Delegated Decisions

St. Mary & Eanswythe Church yard improvements - Repairs to street lamps and footpath in the church yard.

To provide funding of £2000 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Defective street lamps result in dark areas in the church yard and attract cannabis smoker and other antisocial behavious. The footpaths are used as a cut through by the public walking between The Bayle area and the town centre and some significantly uneven paving slabs are a significant trip hazard, exacerbated by poor lighting.

Hawkinge Anti Litter - Litter Picking equipment for volunteer groups in Hawkinge and Densole.

To provide funding of £682.52 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Residents frequently complain about litter in an around the Town and organise monthly litter picks as well as individual residents regularly cleaning up their areas and local hot spots.

HawkingeAnti Litter - Litter Picking equipment for volunteer groups in Hawkinge and Densole.

To provide funding of £244 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Residents frequently complain about litter in an around the Town and organise monthly litter picks as well as individual residents regularly cleaning up their areas and local hot spots.

Urban Pastors - The grant will be spend on response vehicle on costs, equipment and resources used when on the streets for the people we meet.

To provide funding of £250 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Urban Pastors started at the invite from the police to help in the Harbour area of Folkestone, with anti-social behaviour from young people and young adults at that time. We already had a good track record of reducing anti-social behaviour on the streets of Cheriton. According to the police we had contributed to a 58%

reduction in anti-social behaviour. We work closely with the CSU and attend these weekly meetings, so Urban Pastors are a part of joined up working to help with local hotspots, and people that need support and help in various ways.

Urban Pastors - The grant will be spend on response vehicle on costs, equipment and resources used when on the streets for the people we meet.

To provide funding of £236 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Urban Pastors started at the invite from the police to help in the Harbour area of Folkestone, with anti-social behaviour from young people and young adults at that time. We already had a good track record of reducing anti-social behaviour on the streets of Cheriton. According to the police we had contributed to a 58%

reduction in anti-social behaviour. We work closely with the CSU and attend these weekly meetings, so Urban Pastors are a part of joined up working to help with local hotspots, and people that need support and help in various ways.

Urban Pastors - The grant will be spent on response vehicle on costs, equipment and resources used when on the streets for the people we meet.

DECISION:

To provide funding of £210 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Urban Pastors started at the invite from the police to help in the Harbour area of Folkestone, with anti-social behaviour from young people and young adults at that time. We already had a good track record of reducing anti-social behaviour on the streets of Cheriton. According to the police we had contributed to 58%

reduction in anti-social behaviour. We work closely with the CSU and attend these weekly meetings, so Urban Pastors are a part of joined up working to help with local hotspots, and people that need support and help in various ways.

Folkestone Nepalese Digital Inclusion Programme - The Money will be used to purchase headsets and webcams for the computers that we will be using.

To provide funding of £350 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Folkestone Nepalese Digital Inclusion Programme has been designed to provide one-one support to Nepalese elders, helping them to make good use of IT, finding out more about what is happening in the community where they live and connecting to services that promote wellbeing and overcome isolation.

The Council has historically provided grant funding to Citizens Advice Bureau and   Creative Folkestone Quarter House. These are subject of formal three year Grant Agreements which expire on 31^st March 2021.

Generally these funding agreements would be reviewed in detail to assess further requests for support. However, given the resourcing pressures that the Council and both organisations have faced in relation to COVID 19, this has not been possible in time to consider grant support for 2021-22.

It is proposed therefore to extend current grant agreements with Citizens Advice Bureau and Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse for the year 2021-22.

DECISION:

1.    Receive and note report C/20/88 be received and noted.

2.    That an extension of current annual grant agreements be agreed with Citizens Advice Bureau and Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse for the year 2021-22.

3. That a detailed review of funding for both organisations be carried out in 2021 in order to inform future corporate budget development.

Reasons for decision:

This will ensure that services provided by both organisations can be sustained for the coming financial in advance of a detailed review of these funding agreements being carried in 2021 to inform corporate budget development for future years.

Alternative Options (if any)

None

This report proposes to extend the Folkestone and Hythe High Street Fund initiative for external grant applications due to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on its delivery.

