Resolved:       That the minutes of the meeting of the Social Affairs Select Committee held on 1 November 2011, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Cllr. Mrs. Cook declared a personal interest as a member of the Sevenoaks District Arts Council.

Cllrs. Eyre and Raikes declared personal interests as Trustees of the Stag Theatre.

Cllr. Raikes declared a personal interest in that he had attended a group choir  holiday which Gill Shepherd-Coates had also attended.

Cllr. Miss. Stack declared a personal interest in that she had a friend who volunteered for the Alzheimers Society.

(a)       2012/13 Budget and Review of Service Plans (Response from Cabinet        – 8 December 2011)

The response from Cabinet was noted.  A Member asked whether the Police had been approached for contributing man hours to the CCTV Control Room.  The Head of Community Development said she would talk to the Area Commander but explained that at the moment they were embedding a new staffing regime. 

            ACTION 1:     Head of Community Development to approach the Area         Commander about contribution of man hours to the CCTV Control Room.

The Actions from the previous meeting were noted.  The Vice Chairman reported that she and the Chairman had met with Mumsnet to see how the scrutiny role could be potentially used to help with the Miscarriage Code of Care campaign. They were hoping to visit Darent Valley and Pembury Hospitals to see how far they were implementing the Code of Practice, and then meet with the representatives to discuss both their best practice and where any improvements could be made.  The plan was to then write a report and feed it in to the Kent County Council (KCC) Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee chaired by County Cllr. Chard.  Cllr. Miss. Stack and Cllr. Raikes also agreed to attend the visits to the hospitals.

ACTION 2:     Visits  to be arranged to Darent Valley and Pembury Hospitals in relation to the Miscarriage Code of Care campaign by Mumsnet.

The Committee discussed the Work Plan.  It was agreed that the ‘Future of NHS in the District’ be moved to September and looked at with Kent Fire & Rescue Service provision and the Police. 

Verbal Presentation.

The Head of Community Development reported on the findings of the consultation process via the Older Peoples Forums.  The results of the consultation would help form the priorities of the Action Plan following the themes of the Community Plan: Older People’s contribution to the Community; Helping people to stay active and healthy in later life; The right support and services; Housing to meet needs; and, Safe and strong communities.

In response to questions, the Head of Community Development advised that the 50+ label of older people was a government one, however clearly the age range of 50–70 needed to be differentiated from the frail or elderly.  Some discussion arose on the definitions.  The frail and elderly were more easily identifiable and it was agreed that the target groups were difficult to define by age.  It was generally felt that people would be self selecting by the services offered, and that there was a marked difference between those in full time employment, those retired and active and the more vulnerable, but that it was important to direct resources appropriately and to the right people. 

Jacquie Thompson from the Alzheimers and Dementia Society (working in Swanley and the northern parishes)

Gill Shephaerd-Coates from Age UK (covering the need of older people and how they are serviced across the District) to include Pride of Place Campaign

A representative from KCC to talk about adult social services.

The Chairman welcomed Carol Infanti and Sue Stower from Kent County Council (KCC), Viniti Seabrooke from Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services (ADSS) and Gill Shepherd-Coates from Age UK to the meeting. 

The Head of Community Development reported that by 2031, 25% of the population would be aged 65 and above whilst those in the age group 20 – 64 would decrease by more than 5%.  Meeting the needs of an ageing population was one of the twelve priorities in the Community Plan.  The District Council was currently helping meet the needs of the aging population by supporting the voluntary sector through it’s grants programme and involvement in community safety and health and wellbeing initiatives.  The Chairman advised that she had attended a tea dance and had been impressed by the lively jazz band.  She suggested that the Committee attend a health walk, and urged all Members to help advertise these walks in their wards. 

A Member asked whether consideration had been given to holding the Trickster Musical – a community safety initiative warning against letting strangers in the house,  in locations other than The Stag Theatre.  The Head of Community Development responded that this could be investigated further when it was looked at again in autumn.  However, part of the experience was the trip to the theatre.  It was quite expensive to put on the show and was felt more prudent to transport as many people to one location as possible.   The musical was publicised through local groups, press releases, working with the housing associations and advising voluntary groups. 

Action 3:         Investigate cost and feasibility of showing performances at      alternative venues when the next Trixster Musical was planned.

Members considered and noted the visit report to Hollybush Court Day Centre ((Item No. 8) also refer to Minute 29 (b) below)).    In response to a query as to the affordability of the service offered by the day centre, Gill Shepherd-Coates replied that it was set at the best level they could and was a historical charge. All walks of life used the centre and as yet no-one had not been able to afford the service offered, but there were funds for anyone in financial difficulties. 

Viniti Seabrooke, Project Manager – Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services (ADSS), addressed the Committee and tabled a report on the work of the group.  It was a separate registered charity to the Alzheimer’s Society  based at Northfleet and operating in North West Kent covering the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley area.  It was a struggle to meet need and there were many people on their waiting lists for the services provided.  They had  a dedicated support worker for their Black and Minority (BME) Service Development Project and were currently focusing on the gypsy and traveller communities.  The GP Early Intervention Project was lottery funded.  A template had been formulated to help GPs assess patients on a more uniform basis for memory problems.  There was a Carers Learning Group in Hextable and Gravesend and they hosted a Dementia  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

South East Ambulance Service

Hollybush Day Centre

Voluntary Action within Kent

(a)         South East Ambulance Service

Members considered and noted the feedback report. 

(b)         Hollybush Court Day Centre

Covered under Minute 28 above.

(c)         Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK)

Members considered and noted the feedback report which was tabled at the meeting.

The programme of visitors for future meetings was discussed and noted. Consideration would be given as to whether the next meeting could be held at the Swanley Youth & Community Centre.  With reference to June’s meeting it was agreed that consideration would be given as to whether the meeting could be held at the golf club or other leisure centre.  The Community Plan priority for June would be ‘ Strong Active Communities’ and September’s ‘Safe and Strong Communities,’ with speakers to be invited from the Kent Fire & Rescue Service and Kent Police.

            ACTION 6:     Head of Community Development to look at alternative meeting       venue for March and June meetings.