AGENDA ITEM: 9

Central Area Report Neighbourhood Governance Progress Report: October 2015 – January 2016

Date: 15th March 2016 Name of Chair: Mohammed Riaz Reporting Officer: Marek Lubelski

This report gives an overview of progress on addressing community priorities in Central under the themes of ‘safer and stronger communities’, ‘health and wellbeing’ and ‘environment and economy’ as agreed by local people, councillors and council partners as part of the ‘Your Say, Your Way’ programme.

Luton Clinical Commissioning Group Central Area Updates

November 2015 to February 2016 The High Town Team Community The High Town Team - a group of people made up of High Town councillors, Development residents, LBC staff and representatives Three of the four Central Area from local organisations who originally wards have been lucky to have came together to access ’Portas’ funding had community workers carrying to improve the ‘High Street’ – continues out development work in their to meet regularly to develop ideas that neighbourhoods over the past year. will bring more people and businesses to Saints, and High Town workers the area and improve High Town Road. have been employed by the Nehemiah One of the latest initiatives sees the Foundation to work alongside arrival of a new website that encourages local people and a diverse range of businesses to come to High Town organisations and groups to facilitate and tells the local community what is projects and community interaction. happening in their neighbourhood, how These projects have varied across to get involved and what opportunities Keeping Fit there are in an area only five minutes the areas but all have one thing in common; they all brought people Luton’s communities are set to from town and 25 minutes from benefit from new homes being built together when they were set up, and London. in the town. Part of the agreement with strong interest from community The site www.hightownroad.com made with developers will see small members they will continue to do so. focusses on three main headings, quality, amounts of money being used for local opportunity and creativity. It enables The types of activities on offer are neighbourhood improvements and for groups and organisations to advertise wide ranging. In Biscot there are work in the community. Saints ward what they are doing whilst also acting as lunch clubs, women’s knitting groups for example, will be able to offer local a community information notice board. etc., whilst in Saints there are links people a new and exciting way to keep fit when its allocation of funding is used Have a look and contribute where you with the Oasis Centre and archery can! to provide three items of outdoor gym sessions. High Town benefitted equipment in Blundell Road Recreation from community gatherings of all Ground. kinds, including quizzes, cultural celebrations and dance, and across Research carried out at Liverpool John Moores University, which evaluated the all three wards extensive community provision of this type of equipment, involvement and consultation has found that as it is free, accessible and been carried out. It is hoped that in a pleasant natural environment additional funding can be found people feel motivated to use it and as a to extend this valuable work and result are healthier, both physically and to continue to help people to help mentally. The photo shows the type of themselves. equipment that has been ordered, in place at Bells Close.

Participatory Budgeting in 2016/17 Following the success of projects in the Central Wards last year, LBC’s Strategic Community Services Team is pleased to announce that the opportunity to apply for funding will be coming your way again later on this year. Groups will be invited to apply from mid-May, with community Decision Days being held after the summer. If you are part of a community group, organisation, or if you have an idea for a project in your neighbourhood which we could help, support and work with you on to bring it to fruition, we would like to hear from you. For further information, or if you would like to register to ensure that you receive an application pack, please contact Heather James by emailing [email protected] or telephoning 01582 548785.

2 Health and Wellbeing

Financial Challenge Long-term Sustainability and NHS announced the Clinical Commissioning Groups’ (CCGs) revenue allocations for the next five years in Transformation Plan early January. We are undertaking work to create a Sustainability and Luton CCG’s 2016/17 allocation showed an increase of 7.5 Transformation Plan (STP). This plan will be an overarching, per cent compared with the national average of 3.7 per decisive document that will set out how, over the next 5 years, we cent. will provide innovative, cost effective, high quality services for all Luton’s residents. The draft Payment by Results (PbR) tariff has also been announced. PbR are the prices that commissioners pay Leaders in the health and social care professions, as well as key providers for each patient seen or treated, taking into stakeholders from across our entire local health economy, will be account the complexity of the patient’s healthcare needs. involved in the creation of this plan. Our STP needs to integrate They show an average increase of 1.1 per cent - that is 3.1 with our local health and wellbeing plans, show how quality and per cent inflation less a two per cent efficiency gain. care forms an essential part of our commissioning intentions and demonstrate how the services we plan to commission are efficient The CCG has started the planning and contracting process and financially sustainable. for next year and is considering how this growth will be invested for the benefit of the Luton population. STPs are a statutory requirement to meet the challenges set out in the NHS Five Year Forward View.

