Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest. The minutes of the board meeting held on 2/11/2023 were agreed.

·         Questionsfrom membersof thepublic canbe submittedin advance of the meeting to Amersham@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk

·         Updates from Town & Parish Councils

·         Buckinghamshire Council updates

Presentations on the local updates from the board included updates on engagement activities, spend so far and in the pipeline and the 2024 Proud of Bucks Awards.

Groups and individuals present were invited to get involved with plans to support volunteer recruitment through local events and campaigns.

The main session was a workshop to explore priority areas for the board to focus on in the coming year.

There were four tables, and each were tasked with considering what was going well or the strengths and what was missing or gaps in the local area, possible project ideas that would make a difference, and which organisations to involve, in relation to the four suggested priority themes:

·         Health & Wellbeing

·         Improving the Environment

·         Community Resilience

·         Opportunities for Young People

Other suggestions – employment opportunities for autistic individuals / people with a learning disability.

A spokesperson for each table provided details of their discussion to the room and this is summarised below. The full detail is tabled as an appendix to the notes.

·         Priorities on a page / SWOT

·         Project ideas

·         Partner organisations

Health & Wellbeing: ideas in this area included:

Better access to technology and transport;

Volunteers – reduce the obstacles and barriers and promote opportunities;

Autism diagnosis support in the interim;

Mental health support;

Healthy eating support;

More accessible and varied sport/fitness, evening/weekend walking groups;

Financial insecurity – work collaboratively with food banks;

Safe places and a community hub, rebrand of the warm spaces idea to reduce stigma;

More signposting, engagement, promotion and awareness – a local organogram flow.

Improving the Environment: ideas in this area included:

Stands at local markets to educate people

Promoting sustainable travel – cycling, bus routes, school run (car-pooling)

Improve accessibility to and management of green spaces

Better awareness of what can be recycled and where

Skills for life, bike-ability, bike repair

Energy proofing advice / energy doctor

Community Fridges

Water refill scheme

Reduce single use plastic and cups

EV charging

Library of things

More litter picking schemes

Tree planting – looking after new trees/watering etc.

Chalkstream – management with water companies

Community Resilience: ideas in this area included:

Fundraisers, fairs and activities to bring people together

Safe places scheme

Reach more diverse groups – intergenerational/intercultural activities

Better signposting

Engage more with working age adults

Help to recruit volunteers, team building

Community hubs – to provide a sense of belonging and reduce social isolation

Opportunities for young People: ideas in this area included:

Pop up stands / posters for promoting activities for young people

Sports groups tailored to more people and more accessible – help with funding

Mental health support

Reduce vaping

Work experience placements and mentoring schemes – mission employable

Indoor hubs / warm spaces for young people

Support around school avoidance

Youth spaces in Old Amersham

Increase connection with school networks

The board thanked all attendees for their time and useful insight about the various initiatives, gaps and ideas for improvement in the local area. The ideas discussed would feed into an action plan for the year ahead and the board would explore further work with specific groups and organisations to develop them further in the coming months.

TBC

To be confirmed.