Issue - meetings

·         That the Adults, Health and Well-being Department winds-up the use of Y Ganolfan, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Encil y Coed, Cricieth, to deliver their services as day care services have not been offered in Y Ganolfan, Blaenau Ffestiniog or at Encil y Coed, Cricieth, since the Covid period.  

·         Support the Department's proposal to continue to collaborate with community groups and the third sector to support individuals in these areas in their homes and by using and supporting the development of alternative services within the communities.

The report was submitted by Cllr. ⁠Dilwyn Morgan.

DECISION

·       That the Adults, Health and Well-being Department winds-up the use of Y Ganolfan, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Encil y Coed, Cricieth, to provide their services as day care services have not been offered in Y Ganolfan, Blaenau Ffestiniog or at Encil y Coed, Cricieth, since before the Covid period.

·       Support the Department's proposal to continue to collaborate with community groups and the third sector to support individuals in these areas in their homes and by using and supporting the development of alternative services within the communities.

DISCUSSION

Members were reminded that the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 had changed the way that people's needs were assessed and the way that services were provided, promoting the need to provide support to residents in the community, without being attached to a building only. It was noted that the two centres were already closed and the recommendation complied with the requirements of the Act.

It was noted that a hub had already been established in Blaenau Ffestiniog by the Dref Werdd Company, with the hub developing continuously.  An apology was given that the report needed to be corrected regarding the Porthmadog area, noting that discussions had commenced to establish a hub there in the future instead of the fact that a hub already existed there.  In addition, it was noted that a Well-being Coordinator had been appointed who was progressing with the work of establishing different activities to what was provided in the past at Encil y Coed.

It was noted that the Scrutiny Committee had already had input to the change in the provision.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Assurance was requested that the third sector would be able to continue to support the work in the community and what implications were on other Council services in closing Encil y Coed.

o   In response, it was noted that the strength of the third sector was clear in some areas, that there were gaps in other areas but work was happening under the guidance of the Economy and Community Department to develop the hubs. It was noted that it was not possible to guarantee their success, but the Council would do everything possible to continue with the collaboration.

o   It was also noted that every other service provided from Encil y Coed was aware that the care service provision was on a temporary basis from the location and they were aware of the upcoming change, were planning towards that and unlikely to disrupt other services in the building.

·       Assurance was also requested that no individual who required support would fall through the net and that people were aware of the service available. 

o   It was noted that many of the enquiries received were enquiring regarding the support available in the community, and that provision for individuals with profound needs was provided for them in their homes.