Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the report, previously circulated, drawing attention to the revised format, with feedback being sought from Members.

It was noted that the report included the Area Council priorities, and which commissioned services delivered against these. An overview of performance against recorded indicators was also provided, which usefully compared these to performance in previous years.  It was noted that much of the increased performance related to the relaxing of restrictions, enabling more residents to take part in activities.

The Clean, Green and Tidy Commission delivered by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance had supported 189 volunteers, who had pledged 398 volunteer hours. The service had filled 899 rubbish bags and delivered 17 value added projects.  Within the quarter, 12 groups had been supported against a target of 10, as well as 16 individual projects.  Questions were raised around what happened to the litter, and it was noted that this was processed with household waste arisings, with all but a small proportion of this being diverted from landfill.  Members heard that links had been maintained with primary schools, and that work was starting to recommence.

The work to support vulnerable and isolated older people, delivered by Age UK Barnsley, had supported 211 people with 547 interventions.  30 volunteers had been engaged, with assistance being provided for residents to access an estimated additional £18,636.80 in benefits.

Lot 1 concentrated on social action and volunteering and had provided one to one support to 24 existing users and to 5 new users.  Information and advice had been provided to 16 individuals, with just 4 community car journeys provided due to the limitations associated with the pandemic.  Within the quarter there had been 8 new referrals, one volunteer had received their five-year service award, and two additional volunteers had been recruited.  Members heard of the links made with Thurlstone Primary school, as one of Age UK service users had made 48 bug hotels.  Also noted was the organisation of a Christmas lunch at Wortley Golf Club which had been booked for 1^st December.

Lot 2 focused on community activities, and there had been an increase due to the relaxing of restrictions.  Pilley Healthy Life group had restarted with a 6-week programme of Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention.   The social group at Wortley St. Leonard’s Church was also planning to restart.  The service was planning to conduct a survey around the Dunford Bridge, Crow Edge and Carlecotes area to establish whether there was demand for local group activities.  Promotion of the service was also taking place in Cawthorne with the view to start a walking group utilising Cannon Hall grounds.

An outside event for residents in Thurgoland had been planned, and the membership of the Silkstone Walk for Health group had increased significantly.

19 residents had attended the launch of Wentworth Castle Gardens Walk, with more planned.  There had also been discussions about the relaunch of Men In Sheds, with concern raised about the lack of space in the current shed.

Lot 3 of the programme concentrated on establishing a network of interested parties who supported older people.  Efforts had been made to re-establish this and links made between Age Friendly Penistone and Age Friendly Barnsley.  This has resulted in the target to provide more seats in public places.

The service provided by Citizens Advice Bureau had supported 27 individuals within the quarter and had assisted the management of £6,000 of debt and the claiming of £2,000 of additional benefit.  40 hours of volunteering had been pledged within the quarter.  Members noted that only 11% of users accessed the service for debt advice, however the potential impact of the impending changes to benefits and on the powers of landlords was noted.

DIAL Barnsley had received 97 enquiries within the quarter and supported £39,492 of benefit claims.  50 hours of volunteer time had been pledged and the project had returned £12 for every £1 invested. Though 44% of users had been provided with assistance related to benefits, it was noted that the service had also been providing support to those socially isolated who had previously accessed the service.

An overview of the projects funded using Young People Grant Fund finance was provided.  Ad Astra will provide mental wellbeing at Penistone Grammar School to those pre-16 and had promoted the service during the summer.  Penistone Grammar School was providing similar to those post 16, and it was noted this was not due to start until September.  Penistone Girl Guiding had commenced their support to young women as part of a ‘Challenge’ Badge, however this had been limited by restrictions.

Members noted that Angel Voices had delivered a number of singing workshops, and a charity performance had been planned for the autumn.

Activities at Penistone Leisure Centre had commenced, with Teen Boxing proving to be popular.  In addition, finance had been provided to the Active Minds project at Penistone FM, with trainees covering some events over the summer, including one at New Royd Community Garden.

Members noted the work of the Penistone Team and discussed how best to further promote the work of the team and of commissioned services. It was suggested that space in Penistone Living be purchased, as previously, with  finance already being approved for this.

Comments were provided on the report, with the prevailing view to keep the report as simple as possible, with exception reports where performance levels raised concerns.  In addition, it was suggested that the font be larger to aid accessibility.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.