Agenda item

(To receive a report on behalf of East Lindsey District Council and Community Lincs, which presents an overview of the Talk, Eat and Drink (TED) and Age Friendly projects in East Lindsey, as well as providing information on the Centre for Ageing Better (CFAB) and the opportunity for Lincolnshire to become a Rural Strategic Partner.  Michelle Howard, Assistant Director People, East Lindsey District Council and Amy Thomas, Head of Communities at Community Lincs part of YMCA Lincolnshire will be in attendance for this item)

The Board gave consideration to a report from East Lindsey District Council and Community Lincs, which provided an overview of the Talk, Eat and Drink (TED) and Age Friendly projects in East Lindsey as well as providing an update on the Centre for Ageing Better (CFAB).

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting Michelle Howard, Assistant Director People, East Lindsey District Council and Amy Thomas, Head of Communities at Community Lincs part of YMCA Lincolnshire.

It was reported that with an increasing ageing population, that by 2037, a quarter of the total UK population would be over 65.  It was noted that in particular East Lindsey would continue to have a higher than national average number of older residents and that projected numbers state that by 2041, East Lindsey would have 40% of its residents over 65.

The report presented to the Board provided an update on two established programmes of work in East Lindsey, where there was a particular focus and emphasis on supporting and enabling Better Ageing across rural and coastal communities.

The Board noted that TED was delivered as part of a £78 million National Lottery funded 'Ageing Better Programme' (2015-2021).  TED had been successful in achieving its objectives (primarily in reducing isolation and loneliness within an ageing population, developing and delivering innovative programmes of work and contributing effectively to the national programme).  Details of the programmes outcomes were shown on pages 89 to 91 of the report.

It was reported that locally, TED participants had reported that they were much more actively involved in their communities.  It was noted that 76% of individuals now had more social contact following participation in TED activities and 75% had increased their participation in social events as a result of TED.  Further details relating to delivery statistics and learning reports were detailed on pages 92 to 94 of the report.

The Board was advised that East Lindsey had been working closely with Community Lincs (Lincolnshire YMCA).  The Board was advised further that the Council had been the first in the country to join the UK network of Age Friendly communities.  It was noted that East Lindsey had demonstrated commitment to supporting people to live healthier, have more active lives as part of its commitment to Better Ageing.  The Council in 2019 had also introduced a portfolio structure to supporting Better Ageing.

The Board was advised that in 2019, the Centre for Ageing Better (CfAB) had invited the opportunity for a rural area to become its Rural Strategic Partner.  With the support and engagement of a wide range of partners and with the agreement of Lincolnshire Housing, Health & Care Delivery Group; an expression of interest for Lincolnshire was submitted in August 2019.   The supplementary announcements earlier in the agenda had confirmed that Lincolnshire had been chosen as a strategic rural localities partner.  A copy of the CfAB priorities was attached to the report at Appendix A.

During discussion, reference was made to: the synergies between TED and CfAB; future proofing for old age – homes for life; safety scams; the need to extend the good practice in East Lindsey to other districts – confirmation was given that TED was a national programme and officers from East Lindsey were more than happy to share with others what initiatives had been successful.  The Board was also advised that learning reports relating to TED were available on the website. 

Congratulations were extended to Michelle and Amy for all their hard work.

RESOLVED

1.    That the outcomes to date from the work underway in East Lindsey to support and enable Better Ageing be noted.

2.    That the opportunities to extend learning across Lincolnshire be considered.

3.    That continued dialogue be supported with the Centre for Ageing Better (CfAB) to develop a positive working relationship and benefit from their expertise.