Minutes:
Windsor Rackham, the Chairman of Lightwater Information for the Vulnerable and Elderly (LIVE), reported that the concept for LIVE came from the need expressed by users of the Lightwater Care car service, typically to get them to and from hospital appointments, for a much wider range of care and assistance. A proposal was developed for a drop-in service for the GU18 area to provide a signposting and connecting service for the older and vulnerable members of the community. As Lightwater Care was reluctant to expand services, the concept of LIVE was developed.
With set-up funding from Councillor Adrian Page’s SCC development fund, specialist assistance from Nigel Drury and premises provided free by the Frederick’s Foundation, LIVE had operated on Saturdays from 10 a.m. till Noon for 44 weeks to date, with assistance from 20 volunteers from Lightwater Village.
Issues that had some commonality include bus services, health, men’s activities and new residents looking for day centre facilities. There were plans to expand the range of services and to move into other geographical areas of the Borough which lacked this form of signposting. However, this would require further infrastructure and volunteers in the areas in which the service was rolled out.
LIVE recognised the need to develop strong social media tools. Although the Frederick’s Society provided accommodation, Mr Rackham asked if the Council could assist with public liability insurance and/or website design.
Members recognised that what was developing in Lightwater could be used as a template for other parts of the Borough and could form a very good foundation for a Dementia Action Alliance. The Chairman thanked Mr Rackham and LIVE for their important contribution to the community and asked officers to examine if there was any support the Council could provide, particularly in terms of public liability insurance and social media.
RESOLVED, that the presentation be noted.
Note: It was noted, for the record, Councillor Adrian Page had provided financial support to LIVE through his SCC Local Allowance. He was advised that, as his support was through his role as a County Councillor and given that the Committee was not a decision making body, it would be acceptable for him to remain in the meeting.