Issue - meetings

(a)       That the progress made through the service partnership with Hft, and the successful transition of the day centre service from Glanrafon to Hwb Cyfle be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee congratulates Hft on the delivery of Project Search.

The Senior Manager Integrated Services introduced a report to provide an update on the new day centre Hwb Cyfle and on the partnership working arrangements with Hft.  She provided background information and advised that the Authority’s service contract with Hft covered key elements of work opportunities, supported employment, and a day centre.  Hft relocated from Glanrafon Day Centre to the newly constructed day centre Hwb Cyfle in June 2019 and supported 272 individuals.  The Senior Manager reported on the main points as detailed in the report.  She introduced a service user and invited him to give a short presentation on his personal experience of using the Learning Disability Day Opportunities service to Members.

The Senior Manager invited Jordan Smith, Centre Manager HFT, and Andrew Horner, Senior Operational Manager Hft, to report on progress of the partnership work with Hft.  The Committee was informed that Hft had continued to develop a number of beneficial partnerships across the county to provide new opportunities and diverse activities for people supported.  It was reported that Project Search was a supported employment programme for young people with learning disabilities. It was started in September 2019 with nine trainees and was operating in Flint in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Housing as the lead employer for work placements.  Coleg Cambria was the education lead and Council’s service delivery partner for learning disabilities.  Hft provided job coach support.  Work placements were also provided by Aura Leisure and Libraries, McDonalds and the Council.

Members thanked the service user for sharing his experience with the Committee and congratulated him on his achievements.  Members commended officers and Hft Managers on the success of the ADM for Learning Disability Day Opportunities and the excellent service and support provided by Hft to individuals. 

Councillor Christine Jones commented on a recent business event and said that employers had been impressed by the achievements, enthusiasm, and positive work ethic of Hft service users. 

The Senior Manager Integrated Services suggested that a tour of Hwb Cyfle be arranged for Members when appropriate.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor David Wisinger and seconded by Councillor Andy Dunbobbin.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the progress made through the service partnership with Hft, and the successful transition of the day centre service from Glanrafon to Hwb Cyfle be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee congratulates Hft on the delivery of Project Search.