Present: Alan Thrussell, (Mind: Chair), Alan Cremer (DBC), John Gunn (Dartford UNA), Pat Still (Advocacy and CHC), Richard Wiltshire (QED Allotments), Thelma Mills (Health Trust)

1) Apologies for Absence

Graeme Laidlaw and Said Gousy (QED Allotments), Bob May (Red Cross), Cllr Coleman (DBC), Carole Davoine (NW Kent College)

2) Notes from the Meeting on April 15th.

The notes from the meeting of 15th April should have given Said's surname the correct spelling of Gousy.

3) Matters Arising from the Minutes

Newtown Summer Fair: was cancelled. Julie Morton tried very hard to make it viable. Newtown was one of three neighbourhood groups QED has started but it has failed to generate much support so far. The Health Group may offer to hold a health promotion event or meeting in the Newtown area. Subjects may be coronary heart disease, Asian awareness, inequalities in health, diabetes, smoking, diet, etc.

Government papers: It is still early days for the Green and White papers. Richard W will add some info on these to the Website.

Darenth Country Park: The QED Allotments Group is suspending further participation in the project as there is some concern over peoples' safety and the security of their belongings.

4) Confirmation of Terms of Reference

These were agreed.

5) The Dartford Festival

Arrangements to be finalised at the next meeting. Including info from member groups was considered.

Healthy Eating: Thelma and Richard will discuss this. There may be dieticians or nutritionists available.

Sun Sense: as last year

Relaxation: was discussed as a possibility

6) Request for the Health Group to Support the Initiative of B&Q to Provide Gardening Tools for Handicapped People at Various Allotment Sites (Referred from Allotments Group)

The Steering Group has been invited to bid for small cash help for projects. Help in kind may also be available.

7) Update on Health Action Zones

The application was turned down but the various statutory agencies (health trusts, education, social services) have met and want to go ahead as if it had been approved, bringing in the community and voluntary agencies. Swanscombe and Greenhithe is one of the 2 areas to be piloted. Meetings will take place on 22nd and 26th June in Swanscombe. One possibility is the Swan Valley School becoming a healthy living centre.

8) Future Activities of the Group

This will be a main agenda item at the next meeting. We are taking part in the Festival, getting involved in the Health Action Zone planning, and will probably take part in the World Mental Health Day. We will consider the expertise we already have and that we can bring in to the group. We have the opportunity to fill gaps without, as Alan C phrased it, inventing a cure for no known disease.

9) Other Business

Thames Gateway health day: Monday 29th June.

Pat's trip to Bradford to be an item on the next agenda.

Open Day at Dartford Road Allotments on Sat 20th June. Health Group members invited.

10) Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday September 16, from 7.00 pm at the Civic Centre

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