Issue - meetings

Representatives of Forward Together, a recently formed group working with victims of domestic violent, will attend the meeting to discuss their work, aims and objectives.

The Area Committee have previously considered and granted an application for funding from this group to contribute toward start-up costs.

Nadine Travers and Sue Lynne, representing the Forward Together, attended the meeting to discuss the group’s work to support women suffering domestic violence. The Group had previously received a grant from the Area Flexibility Funding toward their start-up costs.

The Group provided opportunities to speak to others with similar experiences, but also to socialise and engage in social activities.

Those who were engaged with the Group included women who had suffered abuse from spouses or partners but also from sons and other family members.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Did the Group engage with men suffering abuse? In response it was stated that this specific Group was aimed at women, and there would be concern that having a mixed group may discourage or inhibit some of the vulnerable women from engaging. It was further acknowledged that there was a lack of provision for men suffering abuse and that opportunities were being explored by partners locally.

·         By supporting a woman suffering abuse to continue to live with her children, the Group was by extension supporting those children. Councillors acknowledged the significant physiological impact domestic violence could have on children.

·         Councillor Meikle, as the Council’s Domestic Violence Champion, welcomed the work of the Group and encouraged them to contact her to discuss how she could assist them in their work.

RESOLVED – That Nadine Travers and Sue Lynne be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

To consider an application received on behalf of the ‘Forward Together’ for ward flexibility funding towards the cost of a PA system and advertising the event.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application on behalf of Forward Together for ward flexibility towards the cost various materials, trips and support sessions for the organisation.

RESOLVED - That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £150 (£50 from each ward allocation) to Forward Together towards the cost various materials, trips and support sessions for the organisation.

To consider an application received on behalf of the ‘Forward Together’ for ward flexibility funding towards the cost of a PA system and advertising the event.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an Area Flexibility Funding application (copies of which had been circulated) requesting funding to support a weekly dropping session for women at risk of domestic abuse and their children.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee would not wish to make a grant on this occasion but would welcome a more detailed application being submitted to a future meeting.

To consider an application received on behalf of the ‘Forward Together’ group for various activities and support for women who have or experiencing domestic abuse.

An application was submitted regarding an application for Ward Flexibility Funding on behalf of the Forward Together group for various activities and support for women who had or were experiencing domestic abuse.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £150 to the Forward Together group for various activities and support for women who have or were experiencing domestic abuse, to be funded from the Ward Flexibility Funding allocations as follows:-

Cheadle and Gatley Ward - £50

Cheadle Hulme North Ward - £50

Heald Green Ward - £50

(2) That the Forward Together Group be requested to provide Members of the Area Committee with more details of their activities.

To consider an application received on behalf of the ‘Forward Together’ for ward flexibility funding towards the cost of a PA system and advertising the event.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application on behalf of the Forward Together Group (copies of which had been circulated) seeking a contribution toward the start-up costs of a new group to support women experiencing domestic violence.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to make a grant of £150 to the Forward Together Group.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to invite a representative of the Forward Together Group to a future meeting to discuss their activity.

To consider an application received on behalf of the ‘Forward Together’ for ward flexibility funding towards the cost of a PA system and advertising the event.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted an application for ward flexibility funding received on behalf of ‘Forward Together’ for funding towards the cost various materials, trips and support sessions for the organisation.

RESOLVED – That the Democratic Services Manager be recommended to decline to make a grant to ‘Forward Together’ on the grounds that the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated how the application would benefit residents of the Werneth area.