Minutes:
Sarah Gorman of Edberts House attended to update the Board on the ongoing work being delivered by the project. The Chair encouraged all those present to visit Edberts House to see first-hand the positive impact that the project is making on the local community.
An overview of the origins of Edberts House was provided noting the high social deprivation and anti-social behaviour issues within the community in which it is based. Further information was also presented on a similar project on the Old Fold and Nest Estates from Pattinson House.
Details were provided on the variety of funding streams accessed by the projects – this included a grant from the Virgin Ripple fund to pay for a refurbishment. The Board were also advised of the partnership work being done with local services such as the Council’s Economic Development service, GPs and Public Health.
The Board watched a video demonstrating the work being done as part of the Community Linking Project. Following the video Board members expressed their admiration for the work being done by the organisation.
Dave Escott of the Tyne & Wear Fire Service asked if the Fire Service could link in with Sarah’s work; Sarah agreed to make contact to discuss this further. An observation was made that the work highlighted within Sarah’s presentation links to the Reflections on Health & Care Integration report-out, also on the agenda.
It was asked what work is being done to support those who are disabled; it was noted that the project has good links with local social services. It was further noted that those who are supported by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) often have a better chance of claiming eligible benefits. Following this it was highlighted that CAB staff are working with service delivery staff from Edberts House to support their clients and share best practice.
It was said that centrally directed interventions such as Children’s Centres have proven to be ineffective in tackling community issues. It was noted that by working within a localised location – particularly one with high social deprivation has been beneficial. It was suggested that voluntary sector and community groups often prove more effective in delivering services due to a community feeling of mistrust of statutory organisations.
It was asked what work is being done to engage with children and young people. It was said that there is partnership work ongoing between the North East Counselling Service and primary schools with the intention of doing preventative work such as talking therapies. It was noted that there is no quantitative data on this.
It was also asked what the projects plans were in terms of expansion. It was said that expansion would be a positive step to provide services for other areas; however, this was largely dependent on funding availability via charitable trusts.
A comment was made that financial austerity has had a negative impact on community based services. It was noted that, as part of service improvements, frontline staff are being trained to be ‘care navigators’ who are able to signpost service users to appropriate services.
RESOLVED:
(i) The Board noted the contents of the presentation.