Agenda item

Invitees:

-          Phil Diamond – Head of Regional Partnership Board

-          Sally Anne Jenkins – Strategic Director – Social Services

-          Councillor Jason Hughes – Cabinet Member for Social Services

The Head of the Regional Partnership Board and the Strategic Director for Social Services gave an overview of the report.

Members asked the following:

• The Committee asked how the Regional Partnership Board would continue to deliver its strategic objectives in the face of challenges. The Head of the Regional Partnership Team highlighted continuous work in partnerships and investment to maximise resources. The Strategic Director expressed confidence in their strong regional position. The Cabinet Member for Social Services emphasised the innovation that comes from partnership work.
• The Committee enquired about addressing the issues of an aging population. The Strategic Director mentioned the need to determine care provisions for all years and fund those needs. They highlighted the increased old and young population in Newport and the importance of regional collaboration.
• The Committee stressed the importance of seeking answers outside the UK. The Strategic Director noted the skilled nature of domiciliary care and the focus on maintaining healthy longevity. The Committee emphasised the vital nature of the service.
• The Committee asked about feedback from service users. The Strategic Director mentioned positive daily feedback and the importance of challenging the level of care provided. The Head of the Regional Partnership Team highlighted the involvement of Citizen and Carer representatives in the board.
• The Committee enquired about offering British Sign Language courses to carers. The Strategic Director explained that training is offered but not universally, though it is being considered.
• The Committee asked about plans or strategies to promote clean air, healthy environments, and green spaces. The Cabinet Member for Social Services mentioned the presence of green spaces in Newport and highlighted projects to encourage physical activity. The Head of the Regional Partnership Team noted the prioritisation of exercise referral schemes and maximising green spaces.
• The Committee acknowledged the work done by unpaid carers, especially young ones.
• The Committee requested more information on addressing isolation and loneliness within the unpaid care workforce. The Strategic Director noted ongoing efforts in this area.
• The Committee commended the innovative Crick Road Dementia Project highlighted in the report, and the Head of the Regional Partnership Team expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment.

The Chair thanked the officers for attending.

Conclusions

·       The Committee commended the partnership for their ongoing efforts, and in particular, the excellent work by unpaid and young carers with the burden and pressure they face, whilst also dealing with their own complex needs. It was noted Welsh Government grant funding is being used to provide services for over 19,000 unpaid carers, but only just over 2,000 of those reported feeling less isolated. They were interested in exploring how we can improve uptake from unpaid carers and get more positive feedback.

·       The Committee reiterated that the document was lengthy and recommended that future reports be improved by reducing repetition and jargon, or by making them more concise.

·       The Committee praised the case study of the Crick Road Dementia Project and spoke of it being innovative. The Committee asked for further information as to whether this was going to be modelled elsewhere in the region.