Setting the District annual membership fee

At its inception, the District decided to subsidise Scouting activities and Group

developments using funds made available from the sale of a vacant Scout HQ many years

ago. So between 2008 and 2016 the District spent £5,000 more than it received in annual

membership fees each year. In 2007 we started to move towards a balanced budget, with

the intention of using the capital sum available in the District finances for a specific project.

(This is being considered by other discussion groups.)

One part of the balanced budget approach was to ask all District based activities to budget

for break-even. (We do, however, underwrite appropriate advanced expenditures and

occasionally budget to directly invest in some activities.)

The other part of the balanced budget approach was to raise the District annual

membership fee to cover the planned budget. In 2019 the District annual membership fee,

paid by all young people who are members on 31 January, was £5.35 and the central District

budget for 2019-20 is shown in section 3 of the AGM Finance Report. In this:

District participation events include the St George’s Day Promise Renewal and the

Celebration of Cabot District & District AGM

Investment in developments includes supporting initiatives for new Groups or sections.

International activities have been support for attending World Scout Jamboree, Namaste

Nepal Jungle Jamboree, or other individual requests.

Running costs include District Team expenses, meeting room hire, some adult training

costs and insurance.

We would welcome your thoughts on this expenditure. Here are some questions to

consider:

• Do you think a District balanced budget with an annual membership fee of £5.35 is

appropriate?

• Given that most income is generated by our younger members, do you think we

should support attendance at international events as we do now, or more, or less?

• Should we support small improvements in Group HQs by direct grants from the

balanced budget (rather than loans) where Groups have few resources?

• Do we need a District ‘hardship fund’, replenished from the balanced budget, to be

able to help individual members who need financial support, or can Groups (and the

Explorer Section) manage this themselves?

• Any other thoughts or comments?

District Commissioner Report

September 2019

People

District & GSL Personnel Changes • Mike Harrup has agreed to step up to be the GSL for the 91st Bristol having previously been

the Chair for the past 5 years. Jo Strong, current Secretary is thinking about taking on the role of the Chair position.

• Richard Bennett has agreed to step up to GSL of the 26th Bristol and we thank Andy Hobbs who has been Acting GSL for some time.

Adult Appointments Chair The District are actively looking to recruit a new Chair to fill the vacancy of David Griffin. So far only one candidate has come forward. Adult Awards Since the last report, the following Adult Awards and Training have been approved:

Explorer Belt Patrick Jenkinson – CSSA 77th Bristol

Award for Merit Dave Drew – ASL 62nd Bristol Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service Tim McGrath – DofE

James Bufton – 4th Bristol Commissioner’s Commendation Paul W – Support to Group

Wood Badge 19 Wood Badges have recently been dispatched to the DC for presentation to leaders across the District.

Chief Scout Long Service Awards 22 Adults received long service Awards in the latest batch with a combined total of 140 years between them!

Programme St George’s Day 2020

• Work has already begun on the organisation of this event which will see our Young People take part in various projects to make an impact on their local communities. This will include, planting trees, supporting environmental and maintenance projects at Woodhouse Park.

Avon Jamboree 2020

• Group Scout Leaders have been briefed about this event and bookings officially open at the end of this month.

District Meetings / Events • District Cub Camp at Woodhouse Park on weekend of 20th – 22nd September • District Beaver Leader’s Meeting – Wednesday 18th September • District Cub Leader’s Meeting – Tuesday 8th October • GSLs Meeting – Thursday 17th October • District Beaver Junk Modelling – Friday 18th October • District Scout Leader’s Meeting – Monday 25th November

Perception

Partnership Agreements for SAS Units

• Ten Tors Agreement has been SIGNED and given to JK • Namaste Agreement has been SIGNED and given to JK • DofE Agreement discussions are ongoing with the DC and the Unit Managers

SAS Meetings with District Over the Summer, the DC and other District personnel had meetings with various member of the SAS units to ensure all was in place for the following year – e.g.: District QM / Ten Tors QM, Namaste engagement with wider District / organising Explorer Belts in Nepal etc. New Sections Within Groups (opened up in September)

• 18th Scouts have opened up a new TROOP • 90th have opened up a new TROOP • 169th have opened up a new TROOP

Group Numbers & Visits The DC did a mini ‘census’ to ascertain group numbers in June / July to check on how things were going. At that time all groups were slightly up from the official census in January. ADCs are already arranging group visits to show their faces and offer support.

