The Committee considered a verbal report and presentation from the Director of Public Health, in relation to the Annual report focusing on Social Isolation.

The report focused on those for whom social isolation had a long-lasting and potentially more damaging impact. Ms Johnstone indicated that social isolation was a significant problem within our society and one that we should all be concerned about. Whilst most of us were fortunate enough to have family, friends and neighbours to provide us with a reliable social network, there are some for whom regular social interaction was non-existent.

The report highlighted that changing patterns within our society e.g. older people living longer without adequate support, the financial impacts of recession, and vulnerable groups within society and not having access to appropriate services or support mechanisms, all created the conditions for feeling cut off from society.

The report outlined, that being socially isolated could lead to a wide variety of health and social care issues and simply cannot afford to be ignored if we were to continue to avoid extra pressures on our already stretched services, address the needs of the most vulnerable within our society and generally keep people healthy and happy.

Ms Johnstone indicated that in Wirral, there were some very good examples of initiatives, notably within the voluntary and community sector, which attempt to build, draw on or maintain social networks at all levels.

Wirral’s statutory health and social care services played a vital part in ensuring that vulnerable people got the support they need. The Authority needed to look to alternative ways of reaching and supporting those within our local communities that are socially isolated, as part of building resilience within communities, taking time to know our neighbours, and being prepared to reach out where there is need.

The report indicated that there was now a firm commitment to tackling social isolation, both at a national and local level. The ‘Care and Support’ white paper, which sets out the government’s vision for social care, clearly sets out the aim of tackling loneliness and social isolation, supporting people to remain connected to their communities, friends and family. With the inclusion of a new indictor for social isolation within both the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework and the Public Health Outcomes Framework, local councils will now be judged on how well they perform in this area. We as a Board have also committed to address this issue through the strategy and the specific objectives to tackle social isolation within older people and people with mental health problems.

The report reinforces the view that the responsibility for tackling this important issue lies with all of us and we can each play a part.

Members congratulated Ms Johnstone on the report which they felt addressed a very important issue which they could all contribute to.

A Member suggested that befriending groups could be further developed to alleviate some aspects of social isolation and commented that our voluntary sector partners had a huge part to play  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46

Purpose:

To present the findings and recommendations of the 2013 Public Health Annual Report

(Fiona Johnstone– Wirral Council)

The Board considered a verbal report and presentation from the Director of Public Health, in relation to the Annual report focusing on Social Isolation.

The report focused on those for whom social isolation had a long-lasting and potentially more damaging impact. Ms Johnstone indicated that social isolation was a significant problem within our society and one that we should all be concerned about. Whilst most of us were fortunate enough to have family, friends and neighbours to provide us with a reliable social network, there are some for whom regular social interaction was non-existent.

The report highlighted that changing patterns within our society e.g. older people living longer without adequate support, the financial impacts of recession, and vulnerable groups within society and not having access to appropriate services or support mechanisms, all created the conditions for feeling cut off from society.

The report outlined, that being socially isolated could lead to a wide variety of health and social care issues and simply cannot afford to be ignored if we were to continue to avoid extra pressures on our already stretched services, address the needs of the most vulnerable within our society and generally keep people healthy and happy.

Ms Johnstone indicated that in Wirral, there were some very good examples of initiatives, notably within the voluntary and community sector, which attempt to build, draw on or maintain social networks at all levels.

Wirral’s statutory health and social care services played a vital part in ensuring that vulnerable people got the support they need. The Authority needed to look to alternative ways of reaching and supporting those within our local communities that are socially isolated, as part of building resilience within communities, taking time to know our neighbours, and being prepared to reach out where there is need.

The report indicated that there was now a firm commitment to tackling social isolation, both at a national and local level. The ‘Care and Support’ white paper, which sets out the government’s vision for social care, clearly sets out the aim of tackling loneliness and social isolation, supporting people to remain connected to their communities, friends and family. With the inclusion of a new indictor for social isolation within both the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework and the Public Health Outcomes Framework, local councils will now be judged on how well they perform in this area. We as a Board have also committed to address this issue through the strategy and the specific objectives to tackle social isolation within older people and people with mental health problems.

The report reinforces the view that the responsibility for tackling this important issue lies with all of us and we can each play a part.

Ms Johnstone concluded by outlining a number of recommendations contained within the report.

Board Members congratulated Ms Johnstone on the report which they felt addressed a very important issue which they could all contribute to.

Ms Johnstone thanked the Board for their support and suggestions surrounding troubled families and hospital patients  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21