Agenda - .NET Framework · Lisa Johnson – 01234 228005 Ext 42005 : No : Item : ... ervice User...

Agenda Title of Meeting: Bedford Physical Disabilities & Sensory Impairment Partnership

Board

Date: Thursday 19 August 2010

Time: 10.00 am – 12.00 noon

Venue: Committee Room 1, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford

Contact: Lisa Johnson – 01234 228005 Ext 42005

No Item Please tick box below if there is an attachment

Lead Person

1. Apologies & Welcome JB

2. Minutes from last meeting All

3. Matters arising All

4. Presentation ‘Visual Impairment’ Sue Fever, Sight Concern

Questions from the Presentation

All

5. Health Champions Report (sent to Bedford Borough Adult Health and Wellbeing Thematic Partnership - 6th July 2010)

JB

6. Adult Services Carers Report & Action Plan JB

7.

(i)

(ii)

Service User news

Issues Log – new items/update on progress

Positive Outcomes

All

AH

AH

8. Carer news All

9. Safeguarding All

Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, Beds, MK42 9AP

10. Progress Report submitted to Adult Health & Wellbeing Thematic Partnership Board (3 August 2010)

JB

11.

(i)

AOB

Forward Planning / Agenda Items for 2011

All

12. Date and time of next meeting 30 September 2010 - 10.00 am - 12.00 noon Committee Room 2, Borough Hall

Minutes

Title of Meeting:

Physical Disabilities & Sensory Impairment Partnership Board

Date of Meeting:

Thursday 19 August 2010

Attendees

John Bruynseels (BBC ), Chris Batten (Headway), Theresa Bignell (Disability Resource Centre), Tracey Brightman, Tracey Brimmell, Jen Bunda (Livability), Leanne Carter (BBC), Nick Cochran, Mick Dillon (Disability Resource Centre), Sue Fever (Sight Concern), Ros Graham (Livability), Joella Hazel (BBC), Anona Hoyle (BBC), Lisa Johnson (BBC - Minutes), Stuart Odell (BBC), Alison Shepherd (BBC), Lisa Sparks (BBC), Richard Tapley attending on behalf of Don Peet (DSD Leisure), Gillian Turrell (NHS Bedfordshire) No. Item Actioned

by 1.

Apologies & Welcome

Apologies were received from -

Alberteen Bartlett (Bedford & District Access Group), Jo Hawthorne (BBC), Joyce Dynes (Wednesday Club & Sight Concern), George Hunt (BBC), Don Peet (DSD Leisure), Jodi Simpson (BBC)

Welcome to Tracey Brightman, Tracey Brimmell, Jen Bunda (Livability), Nick Cochran and Richard Tapley (DSD Leisure)

2.

Minutes from last meeting Omission from the last minutes and update on ‘Changing Places’ Facilities Further to the conversation at the last Board meeting SO confirmed that the funding to convert a former public convenience on the first floor of the River Street multi storey car park into a ‘Changing Places’ facility has now been secured. Further updates will be given to the Board as progress develops. The minutes were agreed.

3. 3.1

Matters arising Transport Transport sub groups – sub groups are not being set up now as the consultation is being dealt with via other routes.

G:\Adu ory Needs\Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment Partnership Board\19 August 2010\Minutes 19 08 10.doc Page 1 of 6

lt Services Bedford Borough\Older People - Physical & Sens

GS

:\Adu ysical & Sensory Needs\Physical Disability & ensor Impairment Partnership Board\19 August 2010\Minutes 19 08 10.doc

Page 2 of 6

.2

.3

.4

.5

.6

.7

.8

.9

lt y

Services Bedford Borough\Older People - Ph

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Employment Targets for People with a Disability Management Reports are produced by HR but the figures may not necessarily reflect the true position, as the provision of such information is entirely voluntary and therefore the data can never be 100% accurate. Access to Work Funding Getting accurate figures and information on Access to Work funding is not easily obtainable because this is not something that is held centrally. Contact with the Council Questionnaires have been sent to 250 registered service users who are deaf or hearing impaired. The response rate to date is 30%, the closing date for responses is 30 August. AH will feedback the results at the next

eeting. m Feature on St Paul’s Square JD and AB agreed that the writing was not easy for people with visuaimpairments to read but recognised that it wasn’t possible for every information sign to be in large font. They did make a suggestion that thTourist Information Centre (TIC) could produce a series of leaflets and information guides of local attractions in large print that also included a picture, and possibly make the information available in an audio format.These ideas will be added to the issues log. S

l

e

O will discuss the ideas

ith the TIC and report back to next meeting. w Transition Jo Cottrell from Children’s Services will attend the November meeting togive an update on the work which is taking place on

how young people

ansfer from Children’s Services to Adult Services. tr Equality Impact Assessments (EIA) The Corporate Equality Group has been reviewing the EIA tools usundertake evaluation of the activities the Council carries out. Two key documents have now been approved by Management Groupimmediate use and action. This includes a new Equality Impact

ed to

for

ssessment template and an Equality Impact Assessment Protocol. A Strategy Documents Copies to be distributed once finalised. Once these documents are published the Board will start work on delivering the priorities outlined

ithin the action plan. w LAA 1 Reward Grant Funding JB informed the Board that the AHWTPB had received a challenge tothe process, and the opportunity for submissions was extended weeks. This would allow for new submissions and any that had previously been rejected the opportunity to reapply. Clarification is sawaited about whether the funding is capital or revenue. At the last Board Frank Toner said that the bids will be marked against criteria need to demonstrate investing in people and the future, innovation, sustainability and must include information on exit s

by 3

till

and

trategies. JB to irculate more information once he has received it.

H

O

ote

ote

J

JB c

A S All ton All ton L

G:\Adult Services Bedford Borough\Older People - Physical & Sensory Needs\Physical Disabilitry Impairment Partnership

y Senso Board\19 August 2010\Minutes 19 08 10.doc Page 3 of 6

&

4

people within Bedfordshire and Luton.

al clubs and groups to give a talk on the ve

Attached

Presentation – ‘Visual Impairment’

ue Fever from Sight Concern Bedfordshire gave a talk on Visual SImpairment which demonstrated how Sight Concern can enhance the independence and quality of life of severely sight impaired (blind) and ight impaired (partially sighted) s

Please see the attached document which outlines the services provided by Sight Concern Bedfordshire.

ight Concern can visit locSservices available. If anyone would like Sight Concern to come and gia talk to a specific group please contact Sight Concern direct on 0123411555 or 01582 655554 3

JB thanked Sue for the talk and in-depth information on the work and ange of services offered by Sight Concern Bedfordshire. r

5.

ion to ly

keen to promote the role of Health l groups. If anyone would like further information or

e McCarty - Project Assistant - 01234 897152

resentation to a future

ll to ote

B

Health Champions Report (sent to Bedford Borough Adult Health and Wellbeing Thematic Partnership - 6th July 2010)

opy of report for information, some minor updates to note in relatCrecruitment the MIND Health Champion commences in August not Juand the three part-time Health Champions working with Physical Disabilities and Learning Difficulties are awaiting CRB clearance.

he Health Champions Team are TChampions to loca

ouw ld like to request a talk re health trainers role to a specific group thecontact details are listed below – Health Trainers Aruna Sharma Balls - Health Trainer Co-ordinator - 01234 897158 Corinn

B to arrange for Aruna Sharma Balls to give a pJ

meeting.

An

J

6. ervices Carers Report & Action Plan

action

Adult S AS gave a brief overview of the report and the contents of the

lan. p The survey was carried out nationally and constructed by the

epartment of Health. D The four key priorities contained within the action plan which Bedford Borough Council is working on are – 1. Improve carers overall satisfaction with support or services they or

GS

:\Adu Disabilityensor 8 10.doc

Page 4 of 6

ement in

. Improve the uptake and impact of social care services, preventative

d impact of carers support services and carers

sure

look

Undertake in-depth consultation with Carers to understand the services

including short breaks from caring. g

and how ese work. JB confirmed that the Carers Legislation states that carers

re for, o

ets will e an item for more in-depth discussion at a future meeting

Provider Forum atabase. If you would like your details adding to the database please

rate survey could be undertaken for arers who are not in contact with Bedford Borough Council. AS to

on

efreshing’ the Carers Strategy and the Minister for are Services is seeking views by 20th September on the key

ct on improving carers'

n

S

B

ll to ote

S

ched

J

lt Services Bedford Borough\Older People - Physical & Sensory Needs\Physical y Impairment Partnership Board\19 August 2010\Minutes 19 0

lives in the next four years. Responses are welcomed from individuals directly or on behalf of organisations. LJ to send email and informatioout to Board Members.