Alternative Provider Medical However, no decision has been made regarding the future of any of the affected practices and none will be made without Services (APMS) GP Contracts the registered patients of each practice, GPs, Luton Borough Luton CCG is working with NHS England to ensure there is Council and Healthwatch, having a full opportunity to be sufficient capacity to meet current and future demand as well involved in finding the best possible solution for the provision as expected patient needs in Luton. We need to encourage of their future services. sustainable integrated primary care practices to: In conjunction with NHS England, Luton CCG will undertake meet the changing needs and expectations of our a formal consultation and stakeholder engagement process population that will examine the four APMS contracts in two phases improve outcomes and tackle inequalities Transforming the Walk-in Centre and Town Centre GP Practice maximise all resources across the system, and to secure a sustainable service for the future. Reviewing the other three APMS GP practices; Health Centre, Moakes Medical Centre and Whipperley The review of Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) Medical Centre Dates of the formal consultation are being contract provides Luton with a real opportunity to improve finalised and all key partners will be kept informed of and transform primary medical services by integrating urgent progress care access and offering easier access to urgent primary care appointments 24 hours a day.

3

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Stronger and Safer Communities

Pic Community1 Cohesion Conference - Luton Town Football Club – Other presentations on the day were:

LBC’s Laura Church spoke about the Council’s Investment Pic 2 Framework and the importance of improving the image of Pic 1 Luton. Delegates were in agreement that the new jobs and opportunities this will create will benefit Luton communities and instil an improved sense of belonging. Cllr Andy Malcolm, as chair of the High-Town Festival group talked about how events can bring communities together. Michael Campbell pioneered a new Christian project in Luton called Luton Town Centre Chaplaincy (LTCC) five years ago with the specific role of meeting the pastoral and spiritual needs of people of all faiths and none. LTCC currently have teams of chaplains working in the Crown and Magistrate Courts, Luton 26 November 2015 Borough Council, The Mall, Asda, Noah, Luton Rugby Club, and engage with the general public on the street through our

The Conference was chaired by Cllr Jacqui Burnett, Portfolio Street Teams on a weekly bases. In addition LTCC support the PicHolder 2 for People and Places, who in her opening remarks noted: police, local authority and emergency services at times of public “As someone who is immensely passionate about Luton, I was unrest during EDL Demonstrations, serious crime in Marsh proud to see such a diverse range of people come together so Farm and more recently the Britain First demonstration. enthusiastically and full of ideas about how we can work together to strengthen relationships between our communities, improve the image of the town and ensure a better quality of life for our residents. “One thing that stood out for me was the impact that social media can have on cohesion, which got me thinking about how the Council and our partners can contribute more to ensure an accurate narrative is being presented. “We have so many useful ideas and things to think about and look forward to developing the strategy with our communities and partners over the coming weeks and months.” Expert key note speakers included: Rehana Faisal - is a member of Suffa Tul Islam Education Dr Joel Busher from Coventry University who talked about the and Community Centre in Luton and is heavily involved in the damage anti-minority activism is doing to towns like Luton and Centre’s community support and outreach work. She has also the types of approaches and leadership which can manage been the joint representative and spokesperson for the Luton conflict between groups. Council of Mosques and the Sunni Council of Mosques. Dr Colin Roberts from Cardiff University discussed the rise of social media and how this presents a whole new challenge in terms of community cohesion. Nicola Monk Service Director, Policy & Performance, LBC who spoke on understanding community cohesion in Luton.

Kevin Thorburn from Luton Town FC Community Trust about the club’s increasingly diverse fan base and the key link between sport and cohesion.

