To consider a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing information on loneliness as a potential area for more detailed consideration arising from discussions on the work programme at the first meeting of the new municipal year
(report attached)
Minutes:
Following discussions at the previous meeting on potential areas of work for Scrutiny Board (Health and Wellbeing and Adult Social Care) for the 2012/2013 municipal year, Members considered a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing further information on the subject of loneliness; its impact on current and future health and social care needs in older populations and its links to a range of chronic conditions
Appended to the report was a copy of the Local Government Association’s document entitled ‘ Combating Loneliness – A guide for local authorities’ – which formed part of the Campaign to End Loneliness, together with The Leeds Initiative publication entitled ‘ The Time of Our Lives – Ageing Well in Leeds – A Framework of Principles for Organisations that work with Older People in Leeds 2012-2016. This included The Time of Our Lives Charter which had been signed up to by Councillor Wakefield, Leader of Leeds City Council and Linda Pollard, Chair of NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds PCT Cluster
Attending for this item to provide further information and respond to questions and comments from the Board were:
Addressing the meeting, the Head of Commissioning highlighted that through its work over a number of years, Leeds had contributed to the LGA report with some specific areas of good practice identified in the report
It was suggested that there may be some correlation between loneliness/social isolation and dementia. Reference was also made to some of the work Leeds was undertaking as part of the Age Friendly City Network
The following issues were discussed:
The Board expressed a wish to carry out further work on this subject and hear from some Third Sector organisations and/or individuals involved in delivering community projects that promote ‘wellbeing’ and may held combat loneliness across the City
RESOLVED –
a) To note the report and discussions
b) That a further report be presented to the September meeting which
· summarises the issues raised by Members
· provides further information on the Neighbourhood Networks including the services/offer available and the gaps in provision and
· identifies potential contributors/witnesses to provide evidence as part of a Scrutiny Inquiry
Following this item, Councillor Armitage and Councillor Robinson left the meeting)
Supporting documents: