Agenda Item No. 7
South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board
Report by Depute Chief Executive and Director – People, South Ayrshire Council to Community Planning Board Meeting of 29 October 2020
Subject: Local Outcomes Improvement Plan Annual Progress Report (2020)
1 Purpose of Report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to ask the Community Planning Board to consider the draft Local Outcomes Annual Progress Report 2020 (appendix a) and approve its publication.
2 The Board is recommended to:
2.1 approve the Local Outcomes Annual Progress Report 2020; and
2.2 note the extensive progress that has taken place within the four priority areas.
3 Background
3.1 In October 2017 South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership published the ‘South Ayrshire Local Outcomes Improvement Plan’ (LOIP) with two strategic themes of ‘supporting older people to live in good health’ and ‘closing the poverty-related outcomes gap for children and young people in South Ayrshire’ supported by the following four priority areas
Support for people living with dementia and their carers Reducing social isolation and loneliness Improving outcomes for care experienced children and care leavers Providing support for young people who are carers
4 Progress
4.1 The third annual progress report, which is required to be published by the Community Planning Partnership, is now in final draft form and is attached as appendix a.
4.2 March 2020 brought about a change in focus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown that followed. The response from Community Planning Partners, along with support from the Third Sector, Community Groups and teams of dedicated volunteers, was phenomenal, and through the development of new ways of working, services were still available to local communities.
4.3 The annual progress report therefore highlights the extensive partnership work that has taken place over the past 12 months, both pre-COVID-19 and during the pandemic, to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes which continue to support our two strategic themes and supporting four priorities sitting within our Local Outcomes Improvement Plan:
5 Next Steps
5.1 The LOIP annual progress report will be published online and a short amination will be produced as an introduction to the LOIP.
Report by Community Planning Lead Officer South Ayrshire Council October 2020 LOCAL OUTCOMES IMPROVEMENT PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT October 2020 FOREWORD
I am very pleased to introduce this year’s annual report detailing all of the great partnership working across South Ayrshire.
Partnership working isn’t an end in itself though, it is aimed at making a difference every day to the people who live in our communities, large and small, across South Ayrshire. It has been said before, but is worth repeating, that our plan is not the sum total of everything we work on together. We do much more together than appears in the plan and this was never more evident than during the recent lockdown period of the pandemic.
All of the agencies played a central role in CONTENTS making sure the most vulnerable members of our communities got the support they Foreword ...... 3 needed. You would expect that to be the case, but what was most impressive was the way Introduction 4 ...... that voluntary organisations and community What have we achieved in the past year? 5 groups came together to make sure everyone ...... who needed support got that support. This Supporting our priorities: ...... 6 happened down to the level of people in the same street and neighbours looking after each Supporting older people to live in good health other, looking out for the elderly and those shielding. The pandemic remains a real threat Closing the poverty-related outcomes gap for children and to our way of life, but it has also brought out young people in South Ayrshire a real sense of community and all being in this together. I’m very grateful to everyone Our response to the Covid-19 pandemic:...... 40 for pulling together and I am sure that will continue to be the case as we work through Place Planning ...... 42 the ongoing challenges the pandemic presents to our communities. Next Steps for the South Ayrshire Community Planning ...... 43 Partnership Local Outcomes Improvement Plan The Community Planning Partnership’s work What have we learned? continues despite the pandemic and you can see in this report very many examples of Main areas of focus for the next 12 months really good work going on to support our older residents and the individuals and communities Monitoring and review who need our support most. Peter Henderson Leader South Ayrshire We are committed to making sure South Council Ayrshire is a great place for people to live, work, grow up in and grow old in. Thanks Chair of South Ayrshire again to all our partners for the great work they Community Planning do for you and for our communities. Partnership
2 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 3 INTRODUCTION WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED IN THE PAST YEAR?
Since the publication of our second annual Sector and community groups, along with CONTEXT report in October 2019, extensive progress support from teams of dedicated volunteers, to further develop our local outcomes was phenomenal and very quickly emergency Reducing inequalities and improving outcomes for people in South Ayrshire is a key focus of improvement plan (LOIP) has taken place. processes, supported by new ways of working, South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP). ensured that services were still available to our We have established a Communities communities. The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 has given CPPs a statutory purpose Reference Group, led by our Third Sector regarding public service reform at a local level. The Act requires CPPs to produce two types of Interface, Voluntary Action South Ayrshire. This report reflects the wide-ranging work plans which will provide information on how we can make improvements in our local areas – the The purpose of this group is to inform our that has taken place both pre-COVID-19 and Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) and Locality Plan. process of widening community engagement during the pandemic to continue to support within a community planning setting our two strategic themes and supporting four The LOIP sets out a vision and focus based on agreed local priorities where through through representation of communities of priorities sitting within our Local Outcomes collaborative working with our community planning partners and local communities, we can interest within each of our Strategic Delivery Improvement Plan: work to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes in South Ayrshire. Partnership structures and supported by representation from the Older People and Children’s Forums that sit within the VASA A locality plan is a plan to improve outcomes in that locality – in South Ayrshire locality plans structure and community organisations. will be referred to as ‘local place plans’. The Communities Reference Group will be used as a formal engagement process to discuss strategic action plans including the This annual report highlights the progress that has been made during the third year of the Local ongoing development of this Local Outcomes Outcomes Improvement Plan. Improvement Plan. March 2020 brought about a change in focus and we entered into unprecedented times LOCAL OUTCOMES finding ourselves responding to a world- IMPROVEMENT PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT wide pandemic due to COVID-19 resulting in October 2019 lockdown, and ensuring that, as Community Planning Partners, we were able to provide an immediate response to support our most vulnerable communities. The response from Community Planning Partners, the Third
4 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 5 SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS STRATEGY 2018-2027
As highlighted in the last year’s annual progress report, it was Supporting identified that a strategic co-ordinated approach was required to tackle social isolation and loneliness within South Ayrshire. A Health & Social Care Partnership strategy and implementation Older People plan was developed by the South Ayrshire Social Isolation subgroup informed by current literature and wide consultation with our local communities. This nine-year strategy will focus on older people, to Live in Good reflecting the LOIP priority, for the first three year implementation Health plan. PROMOTE KINDNESS AND SELF-CARE, RAISE AWARENESS AND REDUCE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED Work on supporting older people to live in are monitored through the health and Social good health continues to be led through the Care Partnership. Reporting on the LOIP WITH SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS (GENERAL social isolation and loneliness strategy and priorities will take place via the Communities POPULATION) dementia strategy. Both of these strategies and Population Health Strategic Delivery are supported by implementation plans which Partnership. Public Health, NHS Ayrshire & Arran provided The current COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness raising input on loneliness and awareness of loneliness and isolation and social isolation to each of the Locality Planning their impact on our health & wellbeing within WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING Groups (LPGs) within South Ayrshire. Following our communities. Information on making and this, the Troon & Villages LPG established maintaining social connections was made a sub-group to plan and implement action available on the NHS Ayrshire & Arran Keeping REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS to promote kindness and self-care, raise Well During COVID-19 webpage to promote awareness and reduce the stigma associated self-care within individuals and communities. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP OBJECTIVES: with loneliness and isolation, ensuring links This webpage was highlighted in flyers OUTCOME: were made to the Ageless and Active initiative delivered to households receiving emergency being progressed by Voluntary Action South support from South Ayrshire Council (SAC) and 1. People are prevented from becoming • Promote kindness and self-care, raise Ayrshire (VASA). A sub-group of the Prestwick VASA during this time and Keeping Connected chronically socially isolated or experiencing awareness and reduce the stigma associated & Villages LPG also considered how they could messages were promoted via the NHS loneliness with social isolation and loneliness support this action. Loneliness and isolation Ayrshire & Arran Public Health social media • Develop and promote the values of kindness have both been included within the criteria pages. Additional messages were developed 2. Those who have experienced social isolation and consider the barriers to kindness within for Troon and Prestwick Decision Days which to support Mental Health & Wellbeing, and and loneliness following one of the known our organisations and communities raised awareness of the issues, and supported Loneliness Awareness Weeks which both took ‘triggers’ are responded to appropriately • Promote asset-based and place-based local activity in this area. place during the height of the pandemic. approaches 3. Those who have experienced chronic • Raise awareness of local activities and isolation and loneliness have their services connections restored in order to prevent • Address inequality poor social or health outcomes • Work to provide transport options which are accessible and affordable • Work to provide technological solutions which are suitable for the needs of older people • Develop a pathway from identification to reconnection • Promote service co-design and peer-led support • Provide support and reconnection to those who are chronically lonely
6 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 7 DEVELOP AND PROMOTE THE VALUES OF KINDNESS AND CONSIDER THE BARRIERS TO KINDNESS WITHIN OUR ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITIES
Following an awareness raising session input individuals and communities. collection and delivery as necessary. 100 on loneliness, isolation and kindness from Pub- items of toiletries, such as denture tablets and lic Health, NHS Ayrshire & Arran to GP practice The South Ayrshire Lifeline helpline has taken incontinence products, and food items, such managers and admin staff, one GP practice in over 8000 calls signposting people to services as tea/coffee, meals, cold meats, raw meats, Ayr has been considering how kindness can be or information during the height of the COVID-19 fruit and vegetables, biscuits, were offered to used within their setting to identify and respond pandemic. This has included direct signposting purchase at cost price to those self-isolating to lonely individuals attending their service. to other South Ayrshire Lifeline services to or shielding. This was paid for by the client by They have been supported to develop an action provide support including: collecting and phone and delivered to their door by volunteers. plan to address identified barriers to kindness delivering prescriptions; ordering and delivering £17,000 worth of cost price food was sold and within their practice, however, due to restrictions food and hearing aid batteries; telephone over 6000 miles were travelled across South imposed by COVID-19, this work has not pro- befriending and sensory support. Many calls Ayrshire from Dundonald to Ballantrae to gressed as anticipated within recent months. were signposted to other agencies providing support this service. support with food crisis, homelessness, adult Initial discussions have taken place to support protection, and transport etc. Other calls Many customers used the service repeatedly South Ayrshire Council Library Services to provided reassurance around the COVID-19 over the 14 weeks leading to good relationships identify and respond to barriers to kindness guidelines and aimed to alleviate the anxiety that being created between client and call-handler; within their setting. Again, due to restrictions these were causing individuals. Additionally, over often a ‘bit of a blether’ was had over and above imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic this has 3000 prescriptions were collected and delivered the ordering of food. These conversations not progressed as anticipated. However, the across South Ayrshire; 20% of these were in the also allowed the call handler to identify other values of kindness within communities have South Carrick area as far as Pinwherry, Pinmore, issues and signpost these customers to other been harnessed, developed and promoted Barr, Lendalfoot, Girvan and the surrounding services when needed. This service ended to support the delivery of the emergency areas. NHS Addictions Team referred a small at the beginning of July with all customers response to the COVID19 pandemic by SAC and number of clients to the service which saw being signposted to other available South Ayrshire Lifeline, and this has included South Ayrshire Lifeline collect daily repeats of options at that time. South responding to loneliness and isolation caused Methadone and other substances for delivery to Ayrshire Lifeline has sent out or exacerbated by the pandemic. A volunteer clients in the community; one client required the over 2,300 packs of hearing bank was created during this time to sustain support worker to witness their consumption of aid batteries, free of charge, volunteering capacity. The response by SAC daily medication. to customers across included delivery of free food, information and South Ayrshire during this activities as well as signposting and referral Other support was provided when it was time and this service will to local organisations to provide support to possible to do so; this included the collection continue post-pandemic. individuals on our shielding list. This response of samples from customers and delivery to to the pandemic has supported the development GP surgeries, and schedules were altered of relationships between local volunteers, to accommodate emergency prescription
SPECIAL DELIVERY FOR BIGGART PATIENTS A SPECIAL APPEAL BY SOUTH AYRSHIRE LIFELINE
Touched by the plight of elderly patients A special appeal by South with no visitors, the South Ayrshire Ayrshire Lifeline raised £1,275 Lifeline team packed boxes full of treats to fund goody bags for local and essentials and delivered them to people in hospital with no- the Biggart Hospital at the height of one to bring them treats and lockdown. toiletries. Staff and volunteers filled bags with puzzle books, toiletries and sweets and at the end of May, 200 bags were handed over to delighted staff at Ayr Hospital.
