Issue - meetings

1.    Mr Peerbux introduced the update and outlined the projects that had been funded the previous financial year using PCC grant funding. These included: the trauma awareness programme and training pack which had delivered training to sixty professionals over four sessions, including professionals who worked directly with children and young people; a gaming and online awareness session on extremism which was available to approximately 900 school pupils. A VAWG Conference had also been delivered on 28 March 2023 which had been a hybrid event for 250 people, including many different agencies and partners. The event had included speakers on forensic psychology, misogyny and incel culture, and active bystanders and received positive feedback from delegates. A resource pack had been provided for delegates after the conference on the services available, and a video and PowerPoint had been uploaded to the Safer Communities Portal.

2.    The KCSP has been allocated just under £40,000 from the PCC for the 2023/24 financial year to deliver projects, of which one third was being retained for in-year project spending. The Working Group had been presented with 15 scoping ideas, of which they then had chosen to shortlist seven for detailed project proposals. Six of these projects had since been approved by the KCSP and the PCC including domestic abuse training videos, tackling abusive behaviour, online library resources, tackling victim blaming language and continued professional development (CPD) event focused on hate and extremism and another focused on Anti-Social Behaviour.

3.    The Kent Community Safety Team (KCST) held its first Community Safety Information Session (CSIS) in the new shorter format in June 2023, which outlined the new neighbourhood policing structure in Kent and had 60 attendees. The next CSIS was being held on 25 July 2023 with a focus on scams and dangerous dogs.

4.    The Chair thanked the KCST for coordinating a successful VAWG Conference, which had included many interesting speakers and another member praised the market place which provided information on services but also an opportunity for networking.

5.    It was noted that there was decision outstanding regarding funding for the online library joint project with the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

6.    It was noted that the next KCSP conference would be in February 2024 and a working group are exploring this further.  

RESOLVED that the KCSP:

1.    Noted the progress and actions undertaken by the Working Group and the work of the KCST.