Agenda item

The Committee was reminded that theOldham Plan 2017-22 sets out the Oldham Model for delivering tangible and sustained change through a focus on inclusive economy, thriving communities and co-operative services.  To accelerate the Thriving Communities element and deliver the common objectives for health and social care integration - Oldham Cares - £2.69m had been agreed from the Greater Manchester Transformation Fund as part of the Health and Social Care transformation fund to support Greater Manchester devolution.

The Thriving Communities Programme was a three year programme focused on building on the strengths and support groups in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector; supporting people earlier in the care pathway; and driving the shift to earlier intervention and prevention by helping residents make better life choices and not progressing into higher levels of need.  The programme would deliver £9m+ of reduced demand in the health and care system thereby reducing pressure on both primary and acute care as well as delivering wider benefits to Oldham residents in improving their general physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Some projects in the Programme had been paused so efforts could be made to support the Community Bronze response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  For example, the Thriving Communities team worked with Council colleagues and partners to mobilise the Coronavirus Emergency Need Helpline and related support; to produce a bespoke database to record referrals from the helpline into the Place Based Hubs; to support processes for the collection and delivery of medication; and to develop prototypes for the testing of hard to reach groups in respect of the National Contact Tracing Service.  Notwithstanding, some work had continued to progress and was advised in the submitted report.  For example, the Social Prescribing network which bridged the gap between medical care and the community had  maintained interactions by phone or an online alternative, and the five projects supported by the Social Action fund to address loneliness as well as physical and mental health issues had each responded and adapted based on the nature of the project and their individual organisational circumstances.

Noting that while entry into social prescribing provision could be made by phone, much information and access was available via websites and email, a Member queried the progress being made to ensure digital inclusion.  While the use of digital means of communication in Oldham had been externally recognised during the Covid-19 response and noting comments of Members about access in the community, it was acknowledged that further work was needed in this area.  A Member further commented that advice around isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown had not been communicated to all those affected, and while personal access to medication had been resolved by a local chemist, expressed concern at the position other individuals might have been placed in.  Further to this issue, the Committee was advised that the operation of the Helpline would continue to be reviewed and would continue if there was demonstrable demand for support such as access to medication.

RESOLVED – that the report be noted.