boyer, Sport, Play & Physical Activity Manager for Chorley Council will present this item.

What it the purpose of this item?

To inform the Equality Forum and the wider public on the project, the aims and the rationale behind it as well and how it is unique as part of a national project.

Questions for the Forum?

There are no specific questions but welcome comments and ideas / links on how the project can develop further.

What are we going to do with the information?

The information presented will inform the Equality Forum of the potential and the scope, especially for young women along with making the Equality Forum understand the project at a national andlocal level.

Lee Boyer can be contacted on 01257 515816 or email lee.boyer@chorley.gov.uk.

Lee Boyer (Sport, Play & Physical Activity Manager) and Jessica Walsh (Active Women Co-ordinator) for Chorley Council gave a short presentation which is appended to these minutes.  The presentation welcomed comments and ideas / links on how the Active Women project could develop further.

Maureen Kay suggested that officer visit schools, for example, where deaf children attended.  Maureen would pass on information about specific schools after the meeting.  Lee explained that staff were experienced in dealing with people with disabilities. 

John Miller invited the officers to attend the meetings of POUT (the LGBT youth group).  Suzie Jones suggested Helen Jenkins as a useful contact. 

In response to a query Lee clarified that young women from all areas of the Borough could access the project, although due to the focussed nature of the project there would not be services offered in every village within the Borough.  The project had received funding of £20,000 over 2 years.

Lee Boyer can be contacted on 01257 515816 or email lee.boyer@chorley.gov.uk.  Jessica Walsh can be contacted on 01257 515262 or email jessica.walsh@chorley.gov.uk

Martin Sample, Housing Team Leader (Private Sector) for Chorley Council will give a presentation on the Handyperson Service.

What is the purpose of this item?

The main aim is to raise awareness amongst the Equality Forum of the existence of the Handyperson service, in order to help to promote it more effectively and to encourage take-up.

Questions for the Forum?

There are no specific questions but would encourage the Equality Forum to give their suggestions as to how to reach the target audience (ie those who are over 60 or disabled, living in owner-occupied or privately rented accommodation)

What are we going to do with the information?

The information provide at the meeting, along with the anticipated feedback received from the Equality Forum members, will help to target the Council’s promotional activities regarding the handyperson service more effectively.

Martin Sample can be contacted on 01257 515704 or email martin.sample@chorley.gov.uk

Kath Knowles (Housing Manager (Strategy)) for Chorley Council gave a short presentation which is appended to these minutes.  The presentation encouraged the Equality Forum to give their suggestions as to how to reach the target audience (ie those who are over 60 or disabled, living in owner-occupied or privately rented accommodation). 

Maureen Kay suggested that a presentation be given to the Deaf Club (title to be clarified).  Suzie Jones raised the issue of deaf people communicating with the service by alternative means than the telephone.  Maureen advised that texting was not an ideal solution, Deaf Way was a potential alternative.  Chorley Council committed to find an alternative method of communication and confirm the details to attendees as soon as possible.

Kath Knowles can be contacted on 01257 515320 or email kath.knowles@chorley.gov.uk

Sarah James, Partnerships Manager for Chorley Council will present this item.

What is the purpose of this item?

At the last Equality Forum, the Forum were asked for topics for a task and finish review.  This agenda item will present those ideas and a scope for taking forward the most popular idea. 

Questions for the Forum?

Does the scope cover everything within this topic or is there anything additional we should cover?  Would anyone from the forum like to volunteer to be involved?

What are we going to do with the information?

A task and finish group will be established to consider this topic and report back on their findings and recommendations to the Equality Forum in July.

Sarah James can be contacted on 01257 515348 or email sarah.james@chorley.gov.

Sarah James (Partnerships Manager) for Chorley Council gave a short presentation which is appended to these minutes.  The topic for the review would be social isolation.  The presentation requested input into whether the scope covered everything within the topic and if there was anything additional the review should cover.  The review would report back to the meeting of the Forum in July. 

Several people had already volunteered to join the group, including Kate Burges from Adult Social Care (LCC) and Geraldine Moore (Age UK).  (John Miller (LGBT community) and Suzie Jones (Disability Forum Coordinator) volunteered at the close of the meeting).  If anyone else wished to volunteer was asked to contact Sarah by 10 February. 

Sarah James can be contacted on 01257 515348 or email sarah.james@chorley.gov.uk

Matthew Hansford advised that there would be Youth Council elections on 29 February from 6.30pm at Chorley Youth and Community Centre, Lord Street, Chorley, PR6 0RF if any Councillors wished to attend.  The details would be forwarded to all Councillors.  The contact officer was Emma Johnson from the Young Peoples Service at Lancashire County Council.  Her email was emma.johnson2@lancashire.gov.uk and telephone no 07584581378. 

