Agenda item

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item; no longer than 10 minutes for presentation of the report and then up to 3 minutes for each question to be put and answered.

Please note that following changes to Cabinet remits in late 2025, this Portfolio Holder Annual Report covers Health and Wellbeing only.

Prior to presenting report the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing thanked the Chairman, the Leader and Officers who had been involved in the visit from Chadsgrove School. It had been a successful visit and one that the young people had really enjoyed.

The annual report from the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing was the presented for Members’ consideration. This was a detailed report that highlighted some excellent work being undertaken across the District.

There was a significant amount of work taking place in respect of Family Hubs. Members were informed that the Government had introduced a ‘Best Start in Life’ Strategy which included rolling out of Best Start Family Hubs. There had been communications provided as part of the projects, which included case studies of the work taking place.

Members were informed that Lifeline was a well-used and much needed service for vulnerable residents within the District. A significant number of calls were received on a daily basis. Lifeline was part of the CCTV Monitoring Centre. The Portfolio Holder suggested that if Members wished to visit the Monitoring Centre, they could contact Councillor Webb who would be happy to arrange a visit in order for Members to see the equipment on offer and the improving technology.

Information was provided on the Bromsgrove Partnership which enabled partners to be brought together resulting in an excellent working relationship which benefited residents. Newsletters were available to outline the work of the Partnership and other useful information to share.

Thanks were extended to all the Officers who worked in this area particularly Family Hub & Social Prescribing Team Leader, CCTV & Telecare Services Manager, Bromsgrove and Redditch Partnerships Manager, and Bromsgrove and Redditch Partnership Officer.

Members commented that this report outlined some of the best activities undertaken by the Council. The engagement events had been successful, and the Challenge Dad event was particularly welcomed to provide activities for fathers and children within the District.

There was a query regarding the response times for the Falls team and a delay experienced previously. It was noted that this was unusual and would be looked into. However, on the whole the Falls team were particularly responsive to call outs. In terms of maintenance of the Lifeline equipment, it was noted that there were regular spot checks. If there had been any issues experienced for residents with the equipment this was also unusual. There were a number of equipment options available from Lifeline which resulted in a solution for all service users.

Members queried access to the Community Transport as detailed in the report. Was this service available in the wider District and how could residents access this? Leaflets for the service were requested by Members, and the Cabinet Member undertook to provide some leaflets on this matter to Members. It was noted that partners were working together to provide Bromsgrove specific leaflets which outlined all Community transport services within the District. Members were keen that the service also reached the outer areas of the District such as Alvechurch, Hagley and Rubery. However, Members were really pleased with this service for the residents of the District.

There had been some positive feedback in terms of the support provided by Hagley Library which had been supported by Hagley Parish Council. It was requested that this information be provided in order to pass on to the Parish Council.

It was confirmed that there were a number of initiatives in order to combat loneliness and isolation. An example of this was community walks which encouraged social interaction and physical activity. It was suggested that these kinds of initiatives be promoted more widely to increase uptake.

There was a query in respect of digital changeover and its particular impact on Lifeline and the equipment used and backup batteries etc. It was reported that a significant amount of work had been undertaken to cover this matter for residents. However, if there was further information this would be provided to Members to give assurance that there were arrangements in place in terms of a network issue. Information on how to contact electricity suppliers if there were vulnerable residents within Members’ wards was provided. Members noted that there were some challenges in respect of connectivity, particularly in more rural areas within the District. Work was ongoing in order to provide a good service for all resident across the District and across the County.

Members stated that this was an excellent report which highlighted the great work that the Council and Members undertook in order to prevent social isolation and improve health and wellbeing for the residents of Bromsgrove.

No vote was required for this report.