Archived decisions

SOCIAL SERVICES

Oakridge project (Basingstoke)

The project's aim is to provide leisure and recreational activities for older people in a centre which will also provide comprehensive information on all services available with the aim of keeping older people at their optimum level of fitness and well being.

Won an award for modernisation and partnerships.

Christina Sell

Hampshire's Project for the Innovation Forum

A new project is being developed jointly between the NHS and the County Council to promote the well-being of frail older people and reduce their need for emergency services - especially emergency hospital stays. Other agencies such as voluntary and housing agencies will be invited to take part as the project develops.

The project is being undertaken as part of the work of the Innovation Forum of `excellent' local authorities. The project involves deploying nurses and social workers within specific primary care practices to work proactively with older people who are most at risk. The aim is to work with the older people and their families to reduce these risks and promote independence.

David Browning

The Guides to Care at Home and Residential Care.

These two free guides provide information and advice to people who wish to remain living at home or are looking to find a local residential home. Information includes where to get help to keep safe at home, getting out and about, state benefits and gives information about local services such as good neighbour schemes.

Michelle Jameson, Communications Manager

Carers Schemes

It is known that carers are more likely to experience ill health as a direct result of their caring role.  As a result, one of the drivers in commissioning support services for carers is improving health through relieving stress.  The services we commission with Carers Together in Hampshire (county-wide voluntary organisation) include relaxation days where carers attend and access a range of complementary therapies and activities such as dance and head massage.  These are held throughout the county. 

All other services, including support and advocacy, respite care and information, production of literature and the Carers Helpline, address improving a carers' situation and therefore contribute proactively to reducing the risk of ill-health.

Maria Milton, Commissioning Officer, Carers telephone 01962 847 268

Drop in Centres

The Alzheimer's Café in Farnborough provides an example of proactive intervention for people with Alzheimer's, dementia and their carers and family.  The first to be opened in England, the Alzheimer's Café follows a care model developed in the Netherlands that facilitates well-being and good health with people with dementia and their carers.  

The Café provides a space where people with dementia and / or their family and friends can be together in a safe, welcoming environment, in the company of other carers, volunteers and health and social care professionals, for the purpose of emotional support, education and social interaction.  By meeting together and talking about the problems that having dementia brings, persons and families can better manage their own situations.  Making the illness 'discussable' gives the person with dementia the feeling of being able to influence his/her situation. 

The Café is supported by HCC Social Services Health and health partners in Rushmoor and Hart and has approximately 65-75 attendees each month.

Kandy Redwood, Carers Support Worker telephone 01252 314 221

Occupational Therapy

Promoting personal independence and safety is critical leading a full life - it is known that if people have information and early access to minor pieces of equipment/adaptation their ability to lead an independent life is increased. Accidents which could lead to increased demands on health and social care are prevented.

The Occupational Therapy Direct Service is a new service which handles all enquiries for Occupational Therapy - the service supports people to identify their own needs gives information and can fast track access to certain items of equipment and minor adaptations without the need for home visit. People who have more complex needs are identified and referred to the area Occupational Therapist for full assessment.

Angela Watwood

Sensory -Early Intervention

The developing early intervention service in sensory services is based on the principle that people who have good information from which they can identify their own needs together with peer support at an early point remain independent and active.

This service involves 1:1 Sessions; drop in clinics and a programme of group sessions linking with Health and voluntary agencies.

As this service is developing across Hampshire research is also being undertaken to assess its effectiveness.

Angela Watwood

4. PROPERTY BUSINESS & REGULATORY SERVICES

Healthy Eating Campaign (Regulatory Services)

The focus is on giving the public the information they need to make a healthy choice. Business already gets leaflets, visits and letters so the new key target group is the consumers. The Campaign includes:

· Credit card chart

· Leaflet

· Promotional campaign

· New website at www,hants.gov.uk/food

Also links with HC3S to improve school meals.

