The Board received a presentation that outlined how residents accessing the Tower Hamlets Connect service are be supported online, on the phone, and in person. Noted that the Service has been commissioned to be the front door for adult social care and to support residents as far as possible in the community. The main points of the discussion and questions raised have been summarised as follows.

The Board:

v  Noted that access to adult social care is underpinned by a digital portal developed by Tower Hamlets together partners with a key focus of the services to reduce duplication.

v  Noted that the main objectives of the project are to make sure that residents are getting the help that they need when they need it in the way that they need it and to ensure that agencies are coordinating their resources.

v  Noted that the priority for Tower Hamlets Connect in 2022 is to establish these pathways; understand the available wider support services; collaborating with partners to identify where there are gaps and capacity issues; and really understanding accessibility.

v  Understood that Tower Hamlets Connect are providing people with the support and information they need to access and to keep the help that they need and to retain their independence, and if possible before they need intervention from adult social services.

v  Was informed that residents can access the service by visiting the portal; the helpline; email enquiry@towerhamletsconnect.org or by texting information and advice service.

v  Noted that the Partnership includes a number of agencies such as the Council, the NHS, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service, Queen Mary University, Tower Hamlets College, East London Business Alliance, Tower Hamlets Housing Forum, Canary Wharf Group. However, it was important to note the longer-term ambition is to strengthen relationships across the entire system with the wider voluntary sector, community health and emergency services.

v  Agreed that (i) those who could benefit from social prescribing schemes include people with mild or long-term mental health problems, vulnerable groups, people who are socially isolated, and those who frequently attend either primary or secondary health care; and (ii) the core principles of social prescribing are to promote health and wellbeing and to reduce health inequalities in a community setting, using non-clinical methods addresses barriers to engagement and enable people to play an active part in their care.

v  Noted that social prescribing is a move away from the drug description method which is fundamentally only 20% of what people need, it is about accessing a whole raft of services within the Borough and not necessarily from the partner agencies. Therefore, this method aims to deliver such a service in an integrated fashion that means that there must be a spreading of the load within the system.

v  Recognised that some people are more able to be signposted than others and the agencies need to be proactive in taking the lead on identifying what  residents accessing the Tower Hamlets Connect service need and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3

The Board received a presentation that outlined the information, advice, and advocacy offer, across health and care, in Tower Hamlets. The main points of the discussion and questions raised are summarised as follows.

The Board

v  Noted that the Council leads on the transformation and redesign of a joined-up approach to information and advice across health, social care and social welfare and is a key driver in empowering residents with making more informed choices and control. The new and integrated Tower Hamlets Connect Service went live on 19^th of July 2021 and takes a strengths-based approach to information and advice, supporting people to help themselves and achieve their goals.

v  Understood that Tower Hamlets Connects supports the Council to manage demand on its adult social care front door and those of health partners by providing free, quality-assured information, advice and advocacy across health, social care, and social welfare.

v  Observed that Tower Hamlets Connects is equipping residents with the correct information and advice support at the right time to enable residents to support themselves, live fulfilling lives and to be as independent as possible.

v  Was advised that the service offers early help and support to residents and carers through a digital portal, a help/advice telephone line service and face-to-face support in community and primary care settings.

v  Noted that a key element of the information and advice offer is the Tower Hamlets Together Digital Portal. This website provides the digital front door for all residents with or without health or care needs. It provides residents with a suite of information and advice pages, a service directory, and an events calendar.

v  Noted the Compassionate Neighbours project that supports people in Hackney and Tower Hamlets who are living with chronic life-limiting illness and those that are feeling isolated from their local community.

v  Observed that Compassionate Neighbours support people in the local community by (i) Visiting regularly; (ii) Offering friendship and a listening ear; (iii) Telephone support; (iv) Supporting people to do the things they like and enjoy; and (v) Supporting people to stay connected to their community, family, and friends.

v  Noted with interest the “Love Your Neighbour” project that is East London Cares' friendship matching scheme, which brings older and younger neighbours together to spend time one-to-one. Older and younger neighbours are matched up based on location, interests, and personality. They get together once a week and build friendships that help bring a little of the outside world in for neighbours who can struggle to get out. Younger neighbours can also support their older neighbours to get and about and enjoy all that Tower Hamlets have to offer – whether that is the cinema, the theatre, or parks and museums.

v  Noted that the programme aims to bridge divides that can make London an isolating and lonely place for younger and older neighbours alike. Through conversation, company and companionship, younger and older neighbours can support one another to stay vibrant, visible, and connected. It is mutually  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3