WEP East Kent branch meeting 

2 July 2018, 7.30pm

Umbrella Centre, Whitstable

Present: 14 members were present including committee members, Cathy (Branch Leader), Laure (Co-Data Manager), Helen (Co-Data Manager), Harriet (Treasurer) and Natasha (Comms).

• Introductions and welcome. Cathy gave update on news from central office:
  • Conference theme is Making Change Happen
  • Motions – anything to put forward ourselves and discussion on supporting Branch Representation as proposed by Lambeth Branch 
  • How to stand as an officer
• Branch Finance update: steps still being taken to set up a bank account
• Branch Data Management: notes re GDPR 
• Speaker from Rise Kent
  • A peer-support organization for survivors of sexual violence
  • Group meets fortnightly in Thanet
  • Has a unique role although well-networked to other services and signposts where necessary 
  • Recently funded by Big Lottery to help increase capacity
  • How can WEPEK help? Raise awareness, through letters to schools (especially re provision of sex education), local papers and Councillors
• AOB 
  • Call for volunteers to help provide a presence at University Freshers’ Fairs 
• Date of next meeting: TBA

ACTIONS

• Members to feedback to Cathy on proposed Motion
• Template letter to be provided for individuals to write to schools
• Branch will send a press release on issue of violence against women to local press
• Date and location of next meeting to be arranged