Leadership Recruitment Chris and Maddie have been in talks with the Regional Service Team to see if they can support groups with gaps in leadership. Unlike PEARS, they support and provide resources / tools for groups to take ownership of any recruitment drives they intend to plan. They then meet up with groups 6 months later to ‘review’ how the process has gone and offer any next steps if needed. This seems like a much better model and seems to be more sustainable in the long term. A meeting for all groups will hopefully take place in November 2019.

Cabot Members from WSJ Attend County AGM Patrick gains his Explorer Belt

Welcome Phoenix ESU from Brunel Gold D of E Expedition Wales

Summer Camp Fun! (43rd in the photo!) 169th Cubs Day Trip on the Matthew

EverydayAdventure#CabotScouts

DESC Report - September 2019 

New Term 

 

Another busy start to the Explorer term saw 63 Explorers (and 9 leaders) head off to Theme Park Camp - a national event which brings 500+ Explorers together to visit Thorpe Park (as well as have two evenings of discos, inflatables, games, and big campfires) - this is apparently the largest number of Explorers on a camp in the District’s history, and was a very enjoyable weekend! 

The new term also saw us formally welcome Phoenix ESU into the District, following the boundary change back in April - they were invested at the foot of Cabot Tower, before embarking on a Cabot-themed explore of the city centre. 

 

Growth 

Over the summer the focus has been on looking at how we can continue the growth of post-14, in particular how we can continue expanding the number of available Explorer spaces in the District: 

● We’re currently sitting at around ~210 Explorers in our seven core Units, with another ~20 only members of the Young Leaders’ Unit 

● Spaces remain tight particularly around WoT/Bishopston - but there are still spaces available, particularly in Pirates (Brentry) 

● Opening of new Unit in Henleaze (‘White Tree’) now scheduled for half-term, was pushed back due to low initial interest - discussions regarding rent still ongoing 

● Discussions still underway re. opening a new Unit based at Westbury College - 90th have said they would be willing to support with mentorship for new leaders. We need to look into the long term sustainability of this. 

Perception 

We’ve also been looking at how we can improve the perception of Explorers within the District: 

● New Cabot Explorers website (cabotexplorers.org.uk) is now live, providing one central point for all Explorer related information (Units, how moving on works, how to contact us) 

● Launch of Facebook (‘Cabot Explorer Scouts’) & Instagram (@cabotexplorers) pages to share what goes on within Explorers with a wider audience (both within our current Explorers, and to those in other sections) 

● ‘Post-14 Fair’ planned for Monday 30th September - bringing together Scouts turning 13 this year, their parents, and leaders to find out more about Post-14 

○ How post-14 is structured 

○ What Explorers get up to 

○ Additional activities on offer (Ten Tors, Young Leaders etc.) 

○ How moving-on works 

○ A chance for us to present development plans 

○ An opportunity to interact with parents and promote volunteering roles 

http://cabotexplorers.org.uk/

Equipment 

With the increasing numbers; greater push for more nights away; and larger involvement with bigger events as a District; there is now a growing need for us to look at what equipment we have access to, and what equipment we want 

● Units have access to some equipment through host Groups - what this entails varies with the Group; some have plenty they’re willing to loan, others have only small amounts which don’t match up with what Units want to do 

● District events are a challenge as these are going to require more equipment than one Group can provide (or may be willing to provide outside of the one Unit) - in particular Avon Adventure (County Jamboree) is going to stretch the amount of available equipment 

● Units not attached to Groups will require equipment to run 

● Conversations regarding District stores and Quartermaster team initiated by DC 

Units have been asked to start thinking about what equipment they don’t currently have access to but want, as well as for suggestions on what equipment we should acquire ourselves to allow some independence from Groups. Our initial focus is going to be on tents. 