DECISION:

1.         To receive and note Report C/20/87.

2.         To agree to extend the High Street Fund initiative for external applications to 31 March 2022 or until the funds have been allocated.

Reasons for decision:

The Leader is asked to agree to the recommendations so that the initiative can continue beyond the end date that was originally envisaged when the Cabinet decision was made.

Parish Hall - Building a Stronger Community in Central Folkestone

To make the facility fit for purpose for use by the wider community and address

some of the access and safety concerns that were previously raised by the

Council when it was used as a Polling Station.

For consideration of a contribution towards:

a) New signage for the Parish Hall

b) New lighting for the exterior of the Parish Hall and the access to it from

Guildhall Street and from Cheriton Road/Middelburg Square

c) To refurbish the exterior gate for the side entrance to the Parish Hall from

Guildhall Street

d) To mark out the car park area to enable the maximum use of available

parking for attending events at the Parish Hall

To provide funding of £1000 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Extensive research has previously been undertaken including meetings, interviews and discussions with:

116 households, discussions with the Guildhall (North) Residents Association, Rainbow Centre, Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureau, Shepway Youth Hub, Christchurch Primary School, Stella Maris Primary School, Kent Police, Shepway District Council (as it was known then), GP surgery – Guildhall Street, Guildhall Pharmacy, homeless persons, representatives of the residents migrant communities (Polish, Roma, Romanian), and church parishioners.

The Parish Hall sits within the Central Folkestone Ward. Central and key issues identified were:

• Unemployment

• Low level of qualifications, or none

• Poor levels of accommodation

• Debt

• Poverty

• Crime

• Health- physical and mental

• Loneliness and isolation

• Resident migrants who fit some or all of the above, and inclusion

• Lack of local facilities and local community provision

There was clear evidence of a need for an accessible, affordable, central facility to serve local people, and organisations serving the community in an informal environment.

From evidence accrued, the priorities of the community have been identified as:

1) Young people (particularly 13-16 yrs, then school leavers to 20 yrs, not in education or

employment)

2) Elderly

3) Homeless

4) Resident migrant population

5) Young parents (single parents, and young couples with young children)

The Folkestone Haven -

A range of equipment for purposeful, mental health and therapeutic activities at The Folkestone Haven.

To provide funding of £377.55 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The Folkestone Haven is a an effective and valuable local resource and we are open 365 days per year, however due to a relatively small staff team (under 6 FTE posts), we need to create a sense of safety and trust with everyone who walks through the front door needing some form of support. Recovery Workers spend time with people one to one, and that is an ideal way to build professional, trusting relationships. However this is not always feasible when a new person to the Haven comes to the service and the enhanced provision of wellbeing and therapeutic activities that can engage local residents can help visitors feel safe and confident enough to open up to staff.

The Folkestone Haven -

A range of equipment for purposeful, mental health and therapeutic activities at The Folkestone Haven.

To provide funding of £117.55 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The Folkestone Haven is a an effective and valuable local resource and we are open 365 days per year, however due to a relatively small staff team (under 6 FTE posts), we need to create a sense of safety and trust with everyone who walks through the front door needing some form of support. Recovery Workers spend time with people one to one, and that is an ideal way to build professional, trusting relationships. However this is not always feasible when a new person to the Haven comes to the service and the enhanced provision of wellbeing and therapeutic activities that can engage local residents can help visitors feel safe and confident enough to open up to staff.

This report sets out the detail of applications recommended for approved funding via the Folkestone and Hythe High Street Fund initiative and seeks confirmation for the grant award.

1.         To receive and note Report C/20/81.

2.         To approve the recommended High Street Fund grant applications as summarised in this report.

Reasons for decision:

The Leader is asked to agree to the recommendations of the Decision Panel on grant awards, as set out below, because agreement is needed on these applications to the Folkestone & Hythe District High Streets Fund.

Foodbank - helping to reduce food poverty -

Based on the Trussell Trust guidelines, the Foodbank provides nutritious, balanced food parcels to promote good health; we will procure essential items in short supply, mainly meat and milk.

