Agenda item

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       Wiltshire Police – Inspector Simon Garrett

·       Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership – Suzy Deering

·       Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group – Jill Turner

·       Town / Parish Councils

Written Updates

The Area Board is asked to note the following written and online updates attached to the agenda:

·       Community First

·       Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue – online

·       Age UK Newsletter

·       Understanding Dementia Sessions – Alzheimer’s Support

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3-minute slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager.

The Area Board noted the written updates attached to the agenda and received the following verbal updates:

Neighbourhood Police Team

Inspector Simon Garrett provided an update on crime statistics and the recent activity of the neighbourhood team. The team’s new neighbourhood sergeant, Georgina Wyatt was introduced; it was noted that she was looking forward to working in the area and meeting people at the team’s next quarterly Facebook Live engagement event.

Inspector Garrett noted a slight rise in violent offences in March and April 2025, compared to the equivalent period in 2024, which was primarily attributed to improved crime recording practices. Throughout April and May 2025 there had been a total of 137 reported crimes, compared to 126 in March and April 2024. However, he reassured the Area Board that 1.89 percent of Wiltshire’s reported crime in April and May 2025 had taken place in the Marlborough Area and just 1.027 percent of burglaries.

He highlighted successful prosecutions for shoplifting and the use of mobile police stations for community engagement. Speed enforcement activities were detailed, including recent checks in Great Bedwyn and Froxfield. Inspector Garrett also mentioned the use of tack marking kits at stables to help identify high-value saddles and educational visits to schools to tackle knife crime. He emphasised the importance of community engagement and invited suggestions for events where the neighbourhood team could meet the public.

Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership (KAMP)

Suzy Deering, Communications Manager at KAMP, along with Danielle, Team Leader of the Patient Navigator Team and Joanne, Deputy Leader of the Patient Navigator Team, explained the role of patient navigators in signposting patients to appropriate services. They highlighted that there had been an increase in specialist services and the efficiency of their call handling, with an average response time of two minutes. The team handled 20,000 calls a month with ‘phonelines open between 8:30 and 18:30. Patients were able to contact the practice outside of these hours via the website; the practice would respond within five working days.  

The Deputy Leader of the Patient Navigator Team described the team's pivotal role in navigating patients to both internal and external services, including to social prescribing, minor injuries, sexual health, and pharmacies. The Team Leader emphasised that not all patients needed to see a GP, and the navigators were trained to direct patients to the most appropriate place to receive assistance. Although not medically trained, they were a skilled team that understood the struggles of patients and were there to help.

During the discussion, the services were praised by members of the Area Board. It was also highlighted that, although it was often thought that they only operated in hospitals, KAMP had three paramedics.

Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group

Jill Turner, Chair of Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group, reported that there had been a networking event on 20 March for professionals from Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector and health organisations in St Peter’s, which was very successful. She also gave an overview of their upcoming events, including a networking event on 20 September, to coincide with re-opening of Marlborough Leisure Centre following a £2m refurbishment. She noted the importance of these events in showcasing activities, services and organisations in the area that all help to support people’s physical and mental health.

Written updates were available from:

·       Wiltshire Police, pg. 33 - 41

·       Kennet and Avon Medical Partnership, pg. 43 - 47

·       Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group, pg. 49

·       Community First, pg. 51 - 57

·       Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System), pg. 59 - 60

·       Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue – online

·       Age UK Newsletter, pg. 61 - 65

·       Understanding Dementia Sessions – Alzheimer’s Support, pg. 67