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Ageing Well Partnership Minutes

Ageing Well Partnership

Tuesday 19 December 2023

 

Notes of meeting

 

In attendance

 

Siân Balsom (SB) – Manager, Healthwatch York (HWY)

Liz Buckton (LB) - Public Health, City of York Council

Shelia Fletcher (SF) – Commissioning Manager, Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Dr Gary Haq (GH) – Ecologist, University of York

Simon Holmes (SH) – Chief Executive, Age UK York

Joe Micheli (Chair) - Head of Communities, City of York Council

Louisa Page (LP) - Carbon Reduction Officer, City of York Council

Diana Robinson (DR) – Carer Action Group  

Alison Semmence (AS) – Chief Executive, York CVS

Clare Tate (CT) – Communities and Prevention, CYC (minutes)

Carl Wain (CW) - Information & Social Action Manager, City of York Council

Dianne Willcocks (DW) – York Older Person’s Assembly (YOPA)

 

Apologies

Jeff Wiley (JW) - Mental Health Services for Older People, TEWV

John Pattison (JP) – Independent Care Group

 

 

1.  Welcome and introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Ageing Well Partnership and introductions were made. 

 

 

2.  Apologies and Minutes of the last meeting

Apologies were noted.

 

Previous minutes can be found here.

 

3.  Healthy Ageing and Climate Change – Dr Gary Haq

GH provided an overview of his research paper on Healthy Ageing and Climate Change which started initially as a communication project Climate Talk in North Yorkshire in 2007 in collaboration with BBC Radio which had a 50+ audience. His presentation slides and the report are attached below:

 

Healthy Ageing in a changing climate

                            

Health Ageing in a climate change presentation – available on request

 

Key points

  • The older population in the UK is projected to grow, with people aged 65 and over making up 24% of the population by 2043 (17.4 million people). 
  • The proportion of the population aged 75 and over is projected to rise from 8% in 2018 to 13% in 2043, while the proportion aged 85 and over is projected to rise from 2% to 4%.
  • UK has already warmed by 1°C since around the 1950s. Observed changes include:
  • Increased temperature in coastal seas
  • Less frost and snow
  • Longer and more frequent warm and hot spells
  • Shorter and less frequent cold spells
  • Breaking many high temperature records

 

September heatwave

In early September the UK experienced a significant heatwave with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 30°C somewhere in the UK for seven consecutive days consecutive days reaching 31 to 32°C across south-east England.

 

Storm Noa

Storm Noa was one of the ten most powerful April storms to affect England and Wales in the last 50 years. The storm brought widespread gusts of over 50 knots around coastlines of England and Wales.

 

Storm Otto

Storm Otto brought strong winds to northern and eastern Scotland and north-east England in February. The storm brought gusts of over 60 knots to parts of northern and eastern Scotland and north-east England. 

 

When we talk about older people it easier to cast them as the victims of a climate change. However, we need a more balanced approach.

Like other demographics groups, older people contribute to greenhouse gas emissions from their lifestyle choices. Studies suggest that Baby Boomers on average have a higher carbon footprint and produce more emissions than other age groups.

 

At the same time, older people are potential casualties of a changing climate and are vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events.

Yet at the same time, an ageing population provides an increasing number of experienced individuals who play a key role in building local community resilience and tackling climate action through volunteering.

 

From a policy perspective we should aim to reduce the contribution older people make to GHG emissions, protect them from the impacts of climate change and mobilise them to take action.

 

Vulnerability of older people to the effects of climate change arises from a combination of personal characteristics and interactions between exposure (to flooding, bushfire,) , sensitivity (age, sex medication, conditions)  and coping capacity (emotionally, support network) when faced with a specific climate-related threat.

 

Exposure level, likelihood and magnitude of the threat and the different coping capacities will all determine the severity of the outcome.

 

Threats can disrupt an individual’s way of life and routine and force them to mobilise coping resources to avoid a decline in their well- being.

Some threats are linked to life stage such as decline in health and physical strength, disability, loss of income, loss of a spouse or members of a social network (see Figure 6).

 

An individual's ability to cope with an extreme weather event will not only be compounded by existing threats but their access to information, support networks, transport and emergency relief)

 

Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCCs) from a climate change point of view.