8 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 LocalLocal OutcomesOutcomes ImprovementImprovement PlanPlan -- AnnualAnnual ProgressProgress ReportReport 20202020 99 PROMOTE ASSET-BASED AND PLACE-BASED APPROACHES GENERAL OLDER POPULATION TO PREVENT LONELINESS AND ISOLATION
There were several groups running within The ‘Ageless and Active’ (AAA) initiative ‘age positive’. Additionally, certificates and age friendly activities and services registered Ayr North which are supported by the Ahead developed by VASA aimed to promote positive window stickers had been developed to be with the brand. project and which involve local older people, ageing within our communities. Essentially, awarded accordingly through the AAA brand. such as a Wellbeing Group which meets in the it aimed to inspire local Promotion of this initiative Troon & Villages LPG had also established Ahead office and provides a welcoming space organisations, businesses had been though linking links with VASA to support the initiative in this where people can share their skills; several and services to consider with our LPGs, Connect locality area. The sub group of this LPG will also groups at Morrison Gardens; and a Friendship how they support Hubs, Dementia Friendly include/engage with local Sheltered Housing, Group at Newton & Wallacetown Church. The seniors to be active in work, Sheltered Housing Churches and Community Groups to help gain Community Builders also have a presence at their communities, raise and Corporate Housing, not better understanding widen involvement. Care & Share in Ayr North and can signpost awareness of how their only to make their service lonely individuals to the Wellbeing Group. actions could help to tackle users aware of the brand The new Troon Connect Hub at the Haven Cafe loneliness and isolation, but also to ensure that their in Troon is now open one afternoon a week and More recently, groups have been meeting and promote kindness. activities for older people it’s hoped that this will be a useful mechanism via Zoom due to restrictions imposed by Resources had been were included within it. to hear from local people. COVID-19. These groups are promoted via the developed to support the initiative including a Additionally the brand has been promoted to Ahead Facebook page which ensures an open booklet which guided organisations, business seniors themselves, and a button created on the invitation and new members can attend. and services on how they could become more South Ayrshire Life website to direct seniors to
SOUTH AYRSHIRE’S FIRST AGELESS AND ACTIVE ASSEMBLY PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON LIFE AFTER THE BUS PASS
An interactive information day for older people in – a drama presented by the Book and Bun promoted using leaflet/poster drop to increase the Intergenerational Joint Action Group and South Ayrshire turned the focus on ‘Life After the Creative Writing Group – took a light-hearted numbers; a database of members has been also contributes towards the Community Bus Pass.’ look at getting older.The event rounded off created. Discussions within this group have Safety Partnership’s priority to increase positive The first ever Ageless and Active Assembly, with lively group discussions on what we aimed to strengthen the voice of seniors within community engagement to address anti-social held in Ayr Town Hall last November, gave local can do collectively to shape the future, and their communities with the proposal being for behaviour and community safety issues. people the chance to air their views on life as an the Assembly was hailed an ‘informative and members to represent senior people at a variety older person in South Ayrshire. enjoyable’ day by those who attended. of strategic meetings and other local steering and planning groups. The new Older Person’s Key themes of the day were: The Tenant Participation Team within South Services Forum continues to be developed; it is • listening to what older people want; Ayrshire Council’s Corporate & Housing anticipated that this will provide an opportunity • reassuring them that entering this stage of Policy Team continued to provide a range of for seniors to receive information from a variety life can be positive and opportunistic; and opportunities for Council tenants to become of guest speakers and allow organisations to • exchanging ideas about how we can all involved with their Housing Service. Many work together with seniors. live healthier, happier lives as we get participants were older single households older. who had a desire to help improve their local Problem solving work within local communities community. Activities included attendance at contributes to the South Ayrshire Community Keynote speaker at the Ageless and Active a wide range of working groups that aimed to Safety Partnership’s priority to increase positive Assembly was Minister for Older People, improve the housing service and attendance community engagement to address anti-social Christina McKelvie MSP, who was delighted to at the tenants’ choir. Other activities that were behaviour and community safety issues. Nine open the ground-breaking event. available to all age groups included gaming problem solving groups involving partners and nights, musical generations’ tour of sheltered local communities are currently being supported Other speakers included George Thomson, housing units and the annual Communities Fun to address issues such as antisocial behaviour, Chief Executive Officer of Volunteer Scotland, Day. environmental issues and fire-raising. Additional who highlighted the benefits of volunteering, work through positive engagement with young and Phil White, South Ayrshire Health and Social Housing Support Services are commissioned by people and intergenerational work contribute Care Partnership Facilitator, who explored the South Ayrshire Council from Seascape in Ayr. towards this priority. question of what the future might look like for In addition to the commissioned service this older people in the area. Local solicitor John registered charity has developed a Hope project As a result of Place Standard Toolkit work in Walker’s informative presentation on preparing aimed at providing a range of assistance to older Ayr North, a group had been developed to for later life provided valuable practical advice people in the community. research local history in the area, linking young and set the stage for the launch of the ‘All people from Newton Primary with residents of About Me’ booklet. ‘Tomorrow’s Older People’ The Senior Action Group continues to be Limonds Court. This work is directed through
10 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 LocalLocal OutcomesOutcomes ImprovementImprovement PlanPlan -- AnnualAnnual ProgressProgress ReportReport 20202020 1111 RAISE AWARENESS OF LOCAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES TO THE GENERAL OLDER POPULATION TO PREVENT LONELINESS AND ISOLATION
Maybole Connect and Girvan Connect hubs by South Ayrshire Council Leisure Services, WEIGH TO GO A range of new activities had commenced since were promoted as a weekly face to face drop in was established with many activities and is an adult healthy weight programme. A high August 2020 including the introduction of a buddy contact for advice and information on a variety programmes available for older people to walking and doorstep visit system to support our percentage of the people attending this 12 week class participants, reduce loneliness, improve of subjects to support health and wellbeing, maintain or increase their physical activity levels: programme were over the age of 60. Results including loneliness and isolation. Information a person’s confidence, strength, balance and were positive for the people completing the ses- fitness. We have also introduced virtual chat on local activities and groups was available via THE FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAMME sion with an average weight loss of 3% - 5%. groups to reduce loneliness and improve mental South Ayrshire Lifeline at both Connect sites and for people over the age of 60, Invigor8, delivered wellbeing. was included within local community newsletters 16 classes to reduce / prevent the incidence of Due to COVID-19, classes have been paused for North and South Carrick areas. falls and included 30 minutes of socialising at since the end of March 2020 but hope to resume Feedback from participants has been extremely the end of each class. Most classes were full when appropriate guidance is received from the positive and has included the following comments: Troon & Prestwick LPG has undertaken some and a waiting list had been established. Referral Scottish Government. However, despite classes “Just finished watching both exercise videos you kindly initial work to evaluate and promote the range routes between NHS and the Health Team have being paused the Health Team has been in touch forwarded to me. It must have taken a lot of thought of activities and supports provided by the been developed. with class participants in many ways including: patience and time to produce such comprehensive local community groups who and informative videos. I very much enjoyed both. Congratulations to all the instructors for their successfully secured funding at • local Decision Days. LPGs continue efforts on our behalf”, “You help keep motivated when I Phoning over 700 class participants either hear from you”, and “I think the support you’re giving us to promote services via social weekly, fortnightly, monthly and some is great”. media, word of mouth and local people have asked that we contact them publications, linked also to new GP when classes re-start; South Ayrshire Council Leisure Services have also contract. This action is also largely Delivering Live Zoom exercise classes been working with Public Health, NHS Ayrshire linked to the Community Led & Arran to evaluate the impact of the Health & Support programme and our South with the Health Team; Wellbeing Programme on loneliness and social Ayrshire Connect ‘front doors’ • Delivering South Ayrshire Council Leisure isolation. supported by the South Ayrshire Zoom classes; Lifeline resource. Additionally, Additionally, work directed through the Posting information on the private within pathways deriving from Intergenerational Joint Action Group, which Facebook pages for Invigor8, HARP and Primary Care and involving front contributes towards the Community Safety Weigh to go class members Partnership priority to increase positive community door redirection and Community engagement to address antisocial behaviour and Distributing Health Team exercise videos Link Practitioner roles, there is a community safety issues, has seen a number range of opportunity for promotion/ via email to participants, or by posting of initiatives that have been taken forward in signposting to preventative activity. them on a private Facebook page; response to identified need. For example, the Super 6 balance exercises distributed to Piloting Care about Physical Activity programme Within South Ayrshire Council Library services, HEALTH AND ACTIVE REHABILITATION attendees; has involved young people supporting older ongoing support was provided for those in people in Troon using early years centres and local PROGRAMME (HARP) communities by the provision of hearing aid Developing exercise booklets; care homes to increase physical activity. is for people with a medical history which in- drop in clinics, and targeted visits by our mobile Providing information on available online cludes stroke, cancer, cardiac, pulmonary and/ Maybole & North Carrick LPG has agreed to library to provide for those unable to visit a exercises from YouTube, NHS Inform, or diabetes. The classes consisted of circuit support the role out of “Chatty Cafe” Initiative library or mobile library. Additionally, notification British Heart Foundation, Later Life training, swimming, and gym based activity. 10 to help tackle loneliness and isolation within the of a successful funding bid will now allow us to Training, MSK Physiotherapists classes were available and are well attended. North Carrick area. £100 had been allocated to progress a Reminiscence project in Partnership help fund 10 cafes throughout this locality area. Referral processes have been established be- Providing information on fun activities, with the Scottish Football Museum. A project virtual walks, quizzes, how to access tween NHS services and the Health Team. Activity continued within our sheltered housing officer will be appointed and several local South Ayrshire Council Library services units. The activity timetable for Crosne Street authorities are involved. for free online books, magazines and MACMILLAN MOVE MORE and Boyle Court sheltered housing units were South Ayrshire Lifeline and Better Health newspapers; and Hubs continue to be promoted throughout the is an activity programme for people who have a promoted via LPG social media pages, LPG groups and email distribution list. Local lunch COVID-19 pandemic via flyers distributed to cancer diagnosis and their family/ friends. This Signposting to other organisations groups etc were also promoted in this way. programme consists of: gentle movement class including Voluntary Action South Ayrshire, households included within the emergency Working links were formed with local staff from Alzheimer’s Scotland and local response. Additionally they were promoted via - Tai Chi and Qui Gung; circuit style classes; both sheltered housing units, local lunch groups, local web-pages and social media. walking groups; and gardening. Move More is Community Groups. Age Concern, club diamonds and living with still being established and has already exceeded • leisure with activities promoted through both LPG The Health and Wellbeing programme, delivered targets. • groups.
