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 12 July 2021 be approved as a correct record.

Melvin Watts gave a brief overview of the scheme he was involved in which aimed to help veterans, particularly those with mental health problems. He outlined he covered the area of South West England and all of Wales.

More information can be found at:

Boots on the Ground - Alabare

Bethan Dennedy was not present at the meeting.

Updates would be provided at the next meeting.

Capt Huw Williams reported that 223 Squadron had linked up with the Ospreys for the recent game against Munster. The event had been arranged to promote that unit and recruitment was back up and running and both the displays and engagement with the crowd had proved successful.

He referred to the links recently developed with Llandovery College and Coleg Sir-Gar and the engagement undertaken with the Muslim Council for Wales.

He indicated that unfortunately again due to the Covid pandemic, participation with events to commemorate Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday were much reduced, but outlined that cadets from Swansea and Neath would be taking part in a parade in Port Talbot on Sunday.

He outlined that cadets are back in face to face training, but detailed some issues relating to Covid that are impacting on training and development.

Victoria Williams outlined she had received 16 referrals to their service, and had 18 people on the waiting list.

She indicated that the Clinical network meeting had been held last week and had been well attended.

She referred to various other work streams and projects being undertaken.

Due to the apologies from other Health Board representatives, a written update would be circulated after the meeting.

Yasmin Todd reported verbally and updated the panel on various issues relating to initiatives and projects aimed at helping service children including the new scheme being developed with SSE Cymru to develop gold, silver and bronze awards for schools. She also referred to the funding from Welsh Government which will be used in Swansea, particularly the “little troopers” scheme.

She indicated a full written update would be circulated after the meeting

Ospreys Rugby

Katie Ruddock outlined that the ‘In the Squad’ scheme was up and running in its second venue at Meadowview now, as well as the one in Briton Ferry.

She outlined that participation levels weren’t great, but discussion took place around the impact of PIPS and veterans taking part in the activities. It was outlined that the local veterans DWP contact had indicated in another forum that that participation in such activities wouldn’t affect benefits. Clarity would be sought from the DWP and information reported back to the next meeting.

Swansea Council

Councillor Wendy Lewis reported that the Leader of Council had recently announced and established a new fund to support and assist veterans groups with financial assistance. The detailed criteria for applications and application forms would be finalised shortly and circulated to all members of the Panel.