Agenda and minutes

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

The meeting received the minutes from the previous meeting of Central Area Council held on 7^th July 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Central Area Council held on 7^th July 2021 be approved as a true and correct record.

Siobhan Lendzionowskiand Kaye Mann were welcomed to the meeting and delivered a presentation on this topic. It was highlighted that cancer touches many of us and 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetimes.  There are 1500 new cases each year in Barnsley.  As 4 in 10 cancers are preventable, around 600 new cancers in Barnsley could be postponed or prevented each year.  Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths in Barnsley, with 72% of cases linked to smoking.  Barnsley has significantly higher smoking prevalence than the rest of the country.  For men in Barnsley, prostate cancer is the second largest cause of death, responsible for 11.8% of death.  In women, breast cancer is the second major cause of death from cancer, accounting for 12.4% of female cancer deaths.  Healthy lifestyles can help to reduce the risk of cancer.  The 7 key ways to do this are: 

1.    be smoke free

2.    keep a healthy weight

3.    Stay safe in the sun

4.    drink less alcohol

5.    eat a high fibre diet

6.    cut down on processed meat

7.    be more active.

It was highlighted that catching cancer early is vital.  Around 8 in 10 people who are diagnosed early (Stage 1) with lung cancer survive for one year or more.  At Stage IV (late stage) this drops to just 2 in 10 people.  Similarly with bowel cancer, around 9 in 10 survive for a year or more when diagnosed early, which drops to around 4 in 10 who are diagnosed later.  The earlier the cancer is detected the better the long-term prognosis.  The voluntary screening processes for bowel, breast and cervical was explained in detail.  There is no doubt that screening saves lives.  Barnsley is close to national targets for screening, but there is still much work to be done.  The various signs and symptoms of various cancers were outlined and Members were urged to share the message that if something just doesn't feel right it should be checked out.  Lots of people are reluctance to visit their GP because of embarrassment

Siobhan was welcomed to the meeting and spoke about the Behavioural Science Trial, providing definitions of behavioural insights /science and 'nudges' along with an explanation of why people may not be attending appointments.  Evidence shows that people respond to proactive and positive messages and that most people referred do not have cancer.  Examples of 'nudges' in common usage were given.  It was reiterated that Councillors, as trusted community representatives, have a role to play in encouraging (nudging) people to attend screening and/or appointments.  Barnsley is trialling a behavioural science trial with the Foodbank in Goldthorpe (where there is a high incidence of cancer).  Staff at the Foodbank will talk to people and encourage them to take good care of their health.  A Care Co-ordinator will be available to help book appointments etc.  The trial has now gone live and will be rolled out across other GP practices in Barnsley to target areas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Area Council Managers introduced this item, summarising the detailed report which included the work of District Enforcement, Twiggs Ground Maintenance, Family Lives service, Dial, Hope House, Creative Recovery, Youth Work Fund projects, various social isolation grant fund projects, Age UK project, Reds in the Community and Citizens Advice Barnsley (CAB)- Welfare Rights and Legal Advice Service. 

Members' attention was drawn to the numerous case studies included in the report, which were accompanied by photographs.  The work of Twiggs and the positive impact of the work on the community was outlined.  Members expressed concern about potential duplication of work in some areas and lack of coordination and information sharing about work taking place across the area.  Members were encouraged to provide details of areas of work which were needed in their wards to help with this and to strike a balance between planned and proactive work. Twiggs have received additional funding to set up a tool bank and support for volunteers working in their local area.  Volunteer numbers vary across Wards and Members were actively encouraged to be involved.    Members were concerned that Gamechanger funding was being duplicated with central grant funding.  Reassurances were given that the Area Council had been working with Public Health to obtain grant funding and will keep a watchful eye on this and will update Members as necessary.        

RESOLVED that Members note the performance update 

The Area Council Managers introduced this item, summarising the detailed report which included the work of District Enforcement, Twiggs Ground Maintenance, Family Lives service, Dial, Hope House, Creative Recovery, Youth Work Fund projects, various social isolation grant fund projects, Age UK project, Reds in the Community and Citizens Advice Barnsley (CAB)- Welfare Rights and Legal Advice Service. 

Members' attention was drawn to the numerous case studies included in the report, which were accompanied by photographs.  The work of Twiggs and the positive impact of the work on the community was outlined.  Members expressed concern about potential duplication of work in some areas and lack of coordination and information sharing about work taking place across the area.  Members were encouraged to provide details of areas of work which were needed in their wards to help with this and to strike a balance between planned and proactive work. Twiggs have received additional funding to set up a tool bank and support for volunteers working in their local area.  Volunteer numbers vary across Wards and Members were actively encouraged to be involved.    Members were concerned that Gamechanger funding was being duplicated with central grant funding.  Reassurances were given that the Area Council had been working with Public Health to obtain grant funding and will keep a watchful eye on this and will update Members as necessary.        

RESOLVED that Members note the performance update 

Central – held on 28^th July, 2021

Dodworth – held on 1^st June and 13^th July, 2021

Kingstone – held on 30^th June and 11^th August, 2021

Stairfoot – held on 12^th July and 9^th August, 2021

Worsbrough – held on 8^th July, 2021

The meeting received the notes of the following meetings of the Ward Alliances within the Central Area:

Central – held on 28th July, 2021

Dodworth – held on 1st June and 13th July, 2021

Kingstone – held on 30th June and 11th August, 2021

Stairfoot – held on 12th July and 9th August, 2021

Worsbrough – held on 8th July, 2021

Councillor Clarke expressed his thanks to Officers with respect to their hard work on the Principal Towns Project, as many shops had taken up the offer of improvements, which will improve the visual aspect of the area. 

RESOLVED that the notes and feedback from the Ward Alliances be received.

The report was received for information.

RESOLVED that the Central Area Council receives the Ward Alliance Fund Report and notes spend to date for the Wards of Central, Dodworth, Kingstone, Stairfoot and Worsborough.