Aims for this term 

● Firm progress with rent discussions with the aim to finish off all partnership agreements in the new year 

● Put together a proposal for new equipment (tents) 

● Expand material produced for post-14 fair into a larger recruitment campaign 

Explorer Unit Rents 

● Brabazon - £150 termly (£450pa) 

● Concorde - £150 termly (£450pa) 

● Phoenix - to be discussed (current arrangement with 63rd approx £450pa) 

● Pirates - £150 termly (£450pa) 

● Spaniorum - currently £150 termly (£450pa) - under discussion - £750pa proposed 

● Spitfire - under discussion - £1340pa proposed 

● Steama - £50 termly (£150pa) 

● ‘White Tree’ - under discussion - £1000pa proposed 

 

Spitfire 

Hi Owen and Ros, 

Hope you are having an excellent time at Thorpe Park. 

With apologies for the delay, here are our calculations about the actual cost of hosting a group and thus our suggestions for rent. 

Rent - £150 (a quarter of £600 a year, based on approx 30 weeks use of the hall a year for 2 hour sessions @ £10/ hour - discounted internal rate) 

Insurance - £50 per quarter 

£135 - share of electricity, water, bank and other charges. 

Total £335 per quarter.  

Hope this is acceptable and within the bounds of the district's financial capabilities. If not, let's discuss. We really value having Spitfire based at 18th so would like to find a way to make it work for all.  

The account details for payment are 40-52-40 ac 00015526 Bristol 18th   

Best, 

Rachel 

‘White Tree’ 

Hi Owen 

Robust but constructive debate on the rental figure at 44th exec last night. 

Committee understands your position - but very conscious of opportunity cost (currently have requests to rent for Friday evening yoga or potential to establish another section - both of which would bring in approx £4k pa). 

Conclusion was that they are keen for the unit to be established and prepared to accept £500 pa (which will come out below operating costs of approx £10 per hour). 

Are you Ok to agree that we proceed on this basis? 

If so, I'll get the agreement updated, signed by me and Ewan and across to you. 

Regards 

Chris 

 

Discussion: Should we be paying the equivalent of ‘commercial’ rates for group premises 

Discussion: Should rents be representative of what we get back from the Group in terms of equipment they have to lend, and additional usage of premises 

Mental Health First Aid Mental health concerns amongst young people aren’t new, but the increasing emergence and awareness of them being seen currently presents additional challenges and risks which we need to address. Over the past few months we’ve seen an increase in concerns being raised about Explorers and older Scouts, some of these of quite a serious nature, and some occurring on camps and events where we have an increased responsibility for their safety and wellbeing. 

We prepare leaders with the skills to handle general first aid incidents which may occur; whilst potentially less common, mental health incidents are still a risk to our young people and we should be preparing leaders with the necessary knowledge to handle these too. 

We’re not trying to train leaders to be mental health workers, or to support with long term mental health treatment, but to give them the skills needed to support a young person during an immediate crisis, and the knowledge of how to then signpost them to appropriate services to seek help. 

Mental Health Building Blocks, trains groups of adults to be mental health first aiders, instructed by Jay Thompson, a registered mental health nurse (and former UK Deputy Youth Commissioner). The two-day course is run at a discount for Scouting, for groups of between 8-16. 

The course costs £950 + £20 per person for the course materials + fuel/accomodation for the instructor. An estimate for the cost of delivering this course to 16 adults in the District would be around £1500. The course would be targeted towards those directly working with Explorers older Scouts, and Network (ESLs, Ten Tors, Namaste Nepal, DESC/DSNC), as well as those who support more indirectly (GSLs/Section leaders with Young Leaders). 

 

Request: Funds (estimated £1500) for delivery of Mental Health First Aid training course for adults within the District. 

