Thanks to the generosity of Maidenhead Synagogue, we held our final 2023 Forum on 30 November, where 37  representatives of 31 different organisations were present for presentations, discussion and networking on the theme of identifying the challenges facing community organisations and finding ways to overcome these challenges through partnership working with other VSOs and statutory services.

Tom Conlin from Charity Mentors Berkshire chaired the Forum which began with a statement on peace and unity in our communities, with Shahida Khan and Zaynah Ali from the Maidenhead Mosque who spoke about the Islamic community’s sadness at the events that have unfolded in Gaza since 7 October and their dismay at the casualties that have resulted on both sides. They expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in condemning this atrocity and the hope that a resolution could be found that would stop the fighting and progress negotiations on a sustainable settlement that could be accepted and implemented by both sides.

Presentations were then given by the following community groups:

• Paul Samuels from WAM Community Forum (WAMCF) who outlined the work and current focus of the CF in the process of which he provided an excellent definition of what is meant by “dialogue”.
• Charlie Draper from Younger People with Dementia, outlining the different programmes that YPWD provides for younger dementia sufferers and the impact this has on them and their families.
• Anne Gilbert from Family Friends & Home Start explained the merger of these two organisations and their plans for expanding their services to “fill the gaps” in provision across Berks and Hants.
• Shula Tajima from Number 22 Counselling brought us up to date on their range of counselling, advocacy and visiting services provided for families and individuals, including their new Hope 22 service for suicide prevention and their face-to-face support in schools for pupils and teachers.

Slides from these presentations will be sent to all attendees, who request them, to supplement their own notes on the day.

The Forum then broke into groups for a Thorn, Bud & Rose workshop to explore the following issues:

• Thorn – what are the challenges that community organisations are currently facing?
• Bud – how can we work together to find solutions to these challenges?
• Rose – sharing success stories where voluntary organisations have worked with each other and/or with statutory bodies.

Summary conclusions were presented by each group which will be collated by Slough CVS and distributed to all attendees within the next week or so.

There followed an introductory comment from Rosie Key from Optalis which provides a range of Adult Social Care services on behalf of RBWM. She distributed leaflets illustrating the wide range of these services and encouraged Forum members to contact her on behalf of any of their service users, with what might be described as unusual or specific requirements to see if/how Optalis can help. Rosie will speak at one of the 2024 Forums to cover Optalis’ service in more detail, hopefully with some examples of unexpected needs that have been met in the interim.

Asma Aziz provided an update on training sessions planned for 2024 and encouraged all attendees to keep an eye on the monthly WAMGI newsletters to ensure than they don’t miss the relevant dates and booking arrangements. Members were also encouraged to put themselves forward to provide updates on the services their groups provide at future forums.

Tom closed the Forum by thanking everyone for their attendance and participation.

Dates for the Diary! 2024 Forum dates: 

The next WAMGI Voluntary Sector Forum will be on 8 February 2024, 11am-1pm.

9 May 2024, 11am-1pm
18 July 2024, 11am-1pm
10 October 2024, 11am-1pm
5 December 2024, 12pm-2pm – Christmas Get-Together

If you can offer a venue for any Forum, please contact Asma Aziz (asma@sloughcvs.org.uk) with details.