To agree the Minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 8 February 2017, as a correct record

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 8 February 2017 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any interests not already registered.

Cllr. Searles declared that he had been appointed to Kent County Council’s Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee.

The action was noted. To encourage more Councillors to attend the Dementia Friends training, the Chairman would email Councillors to advise them of the training.

The Head of Housing and Health updated Members on the Housing Needs Survey, on behalf of the Housing Policy Manager. The survey would provide more detailed information on the housing needs of the District and future demands. From the results so far, key themes related to the needs of older people such as; residents wanting to remain independent and stay in their own homes; wanting more information on different housing options to be provided.  Of those surveyed, 25% wanted help with estate agents and how to declutter for downsizing. Within the next 5 years, 63% wanted to down size with a preference for moving into bungalows. Many older people would require assistance with cleaning and home maintenance, adaptations, better heating and insulation in the home.

In the survey, when questioned about what ‘affordable housing’ means to residents, 52% responded that they would be able to afford a property up to £200,000 and 33% up to £500,000. In the district 252 homes were occupied by ex-military or servicing armed forces personnel and their families.

The Survey demonstrated the lack of private rented accommodation in the District and a large proportion of the properties required a higher income to make them affordable. The draft housing needs strategy was out to consultation and would be considered by Members at a future Housing and Health and Cabinet.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

Including presentations from Age UK and Rural Age UK

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting Liam Curran from Rural Age Concern Darent Valley, Gillian Shepherd – Coates from Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge and Margaret Samaran from Churches Together who each gave a presentation on how the different organisations were tackling loneliness in the District.

Liam Curran advised that Rural Age Concern Darent Valley, served the older people in the northern parishes of Sevenoaks since 1951. Services they provided were: Cottage Day Centre near Brands Hatch; lunch and social clubs in Swanley and New Ash Green; minibus services for Cottage Day Centre and lunch clubs; minibus services for shopping in Swanley and Northfleet; Charity Shop in Swanley with advice and information and hosted the NHS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assessment Clinic to reduce the number of people having to travel to Dartford.

The Cottage day care provided space for 20 people to engage with the staff and build relationships. It was hoped that the service would expand in the future and be able to offer a wider range of activities. Some users of the services were at the early stages of dementia and the facility allowed them to be social with friends. Access to the internet was now available at the Cottage Day Centre and help with using social media was available to enable the older people to be in contact with family.

The minibus service provided users with the ability to go and do their shopping, especially if there was a lack of transport options available to them in more rural areas. Most of the journeys provided a social aspect as well, however there was a small charge for the service. The charity shop was another area that provided a social hub for people to visit. The shop was also providing the volunteers with the opportunity to gain confidence.

A document detailing three case studies which showed examples of the work that the charity was undertaking and how it had helped three residents was tabled. He advised Members that the website was currently going through a reform and there was now a central information hub on the website which listed all the activities taking place. It was hoped that additional funding would be secured to enable clients to access the ‘Feel Good’ power assisted gym equipment at White Oak Leisure Centre.

In response to questions, Members were advised that users of the service came from referrals from other Age UK charities, Social Services, family members and neighbours. Not many referrals came from doctors. The exact figures of users for the different services was unknown but would be sent to Members.

Gillian Shepheard- Coates informed Members that Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge were an independent charity who were a brand partner of the national organisation. A map was tabled identifying the areas in the District that were at risk of loneliness. Three day care centres were run in the area 3 days a week. On average the number of users per session for Hollybush was 22, Edenbridge 18 and Tonbridge 25.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Cllr. Clark reported that the local Doctor’s surgeries in New Ash Green held a public engagement event which was well attended. The surgeries provided information to patients regarding the running of the surgeries. Positive comments had been received.

Cllr. McArthur reported that a consultation on a new medical facility had taken place in Edenbridge. A new provider was being sought for the nursing home which would provide spare beds for the hospital. There was still a lot of planning to be carried out.

Cllr. Searles reported that he attended the Clinical Commissioning Group for Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley and the Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Wellbeing Board and had recently been appointed to KCC’s HOSC, which was yet to meet.

Cllr. Dyball reported that a pilot scheme for ordering prescriptions was taking place. Some issues had been reported, especially in light of the recent cyber attack. There were mixed responses to the scheme and some people do not want to take part as they were used the dropping off of prescriptions at surgeries for the social aspect. There were also problems with auto prescribing that was resulting in over ordering and medicines going to waste. St Andrew’s Court, a new Moat Homes sheltered housing scheme of 26 apartments for the over 55s has just opened in Swanley. There would also be a communal area to help tackle loneliness.

Cllr. Mrs. Bosley reported that the Dementia friendly roadshow at West Kingsdown and Fawkham had been successful with 15 organisations in attendance. Three Dementia Friends training sessions were run and other sessions would be run on 22 June at 11am, 26 September at 11am and 4 October at 11am at the Council Offices.

Members discussed the work plan. Members were advised that Licensing and how it contributes to the Health agenda would be moved to the 7 February 2018 meeting and the meeting on 8 November would include a further Dementia update and a presentation from Shona Campbell from ‘Up and Running’.