&

the person they care for receive, leading to an overall improvcarers wellbeing and quality of life.

2services and personalised services delivered to the person cared for.

3. Improve the uptake anbreaks services.

4. Performance manage domiciliary care agencies and enimmediate improvement in service delivery.

Some of the issues highlighted in the report which have been delivered or being worked on are – Training for Carers Training for frontline staff outside of Adult Social Care. a sub group of the Carers Partnership Board has been set up to

at reviewing documentation

barriers that Carers experience in accessing support

Streamlining the 3 action plans from the Carers CommissioninStrategy, the Carers Survey Action Plan and the Action Plan for Carers from BME Communities into one overall plan.

AS will give a further update to the Board in December. There was some concern from Board Members about the lack of knowledge and publicity around personal budgets for carers thshould be offered a separate assessment from the person they cathe carer may have needs of their own and the local authority needs tmeet these needs. A carer can have a personal budget or the Council can arrange specific services to meet their needs. Personal Budgb In order for providers to be kept up to date with Adult Social Care information your contact details can be added to thedlet LJ know who will then forward your details to the relevant PA. A request was made asking if a sepaCexplore if this is something that can be conducted. The Carers Support Bureau is arranging a day trip to Great Yarmouththe 25 September details are attached, also attached is a copy of the Carers Support Bureau Newsletter. The Government is ‘rCpriorities, for what will have the greatest impa

A J An A Atta

L

GS

:\Adu es Bedford Borough\Older People - Physical & Sensory Needs\Physical Disability & ensor Impairment Partnership Board\19 August 2010\Minutes 19 08 10.doc

Page 5 of 6

.

.1

7.2 7.3

ervice User news

lt y

Servic

7 7

S Issues Log – new items/update on progress SO had 3 new items to add to the issues log two relate to better access

leisure facilities and the third related to signposting for people with progress of the actions on the Issues

toAutism. The Board discussed theLog for service users and cares (distributed with agenda). AH will update the log and this will be circulated to Board. Positive Outcomes Board Members are asked to email AH any positive news items for the

g. lo Other Issues from Service Users NC and TB raised the issue about the lack of public transport in the evenings, they reported that in order to get members to and from various

se n

hat e Chris Pettifer to a future

eeting to respond to the concerns and questions around transport.

response to a query about whether there are any Day Centres ith Physical Disabilities and the reply that no

there are not any in Bedford. AH informed the Board that she is at ‘Short Breaks’ (formerly know as respite care/day

pportunities) e.g. people attend a specific activity rather than a day

H /LJ

B All JB

H

evening activities and clubs they have to reply on volunteers and utaxi’s which is expensive. JB said that transport is an ongoing concerto Board Members. NC/TB and any other Members to provide JB with a list of questions tthey would like a response to. JB will invitm Inspecifically for people w

currently lookingocentre. AH will add this to the issues log.

A All NC/T

A

8.

overed under item 6.

Carer news C

9.

flet hat

embers may be interested to attend. Booking details are contained in ttached

Safeguarding New procedures have been agreed and published. Attached is a leawith details of two half day conferences taking place on 11 October tMthe leaflet.

A

10. Progress Report submitted to Adult Health & Wellbeing Thematic Partnership Board (3 August 2010)

eing

eedback from AHWTPB –

ard now needs to align its work to the action plan of the Joint Commissioning Plan.

The report and workplan submitted to the Adult Health & WellbThematic Partnership meeting on 3 August was distributed to note. F- a good report and very much welcomed. - the Bo

G:\Adult Services Bedford Borough\Older People - Physical & Sensory Needs\Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment Partnership Board\19 August 2010\Minutes 19 08 10.doc Page 6 of 6

focussed i.e. what has

what difference have we made?

ll

- future reports need to be more outcomechanged for people with Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments as a result of the Partnership Board, how do we know;

If you have any comments on the report please send to JB as soon aspossible.

A

11.

1.1

11.2

1

11.3

AOB Forward Planning/Agenda Items for 2011 Board Members are asked to consider what topics/areas they would like

discuss and explore at 2011 meetings. Agenda items to JB please. to Directory of Services (Adults) AS informed the Board that a Directory of Services (Adults) has been produced and copies will be sent to Partnership Board Members. If you have not received a copy and would like one please let LJ know. The irectory is also on the Council’s internet and can also be accessed at d

the following link. www.bedford.gov.uk/healthand_social_care/help_for_adults/information_ and_advice/directory_of_services.aspx Equipment Survey AS informed the Board that the equipment survey recently undertaken

of the main findings to ing the full report and action plan to

e November meeting.

e service and that 96% of people said that the equipment or

had made the quality of their life better.

ll to ote

ll to note

has been completed. AS will bring a summarythe September meeting. and will brth AS reported that people who used the service were happy with manyaspects of thminor adaptation

An A

AS

12. d time of Next Meeting

2010 - 10.00 am - 12.00 noon oom 2, Borough Hall

ates for 2011 - Thursdays – 10.00 - 12.00 All in Committee Room 2 except 17th March Committee Room 1 3 February 17 March - CR1 28 April 9 June 28 July 1 September 20 October 1 December

All to note All to note

Date an 30 SeptemberCommittee R D

Sight Concern Talk Sight Concern Bedfordshire is a local charity, working to enhance the independence of blind and partially sighted people.

Few Stats 1 in 12 people over the age of 60 and 1 in 5 people over 75 is registered as blind or

partially sighted. 90% of all people who are blind or partially sighted are over 60 years old.

2/3 of all people with a visual impairment have an additional disability or serious

health problem such as deafness, arthritis, angina or diabetes. Many people with a learning disability have a sight problem, which is undiagnosed.

Many people with a visual impairment feel isolated and unable to engage in the life

of the community because they do not receive social care that is appropriate or adequate to meet their needs.

Only 4% of Visually Impaired see nothing at all. Only 3% of Visually Impaired people read Braille.

Resource Centre’s (Bedford, Luton) Sight Concern has Resource Centres in both Luton and Bedford; both are only

partially funded by contract cover. The Luton Resource Centre is based in Luton Central Library, where Sight Concern

runs the large print and talking book sections of the Library. To our knowledge this relationship is unique in the UK.

Provide a range of equipment, designed to make life easier. Technology continues

to provide further devices to help visually impaired service users. Margins on these items are small and stock control needs to remain tight with

consistent pricing between Luton and Bedford Resource Centres. Sight Concern will explore ways to get the Resources “on the road” elsewhere in the

county (Flitwick, Leighton Buzzard etc) as well as to more rural areas and thus open up opportunities for joint funding.

We are beginning to have some success is in setting up of reseller agreements for

equipment. This should provide some additional income in commission from sales without increasing prices for service users though is resisted by some of our staff.

Information/advice e.g. eye condition, bus passes, holidays, blue badge etc. A signposting service, pointing in the right direction for specialist help.

Low Vision Clinic

We currently hold a single contract with NHS Bedfordshire (Bedford Primary Care Trust (PCT)) this enables Sight Concern to offer a Low Vision Service, which has won a prestigious “Investing in Your Health” award.

Two qualified and experienced optometrists who are also low vision specialist run

the clinic one and a half days a week and Sight Concern has built up an excellent working relationship which benefits service users in a style which is less formal and intimidating that a hospital visit.

The clinic has cut waiting lists to just over 2 weeks and doubled consultation times in

a far less clinical setting, delivering the service at just over half the cost of a hospital. Referrals come from GPs, Optometrists and the Moorfields Eye Clinic based in

Bedford Hospital. Luton : SCB has recently undertaken a 3mth contract to deliver the service at the

L&D currently negotiating 3 yr contract with PCT to bring that service in house too. A review of suppliers and improvements to ordering processes and stock control has

be undertaken to help cost saving. Supporting People offering Practical & Emotional Support Now entering its 8th year, this is a scheme funded through the former Office of the

Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) – now Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), which provides 2 full time Community Support Workers, 4 Part time Community Support Workers and associated Supervision and Managerial support.

