Agenda and minutes

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

Those present at the meeting received the minutes from the previous meeting of Central Area Council held on 20 November 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Central Area Council held on 20 November 2024 be approved as a true and correct record.

Alison Dalton, Group Leader Strategic Housing, was unfortunately unable to attend, therefore it was suggested that the item be deferred to a future meeting.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting.

The Area Council Managers spoke to the item. Members were reminded of the Healthier Communities priority where decisions had previously been taken to fund a Welfare Advice Service, and also to provide a healthier communities grant scheme.

With regards to Welfare Advice, Members heard that a grant fund of £60,000 per year for three years had been opened, and organisations invited to submit proposals to deliver high quality advice across all Central wards, supporting those with complex welfare issues and assisting individuals with their housing, welfare and debt advice needs.   The fund had closed on 11 November 2024 and three applications had been received.  All applications had been considered by a monitoring and evaluation panel and funding had been awarded to Citizen’s Advice Bureau Barnsley.  Members heard how they would be providing a face-to-face service across the 5 wards, each for 3 hours a week, in addition to support over the telephone and via email.

Members noted that discussions were still taking places regarding the venues for the service to operate from, and a suggestion was made that this could include the Edmunds Centre in Worsbrough.  Any further suggestions from Members were also invited.

Concerns were raised about the drop-in element of the service, and whether this would be promoted widely to ensure residents were aware of the service.  It was noted that previous advice services changed from operating on a drop-in basis to being appointment based.   This project would be carefully monitored and changes made to its operation if required.

With regards to the Healthier Communities Fund of £80,000 per year, for three years,  seven applications had been received. Following moderation and evaluation two projects had been successful.

The first of the projects would be delivered by Age UK Barnsley – Connected Community.  This would provide support for new and existing groups and also support older people on a one-to-one basis.  It would build on the success of previous Social Inclusion project and would deliver towards the emerging issue of dealing with malnutrition and dehydration, as well as promoting the use of the new HUT centre.

The second project would be delivered by Barnsley FC Community Trust – Reds Connect.  Building on the existing project, Members heard how this would enable more adults to become physically and socially active, improving their wellbeing.  It was noted that the organisation worked with a wide range of partners and a suggestion was made for the project to consider working with Dodworth Miners’ Welfare.

It was noted that some funds remained in the Healthier Communities Grant Fund.

In relation to the Learning Communities priority, £70,000 per annum for three years had been made available for detached youth work, with a grant fund being advertised and The Youth Association being successful for the continuation of their Street Smart project, which would be delivered in Central, Kingstone, Stairfoot and Worsbrough Wards. Detached youth work would also be delivered in the Dodworth ward by YMCA Barnsley.

A further £60,000 per year, for three years, had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Central – held on 23 October and 27 November 2024

Dodworth – held on 15 October 2024

Kingstone – held on 13 November 2024

Stairfoot – held on 11 November and 9 December 2024

Worsbrough – held on 26 September and 11 November 2024

Those present received the notes of the following Ward Alliance meetings within the Central Area:-

Central – held on 23 October and 27 November 2024

Dodworth – held on 15 October 2024

Kingstone – held on 13 November 2024

Stairfoot – held on 11 November and 9 December 2024

Worsbrough – held on 26 September and 11 November 2024

Members heard of the recent Flavours of Christmas Event supported by Worsbrough Ward Alliance.  The event was extremely successful with food from many different countries and cultures.  Thanks were provided to Michelle Toone and all others involved in the organisation of the event.  Frank Parnham from Barnsley City of Sanctuary was also thanked for his involvement.  It was noted that other areas had expressed an interest in holding similar events.

Thanks were also given for the work of Dawn Grayton for their hard work to ensure Dodworth High Street Christmas Fayre event had been successful.  Praise was then given to all the Central Area team, noting that the majority of the Christmas events had received an input from officers in the team.

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

Members received the report that detailed the financial situation of the Ward Alliance Funds in the Central Area.

RESOLVED that the report be received.