Paul Berryman

5. RECREATION & HERITAGE - Delivering improvements in public health through preventative health initiatives

Activehearts

Improving the quality of life for elderly residents in Hampshire County Council's care homes and day centres through an ongoing, annual arts events programme organised by the Arts Service and funded by HCC Social Services.

(Some 1,400 participatory arts/crafts workshops and 700 quality, professional performances have been enjoyed by residents in all 26 county run care homes and day centres for the elderly.

Evaluation has shown that the sustained continuity of such arts provision has a direct benefit to the well being of the residents and day centre clients, both as a palliative and preventative measure. )

Nadine Fry and

Steven Pugh,

Arts Service

Home Library Service

The County Library reaches over 2000 housebound people in their own homes and is planning to increase that number, and enhance the quality of the service in various ways. For example, through closer working with Social Services to develop the information provision side of the service.

Nick Coe

Reading Groups for Visually Impaired People (VIPs)

Hampshire Library Service was the first to set up reading groups specifically for VIPs, using multiple copies of unabridged audio books. There are now 6 groups in the county which meet regularly, with more planned. They provide an opportunity not only for reader development but also for social interaction and general exchange of information about matters relevant to people with a sight loss. In 2004, members of all the VIP reading groups were invited to an event at Chawton House.

Nick Coe

IT training for VIPs

The 300+ free public access computers in libraries, which make up the People's Network, all now have special software to make them accessible to blind and partially sighted people. In Fareham Library, weekly classes are run specifically for VIPs in how to operate the software. Similar classes will shortly be starting at Alton Library and at other libraries later in the year.

Nick Coe

Reminiscence Collection

A Reminiscence Collection of books, newspapers, sound recordings, photographs, games and other items is maintained at South Ham Library and made available for loan anywhere in the County. Library staff deliver reminiscence sessions both in libraries and in locations outside in the community, such as care homes. Planned development of the Library's reminiscence work in 2005 through closer links with the Museum Service.

Ann Stoker

Travellers

The Library Service has established a partnership with the Traveller Education Service to develop links with Traveller communities in the North and South of the County. Some of the key issues for Travellers which the Library Service is keen to help address are basic skills and health education.

Chris Woodward

Skills for Life Collections

Across the county there are now a number of collections of essential skills resources for tutors and students and 'rapid reads' i.e. easy readers. Our work here is part of the national 'Vital Link' initiative which seeks to embed libraries at the heart of basic skills education and ensure that libraries serve all members of the community.

Ruth Paddock

Guided Walks programme and maintenance of 3,000 miles of footpaths and Rights of Way

Hampshire Paths Partnership has been involved in a Healthy Walking initiative through partnership with the New Forest District Council and the NHS Primary Care Trust. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage people to take regular exercise by identifying short circular walks close to residential areas which are easy to walk and follow.

The Guided Walks booklet promotes Healthy Walking throughout Hampshire by way of using the rights of way network, Country Parks, Nature Reserves and other sites. Healthy walks have been included since the early 90's working in partnership with all NHS Primary Care Trusts, to include those walks organised by them. The guided walks booklet over the course of a year has some 1300 walks organised for people to enjoy through out Hampshire's Countryside, Towns and Cities. The booklet flyer is sent to all Doctor's Surgeries and is used by doctor's for their patients.

The rights of way network is maintained for local people to take regular exercise within their local community.

Marilyn Meeks

Sports development and grant funding coaching and officiating

Hampshire's Sports Development team aims to support and develop Hampshire's Sporting Infrastructure and play its part via the nationwide Active Sports Programme. Aiming to provide opportunities for everyone to Start, Stay and Succeed in Sport and to develop sports skills that can be enjoyed throughout life.
The team provides financial support and practical advice to clubs, as well as education, development and financial support to coaches and volunteers engaged in a wide range of sports.
It works closely with Education through the Active Schools Programme and leads the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Partnership of 15 authorities. It also organises major events such as Hampshire Youth Games, Mini Youth Games and the Parallel Games.

