Agenda and draft minutes

1.0       Welcome from Cllr Paul Bell, Chair of the Telegraph Hill Assembly

Cllr Bell welcomed everyone to the assembly meeting and introduced Cllr Joan Millbank and Cllr Luke Sorba.

2.0      Update from projects funded 2013-14

Cllr Bell explained that each assembly has an annual fund to spend on local projects and that the projects give regular feedback on the how the money supported them to run activities for the local community.

2.1       Steve McGann, Community Development & Centre Manager

Honor Oak Community Centre

Steve explained that the Honor Oak Community Centre Association worked in partnership with Just Older Youth to provide a project called Digital Discovery. This provided computer classes for older people as they wanted to increase the use of the IT suite in the centre.

The project was for 9 months and, during this time the classes were attended by 22 women and 7 men. 21 of these people were retired.

Initially it was a challenge to get people to participate, but offering people support with using their smart phones proved popular and this led to the tutor being able to identify other useful topics that participants were keen to learn and often saved them money too. These included

·        Skype

·        Safe online shopping

·        Survey Monkey

The organisations involved learnt that it was important to focus on the people and find out what they wanted rather than offering a standard introductory course. It was also essential to consider the objectives at all times and maintain communication between the partners to make sure that they achieved what they set out to do.

A copy of Steve’s presentation is attached

2.2       Ema Felix & Nadine Hibbert       

Friends of Frendsbury Gardens

This project was a partnership between the Friends of Frendsbury Gardens and Common Growth delivering classes and learning events in the community gardens for adults and children.

Over 100 people came to the classes and more than150 took part in events. In less than 3 year this unloved piece of ground has been transformed into a community space.

The garden is open every Sunday afternoon from 2.00-5.00pm for “Soup-er Sunday”, where people can share their gardening and cooking skills and enjoy a hearty bowl of soup together.

A copy of Nadine’s presentation is attached

3.0             Project funding for 2014-15

Cllr Millbank explained that the Local Assembly Fund for 2014-15 was £15,000. Eight bids were received totalling over £30,000 so the Coordinating Group had to make some tough decisions about who to fund. They select six projects to present to the meeting for full or part funding. Cllr Milbank gave details of each of the proposals.

The attendees were asked to ratify the funding below.

£504.60 of the fund remains. This will be used across the ward for community clean up activities and play days.

There were no objections and the funding was ratified.

Details of the projects are in the attached booklet.

Questions were invited (NOTE: The Q & As in throughout this document are not a verbatim record)

Q What happens to any equipment that has been funded once the project has finished?

A (Cllr Millbank) This can retained by the project for use with other activities forlocal residents where the organisation continues to provide a service. If the project closes, the equipment will then be reallocated to another project for charitable use.

4.0             Guest speakers from service providers                        

4.1       Pastor David Brown, Senior Pastor

Living Waters Christian Centre

Pastor Brown gave an overview of the increasing need for food banks in the current economic climate. He described the service that is delivered by Living Waters Christian Centre. This takes place at the Honor Oak Community Centre every Wednesday 7.00-8.30pm.

From Oct-Dec 14 the service fed 976 people in need, 93.4% of the users are unemployed and 80% are on benefits. In addition to perishable and non-perishable food, the service provides toiletries, items for babies and pet food. Their donors include large and small businesses, schools, charities, private donors and public sector.

A copy of Pastor David’spresentation is attached with these minutes

4.2       Liam Carlisle                       

Lewisham Plus Credit Union

Liam gave an overview of the services offered by the Credit Union which include Current, Budget and Savings accounts and a range of loans. They will also be running local pilot services in partnership with the Church of England.

The New Cross branch has now closed so Sydenham is now the nearest branch to the ward, however they will be looking for partnership premises in the area.

Further information is attached.

There was a break for a fish & chip supper and attendees were able to speak to representative from the following local service providers;

170 Community Project                                                                   

Lewisham Plus Credit Union                                  

Living Waters Christian Centre Food Bank          

Community Connections                                                     

Job Centre Plus                                                       

Lewisham Youth Conference                                  

Lewisham Electoral Services                                 

Lewisham Pensioners’ Forum

5.0      Changes to electoral registration

Cllr Bell informed The Assembly that the process for voter registration has changed. Until now one person has registered everyone in the household, but now the responsibility of each person to register.

Forms were sent out to each household to fill in, but many did not return them. This has resulted in about 10% of people not being included.

It is important to check if you are registered as lots of people have not been automatically transferred on to the new register.

Contact

Electoral Services Lewisham Town Hall
Catford Road Se6 4ru

Tel:     020 8314 6086
Fax:    020 8314 3131
Email: electoral.services@lewisham.gov.uk  

.

Or        You can register to vote on line at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

for this you will need your address and your national insurance number.

The deadline for registration is 20^th April 2015.

6.0      Community Updates

Tamsin Bacchus reminded attendees about:

·              The Telegraph Hill Festival which will run from 14^th-29^th March, full details on the website http://telegraphhillfestival.org.uk/

·              Lewisham Pensioners Forum are holding a Winter Warmer event at the Brockley Social Club on Saturday 7^th February from 2.00-5.00pm

·              Hill Centre hold “Mind Body Spirit” Thursdays, flyers are available

·              There are also copies of the Hilly Telegraph which details things going on there - including the drop-in free/low-cost lunches twice a week delivered by the Lighthouse Project.

Caroline Hamilton detailed the new servicesthat they run at 170 Community Project

·              Spanish/Portuguese advice sessions

·              Turkish speaking advice worker

·              Managing Finance Course

Community Connections will have a new person starting soon to cover Telegraph Hill.

Sam Dias is organising a Youth Conference at Goldsmith’s University on 21^st February for 10-19 year olds. There will be workshops, speakers, performance and exhibitors to empower and inspire young people. This event is free but young people must book a ticket

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9pm with no declarations of interest.