The meeting is taking place on Thursday (8th January) and includes a presentation from the Council's Trading Standards team on rogue traders and scams.
A representative of the Trading Standards team will give an overview of the work they do to protect the interests of South Tyneside consumers, businesses and visitors to the Borough. The presentation aims to raise awareness of the issues they deal with as well as give advice on how people can protect themselves.
Chair of the Boldon, Cleadon and Whitburn Community Area Forum, Councillor Alison Strike, said: "Our Trading Standards officers work tirelessly to protect the people of South Tyneside. They use a range of regulations to investigate a variety of issues, from bogus doorstep callers and cowboy builders, to problems with goods or services and scam letters, texts and emails.
"They are always receiving calls from people who feel they are being ripped off or are victims of scams. These people are left feeling distressed, angry and often, out of pocket. Prevention is key to tackling this. Our residents need to be on their guard against unscrupulous people who prey on others in this way, particularly the vulnerable and the elderly, and our Trading Standards team is available to help people deal with any problems. I'm sure visitors to forum meeting will find this presentation really useful."
The forum will also receive a presentation on the new £300,000 a year 'Your Fund' initiative and the types of projects it can support.
The recently established borough-wide fund gives local people the opportunity to judge what projects they would like to see supported in their areas. It replaces the Local Initiatives Fund and will support projects that improve the environment and the quality of life for local people, individuals and groups. It can allocate grants from £100 up to a maximum £15,000.
Members will also receive an update on the Youth Capital Project. The project aims to help increase young people's participation in positive activities and to help reduce anti-social behaviour with an allocation of £452,000 from the Government's Youth Capital Fund Plus. The money will be used to develop more youth activities and facilities across South Tyneside with young people involved in deciding how the money is spent.
Councillor Strike said: "I am looking forward to hearing more about these fantastic initiatives and what benefits they will bring to the Boldon, Cleadon and Whitburn area. I'm sure we will get suggestions on how these funds can be used to help improve local areas and support our communities."
South Tyneside Homes will also give an update on their work in the forum area. There will also be a joint report from Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the Council's Community Safety teams on issues affecting the area.
Members of the press and public are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Boldon, Cleadon and Whitburn Community Area Forum, which takes place on Thursday 8th January, at 5pm, in the Drama Hall of Whitburn CofE School, Nicholas Avenue, Whitburn.