Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the report, reminding Members that many of the previously set targets had been disregarded due to the services being flexed in response to Covid-19.

Members heard how the Employability Support Service had provided support to 23 individuals and assisted 3 to gain employment.  Within the quarter 10 people had also completed their qualification.  Though there were no longer mandatory referrals from Job Centre Plus, numbers of learners remained high, and support continued to be provided via telephone or via zoom.

Those present were reminded of the recruitment of a Housing and Migration Officer at the beginning of the year.  It was noted that the officer had been shielding, however they had made 88 initial contacts, had dealt with 22 cases of waste on premises, and 44 cases of fly-tipping had been reported.

Members noted that the work of Twiggs Grounds Maintenance with schools had ceased, however the team had concentrated on clean ups in a number of highlighted streets, supporting the work of Neighbourhood Services.  In addition, they had been supporting individuals who were keen to improve the environment by supplying relevant equipment.

B:Friend continued to promote social inclusion by offering a range of activities for residents to engage in, instead of face-to-face meetings.  Wellbeing packs had been distributed to a number of residents, and socially distanced befriending had also taken place in gardens.

Members heard that 11 projects had been funded through the Dearne Development Fund, however it had not been appropriate for all to continue.

TADS had continued to support young people, with 9 of secondary school age accessing the service and 4 of primary school age.  All bar one reported in improvement in their wellbeing.

Mission Muay Thai had recruited 20 young people with 15 completing the 10 weeks of the project.  5 had also remained with the project.  All who had completed the course reported an improvement in wellbeing.

It was noted that DIAL had ceased providing support in person as soon as lockdown was announced but had supported residents on the telephone.  Within the quarter 127 enquiries had been received and support had led to £117,888 of benefit gain. It was suggested that future reports could breakdown the outcome of each of the 127 enquiries, be it referral to another agency, signposting, or more in-depth support.

Similarly, CAB had moved to provide support through other means and within the quarter had supported 42 client contacts, helpinh them to drawn down an addition £67,045 of benefits.

The work of all services in responding to the difficult situation was commended.

RESOLVED that the report be received.