Partnership with the Third Sector

24th January 2019

A paper presented to the Highland council Care Learning and Housing committee on 24 January 2018 showcased some of the work for children and families by the Third sector.

The debate and presentation can be viewed on the council web casting section later today and for one year.
https://highland.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

The paper derives from Redesign work that was started in 2018 with a view to addressing the budget reduction coming in the budgets and to address the issues set out in other papers.

Part of the report is copied here and the full paper can be found at - Item 13 on the agenda
https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4074/care_learning_and_housing_committee_formerly_the_people_committee
If you have time check the full paper as it is better laid out and contains more information

Report Title:
Partnership with the Third Sector
Report By:
Interim Director of Care and Learning
1.
Purpose/Executive Summary
1.1
1.2
1.3
This report introduces a detailed report produced by Third Sector Providers, which is attached as an appendix.
The report follows on from the Highland Council Redesign review of Commissioned Services in Children's Services, which was approved by Highland Council on 25th October 2018.
At that meeting the Council agreed:
i. to take forward the proposals presented in section 11.3 of the report and to integrate the proposed in-house hub for Placement and Support Services for Children into the overall agreed approach to the review of Children's Services delivery; ii. to continue to have dialogue with the Highland Third Sector Interface and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed savings can be made with minimum impact to individual clients and families; and iii. a savings target of £779k over 2019/20 and 2020/21 with contract lead officers delegated the responsibility to develop proposals as outlined above to achieve the overall targets indicated. It was recognised that these targets require a full impact assessment and timescales might need to be reviewed in the context of the Council's future budget considerations.
2.
Recommendations
2.1
Members are asked to note that the attached report addresses the agreement of the Council to to continue to have dialogue with the Highland Third Sector Interface and other stakeholders as noted above.
3.
Implications
3.1
The implications were covered in the report to Council which can be accessed from the following link:
https://www.highland.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/74354/item_13b_redesign_of_highland_council_-_council_redesign_%E2%80%93_final_report_on_commissioned_children_s_services
Designation: Interim Director of Care and Learning
Date: 7 January 2019
Author: Sandra Campbell
Appendix 1
1
HIGHLAND THIRD SECTOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SERVICES GROUP
Activity report to The Highland Council on December 2018
This report and presentation is the first of its kind - an opportunity for the Commissioned Children services provided by a wide range of Third Sector partners to showcase their work and how it contributes to the health, wellbeing, education and sustainability of the Highlands.
There is a long and proud tradition in the Highlands of working in partnership with agencies, communities and Third Sector. Innovation and collaboration are, and always have been, essential in the area. In the current and future climate of budget constraints, mixed with increasing needs and expectations, we must all work together to meet the ever-changing challenges and aspirations of our communities.
As Third Sector we are proud to be working with, serving and supporting our communities. We believe a collaborative approach with children and families is central; they are also key partners in the future of Highlands.
Third Sector organisations tend to work in a holistic and person-centred way, often with children, young people or families who have become disenfranchised with Public Sector services. The independence of the Third Sector enables greater trust by service users. The Third Sector works with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised children, young people and adults in Highland. The Third Sector works in a user-led way or with significant service user involvement; it is often community based and/or led, with a focus on early intervention and building resilience.
Partnership working with the Third Sector fits Highland Council strategic priorities and aspirations as and National Policy.
Indeed, in "Local Voices, Highland Choices", The Highland Council Programme 2017-2022, it states:
.. we will be led by the guiding principle that to be an effective Council, we need to be a listening Council, and the planning and delivery of services across Highland must be done in a collaborative and inclusive way.
However, what is clear is that we will be most effective working collaboratively across the chamber, with our partners and communities in the best interests of all our citizens
And:
"The Council will also support community bodies to do more and target support to particular people and places in most need."