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PIC 7 Pic 2

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PIC 8

PIC 9 DON’T WAIT TO Stronger and Safer Communities

PIC 7 Holocaust of Liberal Judaism, Rabbi Danny Rich. Musical contributions “Don’tcame from tolerate guest singer Deborah Christopher, the Luton Male Memorial Day Voice Choir and pupils from Denbigh High School performed Hate Hatecrime includes incidentsCrime” relating to a Disability,specially Race, Religion, written Gender identity, play based on the theme ‘Don’t stand by – Sexual orientation event in Town make the world listen,’. Report it to Police so they can support you Hall Call them on 101 or 999 if you are in danger. MayorOr you can text themof on:Luton 07786 200011 Cllr. Dave Taylor said: “Together we can keep Send them an email: [email protected] opened memoriesOr find out more about alivethe help available by reflectingby going to: on the past and honouring the www.bedfordshire.police.uk its doors on Sunday survivorsOr call Crimestoppers and anonymously victims of the Holocaust and other genocides. 24 January to host the This event gives us the opportunity to bring communities annual Holocaust MemorialPIC Day 8 event. Holocaust Memorial together, respect each other’s differences, and also challenges BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE Day has been held annually in the UK since 2001 and offers fightingus crime, protectingto the publicuse the lessons of the past to inform our lives today. a chance for people to remember victims and survivors – A warm welcome is offered to all.” those whose lives have significantly changedPIC because 9 of the Councillor Hazel Simmons, leader of the Council said “I Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, attended a very moving Holocaust Memorial Day Service on Bosnia and Darfur, as well as ongoing atrocities that continue Sunday with a range of local people from different faiths to occur today. and walks of life came together to commemorate the victims The theme for this year’s event was ‘Don’t stand by – make of genocide reminding us what makes Luton such a special the world listen’, The main address was given by the CEO place to live and work.”

CSP update for The SoLUTiONs Domestic Abuse Partnership has been pursuing DON’T WAITDON’T TO WAIT TO a White Ribbon Award for their ongoing work to help bring an Area Board DON’T WAIT TO end to abuse against women and girls in Luton. The campaign involves men in rejecting violence against women. Cllr Naseem soLUTiONs, Luton’s Ayub, portfolio holder for adult social care and domestic abuse Community Safety Partnership is championing the campaign. (CSP), recently consulted with “Don’t“Don’t tolerate tolerate “Don’t tolerateHate HateCrime” Crime” residents in Luton about the Hate crime includesHate crime incidents includes relating incidents to relating to To find out more, please visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk Disability, Race,Disability, Religion, Race, Gender Religion, identity, Gender identity, Hate Hate crime includes Crime”incidentsSexual orientation relatingSexual to orientation fear and perceptions of crime. Disability,Report Race,Sexual Religion, it orientationtoReport Bedfordshire Gender it to identity, Bedfordshire Police so theyPolice can so supportthey can you support you and sign the pledge. Call them onCall 101 them or 999 on if 101 you or are 999 in ifdanger. you are in danger. ReportOr it you to can Bedfordshire textOr themyou can on: text 07786 Police them 200011 on: so 07786 they. 200011 can support. you Send them anSend email: them [email protected] an email: [email protected] Call them on 101 or 999 if you are in danger. Results from this survey now Or find out Ormore find about out themore help about available the help by availablegoing to: by going to: Or you www.bedfordshire.police.ukcan text themwww.bedfordshire.police.uk on: 07786 200011. Send themOr call an Crimestoppers email:Or call [email protected] Crimestoppers anonymously anonymously The Partnership has also launched the new Domestic Or find out more about the help available by going to: show the priorities for local www.bedfordshire.police.uk Or call Crimestoppers anonymously Abuse phone line and website. If you are or know BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE BEDFORDSHIREfighting POLICE crime, protecting the public people and will directly feed fighting crime, protecting the public

BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE fighting crime, protecting the public of anyone who is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please into a work programme for contact us Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm on the next year. The Partnership 01582 853 677 or visit www.lutondomesticabuse.co.uk would like to thank the residents who completed the survey, for your time and effort to support us. Alongside this, the new Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy has now been signed off, which provides targets for reductions in crime in Luton, which the Partnership is committed to for the next three years. A copy of the strategy can be seen by visiting www.luton.gov.uk The Bedfordshire Partnership Hate Crime Awareness Week (8th-12th February 2016) was supported county wide by the soLUTiONs CSP, led by Bedfordshire Police. The week included a number of Hate Crime workshops in local venues, an information stall and advertising in The Mall, social media campaigns and the launch of third party reporting centres. The third party reporting centres in Luton are at the TOKKO Youth Space on Gordon Street, LGBT Links on Inkerman Street and CYCD on Road. You may also wish to attend the Disability Resource Centre, Poynters House on Poynters Road. To report a hate crime, please contact Bedfordshire Police on 101 or 999 if you are in danger. You can also report online through the Bedfordshire Police Web site - www.bedfordshire.police.uk and true vision www.report-it.org.uk

