Agenda item

To receive updates from Support in the Community:

Rhys Davies – Community Enterprise Adult Social Care

David Patterson – Wivey Cares

Break Out 10 Minutes – How can the Community Support our

residents who need help due to age, illness or disability.

Cllr Sarah Wakefield ~ Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care

The Chair invited Rhys Davis, Community Enterprise Adult Social Care, Somerset Council to introduce and provide an overview of the work of the Somerset Micro-enterprise project.

Somerset Micro-enterprise Project - Somerset Micro-enterprise Project

Rhys Davies, Community Enterprise Adult Social Care, Somerset Council, provided an overview of the Somerset Micro-enterprise Project, including:

·       That the Somerset Micro-enterprise programme supports the development of very small, community-based care and support services that provide personal, flexible and responsive support and care, give local people more choice and control over the support they get, offer an alternative to more traditional services.

·       Examples of micro-services including; support to keep well, socialise and remain independent, support to people living in their own homes, short breaks and holidays, support to access employment, education and leisure, day support and help around the home.

·       The support and the development of micro providers in Somerset and the Structure to support in the community.

·       That Since 2015, the project has supported the development of 1250 brand new Micro-providers – and that number is rising.

·       The project has received more than 2700 enquiries from people who are currently or want to set up small enterprises.

·       The programme offers help, advice and specialist signposting to anyone with an idea to develop and set up a small service.

Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, further added to the above points thatMicro providers are essential support to keep people in their homes as long as possible and the need for people in community to facilitate this.

The Chair invited Elizabeth McNabb, Manager, Blackdown Support Group to introduce and provide an overview of the Blackdown Support Group.

Blackdown Support Group - Blackdown Support Group – Helping Those In Need Of Support

Elizabeth McNabb, Manager, Blackdown Support Group, provided an overview of the Black Support Group, a community self-help scheme extending the voluntary ethos initiated in April 1991, including:

• That the group began as a collaboration between the Blackdown Practice and volunteers from the community. This partnership has been key to the longevity and is as active today as it was at the start.
• The Founders’ vision was to set up a voluntary group which could provide social and practical support to the communities of the Blackdown Hills and in doing so, relieve pressure on the local social and health care services, as well as improving the health and happiness of local people.
• Blackdown Support Group is now a registered Charity with its own Constitution and Board of Trustees. A small staff team and dedicated band of volunteers work together to provide help across the 140 sq. miles of the Blackdowns.
• That the Blackdown Support Group has always been committed to reducing isolation, supporting independence and enabling better access to multiple different services, including; social opportunities, Volunteer car service, Prescription / shopping delivery, vehicle wheelchair loans, wheelchair accessible vehicle and health and wellbeing opportunities.
• The challenge of next steps for service users when professional care is needed, the connection with carers, and the support given to navigate and signpost through multiple referral resources.
• The ongoing challenges and tasks of volunteer recruitment work.

The Chair invited David Patterson, Founder and Chair, Wivy Cares to introduce and provide an overview of Wivy Cares.

Wivy Cares – Wivey Cares – Connecting our Caring Community

David Patterson, Founder and Chair, Wivy Cares, provided an overview of Wivy Cares, including:

• Wivey Cares is a registered charity based, dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with illnesses, medical conditions, or the challenges of old age.
• That they offer a variety of services, including personalised home visits, a network of micro-providers for care, and group activities for those with memory issues. The organisation aims to help people live independently for as long as possible while fostering a sense of community and connection.
• That the commitment extends beyond conventional assistance, as they strive to create a network of understanding, warmth, and genuine care for those navigating the challenges of their later years.
• Recognising the importance of social engagement and shared experiences, Wivey Cares organises a variety of group activities tailored to meet the unique needs of those affected by memory loss and isolation. These gatherings not only provide a valuable resource to the caregivers but also create a supportive environment where individuals can forge connections, share stories, and find solace in the company of others who understand their journey.
• One of Wivy Cares proudest achievements is our success rate in connecting individuals in need with experienced carers. Wivey Cares has established a robust network of skilled professionals who have demonstrated a 100% success rate in enhancing the lives of those continuing to live at home. Through careful matching and ongoing support, we ensure that every individual receives personalised care that makes a meaningful impact.

Discussion:

• How to and ways to get a similar group started – a transferable / replicate model to reach untapped resources in the Community
• The pay and recruitment issue in Adult Social Care

• The challenges of funding for paid members of staff
• Professional referrals and sign posting
• Supporting a wide range of ages
• Payment and funding of volunteers to drive
• The transport challenges in Taunton
• The value of Village agent partnerships working / Wivy link / volunteer groups working independently but together
• Multiple sources of funding available – investment income, local donations, membership schemes, friends of, grants
• The constant challenges, including funding, recruitment and lack of professional care in the community
• The desire of in the community to help and how to reach

The Chair thanked all for their contributions, and emphasised the importance of the network of help and support in the community in supporting the whole community and not letting people fall under the radar. The Chair further commented on the networks formed during Covid and the potential to complete some work on checking the networks continuation post Covid

Action:

Pippa Hughes to follow up

The Chair invited the Break out Groups discussion:

How can the Community Support our residents who need help due to age, illness or disability, discussion included:

• A view to further investigate the Wivy Cares and Blackdown Support Group models including hourly rates / risk assessment / administrator and medication / care support claiming / Self directed support / personal care support / gardening washing up
• Electing people to support
• Tapping into networks that already exists across taunton i.e. Connect Somerset, Arts club
• What is available through PCNs, libraries
• The Enormity of activity in Bishops Lydeard and other parishes
• How do we know, where to go to find out about community support – community website / notice board / directory / nice easy list of micro providers / signposting and connecting easier / balance between under radar / opportunities to extend training to micro providers to local carers build resilience how help to support to become a carer

The Chair commented on the phenomenal support for local residents from Parish Councils and thanked all involved.

Loretta Whetlor, Chair SALC advised that SALC has grant funding available to give to Somerset’s town, parish, and city councils, and that SALC want to award money to councils for projects led by community need, and for issues relating to reducing inequalities in health and wellbeing that are not already benefitting from funding.

Please follow the link for guidance notes for making an application to the grant fund (for all grants):

grant-programme-advice-and-guidance_ver2_Jan2024.pdf (somerset-alc.org.uk)

Action:

Pippa Hughes – work to organise a dedicated platform for Taunton LCN to inform and advise of the LCN work i.e. Facebook