Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/DisclosuresofInterests

None.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Panel held on 5 December 2016 be agreed as a correct record subject to Minute No.7 (page 3) being amended to read Royal Navy.

Laura Dunn, Project Manager - Supporting the Transition of Military Personnel (SToMP), Probation Service supported by Robert Wiltshire, SToMP Prison Liaison Officer gave an informative overview presentation to the Panel on the SToMP project.

 

They outlined the background history to the scheme which arose from the Philips review in 2014, the main focus and objectives of the project, the funding secured from the MOD covenant fund, the main objectives, deliver methods and the excellent links with the Prison liaison officers.

 

They outlined that they interview anyone identified as former armed forces personnel during the custody process, in an attempt to develop a joined up approach and give assistance whilst people are in the criminal justice system.

 

They indicated that they are also trying to develop a Directory of Services to assist their clients.

 

Panel Members provided verbal updates relating to the current and proposed activities, events and workloads of their respective groups/organisations, including the following areas.

 

British Training Board/Artic Training

Adrian and Antony Rabey indicated that they had enrolled 220 people nationally on training courses, since the last meeting, with 46 finding employment.

 

They referred to the links developed with Swansea Prison relating to training.

 

The drop in centre in Manselton was open and available for Members of the Panel to visit and use.

 

The stated that they have recently been accredited as a BTEC provider, this will further aid the development of training courses.

 

Royal British Legion

Tony Colburn reported on the recent successful Memorial Service held in All Saints Church, which commemorated 15 men from World War 1 who weren’t recorded on the original Memorial there. The event was attended by many descendants of the service men, and a concert held after the event raised funds for the Poppy Appeal.

 

Terry Bravin reported that in excess of £100,000 had been raised in Swansea for the Poppy Appeal last year.

 

Fire Service

Andy Grove indicated that the service was holding a serious of open days in the coming months, and Members of the panel were welcome to attend and set up a stand at the events.

 

Navy

Steve Jones reported that the new unit in Cardiff Bay for the Royal Navy Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and Cadets will open in October 2019, this will assist with recruitment and training opportunities.

 

He indicated the Royal Navy Reserve had been in Castle Square with their trailer on a few occasions and outlined the cost of the visits. The Chair asked that he e mail her direct regarding the charges as there is now dedicated funds in the budget for Armed Forces events.

 

Age Cymru

Nicola Russel-Brooks reported and highlighted the following topics:

·       New Jo Cox campaign leaflet

·       Befriending Service

·       2 new services just been launched – Lasting Power of Attorney Service & Appeals Service(against DLA/PIP decisions)

·       Free once a week legal service

·       Lifetime Planning Service to be launched in April

·       Donation of equipment from Tesco – key safes/window locks etc and some clothing sets which are available free to the public

·       New services being launched in Bridgend and Money Advice Service

 

Special Events

John Birmingham reported that Armed Forces Day and been confirmed for 24 June and Silence in the Square for 11 November.

 

The Air Show will be held on 1 & 2 July, and will have a significant Armed Forces representation.

 

Army

Chris Evans referred to the following issues:

·       Successful NHS/Veterans event held at the Grange with over 90 attendees

·       Funding secured and delivery taken of the Panels gazebo for events

·       Recruitment currently at 102% and people on waiting list

·       Brigade Industry Awareness Day to be held in May, with in excess of 20 stands

·       Armed Forces Day – arrangements in place for attendance of various units on the day

·       Airshow – ongoing discussions with CCS officers

·       Attendance at Aberavon Beach Festival confirmed

·       Still funds available for schemes from the MOD grants fund

 

Chair

Councillor Burtonshaw indicated that there was now a dedicated Armed Forces budget for events, and stated she had been liaising with SSAFA on various housing issues for Veterans, and outlined the successful event for Veterans and Young People at the Liberty Stadium for the Swans v Burnley game.

 

Spencer Martin

Indicated that a WG prescribed list of benefits whose recipients are eligible to access free services did not include  veterans pensions, He is investigating the reasons behind this and stated he would report back in due course on progress.