To provide funding of £510 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

We have knowledge and evidence of the target groups we serve from delivering several inter-related services that benefit low income and deprived individuals and families. Apart from the Foodbank and the Food Stop services, we offer a well-established homeless support service that reaches some 350 people

annually, including a Winter shelter for rough sleepers. We also provide a Contact Centre, which allows children to rebuild their relationship with a non-resident parent; more recently, we have partnered with Citizens Advice to offer a debt management service. Our service users are generally from deprived areas of the district with multiple and complex needs. In the last six months, the Foodbank served 1086 adults and 985 children, of which 22% reside in Lydd and New Romney. At Christmas, we distributed some 150 food hampers through schools to families deemed unable to provide for their children adequately. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated deprivation inevitably through job and livelihood losses.

SBA ongoing – the grant will be spent on tuition, helping SBA keep afloat in pandemic.

To provide funding of £364.50 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

SBA ongoing – the grant will be spent on tuition, helping SBA keep afloat in pandemic.

To provide funding of £600 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

New heating -

The grant will contribute to installing a new heating system in our building that is used a lot by our community as well as the church.

To provide funding of £250 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

We are a busy community church based on the Cheriton high street, and most days there are community events, for all ages using the build during the day and evenings. This heating system is much needed to keep the building warm.

Garden of Peace and Reflection – raised sleeper beds with plants within a garden of peace and reflection, to aid emotional well-being for pupils, staff and families.

To provide funding of £1604 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Marsh primary schools – Ferdinand the Bull, part of JAM on the Marsh

(JOTM) festival

To support the delivery of a free filmed performance of Ferdinand the

Bull for all Marsh primary schoolchildren to participate in school and

enjoy this summer, and future years.

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Significant challenges prevent children in Shepway from taking part in the arts:

· Severe education budget cuts, affecting teaching and opportunity

· lack of specialist teaching

· lack of cultural infrastructure

· lack of opportunities and income to experience performance, professionals and quality means Shepway remains one of the most arts-deprived areas of England with limited cultural infrastructure and provision.

Young people on Romney Marsh have little arts access and meagre opportunities to participate in, create or experience arts activity, negatively impacting on social, academic and personal progression.

Poor transport prevents children’s access to and benefit from activities/opportunities.

Since 2012 JAM has been working with Romney Marsh schools, bringing ambitious and aspirational opportunities.

Sadly Covid has halted 2020 activity. Of our 7-month singing + concert in 2019

“This experience was so valuable which they may never have again.” Teacher

“We couldn’t provide this without JAM.” Teacher

“Musically outstanding, bringing the community together; inspirational for the children. Audience

“JOTM embraces all ages, bringing so much enjoyment, learning and life-changing experiences to so many!” Audiences

Whilst singing can’t yet resume, the schools are looking forward to Ferdinand, boosting experience of high-calibre, engaging performance that would not happen otherwise, opening the children’s eyes and broadening horizons.

The Workshop - The purchase of hand and power tools for the Workshop project.

To provide funding of £650 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

We have a long history of working with adults and young people in the area and know there is a need for a project that encourages adults to pass on

skill to young people and for trades people to pass on their skills to the next generation. We also aim to work with parents and their children because

we know there is a need to parents to build strong relationships with their children.

Similar projects to this (The Men's Shed) are run world-wide. There is a similar project run by Kent Coast Volunteering in Hawkinge run by volunteers.

Unemployment is on the rise and there are many young people who have done carpentry courses and cannot find work. Other people need to learn

new skills and being involved in a project will give them the references they require to find new work.

Unemployment is hard to cope with mentally and this project will help people cope. It will also feed into the other work I do of getting people work ready.

The Locavore Growing Project - Subsidising Forest School sessions for pre-school children.

To provide funding of £200 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

This project has been generated in response to community need, after we were unable (due to COVID) to continue our planned programme of engagement with young people through food & food growing events. We have existing users from Beacon School, Touchbase and East Kent College. Martello Primary have provided us with space (with a minimum 5 year Memorandum of Understanding) to create the community garden and have expressed a particular need for pre-school and community-wide activities

The Workshop - To fit out the workshop with lighting and sockets.

To provide funding of £558 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

We have a long history of working with adults and young people in the area and know there is a need for a project that encourages adults to pass on

skill to young people and for trades people to pass on their skills to the next generation. We also aim to work with parents and their children because

we know there is a need to parents to build strong relationships with their children.

