Issue - meetings

This item builds on initial discussions by the Health and Wellbeing Board in a development session on community asset based approaches to health and wellbeing. It presents a draft Statement of Commitment for consideration and further discussion.

11.40am – 25 minutes – Bruce Laurence/James Carlin

The Board considered a report which built on initial discussions held by the Health and Wellbeing Board at a development session on community asset based approaches to health and wellbeing.  The report also presented a draft Statement of Commitment for consideration and further discussion.

James Carlin (B&NES Third Sector Group) and Steve Dale, Head of Community Partnerships at Dorothy House Hospice Care also gave a verbal update on the developing work of the Compassionate Communities project.  They stated that it was important for health and social care to work in a co-ordinated way.  The concept of the community asset based approach was to provide a framework for building communities that support each other in their time of need.  It was important to improve community capital and reduce social isolation across the social gradient.  Resources such as time, expertise, buildings and funding opportunities would be required.

Cllr Vic Pritchard stated that the development event had inspired enthusiasm for this approach and queried who would be leading on this.  It was anticipated that the Third Sector Group would take the lead along with Dorothy House Hospice Care.  The Council was also looking to build more resilient communities and was encouraging projects at Parish level.  It would be important to identify which opportunities are already available in the communities and it was proposed that this be considered at a future development session.

Dr Ian Orpen supported the approach and referred to the “Wigan Deal” which offered a broader approach.  He felt that the “end of life” aspect only formed part of the proposal.

Alex Francis stated that it was important to listen to people and felt that Healthwatch could assist by identifying needs within the local communities.

Sarah Shatwell welcomed the approach and felt that the Board should take some ownership of the project.  Developing a strategy would be important along with investment in communities, for example, through community asset transfers.

Tracey Cox stated that the role of the Board was to enable this approach to happen and for a vision to develop.  She proposed that a joint meeting should take place with the Third Sector Group to discuss the way forward.

RESOLVED:

(1)  To adopt the Health and Wellbeing Board Statement of Commitment set out in the appendix to the report.

(2)  To note the Compassionate Communities update and to support this project.

(3)  To receive a progress report at the next meeting.