This service is a key enabler for taking services out to people in the community,

reaching rural communities. It allows SCB to intervene early to help people stay independent in their own homes,

preventing ill health isolation and poverty. Both schemes (Bedfordshire and Luton) have been praised at their separate reviews and SCB is seen as a good value for money provider.

There is scope to expand the service into diverse ethnic communities in

Bedfordshire and Luton, employing a Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) Worker. We currently run a loss of some £11,500-00 per year on our Bedford Supporting

People contract.

Confidential benefits advice and assistance Alternative Office offering benefit advice across a wide range of benefits with six

staff accredited to give Benefits advice receiving ongoing training. Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are the main benefits applied

for. Benefits advice is a free service, from initial claim through to Appeals Hearing. SCB has a very high “strike rate” of applications right up to Appeals stage and

provides a full advocacy service if required rather than just an advice helpline. It is also highly effective when taking over difficult cases from other agencies. Around £400k of benefits a year are obtained, all for the direct benefit of service user

claimants, most of whom fall into the lowest income categories Money raised goes into the local community and improves funding for local

authorities by enhancing their overall delivered benefits. SCB has the CLS “kite mark” and in 2006 became the first approved agency for the

Pensions Service in Bedfordshire, enabling it to give a full range of advice

Telephone support – Listening Post This successful and highly valued personal service has been running for nearly 7

years. It is a flexible volunteer-based service making outbound telephone calls to Service

users. A strength of the service is that its core volunteers are themselves visually impaired. Supervision and support by Managers allows any issues with individual service

users to be discussed and visits can be scheduled under the Supporting People programme, or other services provided, if the service user qualifies.

Listening post is based in the Bedford and Luton offices, but could be based anywhere.

Home Visiting

Home visiting volunteers are assigned to specific individuals. This service works in parallel with Supporting People and there is scope to expand home visiting be the more effectively use of volunteers.

There is a good case for support here to provide a good “value for money” service. Sight Concern will consider extending this service to provide wider advocacy for

service users, coupled with a hospital visiting service. Social Clubs & drop-in groups Ampthill, Bedford & Luton run by volunteers

Free local newspaper on tape cassette Talking newspapers, one covering Luton and Dunstable and the other, Leighton

Buzzard and Linslade. We have a team of approx. 40 volunteers, who send out approx. 300 copies a week. Newsletter in large print and on tape This is a quarterly newsletter with a readership of over 3,000. It has a wide

circulation to local organisations and other charities in Bedfordshire and Luton. Issued in large print written form, in Braille and audiotape we were developing email

distribution and now use Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf). Sight Concern is developing sponsorship of News & Views and this should be self

funding by the end of this financial year. News & Views is absolutely key for profile and raising awareness and a great

bargaining counter when dealing with other organisations. Invaluable for profile and communications with members, supporters and a large &

growing email mailing list. I.T. Skills sessions Offer IT sessions on a 1-1 basis, running at a loss due to funding cut. Currently sourcing funding to offer regular training sessions at Luton Library where

we have been offered use of 14 computers with Guide software. Visual awareness training sessions Sight Concern can provide high quality training to enable better understanding of the

problems faced by vision loss. Examples Hospital staff, Home Carers, Library staff, Front line workers, Social Care students SCB has excellent credibility in this area.

SCB will continue to market Visual Awareness training, not only to improve profile,

but as a funding opportunity and also seek to work alongside other training providers as opportunities are identified.

Information talks to social groups and clubs Informative & to raise awareness of our services.

Our aim is to reach out to the whole community…… raise awareness about visual impairment ….ensure that everyone who requires information, and or assistance receives it.

Health Champions KPIs and Outcomes

SIGNPOSTING REFERRALS

Stop Smoking

Alcohol Awareness

Healthy Eating

Physical Activity

Mental Health Wellbeing

GP Surgeries

Sexual Health Breastfeeding Other

6Horizon Health 1 1 3 1 1Emmaus 7 4 5 3 1Age Concern 1 2 3 1

ADVICE AND INFORMATION

Horizon Emmaus Age Concern other 410 130 1230

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Horizon Emmaus Age ConcernLondon Road 2 Goldington Road Surgery Carers in BedsHealth Centre Bedford Police Bedford Build House2 Goldington Road Surgery Harrold Health Centre Sight Concern BedfordAshburnham Road Surgery Prebend Day Centre Salvation ArmyLocal Muslim Businesses Salvation Army Stroke Association Bedfordin BedfordQueens Park NeighbourhoodCentreVictoria Road GP Surgery

NEW INITIATIVES

Horizon Emmaus Age ConcernHealthy Walks Healthy Walks Attending Older Peoples EventsTraining on stop smoking with IBA Alcohol Awareness Making good networks with Older Peoplelocal Muslim community to Health Champion surgery Organsiationsquit smoking around Ramadan at Prebend Day centre Salvation Army Chair Based ExercisesLinking stop Smoking with taxi with community nurse Salvation Army Music Teamstands and Butchers. Health Champion sits Falls Awareness Flitwick EventsHealth and Wellbeing with taxi on Bedford Housing Sight Concern, looking at older people and disabilities.drivers Forum Guild House, exercise and healthy eatingChlamydia Screening particular Night Shelter Leafleting at events and with new networksfocus on BME communities. IAPTs Programme with Working in Rural areas of BedfordHealthy Eating with BME SEPT Working through Age Concern Directory and updatingcommunities, less fats in Dentist Harrold Villagecooking. Kings Arm Project Alcohol AwarenessBreast screening increasing Linking with TB Training for numbers for women in Bedford Companions and HomelessIBA Alchohol Awareness clients.Health Champion surgeries with Bedford Police to visitGPs EmmausHealthy promotion days at Golf Session with Emmausrestaurants in Bedford Companions and HomelessLocal Cricket and Football Horse Riding with EmmausChildren Centres Companions and HomelessFestivals Emmaus Canteen change of menu.Linking with Queens ParkLadies Forum Walks

Linking with Bangladeshi WomenAssociation Group Walks and exercise

1

ITEM 5.

Health Champions Report for Bedford Borough Adult Health and

Wellbeing Thematic Partnership 6th July 2010

Recruitment 1. Age Concern have two part-time Health Champions started mid April. Working in the rural areas

with older people. 2. Horizon Health have appointed three part-time Health Champions started March 2010. Working

with GPs and Health Checks in the deprived wards in Bedford. 3. Emmaus have one full-time Health Champion started March 2010. Working with Homeless

communities and agencies in Bedford. 4. Bedford Borough Council have three part-time Health Champions due to start mid July 2010.

Working with Physical Disabilities and Learning Difficulties. 5. MIND have one full-time Health Champion due to start mid July. Working with clients with mental

health and well being. 6. HMP Bedford have trained 11 Prison Health Champions, 5 have now moved on. Next cohort are

due to be trained in August. Current Progress 1. Age Concern Health Champions have been attending events and making links with agencies

linked with older people. They are now making good pathways with the Salvation Army. 2. Horizon Health Champions are now working closely with GP’s in the deprived wards and raising

the number of Health Checks as well as working with different community groups through community centres, children centres.

3. Emmaus, have set up a health pathway within their organisation, with an initial assessment with Health Champion who then sign posts client onto appropriate service.

4. All have now been trained to use the national DCRS system to record data from the initial assessment forms and NHS Bedfordshire are monitoring outcomes, which will be produced and disseminated all agencies involved in this programme at a later date.

Promotion 1. Two days at the River Festival, promoting the Health Champions 2. Celebration Event on 24th September, promoting all the Health Champions, showcasing the impact

they are making with case studies and also the strength of the partners working together. Outcomes

All the current Health Champions in post within Emmaus, Horizon Health and Age Concern, are bringing a good impact into Bedford Borough, developing strong partnership links with GP surgeries and voluntary sector organisations. Some cost saving initiatives are now being offered by Health Champions to train staff and clients in the areas of Stop Smoking and Alcohol Awareness. Further information and key figures please see attached spreadsheet. Aruna Sharma-Balls Health Trainer Co-ordinator

ITEM 6 Bedford Borough Council Adult Social Care Carers Survey: Improvement Action Plan 2010/2011

Bedford Borough Council 1/8 Adult Social Care

Carers Support Services Improvement Plan 2010/11

Key priorities:

1. Improve carers overall satisfaction with support or services they or the person they care for receives, leading to an overall improvement in carers wellbeing and quality of life.

