Minutes:
The Area Council received three presentations under the banner of tackling Excessive Winter Deaths.
The first presentation by Julie Tolhurst (Public Health Principal) gave a general overview of the current position with regard to the number of winter deaths within the borough (with statistical comparisons to national data) and the steps being taken to tackle issues identified. Particular reference was made to the following:
· The trends (national and local) from 2001 – 2017 which indicated that the number of winter deaths was higher in Barnsley. Information was also provided for the Area Council
· The reasons for the increase in the number of deaths together with the underlying causes. Within this context reference was made to the number of people living with underlying health conditions, access to services to manage conditions, social isolation and fuel poverty
· The actions of DIAL in promoting the warmer homes project
· The development of an action plan in association with partners to start to address issues
· The work of partners and volunteers
· The importance of disseminating key messages to vulnerable residents about ways of avoiding excessive cold and about remaining healthy
In the ensuing discussion the following matters were raised:
· It was important to undertake a further in-depth analysis of the data in order to identify the root causes for the increase in deaths and the ways in which such matters could be tackled. Once this analysis had been undertaken it would be shared with members of the Area Council. It was noted that the Business Intelligence Team was currently undertaking an analysis for the previous quarter and a further report could be provided in the spring
· Reference was made to the work of the Task and Finish Group on poverty. Arising out of this, reference was made to the housing commission stock survey which was to be undertaken and to the issue in some wards in relation to housing conditions and energy efficiency
The second presentation by Sharon Brown of DIAL, supported by Margaret Richardson (Caseworker – Warm Homes) focused on the Warm Homes, Warm Connections initiative. The initiative provided emotional and practical support and advice to isolated and energy vulnerable residents.
Sharon Brown briefly outlined how the initiative operated and made particular reference to the following:
· The social return on the investment and how this was calculated. It was noted that since last January 304 home visits had been made to residents who were socially isolated or who were living in cold homes or both
· The ways in which stakeholders and residents were identified
· The way in which the added value of the initiative was calculated and determined
· The intended changes introduced, what the performance measures were and how this was measured
· The number of volunteers participating in the initiative and the financial value this equated to. It was noted that for every £1 spent the social return value had been calculated to be £11.86
· Other external factors that had impacted or affected the changes that had occurred
In the ensuing discussion particular reference was made to the following:
· Detailed statistical information on the operation of the scheme would be provided on a ward by ward basis at a future date. It was noted, however, that there would be a lag between the implementation of the initiative and the impact that the service had on the number of winter deaths in the locality
· Margaret Homes explained the action taken to refer residents for first time central heating or boiler replacements. Work was also undertaken to assist residents to undertake price comparisons and to change their energy suppliers to reduce costs. This was not always easy as some residents were reluctant to change suppliers for a number of reasons but there were, in many cases, significant savings to be made
· It was noted that in some instances grants for certain energy efficiency improvements were available. Assistance was also available from various energy suppliers. Information on the number of residents assisted in this respect would be made available for the Area Council Manager for distribution
The third presentation by Anna Stobbs (Public Health) focussed on Social Isolation. She explained the initiatives and commissioned services that had been introduced to tackle this issue and made reference to other activities within the North Area Council area which, whilst not ‘labelled’ social isolation, nevertheless contributed to addressing that issue.
At a national level, a strategy had been agreed to tackle social isolation and loneliness and a number of commitments had been identified, however, there was currently little clarity nor a single solution identified. Such a strategy would bring together local government, public services, the voluntary and community sectors, businesses together with public health which it was hoped would address the root causes of social isolation. She then made reference to the various strands under consideration which included social prescribing, employee pledges, improving public spaces as well as other innovative solutions to loneliness. The Government now wanted to receive reports on the progress of schemes to tackle loneliness. There would be a combination of solutions and in order to ensure a successful outcome it was particularly important to ensure that they were all fully evaluated.
Anna Stobbs then gave a brief overview of current actions. A Task and Finish Group was currently examining a borough wide approach and an all Member Information Briefing was to be held on the 11th February, 2020.
She then went on to refer to specific Foundation, Direct and Gateway Services and the ways in which these impacted on and contributed to reducing social isolation.
A meeting was to be held with all Area Managers to look at a collective review and the outcome of these discussions would be fed into the wider review which would determine an appropriate approach.
In the ensuing discussion, particular reference was made to the following:
· The reasons for social isolation, the types of groups available, the reluctance of some (men in particular) to join such groups and the ways in which these issues could be overcome
· The ways in which Area Councils could assist in reducing social isolation by highlighting gaps in provision
· The role of Public Health and the NHS in identifying and addressing issues
· The role of ‘social prescribers’ in signposting individuals to various groups as well as the links with the Stronger Communities Partnership
· It was anticipated that the outcome of the review would be available towards the end of the year
The Chair and Members of the Area Council thanked Julie Tolhurst, Sharon Brown, Margaret Richardson and Anna Stobbs for their most informative presentations and for answering Members questions.