The Southern Wiltshire Area Board met to discuss a range of community issues, including the Shared Lives scheme, community safety, and local highway improvements. The board considered a grant application for the Southern Wiltshire Community Area Youth Forum. They also received updates from partner organisations such as the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Alzheimer's Support.

Shared Lives Scheme

Amy Louise Smith, Service Manager for the Shared Life Scheme, gave a video presentation to raise awareness of the Shared Lives service and encourage recruitment of more carers. The Shared Lives scheme supports vulnerable adults over the age of 16, including those with learning difficulties, mental or physical health needs, and elderly individuals, by enabling them to live as part of a family within a carer's home.

Shared Lives carers provide various types of support:

• Long-term placements
• Short-term placements
• Respite care
• Home from hospital placements
• Shared Days, offering a few hours of support during the day

Carers assist with:

• Board and lodging, including meals and a furnished bedroom
• Personal care
• Planning activities
• Administering medication
• Laundry
• Budgeting
• Accessing healthcare and the community
• Companionship and building relationships

Carers are self-employed and receive a weekly fee based on the level of support they provide, and are eligible for tax breaks and mileage claims. They also have access to Wiltshire Council's reward scheme, the blue light scheme, and membership of Shared Lives Plus.

Area Board Funding

The Board considered a grant application from the Southern Wiltshire Community Area Youth Forum, reference ABG2334, for £500.

Appointments

The Board was asked to appoint lead members to outside bodies and to consider appointing a lead member to the role of Area Board Environment Lead. They were also asked to note the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) Terms of Reference.

Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) Update

The Board was asked to note the minutes and consider recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 3 June 2025.

The LHFIG made the following recommendations:

• 4b – lining - £1500 - Roman Road, Laverstock & Ford PC – Warning signs
• 4e – plates - £562.50 - Vanessa Avenue, Laverstock & Ford PC – Street name

Partner and Community Updates

• Neighbourhood Policing Team: Inspector Tina Osborn provided updates on the Neighbourhood Policing Team's activities.
• Alzheimer's Support: Stephany Bardzil, Head of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising, gave an update on Alzheimer's Support.
• Parish Council & Community Updates: An update was received from Roundbarrow Farm.

Written updates were provided on:

• Police – Neighbourhood Team Update & Violence Against Women and Girls Quarterly Update

The Wiltshire Police Violence Against Women and Girls quarterly report for Winter 2024/2025 noted that Wiltshire Police are working with Open to Change to offer domestic abuse perpetrators who are in custody at Gablecross police station the opportunity to work with them. The report also noted that Wiltshire Police supported the national campaign to raise awareness of the devastating impact caused by stalking, and that they have invested in further training and awareness with all officers and staff to improve their understanding of how a victim of stalking can be best supported.

Community Area Update & Discussion

Karen Linaker, the Engagement and Partnerships Manager, presented a report on the strategic and local work being delivered, and additional key resources for councillors, partners, and residents. Each councillor provided an overview of their division, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for the Area Board to support.

The Engagement and Partnerships service aims to connect the community with the council, strengthen joint working, and support effective community engagement. Key workstreams include:

• Delivering the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector and Wiltshire Council framework[^1] [^1]: The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector includes charities, social enterprises, community groups, and other non-profit organisations that play a vital role in supporting communities and delivering services.
• Delivering employment opportunities for residents with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Actioning the Wiltshire Youth framework
• Supporting the Tobacco Control Alliance
• Participating in the Celebrating Age Partnership Steering Group
• Addressing food insecurity and cost of living effects
• Facilitating Social Value Opportunities

Information Items

The Board noted the following information items:

• Community First[^2] [^2]: Community First Wiltshire is a charity that supports people and communities in Wiltshire and Swindon through a range of services, including youth action, employability programmes, community development, and grant administration.
• Healthwatch Wiltshire[^3] [^3]: Healthwatch Wiltshire is an independent organisation that represents the views of patients and the public on health and social care services in Wiltshire.
• Update from BSW Together (Integrated Care System)[^4] [^4]: Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Together is the Integrated Care System (ICS) for the region, bringing together health and care organisations to improve services and outcomes for the population.
• Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal
• Wiltshire Council Information Items:
  • Wiltshire Community Air Network[^5] [^5]: The Wiltshire Community Air Network is a citizen science project that will place low-cost air quality sensors in communities across Wiltshire to measure PM2.5 air pollution.
  • Wiltshire Council and Voluntary and Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) Framework
  • SEND Fest 2025 – Sponsoring[^6] [^6]: SEND Fest is an inclusive festival designed to celebrate and support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), along with their families and carers.