Agenda item

Caroline Fanshaw and Lesley Brewin from Family Lives were welcomed to the meeting.  Members heard how the initial issues of recruiting to the project had been overcome and the staff employed as part of the Support Service for New Mothers had started in May.

Members were made aware of the history of Family Lives, noting that the organisation engaged with over 2 million families each year across the country.  The role of volunteers was acknowledged and over 300 engage as part of their delivery nationally.

The Support Service for New Mothers (previously known as Peri-Natal Emotional Wellbeing Volunteer Home Visiting Service), offers support such as one-to-one befriending by volunteers supporting new mothers with low level emotional issues.  It will also encourage peer support to help mothers access other support services.   It was noted that the service would be provided to families whilst in pregnancy until their youngest child reaches their first birthday.

Members noted the links made with organisations and teams working in the area, and the close working relationships being developed with midwives and other support workers, where mutual referrals could be made.  It was also noted that self-referrals could be made.

A widespread campaign had taken place to recruit volunteers and 42 expressions of interest had been received.  It was acknowledged many of these may wish to provide support, having experienced issues themselves directly or indirectly.  Members noted that appropriate training would be given and ongoing support available, for those choosing to volunteer.

Members discussed the partner agencies that the team had made links with, and the limitations of the support provided by volunteers, however it was acknowledged that sigtnposting to more appropriate agencies would occur.  Whilst agile working would be adopted by the team, they would also use community venues.  

The Area Council Manager made Members aware of the progress being made in relation to further discussion about the priorities for the Area Council.  Discussions had taken place with the Head of Employment and Skills with regards to mapping current provision. This information would feed into a workshop which was likely to be held in August.

In relation to work to consider Loneliness and Isolation, the proposed workshop was cancelled due to lack of representation, and it was hoped this could be rearranged with information from the Integrated Wellbeing Team being fed into the process.

A workshop to consider Building Resilience in Children and Young People had been held on 16^th June, where a wide range of views had been expressed. The workshop had looked at data, current strengths and gaps in provision.  Members had discussed whether the age range currently covered was still relevant or whether this required extension, and a larger amount of finance allocating to take account of this.

Members noted the next steps emanating from the workshop, which included gathering the views of young people and providers, with a market testing exercise also being considered.  A further workshop had been planned for 8^th August. 

Members discussed the need to take the views of young people into account, both prior to agreeing the tender specification and throughout the delivery of the commission.

A brief update was provided in relation to the contract held by District Enforcement, which had commenced in April.  Though formal monitoring information had not yet been provided, anecdotal feedback was positive, with requests from Members being responded to in a timely manner.

An update was provided in relation to the projects funded by the Wellbeing Fund.   A meeting had been held with Creative Recovery to agree performance indicators, and a contract had been issued.

With regards to the DIAL advice drop in, this service had commenced on 1^st June, and sessions seemed to be well attended.   Members requested to be provided with a breakdown by ward, however it was noted that many residents may travel between wards to access the service.

The contract with the Education, Learning and Support Hub (ELSH) had been signed and the project commenced on 1^st June.  Classes were now underway at the hub on Sheffield Road and had been well attended so far.

Delivery of the contract with Hope House to provide follow on support for new mothers commenced on 1^st June, and it was acknowledged that people did travel to use services such as this as it was based in the town centre.

Therapies for Anxiety, Depression and Stress (TADS) had commenced at both Barnsley Academy and Horizon, but would shortly commence in Forest Academy and Hunningley Lane Primary.  Members noted that the service would deliver in each ward at some point in the programme.

Performance indicators and contracts had been agreed with The Youth Association, and the project was set to commence on 1^st July, 2019.

The Area Council Manager provided an overview of the finances of the Area Council.   At the end of 2018/19 £185,818 remained within the budget, when carried forward to 2019/20 this left £145,951 to be allocated in the current financial year.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the overview of current Central Area Council priorities, and the progress made regarding the development of the priorities from 1^st April, 2020 be noted;

(ii)          The overview of all Central Area Council current contracts, contract extensions and Service Level Agreements be noted;

(iii)         That the updates on the Peri-Natal Emotional Wellbeing Volunteer Home Visiting Service and Environmental Enforcement contracts be noted;

(iv)         That the update on the Central Area Wellbeing Fund projects be noted;

(v)          That the financial position for the Area Council and projected expenditure be noted.