Draft minutes

Councillor Ferguson explained that due to a meeting clash with the working group, it was suggested that future meetings of the Inequalities Working Group be brought forward to an earlier start time of 1:00 pm, which was agreed by all members. 

RESOLVED that future meetings of the Inequalities Working Group commence at the earlier time of 1:00 pm.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Fairless-Aitken.

RESOLVED that the Notes of the Inequalities Working Group meeting held on Tuesday, 8 November 2022, be noted and that Councillor Wilczek was in attendance.

Karen McCabe, Public Health Manager provided a brief update on the key points of the Northumberland Inequalities Plan:

Theme 1      

1.1      A meeting was scheduled for 16 January to scope potential future use of Place Standard Tool.

1.2      Introductory sessions had been carried out with junior colleagues and future PST training with all NCT Locality Coordinators would be carried out this year.

1.3      Links established with Alnwick and Berwick Town Forums with discussion for both forums to attend meetings end of January to discuss forward planning and joint working with Cormac Russell.

Theme 2

2.1   Hearts and minds sessions had gone down well and it was hoped to embed on a strategic level and extend sessions out to the community sector.  Cormac Russell to attend Inequalities Task Force Group in February.

2.2   Five cohorts of twenty multi-disciplinary frontline practitioners had been established with Cohort 2 looking to increase advocates across the county.  A two stage Rapid Review was to be carried out with stakeholders

2.3      A Tackling Inequalities VCSE Task Force Group had been set up

In response to a query regarding the involvement of relative communities, Ms

McCabe replied that the next level would be the involvement of communities to reach as many relevant people as possible.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

Rob Cox, Chief Executive Officer was in attendance and gave an overview of the work of the YMCA.

·       The centre focused on young people offering community space.

·       Partnership working with Children North East and Safer Streets.

·       Delivering focus sessions to young people in Ashington.

·       Delivery of stand-alone projects to young girls regarding exploitation and toxic relationships.

·       Since Covid, mental health and wellbeing had been prevalent in young people and projects had been evaluated, working in partnership and building networks focusing on young people.

·       The Mortal Fools Youth Theatre helped young people to build their confidence and skills.

·       Working on the levelling up bid for new type of hub in Ashington as the existing building was always at capacity, being used by various organisations.

·       Gaps in youth provision due to capacity

(Councillor Dale left the meeting at 2.50 pm).

          In response to comments/question, the following information was provided:

• Since Covid, the sector had adopted a different attitude.
• There were challenges with children with low aspirations, linked to poverty.
• The need for Youth Work was very important, but there was also a need for the 12+ group.

                     (Councillor Pattison left the meeting at 3:05 pm).

• An extension to the youth service to engage with young people.  What are the skills and capacities needed?
• NCT provided a triage system to find the route of a problem and providing support.
• In response to a query regarding networking, Mr Cox explained that it was hoped to bring a number of organisations together and the outcome of the North East Youth Alliance meeting in April was awaited.
• Discussion took place on adopting the family hub model and the change in the approach to youth work and the suggestion of an ‘Asking Basket’.
• It was suggested that all Councillors be invited to take part in the next ‘Sleep Out’ in March, which helped to change the lives of homelessness and young people.  Councillor Ball stated that she would share the information.

          RESOLVED that the information be noted.

·       Future meetings would commence at 1:00 pm

·       Emma Richardson to provide further information on the Eat, Sleep, Play, Learn

·       Rob Cox to attend any applicable future meetings subject to capacity.

·       Councillor Ball to share information of the forthcoming ‘Sleep Out’ to all members.

The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, 14 March 2:00 pm.  Venue to be confirmed.