Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager, who reminded Members that the report covered the quarter January to March 2019.

Overall the position was positive, with increases being noted in the number of jobs created, number of people undertaking work experience and number of adults volunteering.

Members noted that the number of young people engaged in volunteering was low, but that this did not take account of the engagement of young people through schools.

The attention of Members was also drawn to the high numbers of residents in receipt of advice and support, and also the number of young people making a positive contribution to their local environment.

A brief update was then provided on each of the contracts held by the Area Council.  The service provided by DIAL continued to performance well, with over £9,000 of additional benefits gained following 51 residents in receipt of face-to-face support.

Performance against the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance continued to be positive, with all targets consistently being reached.  Members heard of the work to establish an new community group in Ingbirchworth, and work with Tankersley and Pilley environmental group.  Those present noted the significant input Penistone groups, supported by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, had made to Incredible Edible.

With regards to the Social Isolation and Volunteering project, Age UK was engaging volunteers to support and look out for people in their communities, as part of a befrienders/good neighbour campaign.  This could involve home visits, or afternoon outings.  The project also continued to provide information and advice to service users and manage the community car scheme.

The Community Activities project looked to support more isolated communities, with a focus on improving health outcomes and engaging men. Members heard of the health group established in Pilley, which was hoped could be replicated elsewhere.  A ‘Men in Sheds’ project was in the process of being established, with 8 volunteers and 7 participants expressing an interest.

Members heard of the group established via facebook to share knitting patterns and provide mutual support, with the aim of knitting items for premature babies.  It was noted that work continued with U3A to generate more groups.

The third project delivered by Age UK involved establishing a community network, which is now called Supporting Older People in the Penistone Area (SOPPA).  The forum, designed to encourage established organisations to work more closely has already met more than once and is looking at different ways to engage more widely.  Members heard how a subgroup of SOPPA was meeting to discuss at how best to take forward the Age Friendly Penistone initiative.

An update was received in relation to the Penistone FM Young Voices project, funded through the Working Together Fund.  Positive links had been made with Penistone Grammar School and pupils were taking part in activities as part of curriculum enrichment.  It was noted that this offered real work experience and qualifications recognised by industry.

Members received an update on the South Pennine Community Bus service which had been popular, with 50 users per day against a target of 20.  It was noted that sponsorship was now being sought and discussions were scheduled to take place with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.  There had been a further application to the Working Together Fund to continue the service, which had been approved.  This would only provide 46% of costs as the project looked to become self-financing.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.