This request has been discussed with Chris (DC) in advance, and he has given his endorsement. 

Mental Health First Aid – Youth (16 Hour)

This is the full 16-hour Mental Health First Aid Youth course which qualifies you as a Mental First

Aider. Your instructor is Jay Thompson is a Registered Mental Health Nurse & Mental Health First Aid

Instructor.

What does the course cover?

This course covers the full MHFA England syllabus including; mental health awareness, depression,

anxiety, suicide, psychosis, self-harm and eating disorders. It provides participants with the

knowledge, skills and competencies to be a first aider.

To find out more about the course please see our

website: https://mentalhealthbuildingblocks.co.uk/mh-first-aid-youth

As a Youth Mental Health First Aider you will have:

• An in depth understanding of young people’s mental health and factors that affect wellbeing

• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues

• Confidence to reassure and support a young person in distress

• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening

• Knowledge to help a young person recover their health by guiding them to further support –

whether that’s through self-help sites, their place of learning, the NHS, or a mix – engaging

with parents, carers and external agencies where appropriate

• Ability to support a young person with a long term mental health issue or disability to thrive

• Tools to look after your own mental wellbeing

About the trainer

Jay trained as a mental health nurse on the Isle of Man and has worked for a number of Department

of Heath, private and charity services on the island. As a nurse Jay worked in a North London Child &

Adolescent Mental Health tier 4 inpatient unit before moving to work for Coventry & Warwickshire

NHS Partnership Trust (CAMHS). He currently works across schools and social services with

professionals, pupils and families to promote understanding of mental health. Jay is an experienced

trainer and facilitator who can make training accessible, engaging and practical.

You can contact Jay via email: info@mentalhealthbuildingblocks.co.uk or phone on 07943730537

https://mentalhealthbuildingblocks.co.uk/mh-first-aid-youthmailto:info@mentalhealthbuildingblocks.co.uk

Format of the training

Day 1 morning: Youth Mental Health First Aid

• About Youth Mental Health First Aid • Young people today • About mental health – facts and figures • Risk factors for mental ill health • Protective factors for mental health • Preventing mental health issues and promoting wellbeing • The Youth MHFA action plan: ALGEE

Afternoon: Depression and anxiety

• About depression – facts and figures • Signs and symptoms • Risk factors • About anxiety disorders – facts and figures • Signs and symptoms • Risk factors • The MHFA action plan for depression and anxiety: ALGEE

Day 2 morning: Suicide and psychosis

• About suicide • Risk factors and warning signs for suicide • First aid for suicidal crisis • About psychosis • Risk factors and warning signs of psychosis • Types of psychotic disorders • Crisis first aid for acute psychosis • The MHFA action plan for psychosis: ALGEE

Afternoon: Self-harm and eating disorders

• About self-harm – facts and figures • Risk factors • Signs and symptoms • The MHFA action plan for self-harm: ALGEE • About eating disorders – facts and figures • Different types of eating disorders • The MHFA action plan for eating disorders: ALGEE • Recovery

Who is the course suitable for?

The course is ideal for those who work, or have an interest in working with young people in a

professional or voluntary capacity. It is also useful for people who are interested in the mental

health of young people such as parents or carers.

Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects of these courses, the numbers for each course are limited

to 16 people and targeted at individuals aged 16 years and above. If you are 16 or 17 you will also

need parental permission.

What is included?

The course includes instruction from a fully qualified MHFA trainer, certificate of attendance (by

email), MHFA England workbook and a manual to keep. This literature provides a comprehensive

reference guide for further reading and guidance. Jay is also able to offer consultation to schools or

organisations about how best to implement MHFA.

Cabot Scout District Finance Report Trustees Meeting - 19th Of September 2019

Patrick O’Brien – District Treasurer

Forecast Outturn as at September 2019.

