Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced this item which provided an up-to-date overview of current priorities, and it was noted that:

• During the Twiggs contract for the last quarter they worked with 211 volunteers, which delivered 969 volunteer hours and targeted 27 areas. They reported 10 fly tipping cases and are carrying out some good work with South Yorkshire Police.

• The B.friend service offer 1-1 befriending support in Bolton and Thurnscoe and deliver groups in Goldthorpe at the Snap Tin Café. They have helped 93 isolated neighbours and delivered 608 hours of 1-1 befriending, but this contract comes to an end in July 2022. The authority has now gone through the procurement process to identify a new provider for this work.

• The Dearne Electronic Community Village which supports service users with CV writing, interview skills and ICT qualifications have 94 current people learning, 27 people have been helped into further training and 7 people are now in employment.

• The Housing & Migration Officer is paid through the area council budget and working on targeting private sector housing. The employee for this role was on long term sick and has now handed in their notice however, a new dedicated worker is now in the area.

• The Dearne Development Fund is a grant scheme for the area council to assist people in meeting area priorities.

• Citizens Advice have supported 53 people with benefits, debt, legal and housing issues, employment and health and community care.

• DIAL's funding comes from the Dearne Area Fund and has reported 152 enquiries regarding benefits and benefit appeals.

• The Goldthorpe Development Group facilitates a monthly get together and, over the last quarter 180 people attended with 30 volunteers assisting.

RECOMMENDED that members receive and note the reports.