Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item and gave a brief overview of each of the commissions, service level agreements, and projects funded by the Area Council.

Members heard how the service provided by YMCA had adapted well to the pandemic, flexing their delivery.  This enabled them to meet many of their existing targets.  The service adapted by increasing its use of technology; keeping in touch with young people via text messaging, email and social media.  Support was provided on social media and resources provided such as those to support emotional health and wellbeing.  In addition, seed bombs and postcards were distributed, as were Easter eggs and self-care and activity packs.  Some socially distanced face to face work had also taken place.  Feedback from users of the service and their families had been extremely positive.

It was noted that positive discussions were taking place with a number of schools about how future provision could be organised, and planning was underway to arrange appropriate provision in October half term.

Members heard how the service provided by District Enforcement had been flexed during lockdown to provide much needed intelligence. This included reporting fly-tipping; ensuring that parks were secure, with appropriate signage; and dispersing groups of individuals.

It was noted that the service would be returning to its normal remit, with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) being issued for littering and dog fouling.  Members discussed the pending Cabinet discussion around the Public Space Protection Order for Dog Control and the potential for FPNs to be increased to £100 to act as a deterrent.

The contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance was discussed and it was noted that the service had been altered in light of the pandemic and support had been given to the Council’s Neighbourhood Services department due to a number of their staff shielding.  This had involved picking up fly-tipping, litter picking and cleaning of areas.

However, support of volunteers had also continued. Advice and equipment had been supplied to individuals and families, and arrangements had been made to dispose of collected litter.  Members noted that the lockdown period had seen an increase in residents coming together and volunteering.

A number of Councillors expressed their thanks for the service that Twiggs provided, and to the volunteers that helped keep the area clean.

Members noted the discussion earlier in the meeting around both Service Level Agreements, and the suggestion that a workshop be held to consider any changes to the service and the communities they focused on.

The service to support new mothers provided by Family Lives had seen a reduced number of referrals.  This had resulted in the service being rated as ‘Amber’.  The Area Council Manager made Members aware that work would be undertaken to consider the low rates of referrals from midwives.   In light of restrictions, support had been provided via such as Zoom and telephones. Those that had received support had thought this extremely valuable.  Suggestions were made to make necessary links with contacts in Early Help if this had not already been done.

With regards to Creative Recovery, there had been no recent activity.  However, planning was in place for ‘Blow out Blues’ to take place in the spring.   It was noted that finance had not yet been used, and that the project would be completed but was merely delayed.

The contract provided by DIAL through the Well-Being Fund had recently come to an end.  During the final two months of the project 215 unique individuals had accessed the service.  Due to the pandemic, access had been through means such telephone.  Support had been provided for clients on Personal Independence Payments, Education Health Care Plans, and Disability Living Allowance, amongst other things.   For every £1 invested in the project had generated £31.28 for the local economy. 

Members praised the value of unclaimed benefits the service had helped to secure, which was almost £1million.  Also noted was the wraparound support provided.

The final monitoring information provided by Education, Learning and Support Hub (ELSH) was received.  683 hours of teaching had been provided through the project with 2,157 hours of volunteering.   Support had been given on areas such as health and wellbeing, financial hardship, stress, information and educational needs.  Members noted that the service had adapted to the current situation by using technology such as Zoom.

Exodus had met all their outcomes and targets, delivering 150 sessions, with 119 different young people attending 3 or more times.  27 volunteers had regularly supported the service.

The project had remained active during restrictions, delivering activity packs and had provided challenges and chat forums online.  Easter eggs and food packs had also been delivered.

Hope House connects had commenced the second year of their project in June.  All targets and objectives had been met, though the focus had been flexed more recently with delivery through social media and messenger.  As restrictions lifted individuals were being supported to reengage and planning was being undertaken for a staged return in September, which would be socially distanced.

Members noted that no return had been received from TADS, and therefore performance against the contract had been rated as ‘Amber’.

The Street Smart project provided by The Youth Association had ceased street work at the start of lockdown and made an effort to engage young people and maintain contact via online means.  In addition, young people had been encouraged to write letters to elderly in care homes. It was noted that some face to face engagement had recently been undertaken, taking into account guidelines.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.