Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

A

|

A

|

A

Set Contrast

A

|

A

|

A

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

WIDE CONSULTATION ON POOLE'S SOCIAL SERVICES

BOROUGH of Poole has been consulting with all organisations involved in caring for local people to help improve Social Services provision.

Cllr Jane James, Chairman of Poole’s Social Services Committee, is delighted by the support from service users, carers, voluntary and health agencies for seminars held in Poole.

Cllr James said: "Over 80 people attended in all, and the seminars encouraged discussion in both small and large groups. This produced a wealth of comments on the draft Service Plan and the Committee’s services in general."

All the comments made at the seminars have been brought together and considered by a small group of Councillors and Officers. This allowed specific comments to be written into the Plan and for more general themes or concerns to be appreciated by the group and adopted into the Plan.

Cllr James added: "As a result of this consultation, the draft Service Plan has been substantially re-written with some parts having greater detail added. Other parts were deleted altogether and replaced to reflect the major concerns or issues raised during the seminars. The revised Plan is being presented to the Social Services Committees on Thursday evening."

Some of the comments related to the Committee itself, including its accessibility to the public, and that it would be better informed if it had some co-opted members representing groups such as users, carers, local statutory and independent organisations. "The committee will take these suggestions on board," said Cllr James.

Comments received regarding the accessibility of the Committee concerned the way in which Committee meetings take place, their location, publicity, layout of the room and the discussion of items. Members are also being invited to consider any changes that could be made to enable the Committee meetings to be more accessible.

The Service Plan identifies five priorities: improving communication with the public, developing community services, improving partnership working, improving services to enable people to remain in or return to their own home, and influencing government policy.


-ends-

Fred Davies, Policy Director: 01202 633203