Minutes: September 2004

Present: Helen, Jane, James, Keith, Matthew, Sue
Guest Speakers: Rita Glen-Gallo, Equalities Officer, Education; Fay Scott, Generic Equalities Officer
Apologies: Nick, Tony

Minutes of the Last Meeting
Agreed as correct.

Rita Glen-Gallo, Equalities Officer, Education

Rita described her background and how she became involved in Swindon Borough Council. She wishes to develop strong links with all the Coalitions, and consult on issues regarding Education.

Rita introduced the Swindon Education Departments: Equalities Action Plan 2004-2005 and the importance of our thoughts on the document.

Fay Scott, Generic Equalities Officer, Policy Unit

Fay described her role as a replacement for Sally Thorpe but she does not have Sally's remit. Fay described her work history and how with her experience, she will be working on the Council's policies, strategies and best practice.

Fay introduced the Corporate Equalities Action Plan and like Rita, would welcome our thoughts on the document.

It was agreed, Matthew, Sue, Helen, Jane and James would meet at 5 pm Wednesday 8th September at the Civic Offices to discuss both documents. These documents will be supplied to all members with the next agenda.

Matters Arising

Pride Youth: Keith raised an objection to Pride Youth receiving £1,200 as agreed in July's meeting, when the June meeting had discussed this issue and decided to offer £250 subject to match-funding from the Borough council.

Keith tendered his resignation from the group and left the room.

The remaining members were reminded that the July minutes quite clearly stated that the Council were unable to match-fund this charity, so in the interests of keeping this service functioning the Pride Youth organisation would be offered a second opportunity to make a presentation to the LGBT coalition.

Supplied with supporting information, LGBT voted to support this Swindon charity with £1,200 at its July meeting. This money would support a report to the September meeting.

Extract from July minutes:
It was proposed that Pride Youth be sponsored to publish a report to the September meeting of LGBT on the needs for a counselling service for young people coming to terms with their sexuality.

It was noted that this report had not been published for this meeting. Jane would chase this issue with Pride Youth coordinators.

It was agreed that the Policy Unit need to give more direction and guidance as to how Coalitions should spend their grant.

Publishing a newsletter: Unfortunately not enough stories were submitted for publication this month.

World Aids Day - 1 December 2004

The LGBT Coalition will be holding another World Aids Day (WAD) at the Pilgrim Centre. This year's theme will be "Women & Aids". Matthew supplied last year's letter to local Church Leaders and recommended another invitation be compiled for this year. Matthew is in liaison with Swindon Primary Care Trust and is working with them to prepare for a World Aids Day programme of events. Minutes of the WAD meeting were circulated to those present.

Matthew and Sue to meet with the Revd Phil Hoar to discuss a service at the Pilgrim Centre on 1st December.

Jane to contact the Flutist, who played at the beginning and end of last year's service with a view to commissioning him to perform again.

Any Other Business

Hate Crime Forum: Helen, as Chair of the Hate Crime Forum, has formally requested that their organisation combine with the LGBT Coalition Group. Each year the Hate Crime Forum has a budget of £1,000 managed by Wiltshire Police.

Future LGBT meetings will include an agenda item for the Hate Crime There was a request that the LGBT Coalition change its day from the 1st Wednesday of each month, to the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Those present agreed this in principle.

Helen explained that "the Gay Issue" leaflet (which was to be printed earlier this year) still has £750 credit available at Citrus Printers Company. Part of this can be used for a new print order for True Vision (3rd Party Recording Packs) and the rest could go towards our own leaflet if and when it is published.

The LGBT Coalition will need to consult its members and if agreed, will need to update the terms of reference, subject to approval of the Council.

Harassment Incidents: Matthew distributed a memo from Nick Le Bosquet, which described how the Council is tackling hate crime. A recent hate-crime incident in the Borough was pursued by the Council and resulted in an arrest. The case is currently under review with the Crime Prosecution Service.

This incident demonstrated the Council's "zero tolerance" stance against harassment directed at our community. Nick and another Harassment Officer will be giving a presentation to the LGBT group at the November meeting.

Date of Next Meeting:
Wednesday 13th October
7pm at the Civic Offices, Committee Room 6

Please note change of date, following decision listed at 6.1 of these minutes that future meetings would take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.