Issue - meetings

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

A verbal presentation was given by Ms. Agata Kisicka on behalf of Nova Wellness CIC regarding their grant application.

Audio recording – 3:20

A verbal presentation was given by Ms. Agata Kisicka on behalf of Nova Wellness CIC regarding their grant application, including the following key points:

·        Ms. Kisicka is one of the directors of Nova Wellness CIC;

·        Nova Wellness is a relatively new company, having been founded just over a year ago;

·        Provide group therapeutic sessions both in Stevenage as well as in the local community of Hertfordshire;

·        Also provide individual therapy such as acupuncture, chiropractic and massages; any excess profits from these sessions are reinvested in the community through community outreach events;

·        The grant funding will be for group therapy sessions, which include: guided meditation, community acupuncture, qigong, mindful movement exercises and other massage therapies;

·        Sessions aim to improve the well-being of community members;

·        Now on the list of the social prescribing team in Hertfordshire; which has started referring clients to Nova Wellness events;

·        The Committee granted grant funding to Nova Wellness last year for 4 wellbeing sessions in collaboration with Create Community Hub; actually delivered 6 after realising how beneficial they were;

The following Members asked questions:

·        Councillor David Levett

·        Councillor Tom Plater

In response to questions raised from Members, Ms. Kisicka advised:

·        The funding will benefit 60 people; but it doesn’t mean they will have just the one session. Most people who come to the sessions come to more than one;

·        The application is for four sessions and three additional informal events; so slightly more than just 4 sessions.

·        Can have up to 20-25 people per session;

·        Participants would attend 2-3 sessions.

The Chair sought advice from the Assistant Community Engagement Officer on funding grants, to which he advised that usually Area Committees can go up to about £2000, knowing the budget isn’t huge and has to last until the new year; he also reminded the Committee that full funding could be granted should Members wish.

Councillor Ian Mantle commented that the requested grant is too big a percentage of the total grant budget, while it is a worthy cause its not proportionate considering the other applicants. Councillor Mantle proposed that the Committee provide a smaller grant rather than the full amount, of £1500.

Councillor David Levett agreed with Councillor Ian Mantle’s comment but felt £1000 would be more suitable.

Councillor Tom Plater echoed the suggestions of Councillor Mantle and Levett but instead felt half of the grant, £1700 would be suitable.