Julie Amies

Outdoor Activities Centres

New residential facilities at Tilebarn and Calshot will increase the capacity for more young people to have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the environment and outdoor activities

Stuart Nundy

Reminiscence work in Residential homes

Through the Activearts programme above

Sue Wright

Volunteer opportunities in countryside conservation projects

A number of conservation projects at countryside sites involve volunteers in active, physical work in the outdoors. E.g. Hampshire Paths Partnership involving local communities in improving local footpaths, Blackwater Valley Conservation volunteers, Titchfield Haven Volunteers etc.

Peter Curbishley

Cycling in Hampshire

Partnership of the Countryside Service, Sports Service and Environment department to provide and promote on and off-road cycle routes in Hampshire, cycling events and the development of cycle hire initiatives

R&H and Environment

Community Support Service

Provides funding and advice to local community organisations and facilities through which many other opportunities are provided for people to lead active lives involved in learning and physical activities in their local community

Margaret Plumridge

National Physical Activity Target

The Sports Service is leading on the Local Public Service Agreement 2 target of increasing physical activity across Hampshire. Initiatives will be delivered through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Partnership and our own Community Support Service which has strong links with community organisations throughout Hampshire.

Julie Amies

Healthy Hampshire

An embryonic initiative that will engage communities across Hampshire and encourage local people to participate in a healthy, active lifestyle.

Jo Hale

Workplace Activities Officer

Supported financially by Sport England this post is responsible for the design, implementation and monitoring or a sporting activities programme for County Council staff to promote healthy lifestyles through stress-reducing activity in the workplace.

Sharon Hall

6. EDUCATION

The National Healthy School Standard

We now have 385 of the 540 Hampshire Schools signed up to the healthy school process. Using a whole school approach to raise achievement, reduce health inequalities and promote inclusion schools choose to work on a range of specific themes including citizenship, drug education, healthy eating, safety, sex and relationships education, PSHE and physical activity.  Once signed up schools are encouraged to engage with young people, include the whole staff and link with the local community. Schools have used the standard to improve the school and the health of the pupils.

Glynis Wright

Healthy Schools Coordinator

Education overview

There is a co-ordinated response through the Health Review Committee to the promotion of healthy lifestyles in schools. The Education Department is either leading or contributing to or working with partners in a range of initiatives. The focus is on the physical health of children.

· Health Schools Award Scheme

· Promotion of "5 a Day Fruit" project for infant age pupils

· Promotion of "Water is Cool" project across all schools and out of school clubs

· Encourage secondary school pupils to claim free meals

· Develop and promote information on healthy lunch boxes

· Support the target of 60% of schools to have a School Travel Plan by 2006 to encourage walking and cycling to school

· Support all schools to be linked to an Active School Partnership

· Support the Active Spot target for the number of young people progressing to a club environment and achieving 32-35% regular participation

There will also be significant contributions through the PSHE curriculum in all schools. The QCA website would provide a link to guidance and materials for schools.

Terry Rath

Drug Advisory Response Team (DART)

This team has worked with over 600 young people in Hampshire schools over the last 4 years, offering support, advice and guidance to young people involved in, or at risk of being involved in substance misuse.

The three DART workers are based in the three Local Education Offices and are managed by the EOTAS service.

Jack Cawthra

Educational Psychology Service

This contributes to children's health primarily in relation to mental health issues. Examples include:

1. Framework for Enhanced Individual Pastoral Support - training supervising and evalutating the work of school staff in supporting vulnerable children

2. Emotional literacy for learning support assistants - training learning support assistants to engage with children with emotional and behaviour difficulties to better understand and respond to their needs. A write up appeared in the last issue of Hampshire Now

3. Sexuality issues for children and young people with disabilities - tailoring sex education to the needs of children with sensory or physical impairments

Clifford Turner

Portage Plus

An initiative that intervenes to ameliorate pre school challenging behaviour to maximise access to pre school education. A report was sent to all members recently for information.