2. Improve the uptake and impact of social care services, preventative services and personalised services delivered to the person cared for.

3. Improve the uptake and impact of carers support services and carers breaks services.

4. Performance manage domiciliary care agencies and ensure immediate improvement in service delivery.

Objective 1:

Improve carers overall satisfaction with support or services they or the person they care for receives, leading to an overall improvement in carers wellbeing and quality of life.

Delivery Plan:

Actions and milestones By when By whom

Repeat Carers Survey

Ensure measures are in place to identify carers of people from client groups that were possibly under-represented in the 2009 survey (carers of people with a learning difficulty and carers of people with mental health issues) and carers from under represented and marginalised groups (e.g. carers from BME groups or the other strands of diversity) and encourage those carers to participate in the survey.

Benchmark Bedford Borough Council’s overall satisfaction measure against

November 2010

User and Carer Engagement Officers


Increase the percentage of carers extremely or very satisfied from 44% to 60%

Increase the percentage of carers expressing satisfaction from 77% to 90%

Undertake in depth consultation with carers (possibly using focus group or knowledge café methodology) to understand barriers carers are experiencing in accessing certain services, then further develop the action plan to address these issues.

The services that carers appeared to encounter difficulty accessing or benefiting fully from included: carers support (1:1 or groups), planning for support in an emergency, practical help filling in forms, advocacy, training, practical help, short breaks services (either delivered in a residential setting or at home) and universal services that anyone can use such as GPs and libraries.

September 2010

User and Carer Engagement Officers, Commissioners

Explore with carers factors that impact on their overall wellbeing and quality of life, including life outside of their caring role, their physical and mental health, control over their own life, etc and develop an action plan to put in place encouragement and support for carers which will improve their overall quality of life. This improvement will be evidenced in the repeat of the carers survey.

September 2010

User and Carer Engagement Officers, Commissioners


Objective 2:

Improve the uptake and impact of social care services, preventative services and personalised services delivered to the person cared for.

Delivery Plan:


Increase the percentage of carers reporting that the person cared for uses a personal assistant in line with the Borough’s target for direct payments, from 24% to 30%.

March 2011 Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Teams

Increase the percentage of carers reporting that the person cared for uses open access preventative services such as lunch clubs from 6% to 10%.

Increase the number of carers reporting they get most support from voluntary agencies from 8% to 15%.

November 2010

Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Teams/ Voluntary agencies

Decrease the percentage of carers reporting that the services that the person cared for receives makes little difference to them from 74% to 60% in the first year.

November 2010

User and Carer Engagement Officers/ Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Teams/ Voluntary agencies

Ensure that full community care assessments are undertaken within agreed corporate timescales. Evidence of compliance will be via RAP Return. Commissioners to ensure providers compliance.

May 2010 onwards

Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Teams


Ensure regular reviews take place with people cared for to ensure that people cared for are receiving the right amount of time for them. Reduce the percentage of carers reporting the person cared for get too few hours from 21% to 15%. During reviews, check that carers and the person cared for are receiving the amount of contact with the social worker that is right for them. Check people are informed about the ways they can ensure that services react to changes in their day to day lives.

Undertake this in conjunction with work to drive up impact of services already received.

September 2010

Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Review Teams

Check carers experience of adult social care’s response against the Borough’s Customer Charter and ensure that corporate performance targets are adhered to or exceeded in Adult Social Care

September 2010


Check carers experience of the time taken to receive support or services against Customer Care Charter and PIs such as access to equipment and ensure that people are not waiting outside of agreed timescales. Understand where exceptions to acceptable waiting times take place, and put in place measures to reduce waiting times.

October 2010 Commissioners/ Adult Social Care teams/local NHS partners

Review hospital discharge process and implement changes necessary to better support carers

October 2010 Commissioners/ Adult Social Care teams/local NHS partners

Review out of hours service provision and ensure that carers are aware of out of hours services roles and contact details. Ensure that carers are given this information routinely and that it forms part of the carers emergency support plan.

September 2010

User and Carer Engagement Officers/ Adult Social Care Teams


Objective 3:

Improve the uptake and impact of carers support services and carers breaks services.

Delivery Plan:


Building on the positive finding that most carers have good access to information and advice, improve further carers access to information generally and in relation to: emergency support service, form filling, balancing caring role with work, training and carers support groups; areas in which carers may be less well informed about.

Evidence improvement in these areas in the repeated carers survey

October 2010 User and Carer Engagement Officers/ Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Teams/ Voluntary agencies/ Carers support service

Explore in depth with carers what the “other reasons” for not taking a break (either more or less than 24 hour breaks) were, and urgently develop an action plan to ensure that more carers are able to access breaks.

September 2010

Commissioners/ User and Carer Engagement Officers

Explore in depth with carers who have had a break the factors that impacted on their satisfaction with short break services, and use the findings to drive up performance to 90%, evidencing that carers are experiencing quality breaks from their caring role.

October 2010 Commissioners/ User and Carer Engagement Officers

Check carers experience of adult social care’s response against the Borough’s Customer Charter and ensure that corporate performance targets are adhered to or exceeded in Adult Social Care

September 2010



Ensure that carers are positively referred into services outside of social care that can improve their lives, such as benefits advice and form filling, stress management, IAPT, telecare, manual handling training, anger management and support with safeguarding issues.

Evidence improvement by repeat of carers survey, and an increase from 70% to 80% of carers reporting finding it easy to access the support they need as a carer.

October 2010 Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Teams/ Voluntary agencies

Ensure all carers are identified, offered a separate carers assessment and as a bare minimum all carers receive information and advice as a result of their assessment and an emergency support plan is put in place.

Evidence: An increase in the carers receiving carers support service PI from to 100%

June 2010 Commissioners/ Adult Social Care Teams

Ensure reviews of carers assessments are undertaken routinely and when there is a significant change in the person cared for. These reviews should give the carer opportunity to change the amount of time allocated to carers breaks.

September 2010




Objective 4:

Performance manage domiciliary care agencies and ensure immediate improvement in service delivery.

Delivery Plan:


Understand if there are particular providers where carers are reporting that do not let them know if there are changes related to the care the person cared for receives.

September 2010

Commissioners

Meet urgently with service providers and agree an urgent action plan to improve communication and administrative arrangements.

October 2010 Commissioners

Monitor and review providers six monthly or more frequently where there are concerns or risk issues.

September 2010 onwards

Commissioners

Put in place across all providers a routine mechanism for feedback from carers and people cared for about their experience of services delivered, which will be used in routine monitoring meetings

October 2010 User and Carer Engagement Officers/ Commissioners

Evidence improvement in the repeat of the carers survey November 2010

User and Carer Engagement Officers

Ensure care agencies are employing care workers from BME groups so that they can respond to the cultural needs of people living in Bedford.

September 2010

Commissioners

ITEM 6

For Publication BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL – ADULT SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH PERFORMANCE REVIEW DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT BY THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR ADULT SERVICES AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ADULT SERVICES DATE: 29th June 2010 SUBJECT: ADULT SERVICES CARERS ACTION PLAN 1. INTRODUCTION Following a survey of carers conducted last November, the service identified a number of areas that needed to be improved. The action plan attached to this report will address those areas.

2. RECOMMENDATIONS This Committee is requested to consider the report and if satisfied to note the contents of the report. a) Note the carers survey results set out at Appendix A of this report. b) Note the carers’ improvement action plan set out at Appendix B of

this report.

3. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS The survey responses have been analysed and account taken of both quantitative and qualitative information obtained. The action plan set out at Appendix B addresses the need for improvements identified in four key areas; a) Improve carers overall satisfaction with support they receive, leading to an overall improvement in carers wellbeing and quality of life. b) Improve the uptake and impact of social care services, preventative services and personalised services delivered to the person cared for. c) Improve the uptake and impact of carers support services and carers breaks services. d) Performance-manage home care agencies and ensure improvement in service delivery.

