Agenda item

The Board received a report from Denise Mantell (LBB Strategic and Business Support)—the report was ‘Social Isolation—Local Awareness Campaign and Action Plan Update’.

An action plan for dealing with social isolation had been submitted to the HWB in March 2017. The updated report outlined progress made on the action plan that would drive the ‘Social Inclusion’ campaign.

The first section of the ‘Social Isolation Bromley Mylife’ website was now live. The web link for this was: https://bromley.mylifeportal.co.uk/socialisolation

The link provided information about who was affected by social isolation and loneliness. Some of the impacts of social isolation were self-neglect, risk of various forms of abuse, and an impact on health and care services.

Ms Mantell referred to data received from the 2016/17 Adult Social Care Survey and the Carers Survey. The sample was based on those receiving services from Bromley Council and their carers. The data revealed that 277 (28%) of the 974 respondents stated that they did not have as much social contact as they would like, and 71 of these stated that they felt socially isolated. These figures were based on those individuals that responded to the survey, so the actual figures would be higher.

The Board heard that in addition to the social isolation section on the Bromley My Life portal, other actions were planned:

·  In November, it was planned to promote a Social Isolation Awareness Campaign. This would inform organisations about the impact of social isolation. It would also encourage individuals to take part in various activities.

·  In addition to the campaign, a number of specific actions would be undertaken by specific partners, which would be aimed at decreasing social isolation.

·  Finally, work was also being undertaken with groups of potentially vulnerable individuals aimed at preventing them from becoming socially isolated. 

The Social Awareness Campaign would encourage the use of befriending services, chat lines and relevant social media sites like ‘Meeting Me’ and ‘Next Door’. Community Groups on ‘My Life’ would be asked to get in touch to help and deliver a calendar of events.  Flyers would be given out that would sign post to befriending services. The Campaign would also make use of Libraries and the Council’s email database.

The report highlighted and explained the positive outcomes that could be achieved for individuals, community groups, and health and social care, if social isolation could be addressed and decreased. 

The Chairman expressed his thanks to Ms Mantell for an excellent paper.  He noted that similar conclusions had been drawn from a recent meeting of the Academy of Medical Sciences and the paper relating to the Better Care Fund. He also thought that it was a good idea to run the campaign over the course of a month.

Janet Tibbalds (Community Links) stated that many elderly people could not get out due to mobility issues, and so local volunteers were required to get stuck in and help. It was also the case that in some instances young people were also affected by social isolation.    

Dr Bhan stated that the report was a good piece of work, and that delivery was important. She felt that GPs should also be consulted, and that the CCG should be more involved. Dr Bhan felt that the term ‘socially isolated’ may not be entirely appropriate. She also noted the absence of any reference to ethnic minorities. She felt that it was important to liaise with all of the relevant voluntary groups. Dr Paranjape opined that it was important to use all relevant networks, and to make good use of the ICNs.

Councillor Judith Ellis expressed concern about the problems caused to families by out of the borough accommodation. It was an issue that was placing a lot of pressure on families. The Chairman felt that all Councillors should be kept fully informed and should be encouraged to be social isolation champions. Councillor Stephen Carr concurred with this sentiment, and agreed that Councillors had a corporate parenting responsibility, and that ward councillors should play an active role. Janet Tibbalds suggested that Councillors could look out for signs of social isolation when undertaking case work.

Harvey Guntrip wanted to flag up social isolation problems that arose when an elderly spouse passed away.

The Chairman requested that if any members had any further suggestions as to how the issue of social isolation could be further highlighted and addressed, they should contact Ms Mantell.

It was agreed that a further update on the matter of Social Isolation be brought to the next meeting.

RESOLVED that a Social Isolation update be brought to the next meeting.