5 Environment and Economy

Over the course of the project multiple environments and experiences were created to challenge the students to get out of their comfort zones and stretch themselves to develop the often overlooked crucial interpersonal skills that need to be combined with their academic endeavours. The key focal delivery areas of the programme included: communication skills self esteem ability to self express Dame Kelly Holmes On this occasion it was based at Luton ability to work with others Sixth Form College who once again Trust ‘Get on track’ demonstrated their value as a key ability to lead, manage conflict partner in the continued success of the presentation skills, project The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust ‘Get on Trusts flagship programme, Get On track’ programme is for 16-25 year olds Track. management and aims to give young people the self- Get On Track is a seven week, intensive problem solving discipline, motivation and confidence to personal development programme that accountability. enhance their chances of getting a job. has world class athletes sharing their Once again the Dame Kelly Holmes valuable life skills and experiences, with Huge congratulations to all young trust, in partnership with Luton Borough the young people on the programme. people, staff and partners involved in Council, prior to Christmas completed On this occasion there were 28 students another really positive project delivered who really embraced the programme, another successful, Sport England, within the community. displaying a great level of commitment Lottery funded project to serve the to develop themselves and further their community. chances in being successful in life.

Making changes for in last year’s Deaf European Games I have even signed up for a half and is hoping for similar success in the marathon this year. I am the fittest I the better in 2016 Deaf World Cup in Italy later this year. “I have ever been and now have a very joined Inspire when it opened and I also positive body image.” If you want to make a change to your do circuit training at Lea Manor. What lifestyle this year then Active Luton is on Helen Barnett, Chief Executive of Active I really like about Active Luton is that hand to help you on the journey. Luton said: “Every New Year lots of you can choose what you prefer to do people make resolutions to be more This New Year they have launched the - gym, classes or swimming – and even healthy and active. We want to help #makeachange campaign to inspire go to different centres. I enjoy every them to maintain these good intentions and support local residents to become minute!” and make real, sustainable changes for fit and healthy in 2016. Active Luton Matthew, 57, joined Active Luton the better. offers many different ways to do this two years ago and uses Inspire, Lea and prides itself on having something “We have a friendly team of experienced Manor and six days a week. for everyone. professionals who can come up with a “Getting fitter has made me happier fitness plan to suit you and your lifestyle. This year’s campaign tells the and improved my self confidence to Come along and see for yourself and motivational stories of a number of take on new challenges,” he said. “I make 2016 your best year yet!” Luton residents who have already am planning to take part in the London transformed their lives as the result to Paris bike ride and then after that to To read the Active Luton success of using Active Luton’s facilities. It is qualify as a fitness instructor.” stories visit www.activeluton.co.uk hoped that they will encourage others or for more information call Chelsea, a 26-year-old teacher, also has to make these life changing choices 01582 400272. You can also follow a positive story to tell. “Since adopting during 2016. @activeAL on Twitter and ‘like’ a fitness routine I have lost four stone Active Luton on Facebook. Twenty-one year old Sam is deaf. He and discovered a motivation and won a bronze medal for Great Britain determination that I never knew I had.

