The report of the Strategic Director of Health and Wellbeing (Document “L”) is to update committee on the achievements of the Re-Imagining Days Programme and Re-Opening of Day Services.

Recommended –

That the committee note the report.

(Julie Robinson-Joyce – 01274 434143)

The report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing (Document “L”) updated the committee on the achievements of the Re-Imagining Days Programme and Re-Opening of Day Services.

The Joint Commissioning Manager was in attendance and with the invitation of the Chair, presented the report to the committee. She explained that the Re-Imagining Day Services Programme began in order to move from a very traditional model of day care to a diverse range of options for people that would give them more of a choice and control over the support they receive; involve working more closely with communities and creating flexible models that can evolve as needed.

The vision developed together with people who used Adult Social Care was to work to remove barriers so people can live an inclusive life with chances to:

·         Be supported to stay healthy and well

·         Be valued and have the respect of others

·         Be part of communities that are important to them

·         Be connected to where they live and where activities take place

·         Be supported to achieve their goals

·         Be in the company of friends

·         Enjoy new things and become more confident

·         Be more independent, learn new skills and get out and about

·         Work and earn their own money

A question and answer session ensued:

·         How were day centres being reopened during the lessening of Covid-19 restrictions?

o   Day Centres were reopened by inviting small groups that had socialised together during past sessions; this was suggested to the members and gladly welcomed. However, Members had expressed concerns about returning to full activities and numbers and some were apprehensive about coming. As the first members attended, then others gained the confidence and began to attend;

·         How were attendees coping with the reopening of the Day Centres?

o   A lot had been very isolated during the lockdown period and this opportunity to socialise again added to their wellbeing and physical health through having a nutritious hot meal, exercise and social interaction. The atmosphere at the sessions were very relaxed and full of chatter and laughter. Members have said how nice it is to see friends again and not just talk over the phone. For some, this is the first time that they have had any social interaction over the past 18 months and even using the Access bus to attend has given them the confidence to venture out to other places such as shopping in town;

·         What was being taken into account during reopening restructuring of activities?

o   All elements involved during reopening were around staff and attendees taking into consideration the safety off all involved. Different organisational models were being developed for the sake of purpose for growth within individual centres. The core factor being about helping people prepare for centres with the rebalancing and creating easier ways for people to participate in the process.

The Chair stated that despite staff working tirelessly to reopen Day Centres with new measures and restructured activities there would still be a sense of nervousness in people in returning to the centres, therefore it was paramount that reassurances were continuously provided to people in order to people out of their houses and undertaking social activities.

The Committee echoed the comments of the Chair.

Resolved:-

(i)           That an update be presented to the Committee in 12 months to include information on the work of the Co-Production Partnership and;

(ii)          That people with lived experience of services be invited to attend.

Action: Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing