Agenda item

An update was provided in relation to the challenge fund to address loneliness and isolation.  The panel had recently met and considered applications. Recommendations had been made and successful candidates would be notified in due course.

Those involved in the process commented on its thoroughness and the quality of applications received.  It was hoped that successful applicants could commence delivery from 1^st April, 2021.

Noted was the overview of contracts and associated timescales as provided within the report, and it was suggested that future reports would highlight which corporate priority each service contributed towards.

Members were reminded of the services provided by YMCA Barnsley and The Youth Association that had previously been funded through the Youth Work Fund.  It was acknowledged that both had been extremely successful in their delivery within the Central Area, and had also provided assistance to colleagues in Public Health and Enforcement.  Options for both projects were considered, and it was suggested that both be continued for a further 12 months.

Consideration was given to the service provided by DIAL, and Members were reminded of the positive performance reported.  It was acknowledged that supporting vulnerable people remained a priority, and when considering options for the future of the project it was suggested that the delivery be extended for a further period of 12 months.  It was suggested that the project could work closely with the Healthy Holidays project, each providing referrals to the other.

Previously funded through the Central Wellbeing Fund, Members considered the service provided by Hope House Connects.  Although impacted by the pandemic, support continued to be provided in innovative ways.  The Area Council Manager was assisting the group to apply for external funds, however, noting that supporting vulnerable and isolated people remained a priority, it was suggested that the service be extended for a further 12-month period.  It was noted that if the group was successful in securing external funds, not all the funds allocated would need to be utilised.

Members were reminded of the previous discussion in relation to Creative Recovery.  It was noted that the project had to be paused due to the impact of the pandemic and around £7,000 allocated to the group remained unspent.  It was suggested that the group utilises this to deliver the remainder of the project when restrictions allow, but that £15,000 earmarked for the extension of the project be retained at this time.

In relation to the finance allocated from the Youth Work Fund to support organisations and provide training for groups wishing to work with young people, it was noted that the proposal remained under consideration, but that recent feedback suggested that there was still a demand.  However, it was noted that further consideration and analysis was required, and it was suggested that this be undertaken before consideration by Members at a future meeting of the Area Council.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the overview of Central Area Council’s priorities current contracts, contract extensions, Service Level Agreements and Wellbeing Fund Projects, and their associated timescales, be noted;

(ii)          That the actual financial position to date for 2020/21 and the projected expenditure, including future proposals, to 2023/24 as outline in the appendices submitted, be noted;

(iii)        That a one-year grant extension for £12,360 be awarded to the YMCA – Detached Youth from 1^st August, 2021 to 31^st July, 2022;

(iv)        That a one-year grant extension for £49,440 be awarded to The Youth Association – Street Smart from 1^st July, 2021 to 30^th June, 2022;

(v)          That a one-year grant extension for £30,990 be awarded to DIAL – Advice Drop In from 1^st July, 2021 to 30^th June, 2022;

(vi)        That a one-year grant extension for £14,420 be awarded to Hope House Connects from 1^st June, 2021 to 31^st May, 2022;

(vii)       That Creative Recovery be supported to delay the delivery of the remainder of their project until restrictions allow;

(viii)     That the Youth Work Fund remains under consideration until further needs analysis is completed.