Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor J E Burtonshaw be elected Chair for the 2015-2016 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED that Captain Chris Evans be elected Vice Chair for the 2015-2016 Municipal Year.

 

Apologies for absence were received from R Ciborowski, W Driscoll, C Green,  T Idris, N Jones, M Pitson and D Singletary.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To agree as a correct record the Minutes of the Armed Forces Community Covenant Signatories Panel meeting held on 11 March 2015.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Panel held on 11 March, 2015, be agreed as a correct record. 

Sue Richards assisted by Glenys Benford-Lewis CRUSE Bereavement Care played an excerpt from a DVD on ‘Death in Service’ which is used as part of training for organisations supporting military families.

 

The importance of the training was discussed as it provided a mechanism for identifying people in the area who require support.  It was noted that the training is offered to GP’s, Youth Workers and other appropriate professionals.  CRUSE seeks to work in partnership and signpost individuals to other organisations. 

 

A discussion ensued regarding future funding and it was noted that the training had ceased due to lack of funding.

 

The Chair thanked colleagues from CRUSE for their presentation.

The Voluntary Sector Relationship Co-ordinator provided an update on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Grant Programme.  He detailed the aims and objectives and the themes that may be appropriate for grant applications and

urged colleagues to suggest other projects for consideration. 

 

Captain C Evans detailed the importance of working in partnership with the Local Health Board and other local authorities to create a co-ordinated approach in order to avoid duplication. 

 

A discussion ensued regarding the Armed Forces Day to be held on Saturday, 27 June in Castle Square.  Captain C Evans detailed the programme for the day.

 

Councillor A C S Colburn, Mumbles and South Gower Royal British Legion, expressed disappointment regarding the organisation of Armed Forces Day in 2014 and agreed to feedback concerns to colleagues prior to the event on 27 June, 2015. 

 

Captain C Evans referred to the Armed Forces Champion Meeting which had involved all 22 local authorities.  Local Authorities had been in similar positions in so far as having their grant applications refused and it was proposed that joint workshops be convened to improve the chances of getting bids.

 

Captain C Evans referred to a forthcoming recruitment day on 10-12 September, 2015. 

 

In response to a question by the Chair, Captain C Evans stated that he would revisit the Armed Forces Community Covenant Day in the next 5 weeks.

 

Chief Inspector Tony McAlinden, South Wales Police, updated colleagues in respect of a Police initiative ‘Keep Safe Cymru’ which sought to identify and register veterans with mental health issues. 

 

A discussion ensued regarding the difficulties faced by veterans adapting to civilian life following a career in the armed forces and the need to develop comprehensive Police records in order for a more empathetic approach from Officers. 

 

John Birmingham detailed arrangements for the Festival of Remembrance in November, 2015.

 

Spencer Lewis, Watch Manager, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue referred to the preparations in respect of the forthcoming Air Show.

 

Adrian Rakey, British Training Board, provided details of the Board which had been founded and developed by ex-service personnel to provide a Skills Translater Service for members of the UK Armed Forces and Veterans, allowing them to translate Military Qualifications into Civilian recognised qualifications.  This is achieved without the need to attend further full training courses to repeat learning already achieved. 

 

He detailed the process, working model, commercial status of the organisation and the work with other organisations.

 

Captain Chris Evans suggested that colleagues from the British Training Board contact John Simmonds? Who could assist in reaching ex service personnel. 

 

Clive Thomas, Probation, referred to an initiative called ‘Through the Gates’ which would allow veterans to access a special point of contact within probation service. 

 

Spence – who talked about this?  Sailing Venture, completed everything went wrong, help from lots of different people. Very successful.  Put a bid in for Challenge Wales with youths and families.  98% grants for Welsh under 25’s.

 

Steve Stokoe, Change Step, referred to an initiative being run in Park Prison, Bridgend where the Endeavour Wing was earmarked for veterans and first timers.  Depending on the success of the initiative there maybe opportunities for such developments in Swansea Prison.

 

Steve Stokoe, Change Step, referred to volunteer work at Llys Nini which was beneficial to both ex servicemen and the organisation.

 

Sandy Shaw – interested in Police new Scheme.  PTSD working close with Swansea Prison SSAFFA Rick.  SSAFFA will be supporting the bid.

 

Rick Owen – NOMSS mentoring scheme, pilot situation, prison mentors.  HMP working with ex forces.  Looked at in Cardiff.  Good scheme.  Custody different for ex forces.

 

Captain C Evans requested that Rick Own provide percentages of ex forces prisoners currently in Swansea Prison.

 

Sue Richards, CRUSE referred to a Fun Day which would take place on 8 August, 2015 for bereaved families.

 

AGREED that:

 

a.     the Voluntary Sector Relationship Co-ordinator circulate details of the MOD Grant Programme to colleagues;

b.     A debrief of the Armed Forces Day on 27 June, 2015 would be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting,

c.     the Voluntary Sector Relationship Co-ordinator circulate details of the Armed Forces Champion Meeting

 

 

The Chair referred to the date of the next meeting and urged colleagues to forward any suggestions for Grants to Spencer Martin.  

 

Captain C Evans enquired whether any third sector organisations were engaged in supporting veterans and stated that he would welcome everyone if not signed up to the Covenant.