Issue - meetings

This paper sets out the diagnostic of the Early Help system within BCP. It explains the changes that have occurred within these services to lead to a better, more efficient, and effective Early Help and prevention offer. These improvements future proof our delivery methods and incorporate elements of the Care Review. In addition, it will cover Family Hubs and how we are transforming to work with all children and all age ranges within this service, with the support of our communities.

The Early Help & Partnership Lead and Service Manager, Targeted Support and Youth Services presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report set out the diagnostic of the Early Help system within BCP. It explained the changes that had occurred within these services to lead to a better, more efficient, and effective Early Help and prevention offer. These improvements future proof delivery methods and incorporate elements of the Care Review. In addition, it would cover Family Hubs and how we were transforming to work with all children and all age ranges within this service, with the support of our communities.

The Committee discussed the report including:

• In response to some queries regarding the financial aspects of the report the Committee was advised that the officers did not have the specifics that were requested at the meeting and would circulate them by email. ACTION.
• The Committee was advised that there was a need for a broader discussion about the future plans for the buildings that were previously used as Early Help Centres. However, they were assured that all the buildings would be utilised appropriately, whether they were sold or used for other purposes.
• In response to a query regarding how the work was going to be done the Committee was advised that the strategy, pathway and implementation plan would be circulated for information. ACTION
• The Committee was advised of the intention to maintain partnerships with already established support groups and to offer a space where they can connect with people who wished to use the support services.
• In response to a query regarding how the funding for family hubs was going to be utilised, the Committee was advised that following a successful funding bid, Children’s Services would be commissioning new services as a part of the early help offer and to better some environmental aspects of the services.
• The Committee was advised that the mobile youth services mentioned in the plan included a number of mobile units varying in size that offered facilities for youth in the conurbation to contact services such as sexual health, school workers and neighbourhood police teams.
• In response to a query regarding the accessibility of a digital service, the Committee was advised that consideration was given to what parts of the conurbation had digital access and areas that may have limited digital access.
• In response to a query regarding the implementation of the service redesign, the Committee was advised of the work in this area which included building on the foundation that had been established and working on any weaknesses through the strategy.
• A Task and Finish group was proposed concerning the Early Help Service. It was agreed that the scope be considered outside of the meeting and would report back to the Committee at a later date. ACTION.

RESOLVED that the officers invite Councillors out to the hubs.