Issue - meetings

To receive an update on Social Inclusion from the Director of Adults’ Health and Care.

The Director of Adults’ Health and Care provided an update on Social Inclusion following the £2.4 million investment made in December 2018 in partnership with district and borough councils which have the statutory responsibility for these services.  Members heard:

The service provides supported housing and community aid for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  The goal is to support people with the most complex needs and minimise the impact of funding challenges while ensuring that services dovetail with the work being done under the Homelessness Reduction Act. 

A collaborative approach helps clarify the pathway and support development for meeting the social care needs of this client group.  Targeted community support with a strength-based approach is available for those not being able to engage with traditional or mainstream services.  Implementing changes over the 8-month transition period was invaluable in developing local service models with districts jointly funding services for providing comprehensive services and avoiding duplication. 

In addition to housing needs and new initiatives to reduce rough sleeping, fast tracking processes are prioritised for adult social care assessments and providing telecare and occupational therapy services.  Service provision is not without challenges, but impact on services and outcomes continues to be monitored.  Current contracts in place have option to extend and are waiting for confirmation of funding.

In response to questions, Members heard:

Avoiding a revolving door situation for individuals with mental illness concerns, remains a challenge as this demographic can be a complicated group with complex issues. Developing initial relationships with support providers are key.    

The street outreach model is joined up and linked with social care, but challenges exist in terms of hospital admissions with district and hospitals and there is more to be done to develop local social inclusion partnerships.

In the past, not having a permanent address has limited options for benefits, information, healthcare access, etc. but currently most benefits are managed online, which has its own set of challenges.  Online services can be accessed in hubs and libraries and service providers have worked to be flexible and overcome challenges.

The HASC Task and Finish Working Group had worked in the past to achieve nearly all the savings required.

While there are geographical challenges and a high volume of people, they do have to access local services based on local connection rules.  All districts involved are collaborating effectively, though they may have different approaches.  Parish council support and local solutions would be useful next steps. 

The concentration of beds in Winchester is due to existing legacy services jointly funded by Winchester City Council, and it can be difficult and expensive to locate new provisions.  Development of new provisions would be considered in other areas.

Members viewed progress as success story with good outcomes, enthusiasm, collaboration and support at the district level and commend the whole Hampshire approach embraced.

RESOLVED:

The Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee noted the contents of this report.