Agenda and draft 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 27^th April, 2022.

Members discussed the action relating to the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices via an office in Liverpool.  It was noted that this would be down to arrangements made by the contractor, District Enforcement, who issued the notices on behalf of the Council.  However, it was agreed to raise the concerns around the poor grammar in the notices, which had led to questions about whether the letters were genuine.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Central Area Council held on 27^th April, 2002 be approved as a true and correct record.

Audra Pratt, from Mind Rotherham and Barnsley, was welcomed to the meeting to provide an overview of the Thriving Communities Loneliness and Isolation Project. 

Members were provided statistics and data in relation to social isolation and loneliness nationally. It was noted that over 9 million adults were always or often lonely. The project was launched in April 2021 to try and tackle this issue within the Central Council Area.   Examples were given of the type of initiatives arranged. These included Men’s Chill and Chat sessions, individual 1-2-1 sessions with befrienders, an Eco Gym, a lades group, and Community Workshops.  The service also supported volunteers, signposted service users to other support and worked closely in partnership with a number of agencies and groups.

Members heard of further initiatives planned, which included an Online Support Group, which would enable those less mobile to engage, and a Creative Crafts group which would be held in partnership with Oakwell Training.

Feedback from users was extremely positive, with 100% of those sampled agreeing that the quality of service was excellent.  In addition 88% had said they felt less lonely or isolated as a result of the service, with 12% somewhat less isolated and lonely.  100% said they would recommend the service.  Members noted a number of case studies and comments provided by users, demonstrating the positive impact the service had made on their lives.  Audra gave thanks to the staff and volunteers involved in the delivery of this service.

Members asked about delivery in Wards, and it was noted that all provision was provided centrally, but promotion was undertaken in each of the wards. Many users said they enjoyed travelling to access the service.  It was noted that those unable to do so would be able to access online and phone-based support.

Those present discussed the promotion of the service, and it was noted that social media was used widely alongside more traditional methods.  Suggestions were made to utilise community notice boards, and Members agreed to support making links with local organisations such as schools.

Kieron Campbell, from Reds in the Community, was welcomed to discuss the Reds Connect project.  Members heard how Reds in the Community was the charitable arm of the football club, which aimed to harness the power of the club to create positive change.  The Reds Connect project was set up to provide more opportunities for people to engage, participate and connect. Ideally this would support physical and also mental wellbeing, reducing isolation and social isolation.

Members noted the delivery model, which included walking football, walking groups, exercise classes, and sporting memories sessions.  Members noted 1,386 attendances from 101 unique users, and that users were also connecting with each other outside of the project, therefore creating benefits sustainable in the longer term. Members were provided quotes from users, which demonstrated the positive impact on their lives.

Questions were asked around supporting those individuals hard to reach, and it was noted that the project wasn’t specifically focused on this area but would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Area Council Manager introduced the item, noting that the layout of the report had altered slightly, with key data now being highlighted.   Members were reminded that, whilst the report provided an overview, much more in depth information was available if requested.  This information  was discussed by Area Council Managers at contract meetings with providers.  It was noted that the report would highlight any areas of underachievement and explanations of any disparities.

Members were also reminded that there was a possibility to visit services if they wished, and this could be arranged through contacting the Area Team.

A question was raised with regards to the low numbers of residents accessing the DIAL service in Dodworth.  It was thought that this was in part down to the service being accessed via phone, and that the situation would hopefully improve when a physical presence was re-established.

RESOLVED:-that the report be received.

The Area Council Manager introduced the report and provided an overview of current delivery against priorities and the current financial position.

Members were reminded of the significant development work undertaken in relation to the Youth Work Fund.  It was noted that the evaluation panel had since met and subsequently contracts had been awarded to The Youth Association to continue their Street-Smart programme in Central, Kingstone, Stairfoot and Worsbrough wards, and to the YMCA to continue their focused delivery in the Dodworth Ward.

The Area Council Manager spoke of the procurement for a service focused on education as part of delivery against the Clean and Green Priority, and Members were reminded that a contract had not been issued.  Members heard of development of a boroughwide Enviro-Crime Strategy.  It was suggested that there would be a community led forum as part of the delivery of the strategy, and therefore that the need for the proposed Area Council service had largely been surpassed.

A number of options for the finance ringfenced for the service were considered.  It was recommended that the monies allocated to the service in the current financial year be brought back into the main budget, and that finance remain ringfenced for the financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The various options were discussed in detail, including what the finance available could be utilised for, with any finance ringfenced remaining for that purpose.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            that the overview of Central Area Council’s current priorities, and overview of all current contracts, contract extensions, Service Level Agreements and Well-being Fund projects, with associated timescales, be noted;

(ii)          that the actual financial position to date for 2022-23 and the projected expenditure, including future proposals, to 2023-24 as outlined in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report, be noted;

(iii)         that the moderation panel met on 7 June 2022 and the successful providers have been notified of their Youth Work Fund award be noted; and

(iv)             that the funding allocated for Lot 2 of the Clean and Green Priority, which was to focus on education, be brought back into the Central Area Council budget for 2022 - £50,000, and that the remaining committed expenditure remains ringfenced for the Clean and Green Priority (£50,000 for 2023/24 and £50,000 for 2024/25).

Central – held on 27^th April and 25^th May, 2022

Dodworth – held on 29^th March and 24^th May, 2022

Kingstone – held on 27^th April and 29^th March, 2022

Stairfoot – held on 26^th April and 16^th May, 2022

Worsbrough – held on 28^th April, 2022

The meeting received the notes of the meetings of the following Ward Alliances:-

Central Ward Alliance held on 27 April and 25 May 2022

Dodworth Ward Alliance held on 29 March and 24 May 2022

Kingstone Ward Alliance held on 27 April and 29 March 2022

Stairfoot Ward Alliance held on 26 April and 16 May 2022

Worsbrough Ward Alliance held on 28 April 2022

Councillor Clarke mentioned the Primary School Enterprise Challenge, which the Ward Alliance had contributed towards. This had recently culminated a well organised event, which was a credit to the young people involved.

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

The report on the use of Ward Alliance Funds was received.  Members were encouraged to make plans for the use of remaining resources.

RESOLVED that the report be received.