12 13 12 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 LocalLocal OutcomesOutcomes ImprovementImprovement PlanPlan -- AnnualAnnual ProgressProgress ReportReport 20202020 13 ADDRESS INEQUALITY TO PREVENT DEVELOP A PATHWAY FROM IDENTIFICATION TO RECONNECTION FOR OLDER LONELINESS AND ISOLATION IN THE PEOPLE AT A HIGHER RISK OF DEVELOPING LONELINESS AND ISOLATION GENERAL OLDER POPULATION South Ayrshire Lifeline will be used as a single point of contact by A core function of the Social Isolation & partners, frontline and community Loneliness Implementation Group is to WORK TO PROVIDE TRANSPORT staff. South Ayrshire Lifeline will work with a range of community partners OPTIONS WHICH ARE ACCESSIBLE to ensure that loneliness and social provide information/advice and isolation is discussed within their service AND AFFORDABLE TO PREVENT onward signposting/referral as delivery and included within their action LONELINESS AND ISOLATION IN appropriate to those experiencing loneliness and isolation in our plans and strategies. Tackling loneliness THE GENERAL OLDER POPULATION and isolation is included within local plans communities. Our LPGs actively promote this service and both Troon such as: South Ayrshire HSCP Dementia South Ayrshire Life Car Scheme had and Prestwick LPGs have South Strategy which makes reference to our been extended to include Prestwick Ayrshire Connect Hubs to support strategy/workstream; South Ayrshire HSCP and Monkton areas. Additionally, the this. The Prestwick Hub at Biggart Adult Carers Strategy which will focus on use Community transport vehicles Hospital runs in partnership with Supporting the development of peer support was offered to support response to NHS Ayrshire & Arran Better Health groups that can reduce the loneliness and COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Hub and plans were underway to provide further community information pop-ups and isolation facing carers; increasing social Transport service has maintained specific carers sessions/cafe. Community Led Support initiatives in Maybole and Girvan connectedness across the whole population connection with their service users Connect Hubs actively promoted South Ayrshire Lifeline. Additionally, the NHS Ayrshire is included within the Ayrshire & Arran by phone during this time, and are Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2014- & Arran Better Health Hub continues to operate during COVID-19 pandemic to support investigating the possibility of arranging 2026, and tackling loneliness and isolation individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation around a life transition or trigger social trips (ie shopping together) within its current action plan. Additionally, point; the service is available via NHS Near Me/Attend Anywhere and by phone. following current guidelines on hygiene creating connections and opportunities and physical distancing. to tackle loneliness and isolation is an underpinning principle of the South Ayrshire Alcohol & Drug Partnership draft strategy mPower provides bespoke one-to-one self-management (2019-2024) currently out for consultation. WORK TO PROVIDE TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS WHICH ARE SUITABLE support for people 65 and over to improve their Awareness raising presentations were also wellbeing and live safely and independently in their own delivered to Community Justice Ayrshire, FOR THE NEEDS OF OLDER PEOPLE TO homes. They offer practical help from a wide range of their Community Justice Outcomes services, as well as recommend a range of simple digital health tools to enhance health and Implementation Plan group and its PREVENT LONELINESS AND wellbeing. mPower is currently providing telephone support to over 65s rather than usual subgroups to encourage inclusion within their ISOLATION home visits as it is recognised that during the COVID-19 pandemic our elderly population current action plans. will require support now more than ever and they provide a Single Point of Contact to The Connecting Scotland Programme, navigate their beneficiaries through the range of existing and emerging supports available, The Connecting Scotland Programme aims led by SAC with input from Public Health, including responding to loneliness and social isolation. to mitigate against the increasing digital VASA and SA HSCP, saw those on a low inequality which has been exacerbated by income on our COVID-19 shielding list Social prescribing is also particularly related to the emerging role of the Community Link the COVID-19 pandemic for those on our being provided with a digital device and shielding list who are also on a low income. Practitioners within GP Practices. Most GP Practices now have a CLP who will often link connectivity to increase social connections people to supportive community/third sector based activities and services to help reduce This is discussed further in the update during and following the pandemic. regarding technological solutions. loneliness and isolation by connecting individual around a common interest.
This will help to mitigate against the Public Health, NHS Ayrshire & Arran are currently developing a training for trainers session increasing digital inequality exacerbated to raise awareness of loneliness and social isolation, their health impacts and risk factors, by restrictions imposed to protect against promote a common language, and how to identify and respond appropriately to lonely COVID-19 infection. Skills based input will individuals. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the messages and method of be provided by SAC staff and volunteers training delivery are currently under review. working as Digital Champions.
14 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 15 PROMOTE SERVICE CO-DESIGN AND PEER-LED SUPPORT TO SUPPORT THOSE AT A HIGHER RISK OF DEVELOPING LONELINESS AND ISOLATION
Through the related loneliness and social isolation work promoted through our LPGs and other related SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA groups (eg Dementia Friendly) there is some engagement with local churches who are actively AND THEIR CARERS supporting this agenda. This will be developed strategically in the next financial year’s Work Plan. REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP OBJECTIVES: OUTCOME: PROVIDE SUPPORT AND RECONNECTION TO THOSE WHO ARE CHRONICALLY LONELY People living with dementia and their carers live 1. Promote good physical and mental health in a supported community. and wellbeing to delay the onset of Public Health, NHS Ayrshire & Arran are currently developing a training for trainers session dementia to raise awareness of loneliness and isolation, their health impacts and risk factors, promote a common language, and how to identify and respond appropriately to lonely individuals, 2. Have access to appropriate and timely including those who are experiencing chronic loneliness. Additionally, two Public Health interventions for those with dementia and Briefing Papers have been developed to increase knowledge of staff. their carers
The budget for private sector disabled adaptations is managed within the Corporate 3. Design physical and social environments and Housing Policy Team and there is an officer who assists the most vulnerable older which support those with dementia and disabled applicants through the adaptations process. Referrals are received from Occupational Therapy and the Housing Grants Officer can provide ongoing support to 4. Protect vulnerable people from harm households for many months.
The sheltered housing units continued to link in with schools and early years for intergenerational work with a staff member being involved in setting up links with Ayr Academy. DEMENTIA STRATEGY 2018-2023 The South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Mental Health Practitioners within GP Surgeries are able to identify and signpost individuals Dementia Strategy 2018- 2023.The strategy sets out: who are assessed as being chronically lonely or isolated. Community Link Practitioners are - an ambitious program to support people living with actively involved in supporting individuals who have been identified as chronically lonely or dementia and their carers; and isolated to initiate contacts within their community. CMHTE are able to signpost identified - how the HSCP provides formal services for people who patients to groups and activities both in the third sector and health and social care e.g. have been diagnosed with dementia and their carers Alzheimer Scotland, CST Groups. (also in the Adult Carers Strategy).
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a telephone befriending service was set up which, at In addition, a key section is concerned with developing its peak, saw 160 people receiving a call, from weekly to daily, from around 120 volunteers. South Ayrshire as a ‘dementia friendly’ place. This sets out This service will continue post-pandemic. activity within localities and also related work carried out in a more thematic way. It also sets out activities supported by commissioned services such as Alzheimer Scotland, You are probably the only person she has spoken to in a while Crossroads, South Ayrshire Dementia Support Association and South Ayrshire Carers Centre call on behalf of a 94-year-old Although this update is mainly concerned with activities that have taken place during 2019 and 2020 it is necessary to preface this section with the qualification that COVID-19 did have some impact on 2020 activities in the first part of the year.
16 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 17 DEVELOPMENT WORKER LOCALITY BASED WORKING A Development Worker was employed for 6 months hosted by South Ayrshire Dementia Support Association (SADSA) supporting funding from the South Ayrshire Health and Social Partnership. DEMENTIA FRIENDLY TROON AND The role of this post was to support the progress of dementia friendly groups in South Ayrshire. VILLAGES
The Dementia Friendly Troon & Villages steering group continues to develop and support a range of activity including awareness raising sessions, Relaxed Golf, LIFE CHANGES TRUST CONFERENCE and the continued work at the Allotment/Howff as well as additional activity run through Alzheimer Scotland. Human Rights, Community And Dementia: Creating Better Lives In Ayrshire & Arran In November 2019, Ayr Racecourse was the venue for an Ayrshire-wide conference organised with the Life Changes Trust seeking to give greater profile to the real needs of people Dementia Friendly Prestwick living with dementia and their carers and to link these needs to statutory, independent, third and community sector providers.
