BMBC 21: Barnsleys Local Area Agreement 2008-2011

The successful achievement of such a complex change agenda willrequire clear leadership and strong programme management and willneed to align three critical organisational elements:• Transformation strategy• Delivery mechanism for change• Maintenance of the current service delivery and levels ofperformance.This transformation is not starting from zero and a number of buildingblocks are already in place. The focus for the next 3 years will be toensure improved promotion of the 7 priorities of the Local AreaAgreement. This includes:Improved health and emotional wellbeing - It is clear that improvinghealth is a key area of work for organisations, partners andcommunities alike. This is recognised by the inclusion of a specificambition in the Sustainable Community Strategy and an Outcome inthis agreement aimed at Improving the Health of the Public andNarrowing Health Inequalities. There is a good level of effectiveintermediate care and considerable evidence of investment inrehabilitation services which is having a positive impact on reducingdelayed transfers. Further work includes the remodelling of the inhouse home care service into a Home Assessment and ReablementService. In addition, there are a number of initiatives in place topromote healthy living with co-ordinated support for national78campaigns, as well as an ‘Ageing well in Barnsley’ booklet and healthpromotion work in Agewell centres and across the various services. Anemergency carer’s card is being piloted across the Borough. Thisprovides an emergency back-up service for vulnerable adults and theircarers.Improved quality of life - The independence and quality of life ofalmost all people in Barnsley is a key priority. This can be seen in thework on individual budgets, direct payments and telecare. There arewell targeted initiatives that are making a difference, for example, thehigh levels of investment in intermediate care and the development ofextra care housing across the Borough. Intervention is being focusedon supporting people to live at home and the use of intensive homecare. There has been good progress in modernising the wardenservice to better meet peoples’ needs and to free up resources forreinvestment. The aim is to ensure fair access to housing for a varietyof vulnerable households and to deliver a range of high quality housingrelated support and advice services that are flexible, offer choice, andpromote social inclusion at a local level.Making a positive contribution - The individual budget pilot usesmodels of self assessment across all service areas and this is beingdeveloped for small items of equipment as well as a self assessmentmodel for carers. There is an embedded culture of service userconsultation and participation which has enabled people to influenceservice design, development and delivery. Barnsley Arena, a serviceSecuring the Wellbeing of Older & Vulnerable People in Need Barnsley’s Local Area Agreement 2008-11