Carmarthenshire luncheon club review a success
The review of luncheon club provision in Carmarthenshire has been considered a resounding success.
The county council’s health and social care scrutiny committee has heard that every luncheon club previously under local authority control is now being successfully run by a third sector, voluntary, or private group.
It means older people are no longer restricted by eligibility criteria the council had to have in place to control access to the clubs, and the clubs are now able to expand and offer better services to its members.
There have also been unforeseen benefits.
The transport resources that were previously used for the luncheon clubs has now been freed up to assist Hywel Dda Health Board with transport for hospital discharges and transporting patients for renal dialysis – a service which has been much appreciated by patients and health board staff.
The health and social care scrutiny committee established a Task and Finish Group in 2008/09 to review luncheon club provision, with the aim of mapping out provision, assessing the quality of provision and value for money, to identify best practice and to consider alternative methods of delivery.
The group received evidence from a wide range of organisations, and also spoke to users and providers.
Ultimately, they recommended that the local authority should hand over control of the luncheon clubs to voluntary, third sector and private providers.
A small fund was established to assist those setting up luncheon clubs, and staff were put in place to support the new providers.
They also worked with the independent and voluntary sector to provide advice, encourage greater use of volunteering, and to raise awareness of funding sources.
Cllr Jane Tremlett, chair of the health and social care scrutiny committee, said: “We are pleased to report that the review has been wholly successful, and that there has been no disruption in service to luncheon clubs.
“Now in the capable hands of the independent and private sector, the clubs are able to expand provision, invite more members to join, and to be developed in line with the needs of individual groups.
“Initially, the review was met with some hostility, and the media headlines at the time were that luncheon clubs were being lost.
“I am glad to say that this hasn’t been the case, and this proves that when appropriate and well-managed plans are put in place, and carried out effectively, that the council can make changes for the benefit of the community.
“Handing over the provision of luncheon clubs has also allowed us to divert resources to meet priority care services and our statutory responsibilities.”
Anyone interested in setting up a luncheon club in their area, and would like support, can call 01267 234567 for further information.
The county council’s health and social care scrutiny committee has heard that every luncheon club previously under local authority control is now being successfully run by a third sector, voluntary, or private group.
It means older people are no longer restricted by eligibility criteria the council had to have in place to control access to the clubs, and the clubs are now able to expand and offer better services to its members.
There have also been unforeseen benefits.
The transport resources that were previously used for the luncheon clubs has now been freed up to assist Hywel Dda Health Board with transport for hospital discharges and transporting patients for renal dialysis – a service which has been much appreciated by patients and health board staff.
The health and social care scrutiny committee established a Task and Finish Group in 2008/09 to review luncheon club provision, with the aim of mapping out provision, assessing the quality of provision and value for money, to identify best practice and to consider alternative methods of delivery.
The group received evidence from a wide range of organisations, and also spoke to users and providers.
Ultimately, they recommended that the local authority should hand over control of the luncheon clubs to voluntary, third sector and private providers.
A small fund was established to assist those setting up luncheon clubs, and staff were put in place to support the new providers.
They also worked with the independent and voluntary sector to provide advice, encourage greater use of volunteering, and to raise awareness of funding sources.
Cllr Jane Tremlett, chair of the health and social care scrutiny committee, said: “We are pleased to report that the review has been wholly successful, and that there has been no disruption in service to luncheon clubs.
“Now in the capable hands of the independent and private sector, the clubs are able to expand provision, invite more members to join, and to be developed in line with the needs of individual groups.
“Initially, the review was met with some hostility, and the media headlines at the time were that luncheon clubs were being lost.
“I am glad to say that this hasn’t been the case, and this proves that when appropriate and well-managed plans are put in place, and carried out effectively, that the council can make changes for the benefit of the community.
“Handing over the provision of luncheon clubs has also allowed us to divert resources to meet priority care services and our statutory responsibilities.”
Anyone interested in setting up a luncheon club in their area, and would like support, can call 01267 234567 for further information.
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