The event was preceded by locally based exploratory (story telling) sessions with people living with dementia, their carers Relaxed Cinema Dementia Friendly/Relaxed Walks and staff working in dementia care. The emergent themes Pre-COVID-19 this continued generated by this processes formed the basis of the conference These walks have grown and are source of exercise, informal to be an important source of which attracted nearly 200 participants. The associated report support and friendship with the walks always ending with a support and joy for many people can be found clicking here. cup of tea (these have been suspended during COVID-19 in Prestwick but will re-start when guidance allows). Paths for All Award with strong recognised the work of local volunteer Julie Twaddell. links to local Care Homes and the provision of relaxed screenings of classic films.
Dementia Friendly Promenade LIFE CHANGES TRUST GRANT AWARDS (SOUTH AYRSHIRE) Rooted in the successful walks, and following a additions to the promenade, complimenting our Subsequent to the conference, Life Changes Trust • Dementia Friendly Prestwick for the development local consultation, Prestwick is about to launch coloured benches and providing something for made available £150,000 for Ayrshire and to support of a meeting centre; its Promenade as the first dementia friendly people to look at and talk about. Information local dementia related projects. Within South • The publishing and printing of integrated promenade in Scotland. The launch will take plaques to accompany the wind vanes will be Ayrshire, successful projects included funding for: storybook on dementia friendly work which was place in October 2020 and the funding via Paths installed at the same time. Dementia friendly • A Development Worker post to support created by a local young person in Prestwick; for All has allowed for a range of improved signs for the toilets are being produced, and will Dementia Friendly Ayr; and seating and signage to enable people with also be installed in September. • Transport support for South Ayrshire Dementia • Ayr United Football Academy to support the dementia to be better able to use the promenade Support Association; Football Memories work. for exercise. The Cycling without Age project Despite the restrictions of COVID-19 the last • The delivery and development of dementia has continued to offer wee trips using its tri- few months which meant Dementia Friendly friendly activities including dementia friendly The developments associated with these areas of work shaw. The exciting 2 year project to enhance the Prestwick had to temporarily stop our regular choir & training, the Carers Support group and are reflected in the following updates. It should be seafront concludes with the installation of three promenade walks and community cinema events, the purchase of dementia friendly equipment and noted that some of the above intended projects have wind vanes on the promenade. In the shape of they have been busy in other ways helping to resources in North Carrick; been limited in development because of COVID-19 Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Holy Isle, the 3 metre provide support for people living with dementia • Dementia Friendly Troon to make the Walker Hall and there is some negotiation with Life Changes Trust high, bright blue pieces of art will be attractive and their carers. more dementia friendly; regarding flexible use of the award monies.
18 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 19 COMMUNITY KNITTING DELIVERING BAGS OF SUPPORT DEMENTIA FRIENDLY THEMATIC ACTIVITY PROJECT A few volunteers have been delivering ‘Bags of Support’ once There is a range of work that is supported by a range of South Ayrshire Council services, Community a week, providing lunches and activity packs to local residents' Planning Partners and other local partners. These areas include: In May they launched their doorsteps. The bags include home-made soup, a sandwich community knitting project, looking and cake and a simple game or activity each week. In August for people to knit or crochet squares our local MP, Dr Philippa Whitford, joined volunteers to deliver LEISURE SERVICES SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL LIBRARIES SERVICE during lockdown that will eventually the bags. Feedback from recipients of the bags has been very There is a growth of leisure South Ayrshire Libraries Service is part of a successful be stitched together to create a piece positive with comments such as “This was the first time I haven’t related ‘relaxed’ activity such collaborative Bid with many other authorities in Scotland and the of art that will be displayed by South had to think what to make in months” “The soup was delicious, Ayrshire museums and galleries. better than any cafe” and “I so look forward to my weekly chat”. as Relaxed Golf. In addition Scottish Football Museum working on a Library Reminiscence Dementia Friendly Prestwick has many of the other leisure Project, inspired by and as a legacy of the National Year of been overwhelmed by the response programs (such as Invigor8) Conversation. The aim of the Project is to create Memory Groups of individuals, families, groups, the have significant users living in libraries to provide a focus for, and in support of, the National Biggart Hospital and local care with dementia and who Year of Conversation. The Memory Groups will focus mainly on homes – this will be their knitted benefit from being included social history supported by library service local studies resources narrative of lockdown. For further within these core programs. (currently on hold as a result of Covid-19). information on the project click here. GAIETY THEATRE, AYR AYR UNITED FOOTBALL ACADEMY Up until the Covid-19 Up until the Covid-19 lockdown, Ayr United football Academy lockdown, Gaiety had (working with Alzheimer Scotland) had in place a very successful continued to feature events Football Memories work involving many older people utilising suitable for and targeted at football as a means of stimulating, having conversations, those with dementia and remembering and socialising. The Walking Football had grown their carers. significantly in numbers and with new groups for women and DEMENTIA FRIENDLY including people living with dementia. THEMATIC ACTIVITY SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL TRADING STANDARDS SERVICE: HELPING TO PROTECT SOUTH DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ACTIVITY IN AYR AYRSHIRE VULNERABLE ADULTS AND THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA Much of the work in Ayr has been developmental in nature, and with the support of the HSCP funded development worker (hosted by SADSA). An For the individual, being the victim of a scam (and the financial harm caused) can lead to a range engagement and needs assessment has taken place which informed the of negative impacts on, for example, mental and physical health, stress, confidence and self- successful funding submission to Life Changes Trust (highlighted previously) esteem or their ability to live independently at home. This in turn can contribute to increased costs and will result in a part time development worker to take the work forwards. Dementia Friendly for health and social care services, in addition to the costs to public services of investigating The local group leading this is about to be formally constituted. Prestwick is working and prosecuting financial scams. As a result, the service helped install call-blocking technology, on a new project provide bespoke self-help packs and increase the confidence of people with dementia and their DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ACTIVITY IN NORTH CARRICK based on the ‘Meeting unpaid carers. Further information can be found here There has been ongoing local activity in North Carrick including awareness Places’ approach raising/training and local engagement. The local ‘steering group’ is about already in place in some This service assisted a number of vulnerable and older people, many of whom were living with to be formally constituted to drive the work forward and the award from communities across the different forms and stages of cognitive impairment and dementia. Many of those consulted about the Life Changes Trust will allow for a range of new work to be developed UK. Funding has been the help offered stated that they had not really appreciated the level of risk or the sheer number of including a local dementia choir. accessed to allow this scams targeting older or vulnerable people. A large number of those asked are now much more local development which aware of the risks and dangers of scams and how to prevent them. Residents’ views can be DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ACTIVITY IN SOUTH CARRICK will; have a strong link to found here The Town Team in Girvan has led a range of developments (identified from the local Older People’s original consultation and engagement work). These now include: Community Mental • awareness raising/training; work with a local supermarket; Health Team. • drop-in; • men’s shed; and • relaxed golf:
This was rooted in an extensive local needs assessment exercise and the work has built a range of partnerships with local organisations such as shops, supermarkets, churches and others.
20 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 21 SOUTH AYRSHIRE DEMENTIA SUPPORT ASSOCIATION (SADSA) CLOSING THE POVERTY RELATED OUTCOMES A wide range of support and activities has • Pet therapy; and GAP FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE been carried out by SADSA including month- • Intergenerational work – children from ly carer meetings to support carers and nearby primary schools singing discuss their caring role. A short life carer Christmas carols. Closing the poverty related outcomes gap for children and young people, and in group was established to consult as part particular, action on improving outcomes for care experienced children and care of a day care consultation exercise. Prior Plans to enhance their garden environment leavers, and young people who are carers, continues to be led through the work of to lockdown, SADSA provided transport to and introduce new technology have been put the South Ayrshire’s Corporate Parenting Plan, Champions Board Initiative, Young many individuals through buses and taxis to on hold due to COVID-19. Planned work with enable people to attend day care who would Ayrshire Brokerage Network around Carers Implementation Group and the overarching Children’s Services plan – all of otherwise not have been able to get out of carers needs was also put on hold due to which report to the Children’s Services Strategic Delivery Partnership. their homes for extended periods. SADSA lock down restrictions. aims to foster a sense of community and belonging with attendees. To achieve this During lockdown SADSA provided support SADSA engages with the wider community through ‘garden’ visits, regular shopping and CHILDREN'S SERVICES PLAN 2020 TO 2023 and invites participation from: prescription deliveries. Regular telephone • Musicians; contact was carried out with carers and The Children’s Services Plan • the Little Art School; people with dementia. is designed for young people –it • Hairdressers; shows how young people will be treated in South Ayrshire. • What the plan means for a young person: • Giving a young person the OLDER PEOPLE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TEAM FUTURE FUNDING best start in life – making South Ayrshire the best During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Community Mental Health Whilst there has place to grow up; Team continued to provide Assessment, Support, Treatment been limited • A young person will be and Advice to clients. Due to restrictions, particularly early on, funding from treated equally no matter many of the routine visits were held via telephone reviews but HSCP and through their background; CHILDREN’S SERVICES PLAN the team did continue to visit face to face for urgent cases. Participatory • Children and young 2020/23 At present while most mainstream Community Mental Health Budgeting, the people who are looked Our Shared Vision: Closing the Gap and Achieving Potential All children and young people in South Ayrshire deserve the chance Team work is ongoing some elements of work have not re- main funding after or leaving care will to reach their full potential. We will support those who start at a disadvantage and remove barriers for those who are struggling, started because of COVID-19 (for example, Memory Cafes). sources has come be supported to be the we will stretch the most able and protect and nurture all children, especially the most vulnerable. Our aim is to reduce inequalities in from local groups best they can be; outcomes for children and young people, in particular, to close the gaps in outcomes related to deprivation so that all can achieve sourcing monies. • Opportunities to be their potential. The Life Changes healthy… both mentally Our High Level Priorities: Trust will bring and physically; and 1. Outstanding Universal Provision a good burst of • A young person’s voice Ensure our children get the best start in life; South Ayrshire is the best place to grow up; and all children and young people are successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. funding for 1 year will be heard 2. Tackling Inequalities Reduce the gap in outcomes between the most and least deprived children and young people in South to consolidate Ayrshire. and expand the Further information on the 3. Love and Support for our Care Experienced Young People and Young Carers Ensure children and young people who are care experienced or young carers are loved and supported to work but there is a progress of the Children’s improve their life experiences and life chances. medium/long term Services plan can be found by 4. Good Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing Ensure all children and young people are supported to achieve and maintain good physical and mental concern regarding visiting here health and wellbeing. sustainable 5. Promoting Children’s Rights Work to ensure we are delivering on the provisions of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the sources of money Child (UNCRC) as incorporated into Scots Law. and this will need to be explored further.
