Agenda and draft minutes

Introductions were made around the room and screen.

Apologies were received from Cllr Anna Jung (Co-Chair), Pauline Woodhuse (Co-Chair), Cllr Rosie Humpreys, Cllr Cathrine Russell, Sally Wood.

As attached to Agenda.

The minutes were agreed as a true record.

Chief Inspector Julie Mead & Stacey Fotheringham

Ch Insp Julie Mead explained that the campaign had come about following a domestic homicide and seeing the devastation it brought to family and friends.  DA victims on average suffered about 30 instances prior to reporting, and often did not know where to go for help.   Cut it Out takes a different approach and gives those who could be confided in, the knowledge of where to signpost that person. 

Kerry McCawley had confided in her hairdresser, Annie, that she thought her partner would kill her.  See link below for interview.  Annie thought it was a figure of speech but he did indeed go on to kill her.  Watch Annie’s video through this link.

Hairdresser Annie Reilly talks about Kerri McAuley - YouTube

The #Cut it Out campaign’s aim is to empower hairdressers, barbers, nail technicians. beauticians, who often saw the same client regularly for years, of how to recognise the signs someone may be in an abusive relationship and where to signpost them.

Before and during lockdown the demand had for the training had been far more than the capacity to deliver.  Hence the training videos were developed.

Julie introduced Stacey who had been her hairdresser for 20 years and had been very keen to get involved having grown up in an abusive household.  The training was fully transferrable to other job settings.  Signs could be anything from:-

·         Late cancellation of appointments

·         Clock watching – not wanting to be away too long, or not wanting to go home.

·         Partner having control of what haircut they had

·         Constant phone calls / texts to find out where they were

·         Partner waiting outside for the appointment to finish

·         Talk of debts

Stacey explained that when she was growing up no one asked any questions.  She was often late to school, unkempt and bullied.  Not one adult at school asked any questions, they just penalised her.  Asking just one question would have made all the difference.  Don’t turn a blind eye.  Fear can be overwhelming, you needed to be patient and stick with them but not judge.  Do not make them feel guilty, it is not their fault.  Do not minimise or justify the unacceptable behaviour and do not confront the abuser as you may make things worse.

Stacey asked everyone, if they suspected anything, to not turn a blind eye, but be brave and question.  Do not judge or make them feel guilty but be there for them, sign post them and be patient.

Julie added that Stacey was the heart and soul of the programme and volunteered all her time to the delivery of the training and also the development of the training package videos.  Julie said she was retiring in a few weeks and the training package would ensure the work carried on.

If anyone wanted access to the training package they could contact Julie - julie.mead@northants.police.uk in the short term but there would be a dedicated #Cut it Out contact in the near future.

The package was of course, developed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Due to neither of the Chairs being available the last meeting had been cancelled.

Northants Fire & Rescue Service Recruitment

Stef explained that the fire service did not recruit for long periods then would go through an intense period of recruitment and they were currently in that phase.  The service was traditionally made up of middle aged white men and they were looking for the widest diverse applicants as possible especially women, diverse communities and the LGBTQ+ community.  They were using many outlets to raise awareness including ‘have a go’ and ‘positive action’ days.  There was a physical aspect to the service but also so much more and these opportunities were a great time to ask questions.  These days could be booked through this link - https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nfrs-2022-recruitment-campaign-431089 Applicants had to be a minimum of 18 years old.

IWD Update – Debbie had been in touch with Leisure Centre at Daventry who were interested in seeing how they could be involved with International Women’s Day.  Women’s sport had exploded in popularity over the last 12 months or so helped by how successful the NTFC Ladies team had been, the senior team winning all their matches last season and the other teams doing extremely well, and shown again by how popular the current European Championships were (especially now we know the Lionesses had won the tournament!).  This was a key moment to encouraging more women and girls to get active.

Matt added that they had a pot of funding for getting people active that could be useful for groups to bid for.  Stef said that NFRS had a women’s cricket team and he would see if they were able to do something for IWD.

Eleri – Centre for Advancement of Racial Equality Launch on 12 September – book through Eventbrite -   Centre for the Advancement of Racial Equality Launch Day Tickets, Mon 12 Sep 2022 at 09:30 | Eventbrite  She had also been working with the Afghan and Ukrainian resettlers holding activities.

Ryan – introduced himself as the new programmes officer.  There were quite a few funds open at the moment.

Annabel – lots of activities at the women’s centres with a children’s group at the allotment 1 day week for the holidays.   During Covid the Women’s Centre had been more of a drop in  but was now getting more structured with groups and appointments only.  Tuesdays and Thursdays were support groups, Wednesday sewing and health group.  The Kettering Centre was now open 5 days a week.  They were always looking for new volunteers.  See information appended to minutes.  Stef stated that NFRS did safety talks which may be of interest.  Action Stef and Annabel speak outside of meeting.

Aimee – International Youth Day on 12 August on the Racecourse 12 – 4pm.  Let Aimee know if you wudl like to get involved.  Personal safety drop in session at NGH the following day 11am – 2pm.  Been successful in a bid for more Safer Streets funding which would be building on the previous work.

Sarah – GamCare had their 25^th anniversary this year and were doing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Dawn Cummings – Money & Pension Service

11am, Tuesday 27 September – at the Guildhall and by Teams.