Services that support residents to live independent and fulfilling lives are set to be transformed following a listening process that saw hundreds of people give their views.
At a meeting yesterday (20 March) Cornwall Council’s cabinet agreed to back a new programme of work that will see positive changes to Day Opportunities, Supported Employment Services and Short Breaks.
The programme was developed following conversations with hundreds of people who currently use services such as day centres or supported employment. The results have helped developed a plan that will allow services to be more flexible and based around how people want to spend their time.
Cornwall Council cabinet lead for adult social care and health, Andy Virr said:
“The new services will offer residents a greater range of opportunities, flexibility, and choice. By developing local community opportunities, the programme will help address transport challenges and provide an opportunity to deliver support for people where currently there is none.
“The plan will also support residents to access supported employment and work-related activities, helping people into paid employment.”
The engagement with people who use services was carried out by National Development Team for Inclusion. They supported people who use the services to lead the engagement with the aim of it being as inclusive as possible.
Over 350 people gave their views which included individuals with learning disabilities, autism, older individuals, those with physical disabilities, dementia, families, staff, managers, volunteers, and community members.
You can find out more in this video
Cllr Virr added:
“From what people told us we saw the vital importance that people placed on relationships and the significant impact people found from having social connections and building friendships.
“We saw how important it was that people were able to go out into their community and explore hobbies such as music, arts and exercise. People who volunteered or were employed told us how it helped them have a sense of purpose which they valued a great deal.”
The recommended service design includes the following:
- A new tendering framework for external services
- Council managed Day Services and Supported Employment to be delivered by CorservCare
- Expanding the range of day opportunities to meet the needs of local people
- That services provide good quality care and support, good quality activities and good quality venues which are monitored by outputs and outcomes
- A clear pricing methodology
- Services that promote independence and focus on personalised outcomes
A number of recommendations have also been agreed on the council’s Short Breaks service which offers respite to people who access care and support services and their families.
The overall aim of the recommendations is to offer a service that is more empowering and focused on creating the best possible experience for people attending the service. This will include:
- A review of the council’s current short breaks building estate ensuring a modern fit-for-purpose environment
- Provision of overnight emergency respite facilities that can accommodate people at short notice
- Provision of short breaks which consistently covers weekends and bank holidays
- Short breaks that can offer outreach into the community
- Staff within short breaks being geographically-based rather than building-based
- The ability for carers or people accessing services to book their own respite
More information on all of the proposed improvements can be found within the cabinet meeting papers.
