Issue - meetings

Development Officer (ECHS) giving an update on work being undertaken to address the issue of social isolation as part of the November Campaign 2017.

The Bromley MyLife Portal included a directory of activities and events with over 800 entries that were searchable in a number of ways such as by activity, age, postcode and need.  A range of befriending services and volunteering opportunities were also advertised via the Portal, as well as through other media and community venues.  During the November Campaign 2017, 1454 pages relating to social isolation within the Bromley Mylife Portal had been viewed by 794 unique visitors.  Following the month-long event, further work was underway to tackle the issue of social isolation amongst all groups including older people and parents with young children which included publicising the Social Isolation Portal to Bromley residents and residents’ associations and continuing to update the Bromley Mylife Portal with new events and activities.  Social isolation would also be included as a key issue in new health and social care strategies. 

In considering the presentation, a Board Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that this information was available to all Bromley residents, as some may not be able to access online information.  The Senior Planning and Development Officer confirmed that this initiative would be advertised in a number of ways including through voluntary groups and community venues, and that the promotional material encouraged people to think of their friends, family and neighbours who might benefit from the programme of events and activities.  The Board Member noted the value of informal activities, such as sewing circles, and suggested that it might be useful to produce guidance on how people could establish informal social groups.

The Independent Chairman, Bromley Safeguarding Children Board noted that the Bromley Safeguarding Children Board had electronic contact details for a number of residents across Bromley through which the initiative could be promoted, and would provide this information to the Senior Planning and Development Officer following the meeting.  The Chairman requested that an update be provided on the progress of work being undertaken to address the issue of social isolation at the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board on 29^th March 2018.

The Chairman reminded Board members, and especially Councillors, that all had a role to play in encouraging and championing local initiatives to address social isolation.  The Chairman led Members in thanking Denise Mantell for her excellent presentation which is attached at Appendix B. 

RESOLVED that the presentation be noted.