Working Together Autumn 2011

Welcome to the Autumn edition of 'Working Together', the newsletter of the Redbridge Strategic Partnership (RSP). RSP brings together public services, business and the voluntary sector in Redbridge to improve services and quality of life in the Borough. If you've been forwarded this email you can sign up for the newsletter each quarter online now. Sign up here
We hope you will find the information in this email useful.

News from Public Service Board

Working Together Against Civil Unrest

The co-operation and joint working during the recent civil unrest, showed partnership working at its best. Using the Council’s Emergency Control Centre as a base, the Police co-ordinated its operation, communications and the clean up, utilising the Council’s CCTV system, transport, cleansing and Street Scene services. With only eight hours notice, almost 100 representatives of the business, voluntary, faith and community sectors of Redbridge came to a meeting led by the Borough Commander, together with other members of the Partnership. They issued a joint statement which can be read here, together with the latest information on the action taken, the arrests made so far and help for businesses.

Showcasing How We Make a Difference

Now in its ninth year, Make a Difference Week showcases the work of the RSP and involves residents in helping shape the delivery of local services. There’s a full weeks programme of activities starting on Saturday 8 October, including the Partnership’s flagship event on Friday 14 October - “Working Together for Redbridge”. This brings together over 50 exhibitors representing all the services and issues covered by the RSP including, children and young people, Work Redbridge, London Olympic and Paralympics Games, health, crime prevention, fire safety and housing. For full details see the Make a Difference Week Programme here

Reflecting on the Acheivements of the RSP

The RSP’s Annual Conference will take place on 7 December. This year’s theme will be looking at community safety, engagement and celebrating the achievements of the work of the Partnership over the past year. Officers from the Corporate Partnerships Team will work together with the Safer Communities Partnership in putting together the programme. For more information contact numan.hussain@redbridge.gov.uk or ring 020 8708 2740.

Working Together in Partnership

Members of the Public Service Board met in September to discuss the future role and function of the RSP. All partners acknowledged the valuable contribution and benefits of continuing to work together in their partnership groups. The Health and Well-being Cluster agreed to move its functions into the new Shadow Health and Well-being Board. This is in line with the proposed legislative changes, which would require the Council to establish a Health and Wellbeing Board, from April 2013. The Public Service Board will continue to provide the over-arching strategic role for the Partnership. For more information contact caroline.martindale@redbridge.gov.uk or ring 020 8708 2558.

Partner News

Policing Operationsfor Safer Streets this Autumn/Winter

Following the success of previous years, Redbridge Police will be running several operations in the coming months:

Operation Brightspark– Runs until 6 November and aims to tackle disorder and antisocial behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire night period. Includes additional hi-visibility reassurance patrols, who will also respond to any call increase.
Operation Festive-This will be a day time crime initiative in Ilford Town Centre aimed at combating retail thefts and disorder over the seasonal period, including the New Year sales.
Operation Winter Nights- A night time initiative across the whole of Redbridge aimed at tackling weekend disorder and alcohol related incidents over the festive season. A joint operation with licensing officers, involving additional reassurance patrols to support local officers during this busy period.

More information from Caroline.S.Roberts@met.police.uk

Nominations Invited for Mayor’s Community Awards 2012

These Community Awards are designed to celebrate the valuable contributions that local people, groups, businesses and communities make to life in Redbridge. Nominations are invited for seven categories and should be entered by 31 January 2012. If you know of anyone who deserves to be recognised please nominate them. Read more here

Get the Jab, Get ‘Flu Safe’

The NHS has launched its ‘flu safe’ campaign to encourage people at risk of flu to get a free flu jab from their GP. Flu can lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. This year, in addition to the over 65s, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions and carers, the NHS want to increase the take up of the free flu jab by frontline health and social care staff. The best time to be vaccinated is October to early November, so if you know or work with anyone in these groups, please tell them about the importance of a free flu jab. There’s more information at www.nhs.uk/flu.

Queen’s Award to Voluntary Groups

Two local groups that help hundreds of Redbridge residents in their time of need have been honoured for their outstanding work. Redbridge Voluntary Care and Redbridge Education and Social Welfare Support Group (known locally as AWAAZ) have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is the equivalent of an MBE for groups of volunteers. The awards recognise the groups’ work in the local community and set the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering. Read more here

Looking for Volunteers to be Appropriate Adults

Redbridge’s Youth Offending Team is looking for volunteers aged over 18 to become an ‘Appropriate Adult’. Young people under 17 and adults, who are considered to be vulnerable, must have an Appropriate Adult with them when they are interviewed by the Police or during other important procedures. The Adult can be a family member, friend or a social or health care professional. Full training will be given. Contact Nick Steward on 0208 345 1601 or email AppropriateAdultScheme@met.police.uk
Go to www.appropriateadult.org.uk for more information.

Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Available Soon

Voluntary or community sector organisations based in Redbridge are being invited to apply for funding to improve the quality of life of local residents. There are two streams:

Strategic Partners Fund - this is a three-year fund open to lead organisations that can influence policy design, development and delivery of services.
Emerging Needs and New Initiatives Fund – This is a one-year project fund to address the changing needs of the Borough.

Further information is on Redbridge i.

New Redbridge Compact on the Way

A big thank you to everyone who submitted comments in response to the consultation on the new Compact. This will be the framework for local partnership, engagement and funding for the next three years. The final document will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet on 1 November and if adopted, will be launched on 8 November 2011 and published on partner websites including redbridge i. The new Compact will give voluntary groups a stronger voice in influencing decisions on service development and delivery, based on their knowledge and expertise. Their legal right to campaign, comment on and challenge the policies of the public sector without fear, will be also be recognised. Contact Shila Barber on 020 8708 2387.

News from the Clusters

Work Redbridge Engages With Residents

Work Redbridge outreach sessions have already given one to one support and guidance to over 100 residents. Regular workshops have also been held on CV writing, employability skills and interview techniques. Almost 1000 people have signed up for their monthly e-newsletter. A virtual hub has been developed to provide information on all local employment and training providers, as well as voluntary and self employment opportunities. You can view it here. Contact Elizabeth.Gardner@redbridge.gov.uk

Skills for Life Mapped

To establish whether adequate provision is available, a Skills for Life Forum is mapping, reviewing and identifying gaps in basic skills and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision in Redbridge. There is now an interactive map on the Work Redbridge pages on Redbridge i identifying provision and where to send people for support. A survey being carried out on unmet Basic Skills, has already highlighted the need for basic IT provision, as well as better IT/ESOL linked provision. There is also a gender imbalance, with many more women attending ESOL classes than men. For further information contact marilyn.sandy@redbridge-iae.ac.uk

Work Redbridge Jobs & Training Fair a Huge Success

More than 3,000 people flocked to Redbridge Town Hall for the seventh annual Work Redbridge Jobs and Training Fair on 15 September. Job-seekers travelled from across the Borough to find out details about the latest job, volunteering and training opportunities from more than 35 exhibitors. The event also gave residents a chance to get one-to-one advice and visit a range of workshops including CV writing and interview techniques. Read more here.

External News

Redbridge HealthWatch Pathfinder

Redbridge Local Involvement Network (LINk) has recently been awarded Pathfinder status to pilot a Local HealthWatch in the Borough. Local HealthWatch will evolve from LINks and will be the local consumer voice for people who use and need health and social care services. They will influence the way these services are delivered. The Pathfinder will explore how different patient engagement organisations can work together with Local HealthWatch and reach seldom-heard communities to get their views heard. Contact cathy@redbridgelink.net

Find out more about Pathfinders here: http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/category/healthwatch-2/

Forthcoming Events

Make a Difference Week - Saturday 8 October to 15 October

See story above and here for full details.

Forest Farm Peace Garden Abundance Day
Sunday 9 October - 12noon to 4pm

Forest Farm Peace Garden is a community garden in Hainault that works with a broad cross-section of the local community to promote mental and physical health, social inclusion, intercultural awareness, and environmental sustainability. At this open day there will be guided walks, children's activities, hot food, sale of plants, bread and cakes, a swap-stall and freshly pressed apple juice from the apples that they grow. www.forestfarmpeacegarden.org

One World Week - Interfaith Walk of Peace
Sunday 23 October - 1.15 to 4pm

Being organised by Redbridge Faith Forum the walk starts at Ilford Federation Synagogue, 14-16 Coventry Road Ilford and finishing at the Gurdwara, Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha Karamsar, 400 High Road, Ilford at 4pm.Contact Shamshia Ali on 020 8708 2478 or faith.forum@redbridge.gov.uk

Feedback and Contributions
We would like to include details of projects and/or events organised by RSP partners in future editions. Please send information to Valerie Baxter, editor of Working Together, valerie.baxter@redbridge.gov.uk or 0208 708 3757.