Views sought on North Ayrshire Health and Social care plan

Today at a specially convened meeting North Ayrshire Council approved the Health and Social Care Integration plan.   The integration scheme sets out the terms and conditions of the Integration of Health and Social Care and the relationship between the council and Ayrshire and Arran Health Board.  Integrating two large organisations is a rather complicated, technical process with lots of interesting challenges.  

However, the point of it all couldn't be simpler.

The creation of Health and Social care partnerships is about NHS Ayrshire & Arran and North Ayrshire Council working together in a way that is best for patients and service users.

At the moment the draft strategic plan is out for consultation.  This document describes the partnerships vision for improving the health and wellbeing of our communities and suggests some priorities for achieving these improvements.  There will be opportunity to attend consultation events where you can ask questions and provide feedback in person, but meantime you may wish to have a look at the draft plan.

http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/council/consultations/hsc-partnership-draft-strategic-plan-summary-2015-18.aspx

Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery Project - CEDAR

This afternoon at a launch in Cunninghame house CEDAR in North Ayrshire was introduced to a wide range of practitioners and community partners from the area.  

The Cedar project is a therapeutic 12 week group work programme for children and young people aged 4-16 who have experienced domestic abuse.  Mothers have the opportunity to attend a women's group to support their children.  It aims to support children in learning how to manage their emotions and actions in response to domestic abuse.  National evaluations have demonstrated that CEDAR improves children's physical and mental health, their performance at school and their family relationships.

Referrals are made directly to CEDAR and taken over the phone on 01505 682216, no forms to fill in.  Mums can also refer themselves and their children, the group leaders are happy to have an informal chat  and provide information about other services if CEDAR isn't the best programme for you and your family.  More information online at http://cedarnetwork.org.uk/

Support for Scottish Sports Alliance Goals

I am happy to add my support to The Scottish Sports Alliances 3 goals.  

Getting children into sport early provides them positive role models and establish's healthy behaviors, build confidence and belonging.  For the wider community sport socially connects individuals and groups. In terms of physical and mental health it can bring measurable differences in a relatively short space of time.  I have also seen first hand how sport can affect the justice landscape too, giving our young people a positive, sociable and enjoyable diversion.  

Three goals for sport:

1. Help every young person in Scotland get active and stay healthy
2. Make better use of sporting facilities
3. Champion the efforts of sporting volunteers and coaches

Our First Minister Alex Salmond says "The SNP support the Alliance's campaign and share Scots' passion for sport.  Getting children involved at a young age is vital, and we are committed to the delivery of at least 2 hours PE in primary schools and 2 periods of PE in secondary schools by 2014.  We support making better use of sports facilities and opening up school school sports facilities to meet the SNP's ambition for a healthier and more active nation.  However facilities are only part of the the picture - it is the time, effort and commitment of thousands of volunteers and coaches who are the backbone of sports teams and sports clubs across Scotland"

Last weekend at conference the establishment of a £10 million fund that will allow communities to bring their local sports facilities across Scotland into the 21 st century was announced, welcome news indeed.