Agenda item

Gwent Substance Misuse Area Planning Board

a)    Officer presentation

b)    Committee questioning and discussion

c)    Formation of comments and recommendations

 

Minutes:

Invitees:

-          Sally Jenkins – Strategic Director – Social Services

-          Caroline Ryan-Phillips – Head of Prevention and Inclusion

-          Heidi Anderson – Substance Misuse Lead Officer – Torfaen County Council

-          Councillor Pat Drewett – Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction

 

The Head of Prevention and Inclusion (HPI) and the Substance Misuse Lead Officer – Torfaen County Council (SMLO) gave an overview of the report.

 

Members asked the following:

 

  • The Committee asked the how officers how they viewed the strength of the partnership. The SMLO acknowledged various problems and challenges due to the wide range of partners such as criminal justice and health that work within the 5 Local Authorities covered by the partnership.

 

  • The Committee asked how the partnership would work through a stalemate if one occurred. The Committee were advised that Welsh Government policy and key priorities are used to address a potential stalemate. The HPI added that the Chair, Vice Chair, and the Support Team are there to limit any stalemates that could occur, highlighting ongoing work with the board to limit any issues.

 

  • The Committee queried whether service users were involved in planning and evaluation. The Committee were advised that service users are involved from the very start of their journey and the partnership works alongside Adult Services on this. They have Health Board links as well and go out into the public to facilitate conversation, along with connections with the Youth Ambassador Service and other youth-focused groups.

 

  • The Committee requested future consultation work to be passed onto the Committee.

 

  • The Committee questioned what programmes existed for long-term recovery. The Committee were advised that there is a team of recovery colleagues that use all available resources within the community such as within the Community Connectors team and sporting facilities. The support is both peer-led and staff-led. The importance of having a wide range of support was emphasised.

 

  • The Committee questioned how the partnership works with organisations that focus on mental health and housing. The Committee were advised that this is a huge issue in providing adequate support for the service users, with work constantly being conducted to deal with this issue. The HPI highlighted a variety of boards the partnership works with, such as the Homelessness Board, the Criminal Justice Board, and Safeguarding boards. It was explained that those with complex needs required support from a variety of sources rather than just single issues.

 

  • The Committee enquired what measures were in place for everyone to access services. The Committee were advised that Gwent Drug and Alcohol Services (GDAS) were accessible to all individuals. The focus was to allow everyone to access the services they needed, and stigma was identified as the biggest boundary to access services. The SMLO noted volunteers in Newport sharing positive stories. The HPI highlighted media's role in perpetuating stigma, while the Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction (CMCPR) stressed the need for education to help service users feel safe seeking assistance.

 

  • The Committee queried support for families in treatment and recovery. The SMLO advised of a family carers support service offering crisis intervention and smart recovery groups, with a focus on individual treatment.

 

  • The Committee enquired about strategic alignments. The HPI advised that the Gwent model is a recognised best practice, reflecting Gwent's collaborative history.

 

The Chair thanked the officers for attending.

 

Conclusions

 

  • The Committee requested that future reports include information on:

o   Understanding and Strategic Alignments: How different organisations with key strategies align and collaborate, and how these alignments are maintained over time.

o   Joint Decision Making: Insights into the structure of joint decision-making processes among these organisations.

o   Outcome Measurements: Details on how outcomes are measured and reviewed, including specific metrics used for evaluation.

o   User and Community Feedback: How feedback from, and consultation with, service users and the community is addressed and incorporated into service planning and delivery.

o   Service Effectiveness and Sustainability: An analysis of the effectiveness and sustainability of services provided, with a focus on how these aspects affect partnerships.

 

  • The Committee were pleased to hear about the positive impact of involving individuals with direct experience in shaping and delivering services. The Committee encourages the continuation and expansion of such practices to further enhance the effectiveness and reach of the services offered.

 

  • The Committee requested for the Head of Prevention and Inclusion to send the evidenced-based report on findings in the homelessness section and needs.

 

  • The Committee recommended for an All-Member seminar to be arranged to advise Members on early intervention with children, adults and housing.

 

 

Supporting documents: