Minutes:
As expected with this particular priority, there are very few external agencies working to address this issue, in the locality.
Shirley Wysocki and Ruth Day from Turning Point in addition to Zaheera Chatra from Quit Ready attended the meeting and provided an update on their current programmes.
SW and RD confirmed that their service covers substance misuse and drugs/alcohol misuse. They provide support to reduce/stop drug and alcohol misuse. They run a number of programmes across the county. Referrals come from a range of sources including self-referrals, GP’s, health professionals and social services. Sessions used to take place at the Bassett Centre, but are now are held at Boulter Crescent as well as in the City. They also carry out Drug and Alcohol talks in schools, colleges and at health events.
SW/RD will analyse how many people access their service from the Oadby and Wigston area then feedback to the group.
SR confirmed that Drug and Alcohol does link to areas of deprivation e.g. Wigston and South Wigston; however it was important not to ignore Oadby.
ZC, from Leicestershire County Council Quit Ready, confirmed their service went live on 3rd January 2017. They provide a 12 week online support programme, which includes text, phone and Skype facilities. Face to face appointments are also available. They offer an E-Cigarette service, which provides support and advice on the best ways of quitting however they do not provide e-cigs. They currently use an evidence based model that tells them the intervention works. Client feedback is positive, but its early days. ZC confirmed the service has been commissioned for 3 years. Referrals come via First Contact Plus; self-referral; and health professionals. She also confirmed that Quit Ready signposts into Turning Point’s services.
Quit Ready promotional information is now available and ZC will forward this to the HWBB. As well as providing information on giving up smoking, it also encourages take-up of exercise. JB suggested it would be positive to give clients an incentive, e.g. a free session at a gym when clients achieve their goal.
Mark Smith informed the group about a recent survey he has carried out on behalf of the Community Safety Partnership. Whilst survey responses are still being received, the initial findings show that ‘drug related issues’ and ‘drunk and rowdy behaviour’ were areas of concern for residents. The group then debated how to translate this into improving health. It was also noted that if pockets of areas affected are identified, these can be addressed by the Community Safety Partnership, particularly where best to allocate resources, in order to reduce ASB.
KR confirmed the benefits of engaging people in sport and/or physical activity. There is a referral funding pot for sport and physical activity for this current financial year (2016/17) that may help some residents. In addition to diversionary activities for young people and ‘back-to’ sports sessions. RD confirmed that activities such as ‘walking groups’ are helpful, as some individuals are not keen on going to the gym.
SR can arrange for the referral forms to be uploaded on to PRISM, which is a pathway and referral implementation system that GPs access. SR further suggested that promotion of Quit Ready could go in pubs as this would be a good audience to capture. ZC confirmed that they have already produced beer mats and notices are posted in toilet cubicles, promoting the service.
JN, Everyone Active from Parklands Leisure Centre is happy to place posters on centre notice boards.