No, I've not been to any of the three held since last July.
The online agenda for the next meeting, presumably intended for early April, is
not posted (like most of the other Forums (fora) in other Areas, the date is
still "to be advised") and the date of the next meeting was not recorded in the
last so-called "action sheet". Unless the meeting times are better publicised,
it's not likely that I'll be going to any in the future, either.
In addition, the "action sheet" for the last meeting, which was about Youth
Services in the NE area, does not make the heart beat faster. The Actions are:
1. "Any problems or need for clarity of new arrangements , make a list and give
to the service manager"
2. "Stress the need for strong partnerships, including taking an active part in
local neighbourhood partnerships along with other service providers
Martin to meet Sarah burrows. Oxford brooks [sic] to play a bigger role in
building youth activity in the future"
3. "Carry out a needs assessment for (a), groups doing youth work, and (b),
young people in the NE area" [but this is for Summer 2012, and is "tbc"
(presumably, "to be confirmed" so it may not happen)].
The sheet includes names of people whom I don't know and can't contact,
identified only by their forenames. There is no indication who was responsible
for writing it, and therefore presumably for seeing that the "actions" will be
carried out.
Doing things to help youth in the NE area is indeed extremely important, but I
don't think a two hour meeting that produced this outcome will alter anything
significantly.
For me, Area Forums (fora) don't work.