Councillor Alison Hansford raised the issue of the electronic signs at Chorley Bus Station having been switched off.  This caused problems for people who were partially sighted as the timetable information was print in a font size below 14.  Gary Hall reported that the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee had written to Lancashire County Council on this topic and a response had been received.  This responses are available as a link from this agenda item.

Suzie Jones advised that Eileen Bee had now retired as the Disability Forum Coordinator and introduced herself as the new Coordinator.  The next meeting of the Forum would be held on 2 February at the Arts Partnership, Chorley Community Centre, Railway Street, Chorley at 3pm.  Suzie distributed some posters, flyers and surveys for members of the Forum to consider and complete.  A copy of these would be circulated with the minutes. 

Several queries had been raised by Judy Daniels by email as she was not able to attend the meeting.  These would be investigated and a response sent to Judy. 

1.         Taxis parking over the dropped kerbs at the top of High St. on the North side.

2.         In Rivington, near the arboretum and the entrance to Rivington Hall, cars on the bridleway where no motorised vehicles are allowed (this was yesterday 14^th Jan.)

3.         Motorbikes parking on the hashed area of disabled bays, at both barns in Rivington and blocking cars in.

4.         Cyclists on pavements and in pedestrian areas in the town centre riding very close to guide dogs and their owners.

5.         There was a lot of broken glass on the pavements in the Devonshire Road area left over Christmas and New Year.  This is very hazardous for Guide Dogs and their owners.

Maureen Kay reported that a presentation had been delivered to the Deaf Club about upcoming changes to the Disability Living Allowance.  Conflicting information had been given to a meeting in Blackpool and clarification on this was requested from Lancashire County Council.  Some frequently asked questions from the Department of Work and Pensions are available as a link from this agenda item.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.

Members of the Forum are welcome to inform other members of upcoming event, give feedback or notices. 

Chorley Holocaust Memorial Day

Sarah James advised that Chorley Holocaust Memorial Day Service would take place on Saturday 28 January 2012 at the Cenotaph in Astley Park, Chorley, starting at 10.45am.  Tea and coffee would be available afterwards in the Council Chamber, Town Hall from 11.30am.

Chorley Council Core Funding 2012/13

The application process for Chorley Council Core Funding 2012/13 was now open to allow VCFS organisations to submit applications with a closing date of 3 February 2012.  There will be three funds available in 2012/13, including small community grants, large core funding and a project fund.  The full amount to be awarded through this process was yet to be decided and subject to approval through the Chorley Council Budget allocation in February.  The guidance and application forms are available as a link from this agenda item.

Keep warm and well this winter

The Council were running a “keep warm and well this winter” campaign, for people aged 75 and over.  The funding for this was only until 31 March 2012.  For full details see the Council’s website, call 01257 515151 or email contact@chorley.gov.uk quoting 'keep warm and well this winter'.  Further information is available as a link from this agenda item.

LGBT history month

John Miller reported that February was LGBT history month and that an event was taking place in Leyland Library on Tuesday 21 February from 6.30pm until 8.30pm, hosted by Lancashire County Council.  There would be talks, music, displays and information stands.  Admission was free and refreshments were included.  Contact Keith Burrows to book your place: 01772 458 500 or Keith.Burrows@lancashire.gov.uk  Further information is available as a link from this agenda item.

Chorley FM

John Miller advised that Chorley FM have a slot for promoting local events.  To use this facility please email events@chorley.fm a week prior to the event. 

Smoke Alarm Fire Education Roadshow (SAFER)

Peter Cogley reported that, following the six recent tragic fire deaths, local Fire Stations would be open on Saturday 21 January between 11am and 5pm.  Just call in for a free smoke alarm and fire safety advice.  Suzie Jones queried whether it would be possible to have an old smoke alarm as her dog was trained to act on the old alarm.  Peter suggested she call into her local Fire Station and ask. 

Chorley Voluntary Community and Faith Sector Network

Geraldine Moore reported Chorley Voluntary Community and Faith Sector Network were exploring gaps and identifying opportunities for volunteering.  Part of this included an event on Volunteering Workshop on Thursday 26 January 2012 at St Josephs Parish Centre, Harpers Lane, Chorley.  The agenda for this meeting is available as a link from this agenda item.

A further event has been highlighted since the meeting

The Equality Delivery System, to be held on 12 March at Blackburn King Georges Hall in the Northgate Suite from 10am until 1pm.  A flyer is available as a link from this agenda item.

The next meeting of the Equality Forum will be held on 12 April 2012 at 6.30pm in the Lancastrian Room, Town Hall, Chorley.

The next meeting of the Equality Forum will be held on 12 April 2012 at 6.30pm in the Lancastrian Room, Town Hall, Chorley. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, Forum members were encouraged to take part in the networking session.