Similar projects to this (The Men's Shed) are run world-wide. There is a similar project run by Kent Coast Volunteering in Hawkinge run by volunteers.

Unemployment is on the rise and there are many young people who have done carpentry courses and cannot find work. Other people need to learn

new skills and being involved in a project will give them the references they require to find new work.

Unemployment is hard to cope with mentally and this project will help people cope. It will also feed into the other work I do of getting people work ready.

Bag of Doings

 Purchase of materials for a craft activity kit, such as making a flowered headband or a painted, decorated fruit model, inspired by the work of a well know artist. The kits will be distributed to Age UK in Cheriton to be given, free of charge, to people who are isolated or alone and who would benefit from having a project or activity to do indoors.

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

We have been in conversation withAge UK several times this year and they have stated how much the pandemic has affected the wellbeing of their clients. We have provided a number of kits since starting the project 4 weeks ago and 45 clients at Age UK in Cheriton have already benefited from receipt of a number of kits. This support will enable us to purchase further materials to ensure that more kits can be given to Age UK to distribute on our behalf.

Feedback has been very positive and Debbie Barry at Age UK in Cheriton has indicated that they would like to discuss a longer term project with Strange Cargo to support creative projects for their clients.

The Workshop – The purchase and installation of a shipping container.

To provide funding of £100 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

The Workshop – The purchase and installation of a shipping container

To provide funding of £200 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Timber projects

To purchase timber so that young people can make nature habitat/ living walls areas, skirt building and planters to help to improve their local environment and provide opportunities for youth and community to work together.

To provide funding of £2000 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

We have spent the last year working with Kent Police and Social Services to safeguard the most at risk young people. Covid 19 has increased the risk to all young people and put extra strain on the community.

Since providing our referral service, we have been approached by numerous agencies making enquiries about what we are providing as many other providers have stopped doing face to face work in favour of online services.

We have both young people and community members who want to come and spend time at the project working outside. Many have mental health issues caused by the stress of the last year.

Looking forward optimistically we want to engage in small numbers and help young people and local residents to recover from the stresses of the pandemic.

Parish Hall - Building a Stronger Community in Central Folkestone

To make the facility fit for purpose for use by the wider community and

address some of the access and safety concerns that were previously

raised by the Council when it was used as a Polling Station.

For consideration of a contribution towards:

a) New signage for the Parish Hall

b) New lighting for the exterior of the Parish Hall and the access to

it from Guildhall Street and from Cheriton Road/Middelburg

Square

c) To refurbish the exterior gate for the side entrance to the Parish

Hall from Guildhall Street

d) To mark out the car park area to enable the maximum use of

available parking for attending events at the Parish Hall

To provide funding of £1000 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

 Extensive research has previously been undertaken including meetings, interviews and discussions with:

116 households, discussions with the Guildhall (North) Residents Association, Rainbow Centre, Social

Services, Citizens Advice Bureau, Shepway Youth Hub, Christchurch Primary School, Stella Maris

Primary School, Kent Police, Shepway District Council (as it was known then), GP surgery - Guildhall

Street, Guildhall Pharmacy, homeless persons, representatives of the residents migrant communities

(Polish, Roma, Romanian), and church parishioners.

The Parish Hall sits within the Central Folkestone Ward. Central and key issues identified were:

• Unemployment

• Low level of qualifications, or none

• Poor levels of accommodation

• Debt

• Poverty

• Crime

• Health- physical and mental

• Loneliness and isolation

• Resident migrants who fit some or all of the above, and inclusion

• Lack of local facilities and local community provision

There was clear evidence of a need for an accessible, affordable, central facility to serve local people,

and organisations serving the community in an informal environment.

From evidence accrued, the priorities of the community have been identified as:

1) Young people (particularly 13-16 yrs, then school leavers to 20 yrs, not in education or

employment)

2) Elderly

3) Homeless

4) Resident migrant population

Purchase of community defibrillator and cabinet with spare electrodes in redundant telephone box in centre of Saltwood.

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

To provide funding of £500 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Fit 4 Key Workers – Post Covid Membership for Key Workers in our community. 3 months per person.

To provide funding of £150 to the above project.

Reason for decision: