A McNiven, Chief Executive, Engage Renfrewshire, presided.

I McLean, Bridgewater Housing Association; S McDonald, Active Communities; M Mathieson, Barnados; C Masson, Save the Children; M Hill, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to commencement of the meeting.

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Renfrewshire Forum for Empowering Communities Group held on 8 June 2021.

DECIDED:    That the Minute be approved.

In relation to Item 4 – Falls Prevention Group – C Forbes advised that the next meeting of the Group would be held in October 2021.  She intimated that the membership of the Group had been reviewed and refreshed.

DECIDED:  That the update be noted.

The Rolling Action Log was submitted for approval.

DECIDED: 

(a)  That the updates be noted; and

(b)  That the Rolling Action Log be approved.

There was submitted a report by S Cruickshank, Chair, Renfrewshire Access Panel in relation to inequalities, participation and human rights before, during and beyond Covid-19.

The report advised that in August 2020, Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) produced a report which outlined members’ concerns during the first lockdown, a copy of which was attached as an appendix.  It advised that 80% of disabled people did not know where to turn to for help in their local communities in terms of information, advice, services or support; 82% were worried about social isolation and loneliness; and 60% faced digital exclusion- either the device, the connectivity or the confidence to use digital equipment. 

During discussion it was noted that there required to be a distinction between mental and physical disability and the support available around both areas; to acknowledge that there were still covid-related problems in relation to accessing services; and as 60% of disabled people faced digital exclusion, communication was required in all formats not just digitally but it was acknowledged it was very difficult to reach certain parts of the community.

It was agreed that communications methodology and the balance between disabilities be looked at.

DECIDED:  

(a)  That the update be noted.

(b)  That it be agreed that communication methodology and the balance between disabilities be looked at.

The Community & Partnership Manager, Engage Renfrewshire gave a presentation relative to racism in communities and highlighted the Marcus Rashford incident.  The presentation also detailed racial disparities and “the house that racism built” diagram; advised how racism affected health; outlined Engage’s commitment to racial equality and advised of viewing, listening and reading material.

Z Hakim, the new Network Officer within Engage Renfrewshire introduced himself to the Group and outlined his role and responsibilities.

After discussion K McIntyre and Z Hakim were thanked for their input.

DECIDED:  That the presentation be noted.

S Graham Partnerships Planning and Development Manager, Chief Executive's Service, Renfrewshire Council gave an update on the Local Partnerships.

He advised that the deadline had now passed for project notification and 60 groups had put themselves forward for the Celebrating Renfrewshire Awards and voting would take place over the course of September and October and the results would be announced at a digital event later in the year.

DECIDED:  That the verbal update be noted.

S Graham Partnerships Planning and Development Manager, Chief Executive's Service, Renfrewshire Council gave an update on the Promise which was a national initiative but which had a local Renfrewshire Action Plan.

He advised that the Promise Scotland was responsible for driving the work of change demanded by the findings of the Independent Care Review and it was working with all kinds of organisations to support shifts in policy, practice and culture in order that every child would grow up loved, safe and respected, and able to realise their full potential.

DECIDED:  That the verbal update be noted.

The Chair led a discussion by the Group in relation to the arrangements for re-opening of offices as well as other works spaces.

DECIDED:  That the update be noted.