Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.

Members received the minutes from the previous meeting of Central Area Council held on 3^rd June, 2019.

Members noted that representatives from Neighbourhood Services had been unable to attend the meeting, but had offered to arrange ward briefings to ensure Members were aware of recent changes to the service.  Members requested that an invitation to attend the Area Council, in addition to the ward briefings, be extended in order to discuss the relationship between the work of Neighbourhood Services and services contracted by the Area Council.

Those present heard how the revised contract with RVS had been issued, and that the issue of reconvening the steering group would be discussed with the Area Manager.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Central Area Council held on 3^rd June, 2019 be approved as a true and correct record.

Caroline Fanshaw and Lesley Brewin from Family Lives were welcomed to the meeting.  Members heard how the initial issues of recruiting to the project had been overcome and the staff employed as part of the Support Service for New Mothers had started in May.

Members were made aware of the history of Family Lives, noting that the organisation engaged with over 2 million families each year across the country.  The role of volunteers was acknowledged and over 300 engage as part of their delivery nationally.

The Support Service for New Mothers (previously known as Peri-Natal Emotional Wellbeing Volunteer Home Visiting Service), offers support such as one-to-one befriending by volunteers supporting new mothers with low level emotional issues.  It will also encourage peer support to help mothers access other support services.   It was noted that the service would be provided to families whilst in pregnancy until their youngest child reaches their first birthday.

Members noted the links made with organisations and teams working in the area, and the close working relationships being developed with midwives and other support workers, where mutual referrals could be made.  It was also noted that self-referrals could be made.

A widespread campaign had taken place to recruit volunteers and 42 expressions of interest had been received.  It was acknowledged many of these may wish to provide support, having experienced issues themselves directly or indirectly.  Members noted that appropriate training would be given and ongoing support available, for those choosing to volunteer.

Members discussed the partner agencies that the team had made links with, and the limitations of the support provided by volunteers, however it was acknowledged that sigtnposting to more appropriate agencies would occur.  Whilst agile working would be adopted by the team, they would also use community venues.  

The Area Council Manager made Members aware of the progress being made in relation to further discussion about the priorities for the Area Council.  Discussions had taken place with the Head of Employment and Skills with regards to mapping current provision. This information would feed into a workshop which was likely to be held in August.

In relation to work to consider Loneliness and Isolation, the proposed workshop was cancelled due to lack of representation, and it was hoped this could be rearranged with information from the Integrated Wellbeing Team being fed into the process.

A workshop to consider Building Resilience in Children and Young People had been held on 16^th June, where a wide range of views had been expressed. The workshop had looked at data, current strengths and gaps in provision.  Members had discussed whether the age range currently covered was still relevant or whether this required extension, and a larger amount of finance allocating to take account of this.

Members noted the next steps emanating from the workshop, which included gathering the views of young people and providers, with a market testing exercise also being considered.  A further workshop had been planned for 8^th August. 

Members discussed the need to take the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Central – held on 22^nd May, 2019

Dodworth – held on 21^st May, 2019

Kingstone – held on 5^th June, 2019

Stairfoot – held on 10^th June, 2019

Worsbrough – held on 25^th April, and 6^th June, 2019

The meeting received the notes of the meetings of the Ward Alliances within the Central Area held in April, May and June, 2019.

Councillor Dyson provided feedback from the Central Ward Alliance, making Members aware of a new group in the Harborough Hills area, which had held several community events including those for families and also held community clean ups.  A new group around Hopwood Street had also been established, and had held two family focused events.  Also noted was the intergenerational work with primary age children attending the dementia carers group.

Members heard of the work in several neighbourhoods to raise awareness and improve relationships with the Ward Alliance, and this would also help to address any gaps in Ward Alliance membership.

An update on the work in Dodworth was given by Councillor Wright, who highlighted the development of the High Street Delivery Group and their annual, highly successful, Christmas event.

Members heard of the development of Incredible Edible in Gilroyd, working with Berneslai Homes.  Also noted was the work to improve engagement throughout the ward, encouraging networking and reaching out to community groups, promoting the Ward Alliance. 

Also noted was Dodworth Village Fete where, amongst other things, consultation on the Principal Towns project would take place.

Councillor Williams updated Members on the work of Kingstone Ward Alliance, which had recently welcomed one new member, and had received a further application to take part.

Members noted the three working groups focused around planning for another health day, activities for younger people and the Christmas event. 

It was noted that the parent and toddler group at St George’s Church had around 50 members, with parents receiving support to cook on a budget.  From this a further group supporting those with twins was looking to become established.

Members also heard of a group at St Luke’s Church supporting stroke victims and their families.

Those present heard of the community clean up events in the area, with significant numbers of volunteers taking part, and this stimulating further action from residents.

The Chair made Members aware of recent achievements in the Stairfoot Ward including the advice provision by DIAL which had now been extended to cover all of Central Area. Members also heard of sloppy slippers events, the work of Field Lane Crafters, and the success of Stairfoot Socials.

Proactive work had been undertaken to engage the public, including the development of a Facebook page, which had received a substantial number of hits.

Members noted the significant clean-up work, including as part of the Great British Clean up.  Also noted were the well attended events such as the Work, Rest and Play event, the Spring event in Aldham and Friends of Stairfoot Family Fun day.

Noted also was the work of the Ardsley Events Group, Stairfoot Station Group, Bank Street Ladies, and Stairfoot Ward Alliance Team (SWAT).

Members were made aware of the work with young people including Junior Wardens at Oakhill Primary, which would also start shortly at Forest Academy.

Work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Area Council Manager introduced the item, drawing the attention of Members to the amount of finance remaining in each Ward Alliance Fund.

Members noted that figures may be slightly reduced from those published if Ward Alliances had met recently and recommended applications for approval.

Members discussed the number of applications being received from borough-wide organisations, and it was recommended that these be considered on their merit and the benefit of residents in the Ward.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.