(1)

4. IMPLICATIONS

(a) Legal

Carers have the legal right to an assessment of their needs. This is contained in the Carers (Recognition & Services) Act 1995 and the Carers & Disabled Children Act 2000.

This applies to Carers in all circumstances - whether the Carer is living with, or away from the person they are caring for, caring full time or combining caring with paid work. The right to a Carers assessment still applies.

Carers have the right to an assessment even if the person they care for does not want an assessment or service.

The right to an assessment also applies to people who intend to become Carers. This could happen when someone is going to be a Carer following their friend or relatives discharge from hospital.

Parent Carers of disabled children do not have to be biological parents to have a Carers assessment. So long as they have formal parental responsibility towards the child, they have the legal right to an assessment of their own needs as Carers. (b) Policy

The Vision for Carers in Bedford Borough is that they will; Have a life of their own alongside their caring role Be supported to stay mentally and physically well Be treated with dignity by integrated and personalised services Be recognised as expert partners in the support of their loved ones Not be forced into financial hardship by the caring role Adult Services policy is to support Carers in their caring role and enable Carers to have a life beyond caring. Following a Carer’s Assessment, support is offered according to need and includes; Information and advice Short breaks and social activities Counselling and support groups Advocacy Education and training opportunities Complementary therapies (c) Resource There is no charge to the Carer for Carer’s services. Services to the person being cared for do attract charges based on the person’s ability to pay.

(2)

The Council receives an Area Based Grant for Carers of £567,130 (2010/11). Department of Health guidance is issued as to how this should be spent and the majority of it is spent in the local third sector. There are an estimated 15,600 Carers in the Borough. (d) Risk The health and social care system, either nationally or locally, could not cope without the care provided by Carers. If Carers are not well supported then the demands on health and social care will increase leading to costly care packages and an increase in admissions to care homes. We need to support Carers with specific services for them and also ensure Carers needs are included in the modernisation and delivery of mainstream health and social care services. (e) Environmental No environmental implications. (f) Equalities Impact Bedford Borough is a diverse community and it is essential that Adult services are provided to meet Carers needs in diverse ways. Several urban wards have high non-‘White British’ populations. These include Queens Park (57.8%) which is one of the most ethnically diverse wards in England, and Cauldwell (43.8%). This contrasts with a number of rural wards where under 5% of the population is non-‘White British’, for example Riseley (3.6%) and Carlton (3.8%). The action plan is designed to deliver improved services to Carers across the borough and have a positive impact on their lives. The following factors may however limit the benefits to some Carers. Limits on the information available regarding Carers in minority groups and

the fact that most Carers are not actually known to adult services. Carers in minority groups may find it difficult to access information and

gain support. A ‘Stage One’ Equality Impact Assessment on Carers Strategy has been completed and will be implemented in 2010/11 leading to full Equality Impact Assessment as more evidence of impact becomes available. 5. DETAILS In November 2009 Bedford Borough Council commenced a survey of local carers about their experience of caring. The questionnaire used was nationally set by the Department of Health. It contained a mixture of multiple choice

(3)

questions and open questions where Carers could make comments in their own words. The questionnaire was sent through the post to 587 carers known to the Council. 263 completed questionnaires were sent back, a response rate of 45%. Carers had some good things to say about being supported to care in Bedford Borough and they also told us where services were not as good as they should be. Most Carers said they are treated with courtesy and respect by care workers and personal assistants (97%), hospital staff (89%) and their family doctor (93%). Many Carers (74%) found it easy to get information and advice about local support and benefits. Many Carers (77%) also found it easy to get support or services for the person that they care for. Fewer, but still a majority of carers, (64%) felt that they have the right amount of support from their social worker. Three quarters of Carers said that they were able to get to the doctor, dentist, bank and library when they needed to. Less positively, most Carers had not used any services to help them take a break from caring (67%). Nearly half of carers (48%) experienced problems with services not letting them know about changes such as a different care worker coming to the home. A strong need to improve emergency planning, to cover times when Carers are unable to care was indicated by many of the free text responses. This feed back has been collated into an improvement action plan which is attached at Appendix B.

6. SUMMARY OF CONSULTATIONS AND OUTCOME The following Council Units or Officers and/or other organisations have been consulted in preparing this report:

Adult Services Senior Management Team Andrew Maslen, Consultations Officer

No adverse comments have been received.

(4)

(5)

7. WARD COUNCILLOR VIEWS Not appropriate for this report.

Report Contact Officer: Frank Toner Executive Director for Adult Services

File Reference: * Previous Relevant Minutes: * Background Papers: * Appendices: Appendix A Carers Survey Results Appendix B Carers Improvement

Action Plan

Summer is here - although typically for August the sun isn’t out much as yet!

Staff at the Bureau have been very busy of late particularly during National Carers Week (June) and attending

lots of other events and meetings— details on some of these have been included in this newsletter which we hope you find of interest.

We welcome any feedback about the newsletter and if you

Carers Support Bureau

Carers Support Bureau B E D F O R D S H I R E

R U R A L

C O M M U N I T I E S

C H A R I T Y

Day Trip to Great Yarmouth

Saturday 25th September 2010

Following our successful funding application as part of the Bedfordshire Carers Exchange group, we have been awarded funds from the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation -Grassroots grant. This funding is to pay for transport (coaches and wheelchair accessible vehicle) to take up to 250 carers and their cared for person (if they wish) to Great Yarmouth for the day.

Coaches depart 8.30am– leave at 4.30pm

Pick up points- Bedford, Flitwick and Dunstable

To book a place call free phone- 0800 039 1234

Places need to be booked by Friday 27th August

have any suggestions for future articles please do call us on our free phone number: 0800 039 1234.

Thank you and enjoy

Francesca & Rosie Carers Support Bureau

N E W S L E T T E R S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

P A G E 2

Direct Payments

Following a successful trial period we are pleased to announce that The Carers Support Bureau will be running a Carers support group at the Wootton Vale Healthy Living Centre located on Fields Road, Wootton.

The next dates for the group to meet are:

Tuesday 31st August-10.30-12pm Thursday 30th Sept– 10.30-12pm

The group will then run on the last Thursday of every month.

*You do not have to be a registered patient with this surgery in order to attend.

To find out more or if you would like to come along to the group please give the Carers Support Bureau a call on FREE PHONE 0800 039 1234

C A R E R S S U P P O R T B U R E A U

Reiki is an ancient healing therapy, is non invasive and can be taken on a therapy couch, in a bed, sitting or in a wheelchair. Reiki detoxes the body and can help with insomnia, calming emotions, emotional release, anxiety, depression and stress. The Gentleways is currently applying for funding to provide

NEW! Carers Support Group

Direct payments= money from the local council to pay for care services. Direct payments can be used to buy services from an organisation or to employ somebody to provide assistance. As a carer, you can use a direct payment to purchase the services you are assessed as needing to support you in your caring role. This includes support

that may help maintain your health and well-being. For example, driving lessons or a holiday so you can have time to yourself.The idea behind a direct payment is to give people more choice, flexibility and control over arranging their care services. For more information call us on 0800 039 1234.

Reiki Relaxation sessions to carers. They are looking at holding sessions in groups of up to 7, or possibly for individuals who would like a full Reiki treatment. If you are interested in attending a Reiki session please contact the Carers Support Bureau on 0800 039 1234 by 31st August 2010.

Reiki Treatments

S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 – P A G E 3

The Cinema Exhibitors Association Card or CEA card, as it sometimes called, entitles the holder to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema. To be eligible to apply for a card the cared for must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (or Attendance Allowance) at any rate Or be a registered blind person.

Cards are valid for 1 year from the date of issue and a £5.50 processing fee applies to each application.

Application forms to apply for the card are available to collect from the box offices of participating cinemas or may be downloaded from www.ceacard.co.ukAlternatively you can call the bureau to ask for a copy to be sent to you.

Free Cinema Entry for Carers

allowance, or attendance allowance or�• They are registered blind or partially

sighted�

For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance or income-related employment and support allowance, the help is free.

For more information on what’s included, call free phone 0800 40 85 900 or visit helpscheme.co.uk

Caring with confidence Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire are working together to enable carers to access the national Caring with Confidence programme in Central Bedfordshire.

