Agenda item

Claire Dawson, Dearne Area Council Manager spoke to the item.

With regards to the Employability Service provided by DECV, provision had moved to be provided virtually due to restrictions, but as these were lifted more face to face session had been conducted in a covid secure way.  It was acknowledged that this would not now be the case.

Despite restrictions 20 learners had been recruited in quarter 2, with 20 receiving a qualification and 4 securing employment.  23 learners had also progressed on to further training.  Members noted the case studies provided, and the changes to assessment to enable qualifications to be granted by OCR.

The impact of Covid-19 on the operation of the Housing and Migration Officer was acknowledged. However, despite this, 103 contacts had been made. Two vulnerable households had been identified and referred for additional support.

The officer had made 14 requests to landlords and 32 improvements to premises had been seen.  The officer had been effective in dealing with waste on premises, with a number of Community Protection Notices issued.  Members noted that the officer had detected 44 flytipping incidents and these had been reported.

The Environmental Education Service provided by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance had been flexed due to Covid-19 and continued to work alongside Neighbourhood Services to report fly-tipping and clear areas.

As the team were restricted in working with schools and volunteers, they had increased their independent work, addressing issues in areas identified as hotspots.

Members heard how B:Friend had received a significant number of requests from people wishing to volunteer within quarter 2.  ‘Bundles of Joy’ had been distributed and contact with those isolated had been maintained through phone or other virtual means.   Quizzes had been conducted with groups on social media.

With regards to the Dearne Development Fund, it was noted that a number of funded projects had to cease due to Covid-19.  Members were reassured that these would be monitored and recommenced when safe to do so.

Members heard how TADS continued to work with students at Astrea Academy Dearne, with 10 receiving assistance over six weeks, with a further cohort of 10 planned. The main issue young people highlighted was anxiety, with this heightened due to Covid-19.

DIAL had moved to providing support via the telephone and remained extremely busy.  144 enquired had been dealt with during the quarter. A similar situation was seen with the service provided by CAB, and Members noted the case studies provided.

RESOLVED that the report be received.