Minutes:
(a) It was noted that the 15-21 May marked Mental Health Awareness Week, this year the focus was on anxiety. Residents were encouraged to think of simple steps they could take to improve their mental health and to recognise where intense anxiety is impacting daily life and when to seek support. Mrs Bell then gave details of services and advice available countywide. Kent and Medway’s authorities, health services and community groups were coming together to remind residents of locally based support available. Live Well Kent and Medway were a network of voluntary groups and charities offering free mental health support and guidance for young people and adults. Better Health Every Mind Matters website offered advice on stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep issues. One You Kent, a free local healthy lifestyle service, would help residents set realistic fitness goals and stay motivated. Counselling services were available for a range of concerns through Release the Pressure. It was noted that further information and links to these services were available on the Kent County Council Website and promoted on the Council's social media channels. Please find links to the services below:
· Live Well Kent and Medway: Welcome | Live Well Kent
· Better Health Every Mind Matters: Better Health - Every Mind Matters | Campaign Resource Centre (phe.gov.uk)
· One You Kent: One You Kent - Kent County Council
· Release the Pressure: Release the pressure - Kent County Council
(b) Mrs Bell said that on the 19 May, there was a free event at the Detling showground showcasing the support available for those living with, or caring for those with, dementia. The event would be organised by members of the Kent Dementia Action Alliance. Organisations and experts will be available with activities and information. People would be able to meet with experts and professionals and connect with local dementia support services. As well as learn about new research and take part in activities. In the afternoon the Kent dementia friendly awards would take place to recognise individuals and organisations that benefit the lives of those with dementia. The event would be attended by Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough and Minister of State for Social Care, and local Kent MP, Helen Whately.
(c) Mrs Bell noted that she had attended the Health Watch Recognition Awards on 29 March 2023, where Kent County Council had won 4 awards. The Council’s Public Health directorate had won two of the awards. The first was for Kent and Medway Listens, a large engagement project that engaged with numerous residents from seldom heard communities and the findings from which would help inform the interim Kent and Medway Integrated Care Strategy. The second award was for their commitment to be involved with and listen to those with lived experience of suicide The other two awards for the Council were for its work with the People’s Panel, which was created by Health Watch Kent, and for ensuring that people's experiences were fully part of the Technology Enabled Care pilot.
2. Mrs Clair Bell then responded to comments and questions from the Committee, including the following.
(a) Asked about the difficulties faced by residents in finding the correct pathway or resource for a mental health issue, who instead found themselves being signposted from one place to another. Mrs Bell said that this would be taken away and looked at to ensure the services are effective. Mr Richard Smith said he would like to discuss the issue further outside the meeting.
(b) Asked about the effectiveness of social prescribing for mental health and if it was being promoted during Mental Health Awareness Week. Mrs Bell was not aware of any specific examples but emphasised the evidence that shows how effective such measures were for mental health issues.
3. The Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health, Mr Richard Smith, then gave a verbal update on the following.
(a) Mr Smith noted that 1 in 4 people were affected by a mental health issue, he encouraged people to reach out and seek support or check in with their friends, family, or colleagues.
(b) Mr Smith said that he had spoken at the Kent Independent Care Association (KICA) Registered Managers Conference. The conference was hosted at Detling and was said to have been very well attended. A presentation was delivered to providers outlining the directorate's commissioning intentions. Information was provided on the consultation on the care workforce. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) updated delegates on their new structures and inspection regime. There were commercial stands on technology and care services. A workshop was held on technology-enhanced lives, Mr Smith noted that this was a conscious decision to change the terminology from technology-enabled care, as the offer was about more than just care.
(c) Mr Smith had visited a number of the services provided. Including, Strode Park and in-house services provided at West View. Mr Smith was planning to visit further teams and providers over the coming weeks and months.
(d) Mr Smith attended the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADAS), It was noted that there was a call to arms about the workforce and ensuring diversity and equality within the workforce. There had been a focus on co-production as several of the presentations had those with lived experience at their centre and it was a central theme of the CQC and Future Roadmap presentations.
4. Mr Richard Smith then responded to comments and questions from the committee, including the following.
(a) Asked about hospital discharges and if there had been any learning from recent events. It was confirmed that discussions were ongoing with staff, NHS colleagues and voluntary sector actors to ensure people were moving as smoothly as possible through the hospital system. Mr Smith noted the complexity of the issue in Kent and that work was ongoing. Hospitals are under considerable pressure not just in winter but all year round, particularly in east Kent. Several out-of-hospital initiatives were underway with NHS colleagues.
(At this point the Chairman, Mr Alan Ridgers, was unable to continue as Chair and handed over to the Vice-Chair, Mr Simon Webb. Mr Ridgers thanked Mr Webb for taking on the Chairmanship for the remainder of the meeting.)