Issue - meetings

To receive the Scrutiny Work Stream report and recommendations, and presentation by Councillor Derek Levy, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Work stream Chair.

RECEIVED the final report of the Loneliness and Social Isolation Scrutiny Workstream, and presentation by Councillor Derek Levy, workstream chair.

NOTED the presentation highlighted the following:

•  Loneliness and social isolation was recognised as a major problem.

•  Local government and its partners were primarily enablers and facilitators of measures, many of which could be done at low or no cost.

•  Though a major public health issue, this was a strategic issue that cut across departments. It could be particularly factored into spatial planning.

•  The impact on a range of age groups was highlighted, and the importance of many parts of the Council to understand the issue.

•  There was a need to think thematically and to change the culture of the way we operate.

•  We can make a difference, and save resources and money in the long term.

IN RESPONSE comments and questions included:

1.    The Chair recommended that all partners could encourage their staff into volunteering schemes.

2.    Jo Ikhelef expressed complete support for the report and the recommendations. She would like to engage further with Recommendation 1.3 in particular, having experienced difficulties in utilising existing buildings for community use. Such barriers should be overcome. The Chair advised this should be a future item for Health and Wellbeing Board discussion, with Mark Bradbury and Councillor Oykener to be invited.

ACTION: Public Health Team

3.    In response to Richard Gourlay confirming NMUH support and queries about the coordination, it was advised that this was currently an early stage but a structure would be put in place operationally.

4.    Bindi Nagra confirmed in respect of Recommendation 1.6 the database on the Council website, the My Life resource directory, listed over 400 activities and could be searched by location. Councillor Levy highlighted the importance of communication of this information, and that not everyone had access to a computer. Niki Nicolaou also held information on all voluntary organisations, but there could be transportation issues in reaching venues and that there may be a charge for some activities.

5.    Stuart Lines highlighted the parallels with the Health in All Policies approach. It was important to emphasize the link between mental health and physical health. Understanding of the issues would allow them to be addressed. The Make Every Contact Count initiative could also be used to signpost people onto groups and activities.

6.    Parin Bahl welcomed the report and thanked the workstream for raising awareness, and hoped they would take the community with them. A bigger communication plan was required, involving local people in designing. She would be happy to give assistance.

7.    The Chair thanked Councillor Levy for attending, and that members were welcome to contact him.

AGREED that Health and Wellbeing Board noted the recommendations put forward in the review and noted the responses provided by Directors and Executive Directors in Appendix A.