The findings of an independent review of Calderdale Council provided day opportunities for adults are being considered by the Council’s Cabinet, to help shape the future opportunities in the borough.
Day opportunities provide additional support to older people and to adults with learning disabilities. The Council currently delivers day opportunities at three sites, Higgins Close, Halifax; Lower Edge, Rastrick; and Royd Square, Hebden Bridge.
In addition to Council provided support, there are 11 commissioned providers currently offering community-based daytime opportunities across Calderdale, supporting people to lead full and active lives and also providing some respite for carers. The providers offer different activities to meet individual needs, including support to gain employment and access to theatre and arts-based activities.
The number of people using the Council’s in-house specialist day services has reduced since the Covid-19 pandemic, with around 130 people currently attending the three sites.
To improve and modernise the delivery of the Council’s in-house day opportunities, an independent review was commissioned from an Independent Health and Social Care Consultant, who visited each site and also spoke to staff and family members and carers of those who use the services. The review looked at overall effectiveness of the services, identified areas for improvement and made recommendations for actions.
The report highlights how much the service is valued and praises the staff for being positive, engaging, patient and understanding. However, the report also states that some of the buildings are not fit for purpose to provide good quality modern support and the model of providing support needs to be developed.
In total the review report makes 11 recommendations, concluding that there is a need for a new vision and new operating model for in-house specialist day services. It’s proposed that a more complete model is developed that includes an evening and weekend offer and that also makes the most of new technology.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet is being asked to note the content of the independent review report on in-house specialist day services and endorse its recommendations, giving approval for these to be taken forward.
The development of the service would be carried out in close partnership with people using the services, alongside their families, and other partners.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults Services and Wellbeing, Cllr Diana Tremayne, said:
“We know how much our day opportunities are valued, both by those that use them and by their family members and carers. However, in recent years, the number of people using the Council’s in-house provision has reduced and the buildings are in need of improvement and investment. We know it’s now necessary to evolve the service to ensure it continues to provide quality, safe and efficient support.
“We’re grateful for the recommendations from the independent review, and as well as identifying areas for improvements, I’m pleased that the report also recognised the importance of the services and our caring staff.
“The report is now being reviewed by Cabinet and we’ll consider how the findings will be used to help shape the future of in-house services. It’s vital that people remain at the heart of the service, and we’ll continue to work closely with those who use the services and their parents/carers to co-develop in-house provision.”
The Transformation of Day Services report will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 14 April, at Halifax Town Hall from 4pm. The meeting can also be viewed online at https://calderdale.public-i.tv/core/portal/home(external link) ENDS