Agenda item

To receive a presentation on Social Care Futures.

The Committee received a presentation about the future of social care in Wokingham Borough.  Members were advised that a presentation would be made to Council in January.

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

·      Matt Pope, Executive Director Children’s, Adults and Health, indicated that Social Care Futures was a vision of how the provision of social care could be different in the future.

·      The Committee watched a video which gave an introduction to the Social Care vision.

·      Officers had been working with a small group of residents who drew on social care support, to develop a Social Care Future Vision.

·      Social Care Futures was a national movement and was led by people with lived experience of social care.

·      Gregg Burgess provided an update on his experience.  Gregg explained that he had a progressive neurological disorder.  Once very active he still enjoyed watching sport.  His diagnosis had meant that he had had to draw on support from the Council over the last 9 years.  He thought that improvements could be made to the system.  Consideration needed to be given as to how things were done and those experiencing the care needed to be listed to more.  Gregg explained that when he had been visited by health care professionals in 2014, they had suggested considerable adaptions to his home at a cost of £27,000 in the form of a grant from the Council.  He had refused all but £7,000 worth, as he did not want his house to look like a hospital.  He was still in the same home and managing without the additional adaptations, even though his support needs had increased.  In addition, Gregg had been offered day services, but these had not aligned with his interests.  Standard agency support was not for him, and his care needs were outside of the core hours.  He had a small care team who he had selected.  Service users should not be pigeonholed into a fixed support offering.  There was a need to think more creatively and use resources better.  Gregg was of the opinion that the Social Care Futures vision was aligned with a better direction of travel for care and support.

·      Jodie Reichelt, Optalis, commented that showing respect for the Gregg’s opinion and enabling his involvement in the shaping of the care and support around them, had led to better outcomes for him.  Social Care Futures was about the pooling of collective skills, insights and experiences and recognising that collaborative working would lead to better outcomes.  Jodie emphasised that involving service users in the rethinking and redesign of services, and doing things in a more innovative way would help to achieve the best outcomes.

·      The Council had signed up to a national community of support which enabled the sharing of challenges and best practice, and for the group to work on solutions together.  A local group had been formed which included people with lived experience, providers across health and social care and voluntary and community support services.  This group had met monthly since May 2022.  Its main function was considering how the vision could be turned into a reality in the Borough.

·      It was proposed that a progress update be provided to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Full Council on an annual basis.

·      Jodie Reichelt highlighted the Big Gathering which had been attended by over 100 residents, which had been held to grow the Social Care Futures movement.

·      Members noted several examples of the difference applying the Social Care Futures lens could possibly make.

·      Hilary Lovie, Co-production and Engagement Officer, highlighted new projects where the Social Care Futures lens was being applied, including how adults first access social care.

·      Yvonne Thrower told Members about her experience.  Yvonne was a carer for her son Daniel who suffered Smith-Magenis Syndrome and a number of other health issues, and also her mother who suffered mixed dementia and mobility issues.  Yvonne outlined her own and her family’s experiences, highlighting that the change from Children’s and Adults Services had been very stressful.  She felt that the principles of the Social Care Futures could help her son in the future.  The involvement in the Social Care Futures group had increased her sense of value and boosted her confidence. 

·      Matt Pope highlighted the Charter.  A commitment for change was being sought. 

·      It was proposed that an hour long briefing be held for Members to raise the profile of Adult Social Care.

·      The Committee thanked Gregg and Yvonne for sharing their experiences.  Members commented that it was interesting to hear that spending more money was not always the correct solution.

·      The Committee discussed how frequently they would like to receive a progress update.  It was agreed that twice a year was preferred.

·      A Member asked how those who were less able to communicate were reached and how it would be ensured that the Social Care Futures would achieve change.  Jodie Reichelt explained that they were looking to ensure a broad representation across the communities of interest, although there was work still to be done in this area.  Relationships were being built in areas where they were less established.  Members were informed that relations were being developed with the Seikh community.  With regards to seeking the views of those with more profound disabilities, carer representatives were involved.  In terms of ensuring success, Matt Pope commented that a commitment was being sought at Full Council and that progress updates would be provided in the future.  Service user involvement would help to keep the movement real and active.

·      The needs of carers were highlighted.  Each service user or carer had different needs and there was not a one size fit all approach.

·      A Member asked about challenges around implementation given the difficulties around the recruitment and retention of the social care workforce.  Matt Pope responded that Adult Social Care faced many challenges including workforce, but that any big change came with a commitment.  Hilary Lovie added that looking more broadly, and engaging with more groups, Council departments and partners, could help achieve success.

·      With regards to a timeline for action, Matt Pope stated that there were a number of themes that were being shaped into action plans.  An initial action plan would be presented to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  Progress updates would be provided annually to the Full Council.

·      In response to a Member question it was noted that a series of Members briefings would be set up to further Members’ knowledge.

·      A Member questioned whether there were examples of this being implemented elsewhere, and if preparations were in place to deal with any pitfalls.  Jodie Reichelt responded that the Council was part of a national network with other local authorities which allowed the sharing of resources and to work together to on challenges. 

·      Alice Kunjappy-Clifton commented that a lot of residents used faith groups outside of the Borough and suggested that consideration be given to contacting these as well.  She felt that communications to promote the Social Care Futures, should be a priority.

RESOLVED:  That

1)    Gregg Burgess, Yvonne Thrower, Matt Pope, Hilary Lovie, and Jodie Reichelt be thanked for their presentation.

2)    our commitment to the Social Care Future Vision to be noted.

3)    Consideration be given to how HOSC may best support the delivery of the Social Care Future Vision and work with people who use adults social care and family carers to achieve positive outcomes for our community.

4)    representatives of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee will attend a Member briefing (Date TBC).

5)    the principles included within Wokingham Borough Council’s Social Care Future Charter be noted.

6)    an progress update be provided to the Committee twice a year.