HOW the new way of providing day centre services in Pembrokeshire will be developed will use a pilot project “co-produced” by users and the council.
A plan to ‘transform day opportunities’ has been developed in discussion with service users, members of the social care overview scrutiny committee heard on Thursday (January 9).
Members agreed that the next steps in the process be carried out including a business case development for a pilot project, with its location yet to be decided.
Head of adult services Jason Bennett said: “This is a co-produced model not an officer led model,” adding it is about “inclusive communities” with people’s views leading the design process.
He said concerns had been raised, although the majority of people welcomed the proposals, with many worried about transport but he gave assurance it was not about losing anything.
A public consultation favoured the option of four hubs – single points of access for a range of social care, health and information needs, including specialist support – and spokes that are links “to thriving community activities and opportunities outside of the hub.”
The hubs will potentially based in Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Haverfordwest and Crymych.
A second option featured two hubs, one in the north and one in the south, with a number of spokes.
There will also be greater development of links with Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion services.
Director of social services Jonathan Griffiths the development and implementation of the new model would not be done “at any massive pace” because of the vulnerability of the individuals involved and the wish to engage with them fully.
A formal options appraisal of all sites currently used as day centres will be carried out and some “clearly won’t be needed” said Mr Bennett, although this did not necessarily mean staff would not be needed.
A task and finish group will work with service users, staff and voluntary community organisations to develop hub specifications and the pilot.
It will include detailed capital and revenue costings, an implementation plan and evaluation methodology.
This is due to take place over the coming year with a provisional time scale for implementation in February 2021, following a business case development for rolling out the model in March/April 2021.
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