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.