This free and flexible training allows you to choose the topics that will most benefit you. Sessions include:

• Caring and coping • Caring and me • Caring and community

• Caring and resources • Caring day to day • Caring and life

Support is available towards the cost of alternative care arrangements and travel to the training sessions.

The first session takes place on 13th August. To find out more or to book your place call 01582 818644 or email [email protected]

Digital Switchover Help Scheme The Sandy Heath transmitter group, serving Bedfordshire will start to switch to digital on 30th March 2011.

Hundreds of people in the area are set to benefit from the Switchover Help Scheme who can provide practical support and equipment in making the change to digital.

People are eligible if they are: • aged 75 or over, or�• They get (or could get) disability living

Managed by: BRCC (Serving communities across Bedfordshire and Luton Funded by: Bedford Borough Council & Central Bedfordshire Council

BRCC, The Old School, Cardington, Beds, MK44 3SX

Allotment Group– Just a reminder that this group is held every Wednesday (weather permitting) in Queens Park, Bedford 10-12pm. Meeting at the Neighbourhood centre for a coffee & chat first. If you are interested in coming along and want to find out more, or if you need extra vouchers in order to attend please give Rosie or Francesca a call on 0800 039 1234. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Older Peoples Festival-15th September 2010, The Bedford Corn Exchange. For further details please call 01234 267422.

Central Bedfordshire Carers Forum– for further details please call 0300 300 8000

Borough Council User & Carer Action Group– 16th August 2-4pm, 14th September 2-4pm. For further dates and details please call 01234 267422.

Learning Disability Carers Group- Project 229, Kempston. 2nd Thursday of each month 12.30-2pm

Future Events

Useful Telephone Numbers

Bedford Borough Council – Central Bedfordshire Council- 01234 267422 (switchboard) 0300 300 8000 (switchboard)

Benefits Helpline- 0800 88 22 00 Carers Direct– 0800 802 02 02

Useful Websites

www.direct.gov.uk www.carersuk.org www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk www.bedford.gov.uk

Carers Support Bureau 0800 039 1234

Dear Carer Re: Day Trip to Great Yarmouth Saturday 25th September 2010 The Bedfordshire Carers Exchange has organised a day trip to Great Yarmouth on Saturday 25th September 2010. This trip has been funded via the Bedfordshire and Luton foundation- grass roots fund. The trip is open to carers of all ages plus ‘one other’; the ‘one other’ can be the cared for person, a family member or a friend. We will have coaches leaving from three main pick up points: Bedford- The International Athletics stadium, Barkers Lane (cars may need to be parked across the road at the aspects leisure centre) Flitwick- The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road Dunstable- . The Disability Resource Centre Poynters Road The coaches will be departing promptly at 8.30am so you will need to arrive in plenty of time. We will be then leave Great Yarmouth at 4.30pm.Once we arrive in Great Yarmouth you will have the day to yourselves to enjoy as you wish, there is plenty to do whatever age you are or feel!! We only have a limited number of spaces so if you would like to come along please contact either Rosie or Francesca at the Carers Support Bureau on free phone 0800 039 1234 by Friday 27th August. If you need extra assistance to get to the pick up points please discuss this with the staff at the Carers Support Bureau when booking.

Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board

No. Date of Board or Date of email

Positive outcomes for service users and carers

22 08/07/10 Article in Times and Citizen (08/07/10) following the Press Release regarding 'making life easier for the visually impaired'.

21 08/07/10 Following publicity of the DRCs outreach sessions (Queens Park) the Fire Service have contacted them to ask how they can work together to reach residents in this area

20 08/07/10 BADG have fought long and hard for a an accessable toilet in Harpur Centre - one has been built and is now available to users in the Harpur Centre

19 08/07/10 Livability Lifestyle Choices has puttogether a collection of work by people in Bedford and it's surrounding areas, who have a personal experience of disability and a talent for creative arts. 24/07 - 29/08 at Bedford Museum

18 20/05/10 Disabled people are being consulted on the planning and design of Bedford Museum and Art Gallery. Director for Museum and their architects held a meeting with BADAG on 5 May regarding layout of museum, colour schemes for displays, fonts, walkways, plinths, suggestions re additional seating, support rails etc. Further public consultation to be held mid June following exclusive press release/publicity information in Beds on Sunday. (See separate report 28/05/10)

17 20/05/10 Chris Pettifer (Head of Passenger Transport), Keith Simmons (Head of Registration and Records) and Zoe Paget (Operations Manager - Stagecoach) met with BADAG in May to discuss transport issues relating to buses, taxis and transport in general.

16 20/05/10 Stuart O'Dell (Access Officer, BBC) conducted surveys of 96 of the Borough's polling stations on election day. Found that 46% of stations were fully accessible (which is better than the national average). Keith Simmons (Head of Registration and Records) is working with Stuart O'Dell to see how they can be improved before the May election next year. (disabled parking, large print paperwork, ramps to buildings, disabled, toilets, seating etc)

15 20/05/10 Visual impaired members of the board produced a report recommending how board meetings can be conducted to give them more meaningful involvement at meetings. Board members accepted the recommendations of the report. Report forwarded to other Adult Health and Wellbeing boards and to David Brewer for distribution to other Bedford Borough Joint Partnership

14 20/05/10 Wednesday Club have received feedback from NHS following consultation sessions

Item 7. Positive outcomes as at 8 July 2010 font 12 1 of 3


13 20/05/10 Consultation/study looked at the need for a BME Carers Cafe. A BME carers sub group in process of being formed (supported by Bushra Shah, Community development worker at SEPT and Kathy Carter (Carers in Bedfordshire). Group is planning a BME Carers Day on Wednesday 30 June. (papers distributed at meeting).

12 20/05/10 Bedford Borough Council, in association with Sight Concern and the Royal National Institute of Blind People running campaign to encourage residents to put away their wheelie bins after collection. Letters sent w/c 24 May to areas where complaints have been received (Gladstone Street and Great Portway, Great Denham). Letters followed the following week with door-to-door visits from the Council's Recycling Team and Sight Concern volunteers, all aiming to encourage people to be more aware of the problems which can be caused by bins permanently left out on pavements between collections. Representatives from Sight Concern Bedfordshire are also involved in the induction and regular awareness training delivered to the bin men, highlighting the importance where they leave the bins once emptied. (Contact in Environmental Services is Claire Wylde)

11 20/05/10 Shopmobility successful in their grant application to House of Industry

10 22/04/10 Carers Support Bureau are hosting a range of awareness (Roxton, Harrold, Bedford Market, Kempston Rural) sessions during Carers Week (14-20 June)

9 22/04/10 Organisations raising the awareness around carers and their rights at Bedford Hospital, organisations currently involved in program (manning the stands) include Spurgeons, Carers in Bedfordshire, NHS Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough Council, Carers Support Bureau, Carers in Bedfordshire

8 22/04/10 Disability Resource Centre (DRC) holding monthly outreach sessions in Queens Park Neighbourhood Centres

7 22/04/10 Representatives from MENCAP met with Mayor to discuss feasibility of having a 'Changing Places' facility - options include the new railway station, one stop shop and the Saracens Head (where the Corn Exchange hopes to extend). Changing Places toilets provide enough space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

6 Apr-10 Consultation on review of transport in rural areas - opportunity for service users from rural areas to inform council of their issues relating to transport

5 01/04/10 Park Rangers launched new Health Walks - guided walks around Bedford Park



4 18/02/10 Stakeholder Consultation sessions to be held 18/03/10 at the Harpur Suite on Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment strategies. Publicity sent to organisations, groups etc and advertisement placed in Beds on Sunday.

3 Feb-10 BPHA Community Development team to create a Sensory Garden

2 21/01/10 British Blind Sport launching the new Bedford Goal Club on 23 January - sport designed for the visually impaired and played at Paralympics Games

1 21/01/10 bbpositive and The Body Shop to hold a make-over evening for people with HIV and or AIDS and their families/carers on 20 February


Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board Issues outstanding / in progress

Issue log for service users and carers as at 8 July 2010

No

.

Dat

e

Dat

e re

ferr

ed t

o

Bo

ard

So

urc

e o

f co

mm

ent

Issu

e /

Co

mm

ent

Act

ion

(s)

req

uir

ed

Up

date

Out

com

e

1 17/2/10 18/2/10 Wednesday Club (via AH)

Pavement cluttered with A Boards in the Town centre. There was previously a zero tolerance. Advised that the Director of Environment and Sustainable Communities had decided to adopt a former policy of tolerating A-boards if there was a 1.5 metre passing space and the board is located closed to shop front. Policy to be reviewed April

Views supported by partnership board. (AH) to refer to Bedford and District Group for take-up

22/04/10 BADG to send letter to Council recommending a change in policy (as policy is due to be reviewed) 20/05/10 Correspondence secretary has sent letter to Executive Director of Sustainable Communities - awaiting a response. 08/07/10 still waiting for a response to be received.


Would like managers from Highways, Chief Executive, Portfolio holder for Highways etc. to experience the difficulties experienced getting around Town Centre… would like to take them on a tour wearing visual impairment goggles

Jodi Simpson to liaise with John Bruynseels/John Seth to look at training options etc. Opportunity for members of the Wednesday Club to work with service users

20/05/10 JB and AH to discuss plan of an awareness raising session which covers different disabilities - hearing and visual impairments, wheel chair users etc (news to be included on the Council's transformation web page) 08/07/10 AH to start planning event

Anona Hoyle, Commissioning and Business Support, Adult Services 1 of 4

Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board Issues outstanding / in progressN

o.

Dat

e

Dat

e re

ferr

ed t

o

Bo

ard

So

urc

e o

f co

mm

ent

Issu

e /

Co

mm

ent

Act

ion

(s)

req

uir

ed

Up

date

Out

com

e


Service users expressed an interest in learning to read Braille, they thought that it was a statutory requirement that people who are registered Blind be provided with lessons

JS to investigate 20/05/10 JS advised that this should be included as part of the assessment of the service user. The Visual Impairment Team manager advised that the use of Braille and subsequently the demand for lessons have decreased over past few years. Lessons are currently not available locally. JS to speak to service users regarding their experience and see if resolution can be found. 08/07/10 JS advised in progress, currently assessing the 'needs' of service users to see if there is a need

12 22/4/10 22/4/10 AB from PB Vehicles parked on pavements, across dropped verges, on grass verges cause problem for people with visual impairments

AH to seek confirmation/clarification o increased powers of enforcement officers (as mentioned on p33 of local transport plan, report of stakeholder consultation) and number of PCNS raised

20/05/10 SO advised that BADG had already obtained information from Parking Shop and would forward details for board members 08/07/10 SO to contact Police and ascertain the number of prosecutions/penalty notices/tickets issued in past 12 months

13 1/2/10 22/4/10 BADG (via AH)

Treacherous winter caused major problems for vulnerable adults, Council should ensure that people are not stuck in their homes due to dangerous/icy footpaths. Some isolated people stuck in their homes unable to get out to their local shops. Arrangements/plans should put in place now ready for next winter

Agreed that more discussions required in the future (could be part of the building of social capital which is being discussed at Transformation Board) GH to discuss possibilities of extending the village care schemes with BRCC.

08/07/10 AH to request progress from GH



o.

Dat

e

Dat

e re

ferr

ed t

o

Bo

ard

So

urc

e o

f co

mm

ent

Issu

e /

Co

mm

ent

Act

ion

(s)

req

uir

ed

Up

date

Out

com

e

16 5/7/10 8/7/10 BADG (via AH)

BADG contacted Blue Badge team to request information on issuing and cancellation of Blue Badges as they believe BBs being misused. Learnt that when BB is due for renewal that person must provide proof that still in receipt of DLA etc but if Dr signed original certificate no further proof is required. BADG questioned this policy, concerned at No of badges in circulation, No of parking places, abuse of BB.

Board advised that Drs can charge up to £70 for certificate. Mick Dillon (MD) informed board of how Luton Council are proactive in monitoring use of badges, CEO should be aware of Blue Badge hot-spots i.e. BB seen in town on regular basis, ring the applicant & see if they're at home and someone else using badge. 08/07/10 JB to contact police on behalf of PDSI board and invite them to work in partnership. MD to forward details of exercise from Luton to JB.

17 6/7/10 8/7/10 ASC (via AH)

Shortage of organisations/people that can assist applicants in completing DLA applicn forms - some vol orgns provide support i.e. Age Concern for Older people, Sight Concern for visually impaired etc. but applicants must meet the orgns eligibility criteria in order to receive support. ALSO a lack of organisations/agencies that can assist with appeal process

AH to produce leaflet/flyer which details all organisations/agencies that can assist person with application for DLA. MD to forward information DRC has to AH



o.

Dat

e

Dat

e re

ferr

ed t

o

Bo

ard

So

urc

e o

f co

mm

ent

Issu

e /

Co

mm

ent

Act

ion

(s)

req

uir

ed

Up

date

Out

com

e

18 7/7/10 8/7/10 ASC (via AH)

At a recent doctors appointment a service user was asked what their first language was - British Sign Language (BSL) was not included on list of available languages

There was a lot of debate whether BSL was a language or method of communication. Consensus reached that it was a language. As Gillian Turrell (GT) not at meeting JB to refer to GT to find out situation with PCT. JS to investigate situation with the Council's systems.

19 8/7/10 8/7/10 MD Allhallows car park not very assessable. Heavy doors, no or not easily identifiable disabled parking bays.

SO advised car park did not comply with DDA. Car park had been due for demolition (for long time). SO to see if any improvements can be made to the car park


As part of exercise with Highways - it was noted that some shops have no visability markings - i.e large red pillar next to Ctossiong outside British Heart Foundation (Greyfriars), corner/edge at front of HSBC

JD (Joyce) to ask Sight Concern to write to Mo Aswat (Bedford BID) to hi-light the problems these buildings can cause for sight impaired people. Request that he helps publicise the difficulties to local shopkeepers and see if he can help influence shopkeepers in making shop-fronts less challenging for visually impaired people.


Bedford Borough Council, and Central Bedfordshire Council working with NHS Bedfordshire, the Police and local voluntary

sector partners, is committed to protecting vulnerable adults. We would like to invite you to one of two sessions being delivered at the

Bedfordshire Safeguarding Adults Conference

Morning session - Abuse is everybody’s business9.30am to 12.30pm

Understanding abuse and what it means for vulnerable people.Suitable for anyone who may come into contact with a vulnerable person

through their personal or professional life, and would like to know more about spotting the signs of abuse and what to do about it.

Afternoon session - Safeguarding is our responsibility1.00pm to 4.00pm

Understanding impacts of abuse and how to prevent it.Suitable for all care professionals, including social workers, nurses, police, care

home workers, housing staff

Bedfordshire Safeguarding Adults Conference

Monday 11th October 2010The Rufus Centre, Flitwick

Abuse is everybody’s businessSafeguarding is our responsibility

To book a place log on to; [email protected]

Or telephone Dawn Morris on 0300 300 8122

Both events will include tea/coffee

ITEM 10.

Partnership Board Report to the Adult Health and Wellbeing Thematic Partnership Report from the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board Adult Health and Wellbeing Thematic Partnership Meeting Date: 3 August 2010

Introduction: The purpose of this report is to update the Adult Health and Wellbeing Thematic Partnership Board on the work of the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board and progress to date. Recommendations: The Partnership Board is requested to consider the report and if satisfied to – 1. Note the contents of the report, and, 2. Approve the work plan for the Board. Reason for Recommendation:

1. To agree priority areas for action in order to improve service provision for people with a physical disability or sensory impairment in Bedford Borough.

Implications:

a) Legal

The formal framework for partnership working including the delivery of local improvement targets is enshrined in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which states: In determining the local improvement targets relating to it which are to be specified in the draft local area agreement, each partner authority must: (a) co-operate with the responsible local authority; and (b) have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State It is in this context that the establishment of partnership boards is an important focus for not only driving service improvement but effective local partnership arrangements.

b) Policy To provide excellent, safe, sound, supportive, cost effective and transformational services for the people with physical disabilities and sensory impairment in Bedford Borough that promote independence, well being, and choice and are shaped by accurate assessment of community needs.’

Page 1 of 4

of 4

Our strategic priorities are based on the seven outcomes set out in ‘Our health, Our care, Our say’:

1. Improved health and emotional well-being. 2. Improved quality of life. 3. Making a positive contribution. 4. Increased choice and control. 5. Freedom from discrimination or harassment. 6. Economic wellbeing. 7. Personal dignity and respect.