Budget YTD Forecast Variance

Actual Income (2019 Membership fees) (£8,667) (£8,357) (£8,357) £310

(£2,000) £0 (£2,000) £0

Total Income (£10,667) (£8,357) (£10,357) £310

Expenditure

District participation events 26%

St Georges Day, alternating £1,000£/£2,000 £1,500 £0 £0 (£1,500)

AGM £1,300 £735 £735 (£565)

Investment in development 26%

Investments in developments £1,000 £0 £1,000 £0

Adult training £250 £0 £250 £0

Support for minor HQ Developments £1,000 £0 £1,000 £0

"Starter" activities £500 £0 £500 £0

International activities 38%

WSJ annual contribution £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £0

Other Support annual total contribution £1,000 £1,000 £0

Gift Aid Estimate Designated for ES use £2,000 £0 £2,000 £0

Running costs 10%

Insurance £300 £375 £75

Administration, transport etc. £800 £344 £800 £0

District Supported Activities

DofE £0 (£2) (£2) (£2)

Ten Tors £0 £2,846 £1,446 £1,446

Sept Cub Camp £0 (£4,222) £0 £0

First Aid £0 £510 £310 £310

Badges £0 £141 £0 £0

WSJ £0 (£65) (£65) (£65)

Total Expenditure £10,650 £1,287 £10,349 (£301)

(Surplus) / Loss (£17) (£7,070) (£8) £9

Forecast Outurn Update Sept 22019

Budget YTD Forecast Variance

Actual Income (2019 Membership fees) (£8,667) (£8,357) (£8,357) £310

(£2,000) £0 (£2,000) £0

Total Income (£10,667) (£8,357) (£10,357) £310

Expenditure

District participation events 26%

St Georges Day, alternating £1,000£/£2,000 £1,500 £0 £0 (£1,500)

AGM £1,300 £735 £735 (£565)

Investment in development 26%

Investments in developments £1,000 £0 £1,000 £0

Adult training £250 £0 £250 £0

Support for minor HQ Developments £1,000 £0 £1,000 £0

"Starter" activities £500 £0 £500 £0

International activities 38%

WSJ annual contribution £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £0

Other Support annual total contribution £1,000 £1,000 £0

Gift Aid Estimate Designated for ES use £2,000 £0 £2,000 £0

Running costs 10%

Insurance £300 £375 £75

Administration, transport etc. £800 £344 £800 £0

District Supported Activities

DofE £0 (£2) (£2) (£2)

Ten Tors £0 £2,846 £1,446 £1,446

Sept Cub Camp £0 (£4,222) £0 £0

First Aid £0 £510 £310 £310

Badges £0 £141 £0 £0

WSJ £0 (£65) (£65) (£65)

Total Expenditure £10,650 £1,287 £10,349 (£301)

(Surplus) / Loss (£17) (£7,070) (£8) £9

Forecast Outurn Update Sept 22019

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Days from first entry under this heading(25 July 2018)

District Bank Account entries for TT under "2019" (as at 14/8/19)

2019 Cumulative Income

2019 Cumulative Payments

Gift Aid to come

Day 50 = 13th September

Cabot District AAC: District Exec Report 19th September 2019

There have been 30 more volunteers seen since the last Exec meeting of 14th May 2019 and plans for

a further 50+ to be called by the end of the year:

As at 1st Sept, there were 37 waiting to be interviewed, but there is usual a flurry of newcomers in

September. However it does appear that the list is reducing to a much more manageable level.

Obtaining References are still a problem and causing extra unnecessary work for the AAC Secretary.

There are constant reminders being made and at the last count, at least 20% of those interviewed

had either not given enough reference details or had two satisfactory references . These have to be

‘chased’ by the Secretary. Perhaps this can be discussed at the next GSL’s meeting.

Attendance at the meetings was very good however with only one Non Attend over the last 3

meetings. This was due to a change of role not being communicated to the AAC Secretary.

Vote of appreciation please to; 26th Group for the continuing use of their facilities: Panel members

for their continued efforts and support and the Meet & Greet Team for their valuable attendance

and contribution.

Terry Wright.