Agenda item

To consider an update on the Health and Wellbeing Hubs programme.

7.1       Eva Hrobonova (Deputy Director of Public Health) introduced the report and provided an update on the three work streams. In respect of the refresh of the Older People’s Hubs, a need to provide further sites had been identified and further mapping work around libraries was to be undertaken to assess what they already offered and what could be additionally provided. In respect of the Newman Street project that provided housing for single, homeless adults, initial data had shown some success in increasing access to health services, including GPs and dentists, for those living in the block and this would have the benefit of reducing demand on Accident and Emergency Services. Eva Hrobonova added that workshops were planned to help improve prospects of finding meaningful occupations. In respect of the Church Street Hub, Eva Hrobonova advised that there were long term plans to develop a hub providing a wide range of health, community and childcare facilities as part of the regeneration programme.

7.2       Steven Falvey (Commissioning Manager for Carers) then provided details of the Older People’s Hub multi-stakeholders workshop that had taken place in May. He advised that the purpose of the workshop was to build on the project, consider what outcomes stakeholders wanted it to achieve and to extend the reach of the preventative offer. Members heard that 80 people from a number of partner organisations and groups had attended the workshop.

7.3       The Chairman advised that the Church Street Hub had been included under the programme as a joint project. She had been encouraged by progress on the Newman Street project which took services to homeless, single adults and provided greater engagement with them. An evaluation of the project’s impact on health services would be undertaken, as well as seeing how the future of the group develops. The Chairman also welcomed progress on the Older People’s Hubs and the workshop that had taken place.

7.4       In noting that the Older People Hubs provided activities aimed at improving mental and physical health, a Member stated that activities for improving these aspects for young people up to the age of 18 was also needed. A Member commented that the voluntary sector would like to be more involved and expressed particular interest in pursuing an opportunity for the voluntary sector to contribute in respect of the Newman Street project. The Chairman welcomed input from the voluntary sector to the programme and she commented that efforts were also being made to identify how the programme linked with other pieces of work. She added that a mapping exercise was being undertaken to see what activities were taking place in the various areas. A Member enquired whether males were still less likely to access services provided by the Older People’s Hubs.

7.5       In reply to some of the issues raised, Steve Falvey advised that males were still less likely to access the Older People’s Hubs and this was an issue that needed to be addressed. Eva Hrobonova explained that the programme was taking a multi-disciplinary approach, including developing digital services and undertaking an audit of available properties and Members would be updated on progress on these.