(a)

it was with sadness that she had to report to Council the death of former Councillor Brian Rider, who served in the Ham Ward for two terms in 1987 to 1995; he would be sadly missed and always warmly remembered by those that knew him;

(b)

Catherine Biscombe was presented with the Lord Mayor’s Special Award following her completion of seven marathons in seven countries in seven days; she raised a total of £4,700 for the Royal Marines Charity;

(c)

the Plymouth and District Bowel Cancer support group helped people suffering or recovering from bowel cancer or stoma; working with partners they had provided kits, including a change of clothes which would help those that found themselves in need of immediate assistance; Plymouth Railway Station was the first to provide these kits along with a private room.

(d)

National Marine Park Chief Executive Officer  -

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an interim Chief Executive for the City’s National Marine Park had been appointed;

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Elaine Hayes was an environmentalist with a brilliant track record of leading nature and conservation organisations and brought with her a vast wealth of knowledge and experience;

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the Council had some really exciting times ahead with a lot of different ambitions and projects to deliver in this sector; the Council wanted to plan for a more sustainable future but also inspire and enthuse its residents;

(e)

Shekinah -

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the Council had been working closely with Shekinah which was a charity organisation in Plymouth, that provided opportunities for people, who were experiencing all forms of homelessness and other challenges; they helped people to make meaningful changes in their lives with specialist support to address health issues, getting a home and learning new skills to lead to employment;

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with Shekinah, the Council was hoping to turn the empty Stonehouse Community Centre at Stonehouse Creek into a new type of community centre which would bring all types of services into one safe space; the new venture would offer -

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skills training;

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health promotion;

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education;

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employment services;

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housing advice;

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mental health support;

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counselling;

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Shekinah had an incredible track record of changing lives of many Plymouth people and were keen to support them in any way that the Council could; this move would bring a new lease of life to a current vacant building but also meant that the Council could continue with its long term goal to regenerate Millbay; the new boulevard had really opened up the area and with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21