Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 15, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Resolved that Cabinet consider and either approve all, approve in part or do not approve any of the recommendations of Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board in respect of the scrutiny review of Loneliness and Isolation in Sandwell as follows:-   a)            that for any pilot schemes or trials aimed to reduce social isolation and loneliness consideration be given first to conducting them in Tipton and Wednesbury due to the identified need in those towns;   b)            that information on support services, community groups and local events are publicised widely including in Sandwell’s libraries, on the Council’s website, on community notice boards, at pop-up stalls and via the Sandwell Herald and Health-related publications;   c)             that the Council explore how they can support the community run their own sessions, based on their own interests, and how to get others to participate:   d)            that the Social Prescribing Strategy for Sandwell addresses the issues of loneliness and social isolation;   e)            that a training module on the Council’s e-learning platform be developed for frontline staff members to raise awareness of Loneliness and Social Isolation, their signs and how to direct individuals to support opportunities;   f)              that the Assistant Director of Place – Contracts, Projects, Strategy and Policy explore options to introduce ‘Happy to Chat’ benches within the borough’s green spaces and parks.