Agenda item

To accept the report presented which reported on the work of the Supporting People Programme for 2025/26.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To accept the submitted report which reported on the work of the Supporting People Programme for 2025/26.

DISCUSSION

It was stated that the submitted report was the first annual report on the progress of the Supporting People programme.

It was explained that the aim of the programme was to assist residents of the County as they attempted to cope with the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, offering support, information and access to a service that ensured fairness for all. Reference was made to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on residents' well-being, and therefore there was a clear need for practical assistance in this area. It was then explained that the report showed the support offered to residents, and stories from the recipients of the support about the positive impact the support had had on their lives. 

Council staff, its partners, local organisations and communities were thanked for their work in supporting the people of Gwynedd. 

It was noted that this work was an addition to the Council's day-to-day work, highlighting that the report noted the additional interventions that had been put in place by the Council to prioritise this area. The arrangements in place, in conjunction with local partners, were detailed to ensure that there are hubs within communities to enable access to information and support for residents locally. It was mentioned that well-being champions were present within these hubs to offer support to residents as well. Reference was made to the training on nurturing an empathetic way of working based on being trauma-informed, and which placed the person at the centre. The importance of this work having a positive impact on the people of Gwynedd was emphasised, highlighting the case studies of the experiences of users of the services, which were included in the report.

It was confirmed that automatic registration for social tariffs would continue to be promoted, ensuring that those people who are eligible for them were aware of the support available to them. It was added that campaigns would be carried out to ensure that people have access to information and activities available across the County at certain times. It was noted that the hub network continued to develop and evolve, and it was planned to continue working with services to try to run the Trauma Informed and children's rights awareness training across the Council.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Reference was made to the programme's focus of trying to put the person at the centre, mentioning that 'Dewi's Story' which was included in the Report was an example of this in practice. It was noted that an informal conversation, developed from the original request made by 'Dewi' had resulted in him being able to receive additional support.

It was highlighted that the rise in artificial intelligence was affecting several services, and it was enquired about the future of telephone services for example, in going forward. In response, reference was made to the "Gafael Llaw" pilot project noting that this work highlighted the positive impact of holding informal conversations on individuals' ability to receive support beyond the requirements of their original request, to meet all their needs. In relation to the future of this type of service, the enduring importance of a conversation with a person to cohorts of the community was emphasised. Furthermore, it was highlighted that offering this service could assist with isolation as well, by providing contact with another person to individuals.

·       The community hubs were highlighted, mentioning their importance to the Adults, Health and Well-being Department, as they provided an opportunity to bring services closer to the residents of the County. A discussion was then held on the broader work taking place within these hubs as well, such as elements of respite care, preventative work and carer support. Gratitude was expressed for this provision.

·       It was suggested that those within the most rural areas of the County may not be aware of the provision and services offered by the Council. This was expanded upon, proposing that promoting the services available through Community Councils, for example, would mean that the message could be further shared and more residents could be reached.

It was confirmed that the hubs were mostly located in town centres, but that a bulletin would be included in local papers stating contact details in order to be able to access the information should an individual be unable to reach one of the hubs. It was noted that a communication plan was in place, and it was agreed that cascading the information and cost-of-living bulletin for Community Councils was something to consider for the year ahead. The Cabinet Member was thanked for her recommendation.

It was enquired about the ability of the Council's provision to respond to the current increasing demand for support services, and its ability to respond to anticipated future demand. In response, it was acknowledged that the programme was evolving to try to meet the challenges posed by the increase in demand, as well as the change in that demand. Looking to the future, it was explained that an investment would be made to up-skill workplaces to respond to the change in the type of people being supported, and with what they were being supported.