Agenda item

Age UK (15 minutes)

MIND (15 minutes)

Reds In The Community (15 minutes)

Jane Holliday, Chief Executive Officer, Age UK Barnsley, was welcomed to the meeting to talk about the My Community, My Life service. Members were reminded about the organisation being a local charity working in partnership with Age UK, with all money raised in the area being spent locally.

The organisation had worked in the Central Area since March 2020, supporting the social inclusion of older people throughout the pandemic.  Members noted that efforts had moved now towards a recovery phase, supporting the prevention of falls, raising mobility and improving mental health, all of which had suffered during the pandemic.

Members noted the links with Age Friendly Barnsley and the Barnsley Third Sector Dementia Alliance and the associated benefits.

Members heard how the service would provide 1:1 support guided through conversations and planning with individuals. It would support good neighbour volunteers, matching them with people locally who required support.

There were plans to promote a community car scheme, which was not intended to be large, but would provide support to those who may not be able to access other transport.

An Information and Advice Worker would provide support 1 day a week, and new groups and activities would be promoted as well as support provided to existing groups. 

Those present heard of the intention to hold events and celebrations, supporting public health initiatives such as winter warmth.

Members heard of the £56,625 of benefit gained already in the first quarter following support from the Information and Advice Worker and that 70 individuals had already been provided 1:1 support.

Questions were raised around how the organisation worked in partnership with organisations such as BIADS, and it was noted that Age UK was part of the dementia alliance which created a pathway for users to access a multitude of support services.

In relation to questions about local consultation, conversations had been had with individuals who had already been identified as social isolated in order to shape activities. It was noted that flexibility had been used in order to provide home based activities through the pandemic, but more group activities would follow when allowed.  The focus would also be seasonal with extreme heat being considered in the summer, but the autumn would look at winter preparedness with Tai Chi and balance classes being established to help avoid falls.

Liz Hopkinson, Service and Development Manager, Rotherham and Barnsley MIND spoke to the meeting about the Thriving Communities Project.  The project offered an opportunity to engage those lonely and isolated.  Like to Age UK Barnsley, the local organisation was part of a national network, but all fundraising was spent locally.  Members heard how the demand for the counselling service had growing significantly during the pandemic, and much of the provision had transitioned to being delivered remotely.

The service offered a range of activities provided in person and on the phone/online.  These included weekly check in and chat calls; virtual and physical check in and chat group sessions; CBT in small groups; loneliness workshops and signposting to groups and community initiatives.

Members noted the progression that could be made as participants grew with confidence and made social networks.  With regards to group and community initiatives, the service was committed to understanding what people desired and facilitating what was requested, establishing groups if necessary.

Questions were raised about how the organisation worked in partnership and it was noted that in addition to working with voluntary and community organisations, training had also been delivered within the private sector and work had taken place with schools.

Those present discussed the increase in mental health issues since the start of the pandemic and it was noted that the organisation was applying for funding wherever possible to provide provision to address this.

Sean Margison, Health and Wellbeing Officer, Reds in the Community, was welcomed to discuss Reds Connect.  Members were reminded of the mission and aims of Reds in the Community, which included harnessing the reach of Barnsley Football Club to raise aspirations; encourage active, healthy lifestyles; and enhance community cohesion.

Members were made aware of the core delivery themes of Reds in the Community – Sports Participation, Social Inclusion, Health, Education and National Citizen Service.

Those present heard that Reds Connect would provide new opportunities for people in the Central Area to engage, participate and connect, addressing social isolation and loneliness.  Provision included group social activities, wellbeing activities, inviting guest speakers, and outings or celebration events.

7 walking football sessions had been delivered, and 4 walks undertaken with the walking group. It was noted that the exercise class and sporting memories event would commence shortly.

Questions were raised about whether the association with the football club could act, not only as a draw, but could potentially discourage some users who may think it was only football related.  It was noted that the service would be promoted widely, raising awareness of the breadth of offer.

With regards to the geographical spread of activities, it was the intention for activities to be conducted throughout the Central Area, with Councillors encouraged to provide suggested walking routes in their area.

Questions were raised around the numbers engaging in all activities, and where participants lived, with this information being crucial to ensuring value for money was assessed.  It was noted that this information would be provided in future performance reports.   Concern was also expressed that individuals could be counted multiple times if accessing all services, and care should be given to identifying the number of discrete individuals who may have engaged in activities funded through the Social Isolation Challenge Fund.  It was noted that a strategic planning and performance system was being implemented, which would help in this endeavour.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That thanks be given to all presenters for their attendance and responses to questions;

(ii)          That in depth performance information relating to all Social Isolation Challenge Fund projects is included in future performance reports.