Agenda item

To receive an update on Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board: Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness.

The Committee received an update on the Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board: Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness.

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

·         Graham Ebers, Deputy Chief Executive, reminded the Committee of the three key themes of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, one of which was reducing social isolation and loneliness. Partners were taking a holistic approach to turn this strategy into action.

·         Councillor Swaddle asked how the Wellbeing Board would measure how and if social isolation and loneliness was reducing.  Graham Ebers commented that it was often a matter of identifying who was lonely.  When the Wellbeing Board was updated it would consider outcomes and measurements.  However, the action plan was currently still under development.

·         In response to a question from Councillor Miall as to which agencies were involved in working to reduce social isolation and loneliness, Graham Ebers indicated that it was a number of partners including the Council, health, voluntary sector and the Police.

·         The Committee discussed the difference between social isolation and loneliness.

·         Councillor Bishop-Firth noted that Wokingham library was a hub for groups helping to reduce loneliness and went on to ask what impact possibly moving the library would have on this.  Graham Ebers commented that it should not have an impact.

·         Beverley Thompson, Service Manager Sports and Leisure, informed the Committee of some of the work of Sports and Leisure to reduce social isolation and loneliness. 

·         Ageing Actively Wokingham had been launched 2 weeks ago.  There were 15 peer mentors who would provide support and guidance for older people on a 1-2-1 basis.  Referrals could be received from social workers, GPs and others.  If the older person lacked confidence to attend an activity offered under the scheme the peer mentor could attend with them and support them.

·         By week two, Ageing Actively Wokingham had had 70 people attending sessions.  It was hoped that the scheme would continue to expand. 

·         Leaflets were available in community facilities such as libraries.  Councillor Jones suggested that copies also be available in the Town and Parish Council offices.

·         A peer mentor could follow up should a person stop attending sessions offered under Ageing Actively Wokingham.

·         72 sessions were offered under the SHINE Over 60’s programme.

·         There a long term condition gym within Loddon Valley Leisure Centre which offered 6-7 sessions a day.  Bulmershe and Carnival Pool leisure centres would also have long term condition gyms in the future.

·         Councillor Mather asked about the cost of sessions.  Beverley Thompson stated that SHINE activities cost approximately £3 per session.  Chair based activities offered under the Ageing Actively Wokingham scheme were often free.

·         Councillor Jones asked whether work was being done with the Town and Parish Councils to build up the base of clubs in the Borough.  Beverley Thompson emphasised that new clubs could be added to a central database.

·         Councillor Jones commented that often those who had been diagnosed with diabetes undertook a health programme but then later slipped back into bad habits.  He questioned whether more follow up work could be undertaken.  Beverley Thompson indicated that patients were referred for 24 weeks but this could be extended should it be felt that the patient required longer.  However, there was not sufficient resources to be able to follow up after several years.

·         Activities for those with cardiovascular problems were discussed.

·         Councillor Grandison asked what could be done to help those who were lonely but did not wish to seek support.  He was informed that the coaches would undergo behaviour change training.  However, some people would always choose to be isolated.

·         Councillor Swaddle stated that no reference had been made to enabling people to better connect with family and friends by improving transport, by providing additional support to Readibus or Keep Mobile. Graham Ebers indicated that ideas were welcome.  Councillor Grandison suggested a discussion take place between officers and Readibus.   Graham Ebers emphasised that a number of partners had been written to for information as to how they were and would contribute to the Strategy priorities. 

·         Beverley Thompson informed the Committee of the Celebrate Age Day event that would be held in Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on 1 October.

RESOLVED:  That the update on the Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board: Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness be noted.