Agenda and minutes

These were received from Councillor Leadbetter, Simon Bowkett, Tim Golby, Dr Virginia Pearson, Patsy Temple and Joanna Yelland.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 February 2016 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as correct.

James Bogue reported that the Department of Transport had commenced consultation on a walking and cycling strategy with consultation events to be held in April and comments to be submitted by the end of May.

RESOLVED that Robert Norley, in consultation with Matt Evans and County Council officers, respond to the consultation on behalf of the Board.

James Bogue updated the Board on progress with the Get Active Exeter Project with leisure centres, community groups, existing sports clubs, primary and secondary schools committed. Employers involved included the City Council, the University, Michelmores, Ashfords, Alcoa, Environment Agency, Big Wave Media, The Exeter (formerly Exeter Family Friendly) and Thompson Reuters. A presentation would be made to the Marsh Barton Forum to encourage participation from the many smaller businesses operating on the estate.

The Express and Echo, as the Get Exeter Active’s media partner, had professionalised the winning logo design and would be running a high profile campaign across its various channels. Lucy Munday, the allocated reporter, would write regular articles in the Thursday edition of the paper.

The first distinct project - City Fit Club – was proving very successful based at the Grecian Club, Exeter City Football Club aimed at the 30-50 age group and involving a 30 minute interactive workshop to discuss lifestyle and 60 minutes physical exercise activity. Of the 28 signed up at the first session, many being City fans, all but one were continuing to attend the Monday sessions and positive feedback was provided by those Board members who were participants. The physical sessions were led by accredited coaches based at the Football Club. A key educational element was diet which dovetailed with the Healthy City Board priority. The intention was to replicate similar sessions across the City as part of the programme of projects. Exeter Chiefs and the Exeter Community Forum were suggested as good contacts to help this process. Other projects included Big Wave Media which had set up a running group and events for mums and dads of primary school pupils at the schools were being developed. Participation in the joint Exeter Community Forum/ICE/Exeter Futures event at the Corn Exchange on 30 June was suggested

Gillian Champion referred to the extensive facilities available at both the University and Exeter College and it was agreed that extending usage to the general public could be raised at a strategic level including through the new Exeter Sports Strategy Board. Social prescribing of Active initiatives, through GP surgeries was also supported, this would be explored through the ICE project and through the CCG.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Dawn Rivers reported that representatives of the Exeter Food Network had been invited to attend the Improving the Diet of Exeter Citizens Task and Finish Group on 29 February.

Some of the issues under consideration were:-

·         the introduction of a Sugar Levy on Sugary Drinks within Council and Public Services - the Government had now adopted a timetable for a sugar levy on soft drinks, although this would take two years to implement;

·         explore with Planning the effectiveness of mechanisms for reducing fast food outlets in sensitive areas such as close to schools. The merits of such would need to take account of research on pupil purchasing behaviour;

·         influencing local supermarkets to better promote healthy food options; and

·         further develop breakfast clubs to help address food poverty through the Exeter Food Action/Magic Breakfast/Food for Life through meetings with primary schools in city with highest number of young people on free school meals to assess potential for this project.

RESOLVED that the work of this group be integrated with that of the Exeter Food Network to avoid duplication a report on progress to be submitted to the next meeting of this Board. 

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Robert Norley reported on the Cosy Devon Central Heating Fund utilising Government funds to provide gas connections and first time gas central heating to 400 homes across Devon. This was coupled with the existing Cosy Devon offer of cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and boiler replacement. This was an important initiative as cold homes were a leading cause of death and ill health within the population.

A key element was a central toolkit to support health sector practitioners to identify fuel poverty and seek assistance. Briefing and awareness sessions were being held for health professionals and community groups. It was proposed that the project could link into the work of ICE and direct contact could be made with GP surgeries to raise awareness and facilitate referrals to the scheme

To increase awareness, Gillian Champion suggested publicity through CCG and the Local Medicine Committee publications. She also referred to a pilot scheme in Sheffield that saw a decrease in Chronic Obstructive Pulminary Disease using admissions in Sheffield following a programme using social prescription to identify vulnerable patients in cold homes and intervening by improving the insulation and heating systems within these homes.

Presentation attached.

Robert Norley reported that, following an earlier report, the Board had resolved to support the development of a “clear streets policy or charter” in partnership with blind and partially sighted people, and stakeholders. He tabled a model street charter, the first of its kind, produced by Hull City Council which he proposed should be used as a benchmark for the development of a Charter for Exeter for adoption by the Board. He highlighted the main elements of the Charter with reference to conditions in Exeter. He emphasised that as Hull was an unitary authority, for Exeter, it would be important to have the support of Devon County Council.

In bringing forward a charter, it was the intention to work with the County Council, Police, RNIB, other voluntary bodies, Tracey Wilson of the Eye Clinic and local businesses.

Hull City Council Charter attached.

RESOLVED that the production of a Charter be progressed and that the matter be referred to the Exeter Board, an item on this initiative to be included on the Board agenda for the meeting to which representatives of the BID were to be invited in July.

Robert Norley reported that, following on from recent City Council work on local air quality management, Dr Nick Young of the Health Protection Agency had offered his support in collaborative work around air quality and the impact of health in Exeter.

RESOLVED that a report on the outcomes of the research be submitted to a future Board meeting.

RESOLVED that the following dates for future meetings be noted:-

Tuesday 5 July 2016                           Tuesday 13 September 2016            

Tuesday 15 November 2016              Tuesday 31 January 2017                 

Tuesday 11 April 2017                        Tuesday 11 July 2017            

Tuesday 12 September 2017