11/9/2020

A report which outlines the performance evaluation, feedback and progress of Cardiff's Social Services will be received by the Council's Cabinet when it meets on Thursday 17, September 2020.

The 2019/20 Local Authority's Social Services Annual Report provides feedback on inspection and performance evaluation activity completed by Care Inspectorate Wales, reports on progress made in implementing recommendations from inspections and/or child and adult practice reviews and outlines Cardiff Council's forward work programme.

During a year which has seen all services impacted on by circumstances associated with COVID-19, the report highlights the positive work and achievements which have continued to be delivered before and throughout the global health crisis.

Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore said: "Social Care has been central to Cardiff's public services response to the pandemic. It's involved an immense effort on the part of the entire social care sector, and services and individuals from across the Council to support the most vulnerable children and adults. It has been truly humbling and a privilege to be part of. 

In adult services, the report highlights the range of new schemes and services which have been successfully delivered including;

- The launch of the new Carer's Gateway which provides a single point for information, advice and assistance for adult carers in the region

- New day services for people with dementia was opened in Fairwater, complimenting the services already being delivered in the Ely area of the city

- Ty Canna has continued to develop outreach services for people with mental ill health, including a new service for young people transitioning to adult services 

- The ‘pink army' and the new integrated single point of access for hospital discharge have worked in partnership with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to support more people to be discharged from hospital in a timely way. 

In addition, the Council's day opportunities for people with learning disabilities have been evaluated by independent experts as innovative and pioneering in the way they support people to be independent and live fulfilled lives in the community.

Cllr Elsmore added: "The value of social care and the impact it has on people's lives, with a focus on savings lives and keeping people safe, has been celebrated, and there is now a real opportunity to build on this positivity, whist acknowledging and planning for the significant challenges that will arise in the short, medium and longer term as a consequence of the crisis."

In Children's Services significant new service developments have been delivered over the last year including the launch of the Cardiff Family Advice Service, providing one point of contact for children, young people and their families where they can be signposted to arange of information, advice and assistance as well as the launch of the YMCA Young Carers Service which provided much needed support for young carers during lockdown.

Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Cllr Graham Hinchey said: "Working with and alongside people experiencing illness, disability, extreme stress and challenges, to support positive change and quality of life is a huge privilege. 

"Listening to the individual stories of people who have experienced our services is so important in celebrating and building on what we do well, and being open to improvements when they are needed. The services we provide are important not just because they are the culmination of so much work, but because of the impact they have on the lives of people with care and support needs."

Teams from Cardiff' Social Serviceshave been recognised at the Regional Safeguarding Awards, including the Adolescent Resource Centre and the Older Adult Mental Health team and over 100 workers from across Children's Services were recognised at the Signs of Safety Celebration Event for their achievements in improving the way Cardiff works with and alongside children and families.

The achievements of frontline workers who had successfully gained their qualifications in care were acknowledged at The Annual Care Workers Awards and the achievements of children and young people, social workers, foster carers and care providers were recognised at The Bright Sparks awards.

Cllr Hinchey added: "Managing continuous financial cuts to public services whilst modernising our services and prioritising care to those most vulnerable is one of the most difficult challenges facing all local authorities across the UK.

"We are proud of the progress made, but not complacent about what needs to be done, to continue to develop social services in Cardiff to be of the highest standards, to support our workforce and safeguard, protect and improve outcomes for our most vulnerable citizens."