6 Central Area Update

‘Your Say, Your Way’ funding updates

HIGH TOWN WARD BISCOT WARD

The Alzheimer’s Blenheim Scouts Society camping trip. Blenheim Scouts used their funding High Town activity group for people to enable the camp to take place by who have dementia, their families making it more accessible to their and their carers is run weekly at the entire group, firstly through subsidising Methodist Church by The Alzheimer’s specialised activities and secondly by Society. Sessions are tailored to the needs of those who come along paying for some of the camp fees. BARNFIELD WARD and they provide a lifeline of care, New opportunities to have fun and support and information as well to take part in adventurous activities Mustard Seed Lunch as a place at which mutual peer such as kayaking and rafting gave the support can be gained. PB funding scouts higher levels of confidence and Club was used to sustain the group independence away from home whilst Mustard Seed Lunch Club is a by helping to pay for expenses also improving their teamwork skills. community group that runs from involved in facilitating the range of Leaders appreciated the value of the Christchurch, to provide activities available, which, this year children’s experience, particularly in healthy, freshly cooked three course have included reminiscence, crafts, terms of developing citizenship and meals for people over 60 once a month, quizzes, a visit by and a lighter meal for people of all ages Singers, art and information sharing understanding relationships but this on alternate fortnights. Currently the provided by experienced and trained is perhaps best summed up by the club has reached maximum capacity, staff. feedback one scout gave. He said: “I learnt a lot about self-confidence and with more than 50 community members Stress and anxiety are common trusting others after climbing the 10 who attend and see the club as a crucial conditions frequently experienced metre pole and then balancing with part of their lives, enabling them to by carers so in October MIND ran another person on the tiny platform meet new people, eat together and have a very successful 6 week course for before leaping off and free-falling back something special to look forward to. the carers, helping them to cope down”. and understand. Carers have also None of this could be achieved without been given a talk by the Police about Other long term benefits, such as how the efforts of 10 committed volunteers their dementia packs scheme which to behave well and co-operate with who plan, prepare, shop for and serve at include information about safety in each other, the importance of speaking the lunches, one of whom said: “People the home, the opportunity for home to others with respect and when to take are a source of inspiration. Being a visits and news about datalink pots the lead will continue to be helpful, in volunteer has kept me physically and which contain information about a the home, in the community, at school emotionally active. Serving them has person’s blood group, medication and in each scout’s social life. given me a sense of purpose”. and carer contact details. All of this was extremely helpful and reassuring PB money was used to enable the group for carers, one saying ‘I don’t know to continue to provide a high quality how I would have coped over the service by paying for volunteers to last year’ without the group. receive basic food hygiene training and SAINTS WARD buying necessary kitchen equipment. Children’s Multi-sports enjoyment rather than on competition, has enabled children to grow in confidence and improve their skills whilst also Weekly informal sports sessions have been running on providing perfect opportunities to make new friends while Fridays at Denbigh High School since January last year for exercising. children aged 6 to 11. The aim has been to try to encourage youngsters to ‘get active’ and to send a clear message to One parent commented on how she was particularly pleased families that there are lots of alternatives to children being that going to sessions had helped her son ‘to develop his bored at home! listening and concentration skills and helped him to co- operate as part of a team’. Generating enthusiasm for active Playing cricket, badminton and taking part in other fitness and healthy lifestyles continues to be one of the main benefits activities, where there has been a focus on participation and of PB funding.

7 ...in Central Luton

Upcoming community events Your Local Councillors in the Central Area

Barnfield Biscot: Councillor Rachel Hopkins [email protected] 07714138718  The One Nation annual football tournament will take place at Denbigh Councillor David Franks [email protected] 01582 414925 High School on the astro turf pitch in March/April. Contact Sunny on 07771 Biscot 349188 or email [email protected]  There are new activities starting all the Councillor Naseem Ayub [email protected] 07714139967 time at Community Resource Councillor Mohammed Ayub [email protected] 07714139966 Centre. For example Boxercise, Guru Nanak Wellbeing Club, Councillor Tahir Khan [email protected] 07957413338 Telephone: 01582 450194 for more details. High Town Councillor Andrew Malcolm [email protected] 07714138722 High Town: Councillor Aysegul Gurbuz [email protected] 07809100384  High Town Festival is coming on 2nd July. If you are iInterested in having a stall or getting involved go to the website Saints hightownfestival.org or telephone Heather James on 01582 548785 to find Councillor Asma Rathore [email protected] 07712854018 out more. Councillor Mohammed Riaz [email protected] 07904169342  Take a look at the website www.hightownroad.com Councillor Raja Saleem [email protected] 07714139360  The NOAH Academy has organised two free courses - NOAH’S KITCHEN to help you to cook with confidence, and HOME MAINTENANCE to help you to maintain Luton Police station, Buxton Road, Luton, LU1 1SD and improve your home. Call: 101 for non emergencies Tel:01582 726152 for more information. Email: [email protected] Web: www.bedfordshire.police.uk Saints:  Good coffee, home made food and lively conversation at Baptist Church café (on the corner of Gardenia Avenue Looking for more information? and Limbury Road) every fortnight from For further information on this report or the ‘Your Say, Your Way’ programme 10.00am to 12.30pm Next meeting: please call us on 01582 54 87 85 or email: [email protected] 19th March.  Also at Limbury Baptist Church – plans are afoot for the summer ‘Holidays at Home’ scheme for older people. Includes entertainment, social activities, lunch etc. Tel: David on 01582 528077 for more details.

Barnfield:  For events and information please join the Facebook group ‘Everything Bushmead’. There are already hundreds of members and it is a great way of bringing people together.

Luton Clinical Commissioning Group