Issue - meetings

The Day Opportunities Project has developed a ‘Case for Change’, working in co-production with people with lived experience, their families and carers, members of the public and a range of wider stakeholders.  Evidence to support the Case for Change has been gathered through a strategic needs assessment, a review of best practice and innovation, and a public view seeking exercise.  This has led to the formulation of 6 key priorities to underpin the future strategy, including 25 proposals for implementation over a period of the next 5 years 2023-2028.

The Commissioning Manager – Day Opportunities and Interim Head of Strategic Commissioning – Disabilities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Day Opportunities Project had developed a ‘Case for Change’, working in co-production with people with lived experience, their families and carers, members of the public and a range of wider stakeholders.

Evidence to support the Case for Change had been gathered through a strategic needs assessment, a review of best practice and innovation, and a public view seeking exercise.  This had led to the formulation of six key priorities to underpin the future strategy, including 25 proposals for implementation over a period of the next five years 2023-2028.

This was an ambitious and comprehensive plan, aspiring to ensure there was a blended approach to the future provision of day opportunities across BCP conurbation that promotes community presence, access to a wider range of services, personalisation, choice and safety for people who require day opportunities.

In acknowledging the aspirations of the proposed strategic design priorities, this would require further co-production engagement to realign services to meet current and future need within the available budget and release funding for the realisation of the key priorities.

The Committee discussed the report and comments were made, including:

• In response to a query regarding the needs and desires for the differing age groups, the Committee was advised that there was a mix of provision, including charities, church organisations and micro providers who offered provision for day opportunities and although not formal day care, they played an important part in engagement and socialisation.
• In response to a query regarding funding and savings, the Committee was advised that modernisation and changing the way of working would lead to efficiencies and provide a wider variety of choice.
• In response to a query regarding the temporary closure of day service buildings due to Covid, the Committee was advised that no decisions had been made about any permanent closures and this review would help set out the principles for moving forward which would include building based fully accessible services as well as community based offers.
• The Vice Chair thanked the Committee and Officer for the discussions and reassurances and in response the Committee was advised that the aim was to broaden the day service opportunities to offer a wider variety.

RESOLVED that the Committee note the report and findings from the review of day opportunities and supports the following recommendations to Cabinet:

a)    The strategic priorities for day opportunities set out in point 61 of this report, which underpin the future strategy and its implementation.

b)    The mixed model of day opportunities includes community-based activities for people within their local area and hubs that will ensure a safe space for people who require a building-based service as well as broadening the day opportunities offer. 

c)    Officers to work with stakeholders to re-design and then re-commission services  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61