22 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 23 South Ayrshire Corporate Parenting Plan
South Ayrshire Corporate Parenting Plan was approved by the Integration Joint Board in December 2018 and contained an implementation plan to take forward the plan’s action as defined through its strategic objectives. The Corporate Parenting Plan has been developed by South Ayrshire Corporate Parenting Group which is made up of representatives from Community Planning Partners and third sector organisations. Within the plan, the HSCP and Community Planning Partners intend to empower and enable care experienced children and young people in South Ayrshire to achieve their potential and to make improvements needed to make the difference for them.
SOUTH AYRSHIRE CHAMPIONS BOARD CONTINUES TO GROW IN STRENGTH AND WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING THE TEAM CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE CO-PRODUCTION MODEL OF PARTICIPATION SUPPORTING CARE. IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR CARE EXPERIENCED CHILDREN AND CARE LEAVERS PARTICIPATION ACTIVITY A range of activities have taken place all of which increase participation and engagement COMMUNITY PLANNING OBJECTIVES: between care experienced young people and their corporate parents these include: PARTNERSHIP OUTCOME: • Independent Care review South Ayrshire practitioner’s event with roll out to Skills Development Scotland and Designated Managers (education); We want to improve 1. Ensure that care experienced young people benefit from • Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare annual conference no place like Home events outcomes for young people involvement in Champions Boards leading to improved (Aberlour); and who are care experienced outcomes • Life Changes Trust national network activity. and are care leavers 2. Work with our CPP partner organisations to strengthen their commitment, knowledge, skills and capacity and increase their Forty young people from across our groups attended the Gaiety Theatre panto and were understanding of their corporate parenting duties able to meet the cast after the event. Members of the Champions Board team took part in 3. Policy and practice will become more responsive to Care Hi5 awards, Dynamic youth awards, Youth Achievement Awards training and are now able to Experienced Young People facilitate this across our participation groups. The team also took part in Children In Scotland 4. Ensure that public awareness and attitudes become increasing 2019 Conference. Care Experience Week 2019 was again a busy time for the team. This week positive towards Care Experienced Young People was used to showcase 2 films the members of the Champions Board produced over the 5. Ensure that care experienced young people are aware of their summer. Follow the link below for the ‘The Making of’ footage: rights and entitlements: https://vimeo.com/367039301 • Corporate Parenting Plan Strategic Outcome – Upholding and promoting children’s rights and the links below for the two films • Action 8 - Support care experienced young people to Katie’s Journey and The fellowship of participate in local activities with other young people and the ring peer groups. https://vimeo.com/367033287 • Action 13 - Ensure that advocacy support is considered https://vimeo.com/367036466 for young people in care and leaving care in the new Strategic Advocacy Plan. (Password for all of the links above is – ayr) Since last year’s annual report, a wide range of additional work has been established around improving outcomes for care experienced children and care leavers.
24 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 25 CASE STUDY CHAMPIONS BOARD ATTENDED THE EUROPEAN FILM SCREENING AT AYR TOWN HALL SOCIAL NETWORK (ESN) CO-PRODUCTION FORUM IN NOVEMBER 2019 The Champions Board organised a Film Screening at Ayr Town Hall which over 100 young people, corporate parents, friends and family attended. The films were then showcased at the The Champions Board attended the managing being away from friends and family, Scottish Youth Film Festival in Edinburgh. To view photos of the event please click on the link: European Social Network (ESN) Co- navigating through the city, understanding the https://www.iainforrestphotography.co.uk/v/photos/65417ccw/C349472204/new- Production Forum on 14-15 November 2019. language and supporting each other through new collection The event, held in Lisbon Portugal, brought experiences. together 140 people to share innovative practice Participation Assistants, Modern Apprentices and volunteers with South Ayrshire Champions and policy on involving people who use services Chloe, Alex and Kerrie-Anne have all written a personal account of their experience. Board worked on developing their personal leadership and self-management skills by taking in all aspects of social services. part in regular Living Life to the Full CBT programme of mental health self-management in Through plenary discussions and workshops, Chloe: “My highlight from this trip would have partnership with Ayr Action for Mental Health. Soundlab and Gaiety Theatre Outreach have participants at the event had the opportunity the amazing applause and praise we all got for delivered a programme of activity in partnership with 30 young people attending Champions to discover the co-production policies and presenting to people from all around the world Board groups using the creative arts to develop individual leadership and 'agency' amongst practices in place across Europe. Plenary’s and that I have such an amazing team that would young people with care experience. included discussions around the challenges stand by me through anything and that’s all I when implementing co-production, how these could ask for. The greatest challenge I had was Young people with care experience to participate in a range of activities with other young can be overcome, and the outcomes that can be to probably overcome my anxiety to present to all these formal important people and to travel in people and their peer groups. Through the Champions Board young people take part in achieved. a plane. To be able to come back from this trip groups in Girvan and Ayr. Prior to lockdown, a Belmont school-based group met every Friday feeling more confident in both is amazing and I lunchtime. Members of the Belmont group contributed to the development of a blog and am still on such a high from this and it’s a trip I podcasts for CELCIS knowledge bank. This can be accessed by clicking on the link am going to remember for the rest of my life as it https://www.celcis.org/knowledge-bank/search-bank/blog/2019/08/ayrshire-school- was just perfect and couldn’t ask for anything.” where-care-experienced-young-peoples-views-are-taken-seriously1/. Now that the schools have reopened, the Champions Board are back engaging with young people in Alex: “The main highlight for me on the trip is Belmont Academy. split into 2, the first has to be going to Benfica’s stadium and seeing that in person as that was something I have always wanted to do. So having actually managed to do it was fantastic. The second was seeing the team bond as one and share the experience together as that was a Champions for Change - South Ayrshire massive fear for me that we wouldn’t have done Champions Board delivered a presentation it quite like that, so I’m grateful and humbled we alongside Henrik Kristensen; Deputy Head of managed it without a single argument. Biggest the Department of the European Social Charter challenge for me was keeping myself motivated Council of Europe and Pete Fleischmann, Head and engaged due to tiredness but I overcame of Co-production at the Social Care Institute this by giving myself a shake and adding a little for Excellence. The presentation covered the perspective to the trip and that not many people following areas: get this kind of opportunity so don’t squander it • What the Champions Board is; cause that would’ve been very stupid and silly.” • How the young people collaborate with Kerrie-Anne: “Within my time away I have learned service directors and other local authority that I can achieve more than I thought I could, leaders; within this trip I managed to push myself out of • What has helped make it work; my comfort zone and explore a completely new • The achievements of the Champions culture and city miles away from home. I have Board in South Ayrshire; and learned that within our team we care about one • The impact it has had on both improving another and during our time this was shown services, but also on the young people when none of us travelled or went far alone themselves. without being completely sure the other was The presentation was delivered by Alex Horne, entirely confident. I believe this trip has helped Chloe Currie, Kerrie-Anne Martin and Dawn the working teams relationships to flourish some Parker. The team also took part in the 2 day more. My biggest challenge was my own worries conference. about how things would be at home with my son having never left the country and allowing The group experienced many ‘firsts’ such as someone else to take the lead in parenting on my getting a passport, flying for the first time, behalf.”
26 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 27 CORPORATE PARENTING SUBGROUP: VIRTUAL SCHOOL CHAMPIONS BOARD REPRESENTATION Prior to lockdown (by a week) the Virtual by a Welfare Officer, which has provided an The Champions Board is represented on the Communities Reference Group, the School supported a group of young people opportunity of a new hobby, interest and Inter-Generational Joint Action Group and the Child Poverty sub-group and support young from Belmont Academy to attend a West End socialisation with a new peer group. This people’s participation in these groups. Theatre show in London. A group of 12 young has been a huge success and providing the people supported by Care Experienced Lead two pupils with a new found confidence and Participation Activity has continued throughout lockdown via virtual groups and activity from Belmont, Dawn Parker (Corporate Parent) development of new skills. including a 2 week summer programme , the distribution of 55 craft packs followed by 150 and Kimberley Keenan (Virtual school HT) flew summer packs and 200 Tamfest packs (in partnership with cultural services). Corporate to London early morning, successfully managed Welfare Officers are also supporting South parents have been encouraged to join in all of this activity to show their commitment to a bus tour of London, Theatre Show and dinner Ayrshire young people who attend educational staying connected with our young people and many have provided us with stay at home before flying back that evening. This excursion establishments out with South Ayrshire. It is selfies, Bake Off offerings and footage of their virtual picnics. Social media has played a huge was the result of pupils expressing their important for the equity of all young people that role in how the Champions Board has encouraged participation and maintained relationships. desire to see the theatre show and successful our service and team are providing support to They have relied on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram TikTok as well as South interagency working to allow it to happen. families and young people in South Ayrshire Ayrshire Council communications and SAHSCP briefings. living in a vast range of circumstances. The Welfare Officers have around 8 – 10 During lockdown, a joint Social Work, Education and Health HUB model was established young people and families each that they are and has identified vulnerable families and those looked after and at the edges of care for allocated to at the moment. Majority of the additional supports. Link workers identified for all schools and support mechanisms in place cases are young people who are Looked After for most vulnerable young people. at Home and in transition phase; however some exceptions have been made given unique and crisis situations.
