The Town Matters committee was chaired by Peter Macfadyen, who welcomed several Mendip District councillors and a Somerset County councillor, and some town councillors from Holland. A film crew from Denmark who are researching a book on improving local democracy also attended. This meeting was a chance for some local organisations supported by FTC to update councillors on their work.
Fair Housing for Frome, who were supported by FTC to run a series of events including meetings that have tried to get a better idea of the housing issue in Frome. As well as rough sleepers, there is a growing number of people sofa-surfing, this was described as hidden homelessness. Young people in particular are struggling to afford rented accommodation, let alone save for a deposit. A potential solution for this problem is the tiny homes movement; small structures which can be built quickly and cheaply. On the 20th of November in Rook Lane Chapel an Edspace structure will be built at their next event “What if? An introduction to tiny houses” and as with all their events, there will be plenty of time for discussion. You can find Fair Housing for Frome online at www.fairhousingforfrome.org.uk, they are also on Facebook and Twitter.
Next, Sue Willis from Purple Elephant, who have been funded by FTC under the participatory budgeting project (Frome Children’s Festival, the Sports Festival and the Children’s Christmas Party) Purple Elephant works with schools and housing associations to ensure their events are inclusive and reach all children in Frome. The Christmas Party returns this year on the 17th of December at the Cheese and Grain. If you would like to volunteer, please contact suewillis48@gmail.com
Frome Community Education, also supported by FTC, spoke about the work they do. They offer a series of well attended free drop in classes for residents in need of help learning basic IT and literary skills, funded by FTC. These have become particularly popular with the introduction of universal credit and an increasing need to complete job applications online. Councillors praised them for reducing the stigma around issues such as adult illiteracy. In addition to these courses they offer a range of paid for adult leisure classes in arts, crafts and languages.
Thank you to everybody who came along, all of our meetings are open to the public, you can find upcoming meetings here.
