Agenda item

Report of the Commissioning Officer – Commissioning, Performance and Transformation.

The Commissioning Officer - Commissioning, Performance and Transformation provided Board members with a presentation to provide an update regarding progress in implementing Darlington’s Commitment to Carers 2023-28.

Darlington’s “Commitment to Carers” was launched on 17^th April 2024 at a well-attended launch event, during which attendees were asked to identify actions they would take as their own Commitment to Carers, including participation in the planned social media campaign with progress already made in implementing some actions that were identified.

Board members were provided with information on the methods of targeting carers and the support that carers would require and that officers are working closely with “Darlington Carers’ Support”.

 It was highlighted that there is an aim to reach more carers in underrepresented groups alongside a social media campaign highlighting critical points and encouraging interactions from carers; with stories of various carers being provided and how social media is assisting their cared-for individuals and how it is assisting carers in making contact with other carers for support and advice where required.  With further goals of the social media campaign being to involve organizations and “myth-bust” where possible alongside targeted monthly campaigns and regular updates with members being shown examples of upcoming campaigns.

Board members were also provided with a further presentation regarding “Young Carers Darlington” and the service offer provided including needs assessments, family work, 1-1 targeted support, group work and forums, supporting the transition of young adult carers, supporting schools and colleges to implement the young carers charter and utilise external funding opportunities to enhance the service.

Current progress towards goals was presented with a focus on strengthening links between teams and services.

Discussions were held with the point being made that many carers don’t necessarily identify as carers and social media is a useful tool in assisting with this.  Board members also expressed their appreciation for young carers being recognized and agreed to circulate information and posts where possible.  A Board member also suggested re-posting social media posts periodically to help engagement.

It was also highlighted that online surveys may be useful to gather information from young carers who do not have chance to become “ambassadors” to have their opinions heard.

Questions were asked including why information is shared with social services with clarification that this is to help define the understanding of what a “young carer” is and that any information sharing is by consent.  Members asked if information is available in languages other than English and it was confirmed that it is.

It was asked as to whether identifying individuals via benefits is a reliable system and officers confirmed that the algorithm that is in place is proven to be robust in this regard.

Board members asked further questions including if there is a Carers’ Discount Card in place with officers confirming this is in existence and that further online updates regarding this would be useful.

It was asked if material differences are being experienced by young carers with the response that this is the case and that analytics are employed to provide the most tailored messaging possible towards this end.  It was then queried what the timescale is in seeing the impact of this once analytics are employed with officers confirming that smooth mobilization has been a core goal however the new plan is still in its first quarter and may need more time to form a fully representative picture with the overriding goal still being to impact carers in meaningful and tangible ways.

RESOLVED – That Board members note the update provided and continue to act as champions for carers in Darlington.

REASON – Board members consider the work being undertaken to be worthwhile and well-orchestrated.