Minutes:
Members were advised that the project’s aim was to bring people together in a co-ordinated effort helping the community and sourcing information. Various people representing various groups had been involved to help the elderly and vulnerable in the borough. The project began with the Communities Engagement Team in the Guildford Diocese, with volunteers and acted as a conduit for information from Social Care, the Council and the Community. It was stressed that the project would not take work from the CAB or similar bodies, but would act as an information and signposting point for the community.
Members were encouraged by the work of the project, particularly with regard to dementia. It was noted that the project had received funding from the Council. A befriending service was also in its early stages for people with dementia in the community.
The Committee was advised that a dementia awareness evening would be held in the Council Chamber on 16 April 2015.
It was also noted that there was a need for more carers to work in care homes. The Care Co-ordinator explained that the Adult Social Care services worked to create different care packages for the different needs people have. Right at Home was a new agency which was being set up to explore softer options for members of the Community.
Resolved that:
i) The Care Co-ordinator be thanked for his work on the project;
ii) the work for bringing communities together be commended; and
iii) an update to Members in a year’s’ time on the continuing work of the project be provided.