Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager who made Members aware that the report covered Quarter 2, July to September, 2019.

From the cumulative performance tables a number of areas were highlighted.  This included the increases in clean and tidy activities undertaken by businesses and the numbers of young people making a positive contribution to the design and maintenance of their local environment.

Members noted the contribution of volunteers, with over £17,000 worth of volunteer time given, and over 96% of contracted finance was spent in the local area.

78 volunteer opportunities had been created and 4 individuals supported had gained a qualification in the quarter.  In addition 40 community groups had been supported, 249 volunteers of which 50 were new, had been engaged.  93 residents had received advice and support.

Performance against the contract delivered by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance was positive, with the service now in its second year of operation, and an extension agreed to the end of the financial year.  Members noted the work in the parishes and with businesses.  Also noted was the variety of new groups supported.  Members heard how all targets had been met, including those related to young people, despite it being the school summer holidays.

The team had worked with Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, and Members noted the continued work with Team Green Moor towards their Britain in Bloom award.  Also acknowledged was support give to Springvale Community Garden and work that had recently commenced in Stainborough and Hood Green.

Benches around the area had been restored, and ‘Happy to Chat’ plaques added to some, a practice which may be replicated elsewhere.  Members noted that 7,000 bulbs had been procured for planting with volunteers around Bower Dell.

Volunteer involvement around Windermere Road edible beds had improved, as had engagement around Ingbirchworth, Gunthwaite, and Bromley Carr.  Members noted the new approach to advertising to engage volunteers which was thought to be working well.

It was noted that the contract held by Age UK was in the 3^rd quarter of its first year, but was being extended to run into a second year.  High numbers of volunteers had been engaged with a successful recruitment drive held in September, and a number of positive features in the local press.

Befrienders had been active, supporting individuals and some small group activities such as group outings.  It was noted that some of those seeking support had complex needs such as dementia, and therefore had been referred to more appropriate agencies for support.

The advice service had supported 25 users, with approximately £31,000 of benefit gained. Members noted the different demographic served when compared to similar advice services, and that home visits were available.

The volunteer car scheme had proved popular, but it was acknowledged that more drivers were required.  Members suggested the size of the area covered could cause potential issues.

Age UK had worked to support community activities in Wortley, Tankersley, Cawthorne and Silkstone, and Men In Sheds being launched in Penistone In the New Year.  In addition 11 active groups were supported through the U3A.  Members heard of the Pen Pals project which matched school age children who wrote a letter to more elderly adults, who then replied.  The project had received significant attention from elsewhere in the country and was looking to be expanded in additional schools.

Members noted the SOPPA network was going well, and the responses from the Age Friendly Penistone Consultation were being assessed.  The subgroup supporting this would now be meeting in January, 2020.

The current contract with DIAL was nearing the end of its first year, but would be extended for a further 12 months. It was noted that there was a lull during the summer, but demand had increased since. Members noted the retirement of Gwen White, and it was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent from the Area Council commending the positive work she had undertaken.

To date the service had generated a benefit gain of £127,055 with around £27,000 within the quarter.  Members noted that a report was being collated which would compare advice service provision and performance around the borough.  However, 69% of those accessing the DIAL service reported an improvement in their health and wellbeing.

The report provided an assessment of the performance of final quarter of the service piloted by CAB.   Though only available twice a month from 2-6pm on a Wednesday, the service had assisted clients to gain £31,952 of benefits and helped manage £29,154 of debt (£2,158 within the quarter).   It was noted that 59 volunteer hours had been committed within the quarter, with the majority of these providing back-office support.

The number of passengers using South Pennine Community Transport was high, well in excess of targets and additional routes had been added at no extra cost to the Area Council.  Members heard how they had partnered with the HCT group as part of their future journeys programme. They had also developed their own 5 year development plan.  Members commented on the positive links being made as part of the Barnsley Bus Partnership.

Suggestions were made about the need to feed into both SCR and Barnsley Transport Strategies, and the place of community transport in rural areas was acknowleged.

RESOLVED :-

(i)            That the report be noted;

(ii)          That a letter be send to Gwen White thanking her for all her hardwork in the delivery of the DIAL service, and wishing her a long and happy retirement.