An opportunity to hear from the Chief Executive Officer for TTVS.
Chair welcomed the Chief Executive for TTVS who provided members with a detailed presentation on TTVS highlighting their projects and the types of support they provide. Members were advised of how TDC funding was used and shown the outcomes of the service, alongside the number of staff delivering the work and the financial payback into the community.
Finally, the challenges for 2024-35 were highlighted for members and explained in detail.
Members were then asked for their questions.
There was a query in relation to transport assistance for the community and it was confirmed that this is not currently provided by TTVS. The need was recognised, and members were advised the challenges of poor transport links were highlighted by the Community Developers in their role, and the Financial Inclusion worker also helped to identify if people were entitled to taxi provision for appointments.
This led to members reflecting on the huge cost benefit of the Financial Inclusion work and it was asked how many people had been supported in Torridge. The Chief Executive provided figures for the last 3 months (July-Sept) – there had been 100 referrals, which was an increase of 22% on last year. There were 832 interventions, and the benefit awarded in the period totalled £285000.
Members discussed the Help at Home Service, which had been highlighted in the presentation and it was confirmed work was taking place to extend the service to Holsworthy, but it did reach across Torridge district.
Chair declared an interest as Board Member of Active Torridge and asked about opportunities for TTVS to reach people who would benefit from Active Torridge provision.
The Chief Executive for TTVS advised they were working with North Devon Voluntary Services on a project led by Encompass called the North Devon Inclusivity Framework. It was explained that this work aimed to make different recreational activities more accessible for hard-to-reach groups by providing training to providers on specific issue. It was explained that Provision of the training would mean TTVS could recommend specific providers who had completed the training and would be a mark of quality.
During discussion members raised the challenges that had been highlighted around the continuation of the Help at Home Service and funding. It was suggested that the Committee could reiterate these concerns with counterparts at County level.
It was proposed by the Councillor Cottle-Hunkin, seconded by Councillor Brenton and
Resolved:
That Committee would contact Devon County Council about the concerns raised at the meeting regarding the Help at Home Service.
(Vote: For Unanimous)
Members asked if there was one wish to present to Committee. The Chief Executive raised the need for a Community Hub and noted a feasibility study was looking at the provision of a Community Hub for Torridge.
The potential benefits of a Community Hub were explained in terms of the opportunity to share resources, work more closely and cohesively. It was explained that, for the public, it would be one place to access voluntary and statutory services and access a variety of support. Examples of similar provision in the country and locally were shared with members during discussion.
This led to a detailed conversation about the potential for this type of project and the work already taking place to explore viable options and locations. The work taking place with TDC to explore resources locally and to complete the feasibility work were highlighted and Members were keen to remain informed of progress.
The Chief Executive of Citizen’s Advice also welcomed the concept of community hubs – highlighting the work in North Devon and the Freedom Centre. Work on confidentiality and consent was highlighted as an important consideration.
Following discussion members reflected on the importance of pulling together all the work, how it could help with funding. As well as how this type of model would help to support the local community, especially those with complex needs.
Councillor Cottle-Hunkin arranged to raise the issue of a community hub at the next Community Safety Partnership.
Members thanked the Chief Executive for TTVS for attending Committee.
Minutes:
The Chief Executive for TTVS provided members with a detailed presentation on TTVS, which highlighted their projects and the types of support they provide. Members were advised of how TDC funding was used and shown the outcomes of the service, alongside the number of staff delivering the work and the financial payback into the community.
Finally, the challenges for 2024-35 were highlighted for members and explained in detail.
Members were then asked for their questions.
There was a query in relation to transport assistance for the community and it was confirmed that this is not currently provided by TTVS. The need was recognised, and members were advised the challenges of poor transport links were highlighted by the Community Developers in their role, and the Financial Inclusion worker also helped to identify if people were entitled to taxi provision for appointments.
This led to members reflecting on the huge cost benefit of the Financial Inclusion work and it was asked how many people had been supported in Torridge. The Chief Executive provided figures for the last 3 months (July-Sept) – there had been 100 referrals, which was an increase of 22% on last year. There were 832 interventions, and the benefit awarded in the period totalled £285000.
Members discussed the Help at Home Service, which had been highlighted in the presentation and it was confirmed work was taking place to extend the service to Holsworthy, but it did reach across Torridge district.
Chair declared an interest as Board Member of Active Torridge and asked about opportunities for TTVS to reach people who would benefit from Active Torridge provision.
The Chief Executive for TTVS advised they were working with North Devon Voluntary Services on a project led by Encompass called the North Devon Inclusivity Framework. It was explained that this work aimed to make different recreational activities more accessible for hard-to-reach groups by providing training to providers on specific issue. It was explained that Provision of the training would mean TTVS could recommend specific providers who had completed the training and would be a mark of quality.
During discussion members raised the challenges that had been highlighted around the continuation of the Help at Home Service and funding. It was suggested that the Committee could reiterate these concerns with counterparts at County level.
It was proposed by the Councillor Cottle-Hunkin, seconded by Councillor Brenton and
Resolved:
That Committee would contact Devon County Council about the concerns raised regarding the Help at Home Service.
(Vote: For Unanimous)
Members asked if there was one wish to present to Committee. The Chief Executive raised the need for a Community Hub and noted a feasibility study was looking at the provision of a Community Hub for Torridge.
Examples of similar provision in the Country and locally were shared with members and it was highlighted how the model provided services with an opportunity to share resources, work more closely and cohesively together. For the public it was explained as one place to access support and advice from voluntary and statutory services.
This led to a detailed conversation about the potential for this type of project and the work already taking place to explore viable options and locations. Work taking place with TDC to explore resources locally and to complete the feasibility work were explained and Members were keen to remain informed of progress.
The Chief Executive of Citizen’s Advice also welcomed the concept of community hubs – work on confidentiality and consent was highlighted as an important consideration.
Following discussion members reflected on the importance of pulling together all the work, how it could help with funding. As well as how this type of model would help to support the local community, especially those with complex needs.
Councillor Cottle-Hunkin arranged to raise the issue of a community hub at the next Community Safety Partnership.
Members thanked the Chief Executive for TTVS for attending Committee.