Appendix 1
2
In the Foreword to The Highland Community Planning Partnership (CPP), David Alston, the then Chair of Highland Community Planning Board said:
"The Highland Community Planning Partnership (CPP) seeks to build on this strong foundation by bringing together public agencies, third sector organisations and other key community groups. We aim to work with the people of Highland to plan and secure resources where needed for the provision of services which improve outcomes, with a view to reducing inequalities. The Highland CPP has been tasked with the development of the Highland Outcome Improvement Plan (HOIP). The HOIP outlines our aspirations for Highland and the specific actions we will undertake to deliver them, and has been developed following extensive engagement with communities across Highland.
"The Highland Outcome Improvement Plan (HOIP)'s main ambition is to tackle the issues that lead to inequalities. In doing so, we will make the Highlands a fairer place, so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our region. We will do this by listening to our communities and working with them to make Highland an even better place to live, work and play."
Christie Commission on The Future Delivery of Public Services (2011) identified as a priority:
“Maximising scarce resources by utilising all available resources from the public, private and third sectors, individuals, groups and communities."
We ask that members agree the following:
• Note the report and presentation about the contribution the Third Sector makes to Highland Council, Highland CPP and National Priorities
• Acknowledge the vital role that Third Sector plays in the success of Highlands and in supporting those most in need of services.
• Agree to a presentation and report every 6 months to allow further and deeper understanding of the work of Third Sector in partnership with Highland Council, other agencies, families and communities in Highland.
Appendix 1
3
Impact of Third Sector Children and Families Services
Below are a small selection of examples of the impact on children, young people and their families of work carried out by commissioned services to meet The Highland Council priorities as identified by the Redesign Board.
Priority: Services for Looked After Children (including placements)
Homeless Trust: Planefield House provides an inspiring, supportive environment to young adults, who have left local authority care, where they are empowered to develop independent intellectual and critical thinking, life skills and risk related resilient strategies. Person centred support at the Unit focuses on increasing the young adult's confidence, education, work and recreational activities, self-esteem, independent living skills and accountability to their communities.
"Planefield has saved me." "Things would have worked out differently for me if it hadn't been for the care and support from Planefield staff"
Who Cares? Scotland: Journeys in the North was a core aspect of participatory activity between April and July, with children and young people from Highland playing a leading role. It was a highly ambitious creative engagement project stretching across the North of Scotland, bringing local artists alongside 60 care experienced children and young people and their friends to create powerful works of art on the theme of ‘journeys’. It culminated in a major public exhibition in Inverness in July, with over 300 visitors, formally opened by Children’s Minister Maree Todd MSP alongside many Care Experienced Young People.
Participant: “the best three days I ever had in my life” Attendee: "It was amazing. I was quite overwhelmed by the depth of story revealed in the art work, poetry, song lyrics and video across the day. The standard of work was so high - it is wonderful to see so much talent among these young people. I do not think anyone could have gone and come away as the same person.”
Priority: Support for alternative education packages which avoid Out of Authority Placements or enable the return of young people to Highland
Glachbeg Croft Centre: Glachbeg is a small croft located on the Black Isle, run for the purpose of providing tailored one-to-one support for individuals with a wide range of Additional Support Needs. Once a placement has been agreed upon Glachbeg provide the greatest range of support possible to ensure the individual feels welcomed and part of the Glachbeg “family”. Being able to form a trusted bond with their member of staff, with the croft itself and with the other staff and placements present in a safe, supportive environment is a key part of developing a sense of personal belonging.
Case study about a young boy of 11 who has been attending Glachbeg since the age of 7. The placement was in response to behavioural
Appendix 1
4
challenges at school that reduced school attendance, with a risk of exclusion. Over time, new skills were learned and self-confidence grew enabling improved attendance and productivity at school. The 'safe space" provided by Glachbeg has enabled him to work through stresses without the destructive behaviour that led to his need of Glachbeg in the first place.
Priority: Edge of Care Support (intensive support to families)
Home-Start: Families come to Home-Start for support because they feel lonely and isolated, or are struggling with mental health difficulties, have low self-esteem or need support with their children’s development. By the time their support comes to an end, over 90% of families feel their children’s emotional and physical health and wellbeing has improved; the parents feel less isolated; parental health is improved and parents feel more involved with their child’s development. (Figures from Home-Start Impact Report 2017)
“I feel, looking back to when I was referred to Home-Start, that I have come so far and achieved so much and I feel that thanks to Home-Start I can continue, with confidence in building mine and my family’s future.... Most of all I feel confident and excited about moving forward with life and I do feel that is down to the support of Home-Start and my amazing volunteer. Thank you.”