NHS Bedfordshire’s Strategy “A Healthier Bedfordshire” sets out four main aims for the population of Bedfordshire: 1. Improve their health and wellbeing 2. Reduce unfairness in health 3. Ensure a better healthcare experience 4. Improve choice and access

c) Resource To date no specific funds have been delegated to the Physical Disability and Sensory

Impairment Partnership Board. d) Risk The overall reputation and performance assessment of the Council and its partners is

at risk if it is not aware of the challenges presented by the development and implementation of improved services for people living in Bedford Borough who have a physical disability or sensory impairment.

e) Environmental The multi-agency Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board will

work to ensure that the environment for people with physical disabilities and sensory impairment in Bedford is one that is safe and suitable. It will engage in consultations on environmental issues with other Council departments to ensure that the needs and wishes of people physical disabilities and sensory impairment are taken into account.

f) Equality and Diversity

When developing proposals and making decisions, Bedford Borough and it’s partners

will comply with statutory equality duties by ensuring that decisions are made in such a way as to minimise unfairness, and that they do not have a disproportionately negative effect on people from different ethnic groups, disabled people, and men and women. All strategies and changes to policies will have due regard to the equalities legislation and considered as part of an equality impact assessment.

Summary of work completed since the previous report: Since February 2010 the following pieces of work have been undertaken:- 1. The Board has implemented recommendations from a report by visually impaired/hearing

impaired people to ensure full participation of all members which includes –

a. The need for accessible information b. Sending out agendas and papers c. Conduct at meetings

of 4

2. The Board has direct links with the Wednesday Club and Bedford and District Access Group and receives an issues log and resolution log at each meeting. Evidence of outcomes for people with disabilities will be made at the final yearly report as well as those identified below.

3. The Board has commissioned research on the most effective method for deaf/hearing

impaired people to contact the Council and for recommendations to be made to the Council to implement them. The questionnaire is to be distributed during August 2010 and a report completed in September 2010.

4. The Board submitted a bid for Acquired Brain Injury services in Bedford from LAA reward

monies. This bid has been unsuccessful 5. The Board has worked with the NHS Pharmacy Services to ensure that prescription

labels do not overlay the Braille markings on dosset boxes. Instructions have been sent out to all pharmacists by the NHS.

6. The Board is requesting action on the use of disabled Blue Badge from the Highways Section to prevent fraudulent use and to ensure that parking is available for disabled people where they can access it. This is based on successful actions that have taken place in other parts of the country.

7. The Board is requesting action on parking on dropped verges or pavements by Highways/Police. This is based on successful actions in other parts of the County.

Positive Outcomes 1. Members of the Board report there is better communication between people with a

disability, the Council and the NHS. They believe they are being listened to and the Board has become a vehicle for their engagement. They have had more feedback and positive action since this Board was set up than at any time previously.

2. Actions are being carried out by this Council in relation to –

a. Street furniture hazards b. Black bollard hazards c. Vehicle parking

on the basis of engagement with people with physical and hearing/visual impairment. 3. The Board has provided disability awareness for some officers of the Council in relation

to getting around the town. Further disability awareness sessions will be planned for staff within the Council and NHS to experience some of the problems people have in the town.

Themes for discussion at future meetings 19 August 2010 Visual Impairment 30 September 2010 Independent Living Opportunities 11 November 2010 Employment for People with Disabilities 16 December 2010 Equality Impact Assessment and implications for people with disabilities Further progress reports will be given to this Board on the 8 November 2010 and 8 February 2011.

of 4

Work Plan for the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board The Board’s work plan will be based on ‘Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People 2005’ and the ‘Independent Living Strategy 2006.’ Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People has 4 key goals: 1. Empowering citizens with choice and control over how additional needs are met. 2. Support for families with young disabled children. 3. Smooth transition into all aspects of adulthood. 4. Improved employability. In each of these areas the Strategy for achieving the goals are based on: 1. Removing barriers to inclusion. 2. Meeting individual needs. 3. Empowering people. The Independent Living Strategy 2006 has 2 aims: 1. That disabled people who need support to go about their daily lives will have greater

choice and control over how support is provided. 2. Disabled people will have greater access to housing, education, employment, leisure and

transport opportunities and to participate in family and community life. The Board will need to take into account the preventative strategies of the Local Authority and NHS, Transforming Adult Social Care and The Carers Strategy. It will be appraised of performance in relation to services for people with Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment on a monthly basis. Author: John Bruynseels, Assistant Director -Services for Older People, Bedford Borough Council Esther Bolton, Head of Long Term Conditions and Community Services, NHS Bedfordshire Lead Manager/Officer: John Bruynseels, Assistant Director -Services for Older People, Bedford Borough Council Appendices: Appendix A – Visit to Allhallows by the Highways Team and Wednesday Club

Visit to Allhallows - Highways Team and Wednesday Club

Service User and Carer Engagement, Commissioning and Business Support, Adult Services

1. Members of the Wednesday Club (a social club for the visually impaired) informed Service User and Carer Engagement Officer that they experience problems with some of the street furniture in the town centre (specifically A-Boards and the bollards in Allhallows).

2. Partnership Board referred concern to Bedford and District Access Group; site visit arranged with representatives from the Highways Team, Wednesday Club/Sight Concern and Service User Engagement (Adult Services) for 8 June 2010.

3. The visually impaired service users explained the difficulties they entail with the street furniture in Allhallows and Thurlow Street. The main areas of concern being the black bollards in Allhallows, particular attention being drawn to the two bollards outside the entrance to the bus station which can be extremely difficult for a visually impaired to see (moving from a relatively light area into a dark area) and the A-boards and stalls obstructing the footpath in Thurlow Street and other areas in the town centre.

4. The Highways Team were provided with sim-specs (distorting their vision) to help demonstrate the issues; they noted the concerns and issues raised, discussed measures that could be taken to help address these issues, explaining in the process that the street furniture needed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

5. It was agreed that:

Bollards – Highways fit reflective white strips around the two bollards (entrance to the bus station) to see if it aided their prominence (in view of adding to all bollards)

Stalls/ extension of shop display area – Highways Team would check that the HotStop café had a trading licence for their outside seating area and inform the butchers next door that they should apply for one.

A-Boards - Policy regarding tolerance of A Boards is currently under review. Andy Prigmore (Highways Asset Manager) plans to visit a number of shop owners to discuss the problems the A-boards cause and will be asking for members of the Wednesday Club to accompany him.

Lamp post (Conduit Road / Alexandra Road) – positioned in centre of pavement. Highways to look at ways of making it appear more prominent.

Page 1 of 2Anona Hoyle, Service User and Carers Engagement Officer. Adult Services. 02 July 2010

6. Suggestion was made for service users (via BADAG or PDSI Partnership Board) to contact Bedford Bid to ask if they could help raise awareness of issues affecting visually impaired to local shop keepers – For example, HSBC bank is glass fronted, the edge/corner of building in Allhallows/Thurlow Street is glass with no markings; pillar outside British Heart Foundation (Thurlow Street) is solid and bright red - when using the crossing on Greyfriars outside QDs, unable to see the pillar as it is a large block with no contrasting colours. Would help people crossing over the road toward sunlight if a poster, text or stripes could be added.

7. Email was received from (Dave Hellyn) Highways on 21 June 2010 advising that that reflective strips had been added to the two bollards. Letter sent to Joyce Dynes (30 June) advising that strips had been added

Further actions requireda) Feedback required on effectiveness of reflective strips and report this feedback to Highways

b) Contact BID to request their support in high lighting some of the the challenges visually impaired people are faced with regarding structures in the town centre

c) Support Highways Team regarding raising awareness of issues regarding A-Boards

Let’s talk BOLLARDS!

Site visit to Allhallows

June 2010

Plain black bollard

RESULT…

enhanced bollards

with reflective strip

on two bollards for

a trial runPage 2 of 2

Agenda - .NET Framework · Lisa Johnson – 01234 228005 Ext 42005 : No : Item : ... ervice User...

Documents

Transcript of Agenda - .NET Framework · Lisa Johnson – 01234 228005 Ext 42005 : No : Item : ... ervice User...