Agenda item

The Director for Adult Social Care and Commissioning submits a report providing an overview of the approaches that the Department utilises to support people so that they are less likely to be lonely or isolated.

The Director for Social Care and Commissioning submitted a report to provide an overview of the approaches the Adult Social Care Department utilises to support people so that they are less likely to be impacted by social isolation and loneliness. The following was noted:

• It was estimated that between 30,000 and 33,500 residents in Leicester experienced social isolation, with higher levels associated with deprivation.
• Adult Social Care services often provided opportunities for increased social contact for carers and people receiving support.
• The department was taking a strength-based approach through Adult Social Care services to enable people to connect within their communities.
• Commissioning arrangements were increasingly asset based, with service providers encouraged to do more to connect individuals to local community support.
• Key service delivery included supported employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism, with plans to expand this to a wider cohort from April.
• The Leading Better Lives programme aimed to address broader issues of social isolation and had been discussed previously at the Commission.
• Work was also taking place with Public Health colleagues to support people with severe mental illness and explore links between physical and mental health, including through the Joy platform.
• It was acknowledged that a range of work was taking place across the department, although there remained scope to do more.

In response to questions from Members, the following was noted:

• Members noted that social isolation was not limited to those receiving care and support and could also arise from factors such as economic hardship. It was suggested that addressing social isolation required a whole Council approach.
• The Leading Better Lives programme brought together representatives from across the Local authority and partner organisations, along with people with lived experience and the VCSE, through a programme board to encourage wider participation and collaboration.
• Work to measure outcomes and impacts of interventions was still at an early stage, including work relating to severe mental illness. An outcomes framework was being developed to monitor impacts and understand demand on services.
• Work with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) was focused on understanding their role in supporting people experiencing social isolation. No additional funding had been provided at this stage, but partners had acknowledged that the Council alone could not meet all needs.
• Work was underway to improve access to information and support services. Feedback from previous engagement had indicated that many residents were unsure where to access help.
• Improvements were being considered to the MyChoice directory, alongside the development of the Joy platform, which aimed to provide a more accessible way for people to find local support.
• A previous community festival had highlighted that residents were often unaware of available services and support. Future events would seek to increase awareness and engagement.
• Preventative work was still in early stages and evidence was being developed to support future business cases. Members were advised that building the evidence base would be essential to demonstrate the long-term value of preventative approaches.
• The work linked closely with the Suicide Prevention Strategy and the NHS WorkWell programme, supporting people to improve wellbeing and return to employment where possible.
• Social prescribers and local coordinators linked to GP surgeries were helping connect residents to community support rather than relying solely on medical interventions.
• Members raised the value of community based initiatives such as walking groups and warm welcome spaces in supporting mental wellbeing.
• It was noted that some individuals may choose to live in isolation. In such circumstances, services sought to work with consent and build relationships where possible while respecting individual choices.
• The Commission discussed potential challenges around demand on VCSE organisations and the importance of ensuring adequate capacity to support referrals from initiatives such as social prescribing.

AGREED:  

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    For more information/numbers on how challenges and barriers are addressed.

3)    Information on Mental Health Cafes to be shared with Members.

4)    Further information to be shared on new VCSE platform to be shared.