BMBC 21: Barnsleys Local Area Agreement 2008-2011

elatively longer lives, they are also likely to have more complex careneeds.Recognising these factors it is clear that there is a need to change theapproach to social care in order to ensure future needs andexpectations can be met.OUR APPROACH – WHAT WE ARECURRENTLY DOING TO DELIVERIMPROVEMENTSTo meet the national agenda, as well as local challenges, Barnsley hasa shared vision called ‘Every Adult Matters’ (EAM); this was developedprior to Putting People First and seeks to deliver improvement againstthe 7 outcomes of ‘Our Health, Our Care, Our Say’ and the priorities ofthis agreement. The self-directed support agenda is at the heart ofEAM. The aim of EAM is for:“People in Barnsley to maximise their aspirations for control andindependence over their health and well-being supported by flexible,responsive, preventative services”.The 3 themes of EAM are:• rapid and convenient access to high quality, cost-effective services.The partnership arrangements are currently under review and during2008 a single Adult Commissioning, Finance and Performance Boardwill be established, supported by expert partnerships under thePartnership in Action Framework.Barnsley is also developing an Adults and Communities WellbeingStrategy that has 3 strands:• to work with and for individuals to encourage them to look after theirown health and to reduce the risks that might be threaten their wellbeing.• to improve the environment in which they live.• to make commissioning decisions about health and social careservices which promote well-being and preventative work.The draft strategy recognises that people cannot be healthy without ahealthy environment. Housing, green spaces, leisure opportunities,availability of reasonably priced healthy food, clean air and safe streetsare all essential components to achieving well-being. The strategyaims to provide a framework for delivering the seven outcomes for adultwell-being.• recognising people are in control of their own health and care• enabling and supporting independence and well-being77Securing the Wellbeing of Older & Vulnerable People in Need Barnsley’s Local Area Agreement 2008-11