Agenda item

The Area Council Manager provided an update to the meeting on the performance of commissioned services and Dearne Development Funded projects during quarter 2.

With regards to the Employability Contract held by Dearne Electronic Community Village, performance was positive.  Within the quarter an additional 20 learners had enrolled and 4 had entered employment. Members noted that increasingly those accessing the service required significantly more support to access the labour market, it was noted ultimately this may impact on the numbers the service was able to help.

With regards to the Environment, Education and Volunteering Service delivered by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, performance against the contract was positive. Within the quarter 30 social action events had been led, and 20 community groups supported.  6 areas had been adopted by residents and 168 volunteers engaged. 10 additional local businesses had worked with Twiggs and 11 impact sessions had been delivered to groups and schools.  Members noted that the weather had impacted on delivery, but were assured that if sessions with volunteers were cancelled due to poor weather, alternative work was undertaken.

Performance against the contract delivered by B:Friend to reduce social isolation delivered had improved, with an increased number of referrals.  Volunteers had pledged 360 hours volunteering from 17 volunteers within the quarter. The service had received a further 22 enquiries from people who were interested in volunteering.  36 group sessions had been delivered, with 12 people signposted on to other groups.  Members noted that those engaged were predominantly women and it was agreed to consider this in future contract negotiations.

Members noted that the Goldthorpe Social Club had been moved from the library due to changes in library opening hours, and it was being held at the Pentecostal Church.

The Area Council Manager went on to provide an update in relation to projects funded through the Dearne Development Fund (DDF).

Members noted that the advice service delivered by DIAL had been funded through the 2018/19 budget, but services continued in to 2019/20, with the final session being held in December, 2019.  The service continued to be well used, with 24 sessions held and 84 residents assisted.

Goldthorpe Development Group had held three events within the quarter with 36 volunteers assisting and 206 in total attending the sessions. Members noted that attendance early in the quarter had been reduced, and this was down to changes in staff within some of the local care homes.  This issue had been raised with the care homes and resulted in numbers attending improving.

Members noted that the Citizen’s Advice Bureau had been previously funded by the DDF, and had subsequently been refunded.  The performance considered covered the first tranche of funding.  The project had seen 244 client contacts, with a benefit gain of £285,119.  Members commented that the results from this and the project delivered by DIAL showed the demand in the area for such services.

Therapies for Anxiety Depression and Stress (TADS) had worked with young people with sessions at Dearne ALC, and Station House.  Solution focused counselling had been offered as well as yoga club to improve mindfulness.

Low numbers had been seen the drop-in session which had been halted, but the intelligence from the Integrated Wellbeing Teams and Targeted Youth Support Service that there was still demand for such a service so reinstating this would be reconsidered, perhaps at a different venue.

Members noted the Playhouse now had LED lighting funded through the Dearne Development Fund which had a positive impact on performances, and would result in reduced bills.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.