Welfare Officers sustained contact via UPHOLDING CHILDREN’S RIGHTS phone, Skype and garden visits during lockdown and into recovery phase. The During lockdown, the Champions Welfare Officers played a vital role in being a Board team has supported 38 young constant communication between school and people to present their views to home and also Social Work, where required Virtual Reviews in line with the Virtual during lockdown. They assisted online Hearings Interim Guidance and Practice education platforms, reassurance for families Flowchart. The team has worked with and supported and encouraged the online The Virtual School are working closely with Quality Assurance Reviewing Officers, education for the young people. They also Education Scotland Attainment Advisor to Advocates Social Workers, Carers and sourced funding for white goods, food parcels closely and accurately track and monitor data to young people themselves to ensure that and electricity during particularly difficult and inform more specific practice and interventions. young people’s voices remain a key challenging times. Feedback from families and The team are also in the process of creating part of the review process. Champions education has been hugely positive in the role very individualised and specific case studies to Board team members have used phone that they played. monitor and capture the impact that the Virtual conversations and a range of creative School is having on individuals and their unique prompts (including asking young people The Virtual School HT attended weekly Health circumstances. This takes into account analysis to describe themselves as an emoji) to and Social Care Partnership HUB meetings of interventions, reporting of assessments and stimulate conversation and pull together and associated sub meetings/actions. Since also captures the young person’s views. Case young people’s views for presentation at recovery phase of COVID-19 the Welfare studies can be anonymised and made available virtual reviews. Officers have returned to working with young if requested. people in schools and are using creative The Planning, Performance and methods to ensure that all young people get Virtual School Welfare Officers are allocated to Commissioning Team are currently equal allocation of time and activity. both Children’s Houses. Due to COVID-19 and carrying out advocacy benchmarking associated restrictions it has been difficult to activity across Ayrshire (and beyond) to The Virtual School has sustained working with access the young people to provide support. inform the development of the Strategic Active Schools and created an evening sports The initial plan for Welfare Officers to work with Advocacy Plan. group, brings young people from across South the young people in the houses will remain. Ayrshire together to learn and participate in new Welfare Officers will work between school sports. Two pupils have begun sailing lessons in and the house to support in areas that are Prestwick on a Wednesday evening, supported highlighted as an educational concern. 28 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 29 CORPORATE PARENTING SUBGROUP: FAMILY FIRM
The new dedicated Family Firm Team which was • Offered virtual groups; and This demonstrates that pathways in to established in June 2019 developed partnerships • Socially distanced one to one support/ • E&S have supported 33 care experienced apprenticeships have been developed through further with the Young Person’s Support and garden visits. young people to access College from the E&S team. Transitions (YPST) Team and the Children’s referrals from school, YPST and Children’s Houses. From November 2019 they were based The School Leaver Destination Report Looked Houses. The young people are due to • Since September 2019 we have had three within the YPST office to deliver support from After Children Figures published in 2020 commence college week beginning 22nd care experienced young people complete McAdam House as well as being able to engage for 2018/19 shows an increase at 75% in September; and their apprenticeships. Two young people with young people by providing a drop in. comparison to 2017/18 which was 69%. This • The team have liaised with the college in Social Services Children & Young People figure represents the percentage of Looked to highlight any support needs prior to with the Champions Board and one young The 3 Employability and Skills (E&S) workers have After young people progressing to a positive college commencing to support to sustain person in Greenkeeping and Grounds; and caseloads of around 25 young people each from destination, this is still below the national average and have planned four weekly tracking • There are another two care experienced YPST/Children’s Houses. From November up of 82%. meetings with Ayrshire College and Skills young people currently working towards until March (lockdown) the following activity has Development Scotland. their apprenticeships. One in Social taken place: All in School Looked After pupils have been Services & Health Care and one in Craft • Weekly drop in to Children’s Houses by identified by Employability and Skills via the South Ayrshire Council Annual Modern Trade. a dedicated member of staff from E&S to National datahub who are S4+ (98 pupils in total) Apprentice report from Skills Development help to develop relationships; and are discussed at every MCMC meeting to Scotland has highlighted that 3.2% of our There are currently an additional 37 care • Community Learning and Development monitor progress to ensure support is in place to Modern Apprentices are Care Experienced experienced young people registered on our and Employability and Skills have help progression to a positive destination; this is above the national average of 1.7%. NOLB, ESF Supported Employment/Adult & supported YSPT in organising the Xmas Family Engagement Programme. There are Fayre where the young people engaged enhanced wage incentives available to external in weekly group activity to prepare for this employers who recruit a care experienced young and then supported the event on the day people and three employers have utilised this by where they developed transferable skills; providing employment opportunities to CE young • A Painting Company (Employer) came in people. and young people participated in painting McAdam House which helped to engage Employability & Skills has supported four care and build on employability skills; experienced young people to undertake driving • E&S delivered a driving group and CSCS lessons, one young person passed his full driving support, they delivered employability test in September 2019 and the additional three groups and personal development have all passed theory tests and hope to be able groups to help prepare individuals for to sit their full driving test in the next few months. employment/college and ongoing one to COVID-19 has had an impact on this as they ones; and have just recently commenced lessons again. • The team have also been involved in the Youth Diversion work inputting an The Family Firm Team led a Corporate Parenting employability session which has been a Event in January 2020 which was attended by positive other way to engage young people 54 corporate parents. The session showcased who would in normal circumstances be the corporate parenting work undertaken by difficult to reach. employability and Skills development Scotland.
Following on from March:
• Throughout lock down two E&S workers were based within the Children’s House to support HSCP which helped to build further relationships with the young people; • E&S provided food boxes to vulnerable care experienced young people; • Provided weekly telephone support to all young people on case loads;
30 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 31 CORPORATE PARENTING SUBGROUP: HOUSING SMALL GRANTS The Improving Housing Outcomes for Young Care Leavers resumed meetings on 29th June and Through the Champions Board small grants supporting the wellbeing of young people will continue to meet on a 6 weekly basis. The group focused on the Prevention Pathway for Care activity, £11,440.16 to 53 young people with with care experience during this time and Leavers and are working through each recommendation from this document mapping where we are care experience has been distributed prior to focuses on the following: at in SAC in relation to these recommendations. The Housing Allocations Policy review is ongoing March 2020. The average age of beneficiaries • Coping with social distancing and which will ensure needs of young care leavers are incorporated with young care leavers being is 17.6yrs. it is hoped that further analysis isolation; identified as a priority group. Consultations around this review are being planned. of applications will be used to inform South • Improving/maintaining mental health; Ayrshires Child Poverty strategy. The small • Improving/maintaining physical The Youth Housing Support Group meetings have now resumed after being postponed during the grants scheme offered an opening to wellbeing and health; and initial COVID-19 response period. These meetings initially focused on the young people currently in develop new relationships with more young • Creative outputs/activities. temporary homeless accommodation and/or at immediate threat of becoming homeless when they people and adults working across health A summary of applications can be found resumed; however in recent weeks the group has resumed normal practice, although still virtually and social care. The multi-agency steering below: and all young people currently open to YHSG are being discussed/progressed at YHSG meetings. group involved young people social work, • Over half of all applications were made community engagement, community planning by males (58 males, 58% and 42 Work is underway to start to installation of short term living space at Cunningham Place. Approval colleagues. females, 42% Ages ranged from 14 has been gained to take forward the actions in relation to the redesign of Cunningham Place but years to 26 years of age; impact of lockdown has curtailed this. • A fifth of all applicants were 17 years of age. 1 in 2 applicants were aged The review of the current housing support contracts continue to progress with current contracts between 17 and 20 years of age; being extended to March 2021 due to the pandemic. • The highest percentage of applicants (86%) resided in South Ayrshire; • Half of all referrals came from social workers or support workers. Other referrals were from Employability & Skills team, Corporate Parenting, Education, Carers and other voluntary organisations; • Two thirds of all applicants only requested one item; • 1 in 4 applicants requested the funds to purchase data, mostly in the 14-18 year old age category; and • Other items requested from applicants included bikes gaming equipment, games, subscriptions, footwear, fishing equipment, food vouchers, and arts & crafts materials.
See below for a breakdown of funding sources (totalling Between March – August 2020 the £18,840.97) Champions Board teamed up with the Virtual School, Family Firm Team and Communities • Champions Board £5,000 colleagues to distribute £18,480.97 to 101 • COVID-19 communities match young people with care experience across South Ayrshire through the establishment funding £5,000 of Stay Connected small grants. The ‘Stay • Employability and Skills Team £3,654.90 Connected Fund’ is provided by South • Virtual schools Team £3,150 Ayrshire Champions Board in response • Additional funding H&SCP £1,675.99 to COVID-19. The funding is aimed at
32 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 33 STATUTORY DUTY TO YOUNG CARERS THROUGH TEAM AROUND THE CHILD
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 has created an opportunity to strengthen the working an opportunity for the Partnership and relationship between children’s and adults’ our partners to refresh our approach to services to work in partnership to support supporting young carers. We have developed young carers and their families. As part of the new team around the child guidance for Act all young carers are entitled to a Young staff in education, social care, NHS and third Carer Statement (YCS). The aim of a YCS sector. This guidance ‘Getting It Right for is to enable young carers to express their Young Carers’ is supported by a programme feelings, needs and explore what impact their of training and awareness raising. caring role has on their life. In South Ayrshire, children and young people are entitled to Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is request and are supported to complete a embedded into practice across all agencies YCS if: to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our 1. They live in South Ayrshire young people. Assessing the needs of young carers should follow the National Practice 2. Are under 18 years old or in secondary Model and utilise the Team around the school within South Ayrshire Child approach. Practitioners across South 3. They have caring responsibilities Ayrshire will be supported to proactively exceeding that which an “average” child or identify young carers as early as possible young person of the same age and and we will create a culture that empowers stage of development might reasonably be young carers and families to feel comfortable expected to undertake to self-identify. This approach also provides
STATUTORY AUTHORISATION CARDS FOR YOUNG CARERS Further work has been undertaken over the last then consider work on developing other primary year to identify more young carers through key care sites, principally GP Practices, ensuring PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE CARERS points of contact. With the recent resumption they have adequate support mechanisms in of school activity there are further opportunities place and to identify young carers, offer Young Carer better Statement’s and to link them to the existing utilising the COMMUNITY PLANNING OBJECTIVES: supports available. community PARTNERSHIP OUTCOME: link workers At an Ayrshire-wide level a significant initiative to support Young carers are living in a 1. Work with education, health and social care and other CP has been developed to develop ‘carer friendly’ carers/ supported community. partners to ensure that young carers are supported in line with community pharmacies, ensuring well trained young GIRFEC and the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 community pharmacy staff able to identify carers. carers/young carers and direct them to key 2. Ensure that our Young Carers are Safe, Healthy, Active, sources of support (e.g. the local carers Nurtured, Achieving, Respected, Responsible & Included centres). A leaflet has been produced that will be issued with prescription bags with 3. Ensure that all our Young Carers are: useful information for carers/young carers. The • Recognised and identified Ayrshire-wide group overseeing this significant • Valued and feel involved initiative is seeking to ensure carers and young • Supported to manage their caring role carers are identified at obvious points of contact • Provided with information, advice and training and it was agreed that community pharmacies opportunities would be an excellent starting point as a • Able to have a life alongside caring universal service. There has been an agreement with all Ayrshire community pharmacies to support this work going forward. This group will
34 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 35 YOUNG CARERS PACKAGE OF NON-CASH BENEFITS AND YOUNG CARER GRANT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES DISABILITY TEAM AROUND THE CHILD The Children and Families Disability Team model of assessment, the wider family’s needs Young Scot launched the Young Carers Young carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who don’t provides support to siblings affected by the are considered within this. Such assessments Package of Non-Cash Benefits for young qualify for Carer’s Allowance, can also apply disability of a brother or sister. This support has can sometimes identify the need for siblings carers aged 11 – 18 in June 2020. for the Young Carer Grant - a yearly payment of included group work activities and also access to either have more time with their parents £305.10. The Partnership and South Ayrshire to short breaks from their caring responsibilities (by provision of short breaks to child with a The Young Carers Package is part of the Carers Centre have been working together through the Day Care Link service. Day Care disability) or to provide social experiences within Scottish Government’s commitment to to share information on Young Carer Grant, Link uses local registered child care services to the community to the ‘young carer’. recognising the contributions of young carers helping to reach even more young people who provide short breaks (including afterschool and/ across Scotland. The package includes are entitled to receive this benefit, make them or holiday support) to children with or affected The social work assessment may identify a digital vouchers, access to subscriptions and aware of the payments and how to apply. by disability. This may include access to a need for support from other agencies, and exclusive opportunities. local childminder, out of school service and/or the assessing social worker would make any a sitter service. Where possible, services are appropriate referrals required. Advice and within the child’s local community and provide support would also be provided around the YCS Staff from South Ayrshire Council - an opportunity for the children to enjoy social in addition to the package of support available Community Learning and Development Team experiences and have time out from their caring to young carers. recently developed the Young Carers Living role. in South Ayrshire – Young Scot webpage. There is an established framework for this type This page was requested and designed by With all supports provided by the Children and of support within the Day Care Link service and local young carers to help young people self- Families Disability Team, the primary referral is it may be worthwhile to further develop this identify and balance caring responsibilities for the child with a disability. Using the GIRFEC model of support in the future. and life as a young person.