Priority: Support for young carers
Tykes: Added value of the impact of Tykes to families is estimated by external evaluation (Mackay Consultants) is equivalent to £1.2 million per year.
Case study from external evaluation: 17 years old living alone due to father in Prison. Mum and Dad separated and Mum lives in England. Young person with Tykes for just over 1 year. Tykes supported young person to move into a smaller home; provided clothing and equipment for his home; took young person shopping fortnightly; helped with forms, electricity etc.; liaised with school to enable young person to carry on and finish course; supported young person to visit Mum at Christmas and then for him to move and live with her permanently.
Connecting Young Carers: Some examples of good practice from Connecting Young Carers include: Young Carers Positive Award - a resource supporting the identification and support of young carers in Highland schools; working alongside Inverness College to help them gain a quality award in supporting student carers enabling a more positive transition for young carers; running Young Carers Ambassador Group to take a lead in how the service is delivered and who designed and supported the running of an event for a visit from HRH Princess Royal.
Appendix 1
5
“My time in the project has been amazing, I’ve met so many new people who have turned into close friends for life. My confidence has grown and so has my socialising with other people”
“My time was great. Made new friends and learnt new things. Great to get a break every now and then”
"Thanks so much for all you do. It makes such a huge positive difference to young lives. She loved her time away with you" (parent)
Priority: Support for children with a disability (including Autistic Spectrum Disorder)
Children in Highland Information Point+: CHIP + are trusted by parent/carers as staff listen reflectively and empathise with challenges families face, helping to increase their resilience and well-being which leads to better outcomes for children. The support provided by CHIP+ relieves pressure on statutory services and resources by ensuring parent-carers receive early intervention to avoid escalation to crisis; enable de-escalation of crisis situations; maintain relationships between parents and professionals and contribute to collaborative efforts to avert need for residential care/out of area placements.
"It was huge. At the time I was a single parent with an ASD son who was not being supported educationally and was really struggling. The support I received made all the difference to his life and mine. It sounds dramatic but just having someone listen to you and support you is so important." (Parent-Carer, Dec 2017)
“CHIP is a life line for so many families. There is nowhere else to go. It's really boiling down to parents having to seek, create and provide, emotionally, physically and financially for their ASN children... It is so emotionally draining, everything is a battle. You want your energies to be the best parent you can be rather than spend time trying to find out information, best education provision, if your child is entitled to any support and then trying to jump through the hoops for them to access it." (Parent-Carer, Mar 2018)
National Autistic Society: The National Autistic Society’s service provides information and advice to parents and carers across Highland about autism and related issues. They have a very close relationship with other charities, especially CHIP+ where joint working enables delivery of sessions that one charity alone could not facilitate. Other charities and organisations are signposted as needed e.g. Connecting Carers, Citizen’s Advice Bureau. There is very little duplication but with each service having particular expertise to bring. They also support the library at the Pines and have a very close relationship with the Highland Council run Pines training facility.
“I am so grateful to know that there is such support available.”
“Absolute font of information and the library is excellent”
Appendix 1
6
“Advice offered has been invaluable and has made a positive impact on my son’s life.”
“I've spoken to you a number of times and have always found your advice very practical and helpful.”
“I know I am not on my own”.
Priority: Support for Kinship Carers
Children 1st: The benefit of the relationship-based approach taken by Children 1st ensures time to engage with families and to really listen to them. This is what the Carers have said they really value, but it takes time to build up trust and confidence to really engage and help families to be honest about the reality of the pressures and strengths of being a Kinship Carer.
