Minutes:
Members were provided with a presentation from S Margison and V Prendergast of Reds in the Community, which provided an update on the grant delivery for connecting communities which was funded through the North Area Council budget.
Through Reds Connect, residents within the North Area had the opportunity to engage, participate and connect, with a mission to inspire, improve and positively change lives within the community. A range of projects and activities were delivered that were aimed at encouraging active healthy lifestyles, improving physical and emotional health and wellbeing, improving learning, skills and life chances, increasing participation in sport/exercise and to tackle social isolation and loneliness. It was undertaken through an all age approach, over weekly day and evening sessions, which were facilitated by coaches and held at New Lodge Community Centre, St Helens Church and Staincross Methodist Church. The initiative was undertaken through a wide ranging partnership approach which included NHS Health and Wellbeing Coaches, Ad Astra, Barnsley Samaritans and Public Health Barnsley.
To date, total engagement had been made with 48 unique participants, Exercise with 32 registered participants, Team Talk with 10 registered participants and 1 volunteer, and the Extra Time Hub which had engaged with 6 registered participants and 1 volunteer. Members noted that a number of participants had extended their social circle since joining the initiative.
Councillor Howard requested that Members be provided with the numbers of participants from each area.
Chair based exercises and other activities would be offered to any participants with disabilities, which would be tailored to individual requirements.
In response to a question raised by Councillor Howard regarding the Reds in the Community Walking Football, S Margison commented that the sessions were now ran at Oakwell on Mondays and Wednesdays as part of the Central Connect Programme.
Team Talk sessions had been ran at Oakwell for a number of years with visits from a number of services which included the Samaritans.
Councillor Leech expressed his thanks for an interesting and informative presentation. He hoped that the initiative continued to grow stronger.
RESOLVED that Members noted the presentation.