ACCESS TO LEISURE FOR YOUNG CARERS
In 2019 the Partnership and South Ayrshire Council Sport and Leisure Officers worked together to finalise proposals for free access to leisure for young carers in South Ayrshire.
Further to feedback received from South Ayrshire Carers Centre it has been agreed to extend the Activ8 membership to young people up to the age of 25 years old. South Ayrshire Carers Centre staff had highlighted that Young Carers are recognised up to the age of 25 however the YOUNG CARERS SERVICE existing membership was only for young people South Ayrshire Carers Centre deliver up to 18 years old. It was recognised young support to young carers from aged 8 carers aged 18-25 would greatly benefit from the onwards in South Ayrshire. The service membership providing free access to Sport and provide age appropriate information and Leisure facilities across South Ayrshire. advice to help young carers understand their role, the condition of the person South Ayrshire Council’s Sport and Leisure they care for, supports available; and officers will continue to work with the South also offer opportunities for young carers Ayrshire Carers Centre to monitor uptake, to spend time with their peers, to have membership usage and support the evolution of fun and get a break from caring. the membership to ensure it is benefiting those who need it most.
36 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 37 SUPPORTING YOUNG CARERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Health and Social Care staff contribute where to (younger) young carers was not available In June 2020 Carers Trust Scotland surveyed 214 appropriate to the assessment and planned through Day Care Link service as child care carers aged between 12 and 25 to understand SOUTH AYRSHIRE CARERS support of children and families through the providers were only available to keyworker Childs Plan. As part of their role and duty families during this period. Social Work staff their experiences of living and caring during CENTRE the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst some found practitioners will work with others to safeguard have maintained regular contact with allocated positives, such as learning a new skill or building South Ayrshire Carers Centre and promote the wellbeing of children and families throughout this period and liaised with a closer relationship with the person they care has continued to support young young people. It is also crucial that we colleagues in education and South Ayrshire for, many more describe feeling stressed, unable carers throughout the pandemic consider a whole family approach and work Carers Centre when additional needs have to cope and overwhelmed by the pressures they via telephone support and regular across the span of the Partnership, Council been identified. now face. The 2020 VISION: HEAR ME, SEE ME, online ‘Zoom group’ sessions, to and communities to alleviate the elements that SUPPORT ME AND DON’T FORGET ME impact make sure young people have been can drive the need for young people to assume The Partnership continues to work report highlighted that young carers are having to able to “have some fun and connect this role for their loved ones. collaboratively with South Ayrshire Council, cope with worsening mental health, a lack of time with their peers”, particularly during NHS Ayrshire & Arran and wider partners – off and their education suffering as a result of the lockdown. The Young Carers Service The Children and Families Disability Team sharing key messages and informative content coronavirus pandemic. Even before the outbreak of managed to obtain several grants reviewed all cases at the start of the relevant to young carers across our various coronavirus, young carers and young adult carers which have been used to support coronavirus pandemic and triaged them social media platforms to get this information were all too often spending significant amounts of young carers during the pandemic. accordingly. The team recognised the impact out as widely as possible. The latest national time caring for a relative in addition to the time they These include: of the additional caring responsibilities being advice for unpaid carers can be found on the needed to spend on education, work and time for placed upon young carers during this period Scottish Government webpage – advice for themselves. COVID-19 has significantly increased • Cash 4 Kids – Easter Appeal / and this was fully considered as critical unpaid carers and for children and young those pressures. March 2020 - £500; services were allocated. The direct services people by visiting the Young Scot website. • Time To Live – Young Carers / Creative Breaks – June 2020 – various payments distributed; • Cash 4 Kids – Emergency COVID-19 response grants – Various £35 payments distributed – April 2020; • Art packs donated via Champions Board – 30 distributed – June 2020; • Ayr Rotary Donated £1,800.00 – April 2020; • Young Carers Alliance – applied and received £2,500.00 - August 2020; and • SCVO wellbeing grant – various The young and young adult carers that shared payment distributed – June 2020. their thoughts and experiences with Carers Trust Scotland have said that future support needs to include: • Support for their emotional wellbeing and mental health; • Help to stay connected to friends and their communities; • Breaks from their caring role and the support of specialist young and young adult carers services; • More help to balance caring, education and employment; and • Support to stay fit and healthy.
38 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 39 OUR RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Community Planning Partners, along with vital meals, residents who were shielding and react to volunteering requests during support from community groups and volunteers, to support people in crisis. The hubs were the pandemic. Officers worked have ensured that our older people who are based in Marr College, Prestwick Academy, alongside VASA to develop volunteering living with dementia, or found themselves Queen Margaret Academy, Dalmilling opportunities and training throughout the experiencing social isolation and loneliness, Primary, Braehead Primary, Carrick pandemic; were continued to be supported, engagement Academy and Girvan Primary; continued to take place with our children and • Co-ordination of pharmacy delivery young people who are care experienced and • Continued support of residents who were on working with local pharmacies to provide additional support was provided for children the Scottish Government shielding list where five days a week delivery service for and young people who are carers. Throughout call handlers were tasked with contacting residents who were shielding or isolated this report you will have found examples of every person on the shielding list. Where in their homes. 19 dedicated volunteer work that has taken place to support local contact couldn’t be made over telephone, drivers collected and delivered over 600 communities during the pandemic from the house visits were carried out to ensure prescriptions; and delivery of ‘bags of support’ to adapting to residents who were shielding were safe and new ways of working to allow older people to did not require further assistance. To ensure • Co-ordination of the Connecting continue to exercise in their homes, to weekly that people who were shielding continued to Scotland fund to assist people who were ‘zoom’ sessions to ensure our young carers and receive the highest level of support during digitally excluded during the pandemic. care experienced children and young people the pandemic, everyone on the shielding list South Ayrshire Council staff delivered were supported. was contacted by our team by telephone at 145 devices to residents who were in least twice. For those who signed up for the low income households and deemed In June 2020, South Ayrshire Community national food box delivery, the boxes were clinically high risk or shielding. Each Planning Partnership published a further supplemented by fresh produce to recipient has been allocated a digital South Ayrshire Local Outcomes those who needed it the most; champion who provides weekly online Improvement Plan: Covid-19 Response report support. Phase 2 of this fund has just providing an update on the extensive work that • Over 53,000 free school meal boxes were been launched and this funding aims initially took place to support our communities delivered to children across South Ayrshire to provide devices to care leavers or during these difficult times (focusing on the between April and August. The weekly low-income households with children. four priorities within our Local Outcomes food boxes contained a range of items Officers are currently coordinating this Improvement Plan). The pandemic has brought that included fresh and ambient food with alongside colleagues in the HSCP and communities together through kindness and enough food to make breakfast and lunch 3rd sector. compassion and in the LOIP: COVID-19 for a week. Free School Meals boxes were Response Report you will see further examples prepared in the HAC’s and were delivered to During lockdown, Children’s Health, Care & of that amazing response across our localities. the child or young person’s doorstep. Food Justice Service within South Ayrshire Health boxes included child activity packs, recipe and Social Care Partnership used a number South Ayrshire Council established and cards and free sanitary products; of different creative approaches to enable co-ordinated a comprehensive community the continued delivery of services to our resilience response focusing on the delivery • Three area teams within Troon/Prestwick, most vulnerable children, families and those of free school meals; supporting residents Ayr/surrounding villages and Carrick in Justice. These approaches have taken who were shielding; and providing support to were established to support individual many different and varied forms, however volunteer community groups and individuals community members and organised groups. there has also been the continued delivery who were working to support their local Support included advice and guidance of face to face contact for those in greatest communities. This included the: on volunteering, providing PPE, providing need. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis direct funding support and dealing with any there has been strong partnership working • Creation of a dedicated email address and community requests via our COVID line - this across Health, Education, Police, community phone number to respond to calls and included coordinating food parcel deliveries groups and third sectors providers. This emails from the members of the public; at a local level; partnership working has enabled the sharing • Establishment of seven humanitarian of resources and target those families and assistance centres (HAC’s) across South • Co-ordination of volunteering across South individuals who were especially vulnerable Ayrshire. These centres were used to Ayrshire in partnership with Voluntary and in need of coordinated support. coordinate food provision for free school Action South Ayrshire to promote and
40 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 41 WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? PLACE PLANNING In last year’s progress report we spoke about Financial impact should also be a priority on its South Ayrshire Council has been progressing currently being considered. innovation and collaboration being a key factor own as a major focus for the CPP – in order to its new approach to placemaking with a in the development of action both at strategic reflect the wider community it was agreed that focus on the development of Place Plans Despite the delay, the benefits of the and community levels. Our current annual the strategic theme of ‘Closing the Poverty- in the pilot areas of Ayr North and Girvan. placemaking approach are already report provides evidence of the continued Related Outcomes Gaps for Children and Young During the second half of 2019 ‘community being felt with the establishment of an commitment and progress that has been People’ should be redefined as ‘Closing the conversations’ were undertaken with the Environmental Improvements Group made made, but not only that, it has emphasised that Poverty-Related Outcomes Gaps’ to reflect communities in both areas to identify the up of relevant Council Services that will innovation and collaboration has played a vital families and the wider community and this priorities for action. deliver placemaking projects identified by role in allowing community planning partners, will be considered by our Financial Inclusion the community. On 18th December 2019 third sector agencies, local community groups Strategic Delivery Partnership. The discussions with the community South Ayrshire Council approved a series and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, to have utilised the ‘Place Standard’ tool of placemaking projects totalling £287,000 respond quickly in a crisis situation and support that has been developed by the Scottish for implementation in the Ayr North and our local communities in very challenging times. Government to facilitate dialogue on what Girvan pilot areas. These projects sought to makes a successful place. The community address some of the issues raised during the Learning from the pandemic will play a key conversations and use of the Place Standard initial community conversations and ensured role in our future planning, particularly around has allowed the Council to better understand that action would be taken ‘on the ground’ recovery and renewal, and action needed to and measure the complexity of issues that whilst the plans themselves are being improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities in our communities that will have are faced by our communities, and the completed. been impacted further as a result of the Place Plans will be more representative and pandemic. COVID-19 has increased levels of effective as a result. poverty across our communities with deprivation intensifying. The Place Plan pilots have been delayed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, however The instrumental role of volunteers during the these are expected to be completed in 2020, pandemic has been recognised (over 600 people with options for final community engagement from across South Ayrshire registered an interest through the Council, VASA and the Red Cross) and it has been agreed by the Community Planning Board to establish a working group to develop and implement a volunteering strategy for South Ayrshire which will be led by our Third Sector Interface, Voluntary Action South Ayrshire. This commitment recognises that a strong infrastructure to support volunteering in the future needs to be in place. Further information on this can be found here.