Janet Hoff

Youth Service

One of the five curriculum priorities is encourage young people to lead healthy lifestyles. Most projects will have as part of their programme health education as a main activity including,: self image; healthy eating and lifestyles; sex and relationship education.

We have a range of work supporting the health education of young people:

1) Youth Counselling:

In most districts the youth service supports youth counselling, advice and information projects, where much of the work centres on the mental health and well being of young people.

2) Teenage Pregnancy Strategy:

The service supports work to meet a number of objectives in the teenage pregnancy strategy.

3) Sexual Health:

A sexual health and relationships policy is currently being established.

4) Outdoor Education:

This is used as an effective approach in youth work, developing their physical health and is a key aspect of project such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

5) Drug Education:

The service has a development worker for drugs education and a drugs education and managing drugs related incidents policy.

6) Young Carers:

The service employs youth workers to support young carers and much of this work focuses on their health needs.

7) Youth Council:

We support the County Youth Council and much of their agenda is around health issues.

Malcolm Rittman

ENVIRONMENT

School Travel Plan

Promoting personal fitness by working with schools to encourage students to walk and cycle particularly for their journeys to and from school.

Jon Foley

MIRACLES

(Multi Initiatives for Rationalised Accessibility and Clean Liveable EnvironmentS)

Improving air quality in Winchester by reducing traffic and promoting personal fitness by introducing a scheme whereby members of the public can hire bicycles to encourage use of cycling in Winchester.

Winchester is one of 19 cities throughout Europe where integrated measures to overcome the environmental problems caused by traffic congestion is being demonstrated and evaluated. This work has been part funded by the European Union under the CITIVAS (City Viatlity Sustainability) programme, which was developed to implement bold, innovative and integrated action for radical improvement of urban transport. The MIRACLES project was conceived under the CITIVAS initiative.

Winchester's involvement in MIRACLES commenced in February 2002, to run for four years. MIRACLES also involves the cities of Rome, Cork and Barcelona. Stakeholders in the project include the County Council, Winchester City Council, and the University of Southampton. The main aim is to introduce integrated demonstration projects to improve energy efficient transport and encourage a shift from motorised to non-motorised transport, thereby reducing emissions and improving air quality.

The MIRACLES project is closely linked with Winchester Movement and Action Plan and Clean Zones. The project is delivering a range of innovative measures including reducing emissions on the bus fleet, improved bus services, a Bikeabout scheme, reduced parking charges for clean vehicles and general awareness raising. These measures form part of the Winchester Air Quality Action Plan and the outcomes will be used to provide advice and guidance to other cities throughout Europe.

Ken Laughlin

Energy from Waste

Awaiting further information

Paul Archer

Road Casualty Reduction

Reducing road casualties on Hampshire's roads in support of the Government's targets to reduce these significantly by 2010. We are doing this through ongoing and increased programmes of road safety engineering and education and training, with support for Hampshire Constabulary's enforcement programmes

Tim Cheesebrough

Promoting Cycling

Continuing to promote cycling as a healthy alternative to the car for journey's to work, shopping, leisure and school through promotional activity and the delivery of appropriate infrastructure improvements.

Tim Cheesebrough or Peter Savidge

7. HUMAN RESOURCES

Separate report on work with HCC staff attached

Jackie Wright

CHIEF EXECUTIVES

Swimming Club

Swimming club based in Winchester for 110 staff of Hampshire County Council

Colin Hinxman

Occupational Health

Employee Support

General Health & Wellbeing

Performance Environments

Health Screening

*Pre-employment

*In-employment

Ill Health Assessments (Referral)

Rehabilitation

Pro-active services

Health Surveillance

and promotion of workplace risks

Counselling

Pro-active services

Mediation

Health Promotion

* Corporate

* Bespoke

inc. links with R&H sports promotion project

Individual Wellbeing Assessments

Personal Coaching

Stress Prevention and Management

High Performance Reviews

Co-ordinating activities for performance environments

inc. office layout; air quality; lighting; noise; plants