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 22 May 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Central Area Council held on 22 May 2024 be approved as a true and correct record.

Central Ward Alliance – Presentation and Report

Dodworth Ward Alliance – Presentation and Report

Kingstone Ward Alliance – Presentation and Report

Stairfoot Ward Alliance – Presentation and Report

Worsbrough Ward Alliance – Presentation and Report

Stepping Stones – Presentation and Report

Dawn Grayton, Craig Aubrey, Michelle Toone, and Sarah Davey, Community Development Officers within the Central Area were welcomed to the meeting.

Dawn provided an overview of the work in Central Ward. It was noted that the area had no centre or real hub, despite this the Ward Alliance still did great work. In 2023/24 120 volunteers had been engaged, 30 of which were new, with 307 volunteer hours committed and 11 projects supported.  Members heard of the finance provided to projects, but also the support given from the Ward Alliance Members.  Examples of the work undertaken with groups in the area, including the Girls’ Brigade and Barnsley Main Heritage Group.

Members were made aware of the engagement activities over the year, promoting funding and engaging people to volunteer.  Also noted was the work with young people in Dearne Valley Park to create an etiquette sign.

Those present were then made aware of the plans for 2024/25, which involved building relationships with more marginalised communities, engaging more volunteers and hopefully in,creasing the diversity of the membership of the Ward Alliance

Dawn went on to provide an update of the work of the Ward Alliance in Dodworth. The Ward Alliance had supported 15 different groups and organisations, and provided funding to 18 projects in 2023/24. 165 volunteers had been engaged, with 75 of these being new, and 224 volunteer hours being pledged.

An overview of the Junior Wardens Scheme, run through the Crime and Safety Group was provided.  Year 6 pupils from 4 primary schools in the area took part, which included a visit to the Coal Mining Museum, which for some young people may have been the first time they had left their community. It was noted that this would be the last year of the scheme and thanks were given to Malcolm Howard, Jack Carr and Brian Perrin for their hard work over many years.

Members also heard about the projects supported, including Save the Village Band, Top O’Dodworth Bottoms, and the work with the Dodworth High Street Committee,  Barnsley Muslim Community Group and Dodworth Library.

It was noted that in 2024/25, the Ward Alliance planned on continuing to build relationships within the community and increasing the membership. Promotion of the Ward Alliance would continue, as would encouraging groups to apply to the Ward Alliance Fund, especially those who may have never previously received funding.  Members heard that the Dodworth Christmas Fair would take place on the High Street on 1^st December 1-4pm, with everyone invited.

Craig Aubrey then provided an overview of the work of Kingstone Ward Alliance in 2023/24.  It was noted that the two of the funded partners had received a King’s Award, 73 litter picks had been undertaken, and nearly £16,000 of funding distributed. In addition, around 6,000 of bulbs had been by volunteers and nearly 12,000 people reached on social media.

Members considered some of the work undertaken in the area, including the Christmas in Kingstone project, with Creative Recovery, and the Artwork project,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Area Council Manager introduced the item and reminded Members of the recent series of workshops held to discuss the priorities of the Area Council.  Members were reminded of the view that all priorities should be worded positively.

An overview of the discussion at the following workshops was provided:-

1.    Review of current provision, demand and links to wider Council        Objectives.

Here Barnsley 2030 ambitions were considered, alongside the purpose of the Communities Business Unit, and the principles and priorities of Stronger Communities. Current contracts were discussed, including positives and challenges faced by providers and users. It was noted that cost of living, mental health and isolation were common themes.

2.    Healthy Communities

Here a presentation from Public Health and relevant data was considered, and feedback from the workshop was that more should be done to address health inequalities and poverty.  Those with health inequalities were more likely to be socially isolated and vulnerable, and in engaging local communities there should be a focus on reducing barriers to engagement.

3.    Learning Communities

It was noted that previously the Area Council had focused on Children and Young People.  However, following a series of presentations Members appreciated the increasing complexity of needs, and need for longer term interventions. There was a need to recognise that supporting young people ought to extend to the wider family.

4.    Safe and Enjoyable communities

At this meeting environmental and demand data was considered. The consensus was that the clean and green agenda remained a priority, as did supporting residents to have safe and warm homes.  It was suggested that the environment be widened to heritage, with a link to having a sense of belonging to a community.

5.    Learning and Healthy Communities

At this workshop Members received a presentation and discussed issues relating to young people. It was suggested that any intervention in this area should take account of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and Youth Sufficiency Assessment.

6.    Healthy and Vibrant Communities

Members received a report which pulled together outcomes from the previous workshops and considered the Impact Assessment Tool, which assessed the health, social, economic and environmental impacts of projects, and it was suggested that the tool be used as part of the consideration of project proposals.

Members were in support of the priorities, and it was confirmed that the intention was to procure services do deliver against these priorities. The intention was that these would go live from April 2025, with existing commissioned services due to end their delivery at the end of March 2025.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the outcome of the Central Area Council review of priorities be noted;

(ii)          That the following be agreed as priorities for Central Area Council  2025-2028 inclusive:-

Overarching priority - Healthy and Vibrant Communities.

Our goal is to foster thriving, supportive communities across all of the priorities.

Priority 1 - Healthy Communities

We will support and commission services which support people who are social isolated and vulnerable. This will include welfare advice.

Priority 2 - Learning Communities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Area Council Manager introduced the report, which considered a number of areas where services could be procured to deliver against the priorities agreed.

A brief discussion was held. The consensus amongst Members was that more time should be given to this discussion.

RESOLVED that this item be deferred to an extraordinary meeting of Central Area Council to allow detailed consideration.

Central – held on 24 April and 22 May 2024

Dodworth – held on 19 May 2024

Kingstone – held on 29 May 2024

Stairfoot – held on 13 May and 10 June 2024

Worsbrough – held on 30 May 2024

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

Central Ward Alliance – held on 24 April and 22 May, 2024

Dodworth Ward Alliance – held on 19 May 2024

Kingstone Ward Alliance – held on 29 May 2024

Stairfoot Ward Alliance – held on 13 May and 10 June 2024 and

Worsbrough Ward Alliance – held on 30 May 2024

RESOLVED that the notes of the Ward Alliances be received.

The report on the use of Ward Alliance Funds was received for information.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.