“If I am struggling I can talk about it to Children 1st. I also find meeting and listening to other carers’ advice is good and they know how you feel” Parent
"Helped with mental health a lot" Child
Priority: Child-care provision including wrap around care
Care and Learning Alliance: CALA carries out a wide range of services throughout Highland including direct delivery of Early Learning and Childcare ensuring there is local provision in all areas. There is close collaboration with The Highland Council who acknowledge that they could not deliver the current funded hours, nor scale up to 1140 hours without these partner centres. Some examples of other work to support children and families include: Toddler group and family support, including targeted groups: by singing, reading and talking the children have developed their communication skills and the parents’ confidence has increased. Opening Doors employability project: Last year 23 mentees took part, 5 of whom were young people with caring responsibilities and almost half had a disability or additional support need. Support for members groups means that other services are also supported and sustained across all areas. The parenting work in Inverness prison is unique in UK and has supported dads to increase confidence and parenting skills. The high-quality training in learning and play is for all including practitioners, childminders and teachers and supports creativity, learning and development.
Support in Inverness Prison “I recently had a Dad attending his first children’s visit session with his one-year old son. When the children had left, he thanked me for the session and said he felt like a Dad again.”
Family support: “Very friendly and caring to both children and parents. They care about every child and support each child’s individual needs.” Health Visitor: "Thank you so much for this update. I saw Mum about three weeks ago . . . she looks so much happier- well done.” Parent "CALA Family
Appendix 1
7
support made a huge difference when otherwise I would have no support network" Parent
#Opening Doors “(it) was the start of my life. Before #Openingdoors I felt that I couldn’t achieve anything as I had no education and didn’t think I would ever be employable. I now work in a nursery! I’m so happy and content as I have achieved everything I set out to do.”
Priority: Information, advice, advocacy and other services
Crocus: The teenage group, run in partnership with Youth Highland, have had a hugely busy year! In the summer of 2017 we had a residential trip to Loch Eil where the young people began planning a ‘Grief Brief’ resource for use to train school staff and other professionals in supporting bereaved young people. The result of this has been an amazing package including a Grief Brief poster, training sessions designed and delivered by the young people, video testimonies and some pretty funky hoodies. The young people have delivered the training to groups in Alness Academy, Kinlochbervie High, Farr High and Dornoch Academy as well as part of a wider training day in Inverness and to youth groups in Balintore. Having gone through this process, the young people involved reported feeling much more confident and able to take a lead in managing their own support and have successfully transitioned into universal youth services with the support of Youth Highland.
“Our daughter treasures the things made at Crocus. She finds comfort in these. She couldn’t wait to go back after the first session - she said it was her favourite club to go to. It was so nice to hear laughter coming from the room - it sounded like they were having a really good time”.
Highland Children’s Forum: HCF continues to listen to children and young people with Additional Support Needs to ensure those voices shape policy design and service development. HCF also promotes effective participation through sharing of consultation methods and approaches across sectors. Recent consultations about young people in transition out of school and those who are of school age but not in full-time education have suggested that the policy of the Highland Practice Model no longer what needs to change: it is the practice on the ground that is inconsistent. HCF is changing direction to empower young people to be more directly active in influencing policy and practice. Involving young people with lived experience in presenting information to the Care, Learning and Housing Committee about the policy of a Joint Transition team was a key factor in that strategy development.
“I think [HCF] are already doing an excellent job. I have found [staff] exceptional in understanding points made and distilling these into useful points for improvement in respect of service providers. The key is that HCF should have approachable, non-judgemental and knowledgeable staff and you definitely have that.” Parent in response to service evaluation survey
Appendix 1
8
Third Sector Support to The Highland Council
12 organisations of varying size with a Service Level Agreement contributed to this report. 20 organisations are currently part of the Children and Families Services Group, but the short time scale for preparation of this report means that not all were able to present data in time.
Appendix 1 provides a breakdown of information about each of the contributing organisations: the purpose and activities of their Service Level Agreement and the Highland Council priorities to which these contribute.
The following is information amalgamated across the contributing organisations. Many children, young people and families will access more than one service and therefore be counted more than once. This will be especially true of those children and families with complex needs. The numbers below represent the total number of children, young people or families accessing activities offered by the organisations, rather than