Agenda item

To consider a report on Designing our Neighbourhoods (30 mins)

Graham Ebers, Deputy Chief Executive presented a report on Designing our Neighbourhoods.

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

·         A Designing our Neighbourhoods event had been held on 22 January and approximately 60 people had attended.  Councillor Hare indicated that he had attended but that he had not been included on the attendance list.

·         The report highlighted responses to different questions from groups focusing on the Primary Care Network areas (North, South, East and West), and common themes identified.

·         Board members were asked to reflect on the event in order to inform future events to make the process as meaningful as possible.  Board members were also asked to consider what actions now needed to be taken in response to issues raised.

·         Councillor Margetts commented that lots had been said about publishing data about how people could be involved in the community, and having a central point for data.  Katie Summers indicated that she and Matt Pope, Director Adult Services, had met to discuss this matter.  There was lots of information available but people did not always know where and how to find it.  They would propose to the Wokingham Integration Board that a mapping exercise be carried out of available data and that it be centralised through the Wokingham Directory.  Katie Summers went on to state that if agreed this would be carried out as a potential Better Care Fund scheme.  Councillor Margetts commented that it was vital that data was easy to find and navigate.  Councillor Clark asked about those residents who did not have computers.  Matt Pope stated that where access was an issue consideration would be given as to how the residents could access the data.  Consideration would also be given as to how those with learning difficulties could access the data.  In response to questions from Board members Matt Pope commented that should approval for the scheme be given by the Wokingham Leadership Board, an outline project plan would be brought to the Board’s June meeting.

·         Councillor Clark asked how more volunteers could be encouraged.  Philip Cook stated that there was a need to reconsider what volunteering was perceived to be.  He questioned whether the Council advertised all volunteer opportunities through the Wokingham Volunteer Services.  Graham Ebers indicated that he, Matt Pope and Philip Cook would meet to discuss the matter further.

·         The Board discussed potential quick wins.

·         Katie Summers commented that the West group had suggested that information be put up in public about how many calories were burnt by walking so many steps.

·         It was agreed that the Wokingham Integration Partnership and the Children and Young People Partnership would be tasked to identify a quick win for each of the Primary Care Network areas.  Graham Ebers, emphasised that the Partnerships helped to bring conversations forwards around children and adults.

·         Philip Cook commented that there could be a number of quick wins around communication.

·         Councillor Margetts felt that more could be done to encourage physical activity and referred to cycle to school days where the pupils were then given a free breakfast.  Councillor Clark suggested that there be more walking groups in the Borough to encourage more activity.  Board members commented that many people drove to the Borough’s country parks.

·         Councillor Margetts commented that some of his residents had asked about developing greenways quicker.  They needed to be well lit.

·         Katie Summers commented that library services could be better utilised.  Mental health workshops were held in some of the Borough’s libraries.  Dr Milligan commented that people used cafés and hairdressers more.  Dementia friendly and mental health friendly cafes were discussed.

·         Graham Ebers commented that it was important to share knowledge with the social prescribers to enhance the service and to mitigate the demand on GP time.  Councillor Hare emphasised that it was important that there was dialogue between the social prescribers and the service providers, to ensure that referrals were not made to services that were already oversubscribed.

·         Board members were asked to identify lessons learnt from the first event. Dr Milligan was of the opinion that the event had been very positive and that it had been good to hear other’s views. 

·         Katie Summers stated that attendees should be written to with a high level summary of the output of the conversations had and the fact that they would be informed of the actions the Board would be taking forwards.  Dr Milligan suggested that attendees be asked if there were outcomes and actions that they could contribute to.

·         Councillor Hare commented that another meeting needed to be held reasonably soon before the good work of the first meeting was forgotten.  Councillor Margetts suggested that another discussion and an opportunity to present ideas would be beneficial.

·         Graham Ebers proposed that the structure of a further meeting be discussed at an informal Board meeting.  Board members discussed when the next meeting should be held.  It was felt that summer would be appropriate.

RESOLVED:  That

1)         the next steps for delivery and implementation of the results and feedback from the Designing our Neighbourhoods Event, be considered;

2)         the Wokingham Integration Partnership and the Children and Young Peoples Partnership be tasked to identify a quick win for each of the Primary Care Network areas, arising from discussions had at the Designing our Neighbourhoods meeting.