Agenda item

Shaping Places Update - Andrea Fitzgerald (Dac.26.07.2021/4)

Minutes:

Members welcomed Andrea Fitzgerald, Group Leader – Strategy and Policy, to the meeting. 

 

A brief overview of the Shaping Places for Healthier Lives programme was provided, which was funded by the Health Foundation and designed to test approaches to addressing wider determinants of health.

 

There had been three bidding rounds, with the number of bids reduced from 32 to five.  This bid focused on Goldthorpe, adding value to the work led by the Towns Board and would result in £300,000 over three years if successful. The proposal had been led by Employment and Skills, Public Health and Enterprising Barnsley, but had involved wider stakeholders.

 

Members noted the development of the bid from 2019 to present day, which included workshops, discussion with the Health and Wellbeing Board, and community research.


Those present were made aware of the anonymised shared stories of residents involved in the research. These included a positive perspective, with the community being safe, with a good sense of community, but issues with health and limited employment opportunities were common.  Many in the community required support, but often did not recognise this until crisis point.

 

The proposal aimed to raise awareness of triggers and support available, with community points able to refer to support services.

 

Members made the case for training to be linked to employment opportunities locally. Training also needed to make use of familiar local venues and at accessible times to avoid unnecessary barriers.  It was noted that support to cope with change was also required.

 

Queries were raised in relation to parts of the community where relying on benefits was the norm.  It was noted that there were opportunities for two week taster sessions of potential jobs, with associated careers advice. Members discussed the previous success of the Future Jobs Fund in assisting residents re-join the labour market, and the potential for similar to be provided through the City Region.

 

With regards to work with schools it was noted that this focused on careers, and supporting meaningful encounters with employers, which was promoted through the Employer Promise.

 

Members heard that the outcome of the bid would be known in early August 2021.  Should the bid be unsuccessful the learning would prove to be useful and further funding sought.   However, if successful, work would be undertaken to ensure the focus was still relevant and identify ‘community anchors to engage them in the project. A lead would be appointed for the work, and a delivery plan and management structure would then be developed.

 

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Supporting documents:

 

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