Minutes:
The Area Council Manager updated the North Area Council with regard to the priority working group meeting last week. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that third sector providers are aware of what help and support organisations will be providing in order to get eliminate inappropriate referrals and to avoid duplication. The event was very well attended along with attendees from social care and public health. Key concerns and gaps and opportunities in provision were explored.
Issues discussed included that there is a degree of apprehension about how people can confidently navigate society after lockdown; reduced physical strength and mobility as a result of the lockdown; limited social networks and impacts on mental health. It was reported that Age UK had seen an increase in younger clients in their 50s and 60s and there are also reports of older people who are not digitally enabled for a number of reasons. Gaps include limited access to low level mental health support; not enough early help for older people and severely limited community activities. Safe operating guidance for groups is being developed but this is difficult as government guidance changes frequently.
RESOLVED that the Area Council Manager be tasked with exploring opportunities for developing older people’s resilience as part of Covid-19 recovery.