Agenda item

(a)       That the progress achieved by Double Click Design within one year be noted; and

(b)       That Members continue to support and promote Double Click Design as a Social Enterprise and as an example to the Council of a successful Alternative Delivery Model.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced a report to provide an update on progress on Double Click Design and Print which had been a Social Enterprise for one year.  He introduced Rhian Evans, Team Manager Mental Health Support Services, and Andrew Lloyd-Jones, Manager Double-Click Design and Print, and invited the Team Manager to present the report.  

                        The Team manager provided background information and referred to the main points, as detailed in the report, around the transformation of Double Click Design from a Flintshire County Council Mental Health Support Service to a Social Enterprise independent of the Council.  She explained that the aims of the business were to provide a design and print service to the public and to enable individuals with mental health problems and substance misuse issues to gain work based skills and experience.  She advised that people trained alongside staff to gain formal and informal qualifications within the work place base and in community settings and were encouraged to be involved in all aspects of running the business.   She invited Members to watch a DVD which had been created by one of the people who had achieved life-changing benefit through the support of the Mental Health Service. 

                        Councillor Paul Cunningham paid tribute to the valuable work undertaken by Double Click and thanked the Chief Officer and his team, and   Andrew Lloyd-Jones and Rhian Evans, for their hard work and commitment.

                        During discussion Members sought information around the financial stability of the Company and referred to the report and business plan which was submitted to a meeting of the Committee held on 20 June 2013.  In his response the Manager of Double Click gave reassurance that the Company was making a profit and had a loyal client customer base.  Officers advised that Double Click had a dual income achieved from the sale of the products it produced and sale of training placements.

                        Councillor David Wisinger also congratulated Double Click on the work undertaken to support service users and commented on the quality of the products produced by the Company.

                        Councillor Andy Dunbobbin referred to the waiting list for placements at Double Click and asked if consideration had been given around the possibility of expanding the service in the future at an alternative location.   The Manager Double-Click Design and Print, explained that the current location was appropriate for the time being, however, the feasibility of a larger premises could be considered in the future.

                        Councillor Dave Mackie congratulated Double Click on its success and said it was a good role model as an example of how an Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) can work for the future.  The Chief Officer commented that there were lessons to be learned from transition from a County Council delivery service to a social firm which could inform future decision making.

            RESOLVED: 

 (a)      That the progress achieved by Double Click Design within one year be noted; and

(b)       That Members continue to support and promote Double Click Design as a Social Enterprise and as an example to the Council of a successful Alternative Delivery Model.