For our Local Outcomes Improvement Plan, the strategic themes of Supporting Older People to Live in Good Health and Closing the Poverty- Related Outcomes Gaps for Children and Young People were considered, and discussion took place to identify if there are new areas emerging/ that will emerge as a result of COVID-19 under the strategic themes. It was agreed that there should be a more co-ordinated approach to the financial impact of the current health crisis with an emphasis on wider family which will be discussed through our Integrated Children’s Services Strategic Delivery Partnership.
42 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 43 NEXT STEPS FOR SOUTH AYRSHIRE LOCAL OUTCOMES IMPROVEMENT PLAN
This section provides information on the main areas of focus the next 12 months
REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR CARE EXPERIENCED CHILDREN AND CARE LEAVERS
• Maintain and expand the Social Isolation Group membership to review and achieve the • The Corporate Parenting Plan is due for • Progress with the Whole Family, Whole actions set out in the Strategic Implementation Plan; renewal by 31 March 2021. The Corporate System approach. To enable the Health • Continue to develop training for staff and communities to raise awareness of loneliness Parenting Executive Group, chaired by and Social Care Partnership to work with and isolation, how to identify loneliness and respond appropriately; the Head of Service for Children’s Health, education and health to identify children • Develop digital pathways to support access to social connections whilst mitigating Care and Justice Services, will have at risk and in need of protection earlier. against the ‘digital divide’ by also providing opportunities for face-to-face connections oversight of the progress of the new Plan. It is also anticipated that this approach when safe to do so; A Writing Group has been established will reduce escalation through the care • Continue to develop the local evidence base of what works to tackle loneliness and to progress this with representatives system. The approach would seek to isolation; from many services including social have additional Health and Social Care • Encourage action evidence during the emergency response to COVID-19 pandemic to work, housing, health, employability, staff within the School cluster to work continue; the third sector and Police Scotland. together with pastoral care teaching staff • Continue to work with our LPGs to raise awareness of loneliness and isolation, promote Co-production with people with care and health workers to develop a whole kindness and self-care, and reduce stigma; experience will be at the centre of this. family approach within the school and • Work to influence the wider determinants of loneliness and isolation with partners The Plan will be framed on the five community; and contributing to the development of ‘Place’. For example work to ensure the foundations from The Promise: Voice, development of social connections are considered when developing new community Family, Care, People and Scaffolding • Progress with the redesign of Cunningham structures/housing developments; and and be focused on the United Nations Place (Children’s House) to include an • Work to ensure our actions contribute to tackling the other Public Health Priorities for Convention on the Rights of a Child; independent living flat and to develop a Scotland such as alcohol and healthy eating/weight ‘Garden Room’ within the grounds to be • Due to COVID-19 restrictions and used as an additional resource for young the delay in Children’s Hearings and people in crisis who require to be out of SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARERS Permanence panel meetings, the PACE the family home for a short period of time journey has been delayed. Recently while a team around the family work to • Dealing with the existing and future however, there has been progress in address the risks and concerns, to enable limitations linked to COVID-19; Permanence meetings restarting, and the young person to return safely; and • Continue awareness raising and assessments being able to be presented, training at different levels; meaning that the measuring of the • Finalise the Strategic Advocacy Plan by • Beginning the local developments timescales relating to the child’s journey April 2021. associated with the Life Changes can be measured. There will also be a Trust Awards; study undertaken to look at the impact of • Continuing, where possible, the COVID-19 on progress; local activities supporting people living with dementia and their • Continuing Care Guidance is being carer’s, both organised at local level updated and this will include guidance on and through thematic work; discussing this option with young people • Influencing and new planning or at an earlier point. The Signs of Safety capital based initiatives to ensure framework is planned for introduction dementia friendly principles inform in Children and Families Social Work their development; and services and this will give a practice • Seeking to identify longer term guidance for work with families and young sources of funding to sustain people; successful working.
44 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 45 MONITORING AND REVIEW PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE CARERS The following flowchart outlines the delivery plan which is in place to support the implementation of South Ayrshire Young Carers Strategy 2020 - 2025 the LOIP and the mechanism to deliver the 4 priority areas of: • reducing social isolation and loneliness; support young carers over the next five years. • supporting people living with dementia and their carers; Showing how we will maintain our progress • improving outcomes for care experienced children and care leavers; and and make improvements in areas where • providing support for young people who are carers. changes need to be made. The Strategy sets out strategic themes, based around what Actions are overseen by implementation groups that lead on activity as well as performance young carers told us mattered to them – and management. These strategic themes are taken forward by our Integrated Children’s Services features anonymised quotes. These themes Strategic Delivery Partnership and South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. Performance then inform a more detailed action plan that is monitored through Pentana. sets out a range of work that we believe will LOIP Delivery Plan improve support for our young carers during 2020 - 2025. The strategic themes have South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board been developed around the eight GIRFEC The Young Carers Strategy sets out the well-being indicators – Safe, Healthy, Active, Partnership’s local response to the statutory Nurtured, Achieving, Respected, Responsible, Community Safety Financial Inclusion duties (responsibilities) of the Carers Included (SHANARRI). The strategic themes Strategic Delivery South Ayrshire Community Planning Executive Strategic Delivery (Scotland) Act 2016. Young carers planning are: Partnership Partnership seeks to integrate with the overall ‘Getting • I am safe, healthy and active it Right for Every Child’ work so that there • I am nurtured, achieving and respected is a fully integrated approach involving • I am responsible and included Health and Wellbeing: Integrated Children’s Service partners such as schools, social work, Communities and Population Planning Strategic Delivery Health Strategic Delivery Partnership
health and other colleagues. The Strategy Public consultation on the draft Strategy Partnership (progress updates will be provided to Closing the poverty-related outcomes gap for children and young people also recognises the vital support given to began in mid-September 2020 and we are (progress updates will be provided the CP Exec/CP Board) to the CP Exec/CP Board) young carers by organisations such as South currently awaiting consultation feedback Ayrshire Carers Centre. from young carers and relevant stakeholders
to strengthen the final iteration. Currently 2 x IMPLEMENTATION GROUPS (to IMPLEMENTATION CHAMPIONS The Strategy builds on a strong base of there are no dedicated statutory resources progress actions plans and provide GROUP BOARD updates to Health and Wellbeing: (to progress (to progress existing provision and, importantly, recognises linked to supporting Young Carers. Specific Communities and Population actions plans and actions plans and the important partnerships and relationships resource is being considered within the Health SDP and use current provide updates to provide updates to reporting structures via HSCP) Integrated Children’s Integrated Children’s that underpin local support for young carers. Partnership, including committing dedicated SDP) or use current SDP) or use current The Strategy explains what it means to be a commissioned resource to the Carers Centre reporting structures reporting structures via HSCP via HSCP young carer and outlines the Partnership’s for this key source of support. plans to raise awareness, recognise and ACTION PLAN ACTION PLAN Reducing Support for ACTION PLAN ACTION PLAN social isolation people living Providing Improving and loneliness with dementia support for outcomes for action plan and their young people care experienced carers who are carers children and care leavers Supporting older people to live in good health live Supporting to older people
• South Ayrshire Dementia Strategy • South Ayrshire Champions Board • South Ayrshire Social Isolation and • Children’s Services Plan Loneliness Strategy • Child Poverty Action Plan • South Ayrshire Carers Strategy • Corporate Parenting Plan
Public Health Priorities
Annual Progress Report
46 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020 47 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/cpp/
48 Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - Annual Progress Report 2020