Agenda item

1.1. To approve the finalisation of establishing Supporting People Hubs in the 13 regeneration areas.

1.2. Authorisation was given to commission the Supporting People's Well-being Service to assist residents with their well-being needs in the hub and in the area.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

RESOLVED

1.1. To approve the finalisation of establishing Supporting People Hubs in the 13 regeneration areas.

1.2. Authorisation was given to commission the Supporting People's Well-being Service to assist residents with their well-being needs in the hub and in the area.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted and it was noted that the Assistant Head of Supporting Families was key to this work and that she would explain more about the hubs and work that was being done. It was noted that the Supporting People's Well-being Programme was an example of cross-departmental work across the Council and that it had derived from the work of many services as well as external agencies or organisations such as Citizens' Advice. 

A summary was provided of the work and journey of the Supporting People's Well-being Programme by the Assistant Head of Supporting Families. It was reported that this report referred specifically to the network of hubs that had been located in Communities. It was explained that the hubs were attempting to bring the services of the Council and its partners closer to the residents of Gwynedd. It was noted that by now there were 11 hubs operational in the County and that a large number of the needs coming through the doors of the hubs related to the cost-of-living crisis as well as matters involving benefits, council tax, access to fuel vouchers and advice on homelessness.

It was reiterated that not everyone was involved with the hubs and that work needed to be done with some of the residents in order to assist them to re-connect with local networks. It was added that there was a desire to move on to commission the new service and finish the work of establishing the Supporting People Hubs in the 13 regeneration areas in order to correspond with the regeneration framework. 

Observations arising from the discussion

¾   It was believed that the hubs were very popular, and an example was provided of people queuing in Dolgellau to see the Energy Officer. It was felt that it was easy to gain access to the service and the work that had been done to establish the community hubs was praised.

¾   It was believed that the hubs made accessing the Council's services easier, ensuring that people in the community obtained the information and support they need.

¾   Gratitude was expressed for the report, and the Programme was welcomed, particularly considering the challenges facing residents in the community as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

¾   The reference to supporting community groups to establish Supporting People Hubs was praised, as well as the local knowledge associated with this, and the extension of this type of provision was welcomed.

¾   It was noted that it was important to remember about the children and young people in the community and seek to attract and include them, keeping their needs in mind. It was believed that the Hubs could assist to provide somewhere for the children and young people to meet after School.

¾   Pride was expressed in the collaboration with other stakeholders and that this was a step forward. Attention was drawn to recent praise by an external agency for the work of the Finance Department, specifically relating to the work of Council Tax and our collaboration with the County's residents.  The Head of Finance and the Officers were thanked for their work. It was reiterated that the praise for the Finance Department was very high and that observations had been received from Citizens' Advice and that this work was an example for the rest of Wales.

¾   Gratitude was expressed for the work and members were excited to see the Hubs developing and the Plan going ahead.