Minutes:
The Committee received a presentation from Gabby Wright, Project Co-Ordinator representing The Network within which she:
a) highlighted that The Network was established and funded by the Council over the previous five years and original research was conducted after Connexions was defunded. The Network was launched in 2015/16
b) advised that during 2018, the need to re-focus was established and the organisations focus was offering carers advice and support
c) advised that the organisation is person centred and the core work carried out was a one-to-one service in an attempt to establish what the individuals focus was, what they had done so far and what barriers were preventing their success
d) outlined a number of factors that prevent ambition from being met and this included social anxiety/isolation. She added that 48% had stated social anxiety and 41% reported low self esteem
e) advised that the organisations Council funding was coming to an end but the Network would retain use of their premises within the building and had secured a contract with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) this year. Individuals would be sent to The Network from the DWP and to date, approximately 200 individuals had used their support after being referred
f) invited questions and comments from members of the Committee
As a result of discussion between members, officers and guest speakers, the following points were made: -
· The Chair extended her thanks for the inspirational presentation and commented that the link with the DWP was essential.
· Individuals could present with skills but not necessarily the skill set required for entry into college. This could come in the form of not possessing a GCSE in mathematics for acceptance on to an Information Technology course.
· Members considered that holistic approach had developed and progression over the last ten years was vast. Clarification was sought regarding the services offered by The Network and whether this extended to counselling services. Gabby Wright confirmed that The Network was not actively providing a counselling service and instead, preferred to support a holistic approach and that the DWP were supportive of that despite it taking time.
· Employment outcomes have been met and exceeded from the contract secured with two new projects due to commence in January. This could provide growth for The Network including the employment of another member of staff, joining in partnership with The Lincoln City Foundation and gaining further access to funding. This would allow the organisation to tailor the number of referrals to exactly who needed it.
· The funding for The Network derived from a number of agencies with mental health support provided by The Lincoln City Foundation, not principally the DWP. Although funded was coming to an end, the intention for The Network was always to become an independent entity.
· The Network retained autonomy of decision regarding which charities it chose to partnership with collaboratively.
· The primary age range for the organisation’s work was 16-24, however The Network had hopes of joining the panel with LCC to consider people not engaging well with school, emotional school avoidance and SEN needs.
· Annual reports were sent to Councillor Sue Burke to outline costing performance. It was stated that October 2020-21, 532 appointments were delivered, 19 confirmed work experience placements, 7 confirmed traineeships and 142 carer plans formed.
· All organisations were linked, and the level of cohesion and collaboration was both evident and inspiring.