Agenda and minutes

Stephen Bennett

Barry Hansford

Chris Gorm (NHS)

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as a true record.

BS and MS talked to the forum about the current consultation on Council Tax Support. The attendees of the forum were informed of the current changes proposed to the council tax support system and were notified of the online survey and drop-in sessions for the consultation. Letters were also circulated to all attendees at the meeting further detailing the consultation and details of the drop in sessions.

A Q&A session followed.

GO spoke to the forum about Health Watch, what they do and how the public can get involved.

A Q&A session followed.

It was AGREED that the event should be held at 12pm, to accommodate those who work to attend.

Plans – the Mayor has been invited to make a speech. The forum would also like a guest speaker from the community.

Theme – AM agreed to look into this. WB advised that the theme is generally around reducing transmission. The three focus points that SOLAR are focusing on are early testing, regular testing and reducing and challenging the stigma around those living with HIV. WB also encouraged all to wear something red on the day to create a visual impact.

SOLAR have got a number of projects on-going which relate to WAD, sexual health and the LGBTQ Forum:

- Facebook page: Countdown of 100 ways to show someone you love them without sex. WB encouraged all to ‘like’ the SOLAR Facebook page, and invited any ideas.

- National HIV Testing Week – 25th to 29th November: Engage in dialogue and make regular testing a normal part of the sexual health routine. SOLAR are going to be running regular testing sessions. WB invited forum attendees to come forward with any ideas to use as part of this campaign.

- Launch of ‘Let’s talk about sex’ sessions: Monthly sessions to provide a regular space to speak about sex and raise sex awareness. This are primarily aimed at those aged 16 and above, however SOLAR are looking into providing support to different target groups, such as young people under 16 and parents. Cllr. King asked if this service is developed for young people that SOLAR provide AM with any information or links to be posted on the Youth Forum Facebook page.

- SOLAR documentary/ viral ad: This will be rolled out again, and will feature on the NHS website and intranet. If anyone would like the link to watch or share, they can contact SOLAR for this. It was asked by LG whether signing or sub-titles would be available for this. WB said that SOLAR would look into getting subtitles onto the documentary.

- WAD Activity: Raising awareness around HIV. A ‘Wall of Support’ is going to be constructed, where people are encouraged to write something of support or information around HIV, sex or love onto the ‘bricks’ of the wall. Cllr. King agreed that we would look into SOLAR and FAN having a joint stall in the one-stop-shop on the day.

It was AGREED that AM would send an email to all on the LGBTQ forum invitee list about WAD plans.

VR AGREED to look into releasing a joint press release.

-          Umbrella Fair and Pride March - IB and MT

The Forum discussed the idea of recreating Pride March. It was suggested that a Pride event could be part of the Umbrella Fair, rather than an additional event. BK said he is happy to work together with others to help keep the idea of Pride and build towards having this event in the future.

It was suggested that attendees could find out feedback about including a ‘Pride’ type event with Umbrella Fair from other groups and bring this back to the next LGBTQ forum meet. It was AGREED that IB, MT, AK, AM and VR would be included in future discussion.

-          Health and Wellbeing event 14^th February – JL

JL informed the forum of an event being organised on behalf of NHFT for LGBTQ History Month. This event is still in its planning stages; LGBTQ community will be a tar-       Umbrella Fair and Pride March - IB and MT

The Forum discussed the idea of recreating Pride March. It was suggested that Pride could be part of the umbrella fair, rather than an additional event. BK said he is happy to work together with others to help keep the idea of Pride and build towards having this event in the future.

It was suggested that attendees could find out feedback about combining a ‘Pride’ type event with Umbrella Fair from other groups and bring this back to the next LGBTQ forum meet. It was AGREED that IB, MT, AK, AM and VR would be included in future discussion.

-           Health and Wellbeing event 14th February – JL

JL informed the forum of an event being organised on behalf of NHFT for LGBTQ History Month. This event is still in its planning stages; LGBTQ community will be a target, however it will be open and accessible to all. JL will contact AM regarding availability at the Guildhall. BK offered to work in partnership with JL for this event around education etc. and will contact JL separately.

It was suggested by IB that as the event is for LGBTQ History Month, that local history groups are approached and invited to engage in the event.

-           LGBTQ History Month Valentines Event – MT

This event is also in the planning stages. More will be discussed at the next forum meeting.

-           BK notified the forum that he is hoping to set up an LGBTQ forum for Unison.

It was AGREED by the forum that an events calendar would be useful to ensure focus on actions/event planning and encourage partnership working. VR and AM will bring a draft forums event calendar to the next meeting.

-          World Aids Day Feedback

-          14^th February Events

-          Umbrella Fair and Pride

28th January 2014

The date of the next meeting is 28^th January 2014 at 6:30 pm