Aims and objectives

  • Enable healthy ageing
  • Identify barriers and opportunities through community action
  • Co-production

 

Our first stage was to bring together 45 policymakers and practitioners for an online workshop to discuss climate change and its impact on healthy ageing and age-friendly cities and communities

  • Participants were from a range of public, voluntary and community sector organisations covering ageing, health and social care, housing, transport, climate change, and resilience from across the UK
  • This was our first step in the project towards identifying the priorities and challenges for delivering climate resilient Age-Friendly Cities and Communities
  • From this, we summarised 7 main priorities that people felt need to be addressedand created a short brief which is on our website (Housing and home, Social infrastructure, Health and social care, Mobility and outdoor spaces, Civic participation and Volunteering, Intergenerational communities, Communication and information)

 

Our next stage was to directly engage with older people and we did this in two ways: in-person workshops and an online campaign.

  • Short survey available online and we ran this at the same time as having a series of in-person events [info below]

 

In person events

  • UK-wide (Leith, Cardiff, Rochdale, Belfast)
  • Creative methods e.g. long table format, mapping, deliberative dialogue
  • 100 older people. Got a couple of photos here of people in discussions at our Cardiff and Leith events.
  • Asked participants in the workshops AND online:
    • what climate change means to you?
    • what impact extreme weather events have on you and your community?
    • what currently exists & what is needed in your community to respond to extreme weather?
  • We also provided feedback to the people we engaged with in the events through 2 page summaries of the themes that occurred – these were sent to participants and are available on our website

 

Online results

  • Climate change made participants think of flooding and sea level rise, heat and drought, emotions and strong language
  • The majority had experienced storms and heatwaves; approximately a third had experienced flooding
  • Experience of extreme weather affected people through damage to their homes, lack of travel, and emotional or mental health impacts
  • If extreme weather became more regular, people felt they needed flood protection, better infrastructure and housing, and better community action

 

Priorities

Created a wheel to reflect how Age-Friendly Cities and Communities is visualised but taking into account climate change.

Under each of these themes, we have a series of recommendations that local and national governments should take together with community organisations.

 

  1. Empowering Older People - co-design climate interventions
  2. Mobilising community infrastructure - promote age-friendly community hubs
  3. Enhancing mobility and transport - climate resilient transportation services
  4. Climate Resilient Housing - future proof lifetime homes
  5. Healthcare and Wellbeing - climate change as a public health priority, community integrated health services
  6. Intergenerational Communities - foster intergenerational collaboration

 

Link to video: https://www.ageandclimate.com/ (scroll down to bottom of the page)

 

 

The group discussed at length the following issues were raised and discussed:

  • Climate Ready York and a crossover of issues, local health threats, greener NHS
  • Housing, intersectionality – making housing more climate resilient, planning and building warmer homes/cooler homes, housing adaptations (widen doorways, downstairs loo etc.), retrofitting causing lots of disruption in practice,
  • The need for a much more integrated approach and using existing strategies to deliver aims and outcomes
  • Building resilience over time
  • Health Inequalities disproportionate affect on vulnerable groups including over 65s, supporting disabled people with transport and housing
  • Clean transport and making this accessible for older people
  • Age Friendly York to look at 6 priorities, be vocal about intersectionality, people having full citizenship and not be afflicted by climate change
  • National Institute Health Research Interventions and links between members of this group to support and contribute

 

The group then discussed at length about emergency planning and how we build on York’s social capital and be better at responding, communicating what to do, mobilising help and support during a crisis especially for those who are not digitally active or have access to social media. SH pledges Age UKs commitment especially on being prepared and working with communities and providing clear and consistent messaging. Recognising who is classed as vulnerable and requiring need. GDPR challenges, distribution lists get out-of-date quickly. LSOA/Business Continuity Plans/Ready For Anything

 

 

New Action 063: CT to share contacts between GH, SH, LP and SF. Completed 19/12

 

 

LP and CW both talk about looking at CYC climate change and HWB strategies and the 6 priorities where there are crossovers and look at objectives that can be adapted for AWP and put together some action points which are poignant to Older People, create actions that AWP can champion.

 

 

New Action 064: LP and CW to meet to discuss mapping objectives to identify action points for AWP.

 

 

The groups thanked GH for his interesting and thought-provoking presentation and he left the call.

 

4.  Health in an Ageing Society, CMO Annual Report overview – Liz Buckton

LB gave a summary of the webinar she attended that talked through the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report. Her slides and the report are enclosed below:

 

 

Presentation – overview of Ageing Well Partnership (available on request)

Chief Medical Officers Annual Report

 

 

Key Points

  • Quality of life rather than longevity
  • People to have choice over their ageing process
  • Maintaining independence for longer by
    • Reducing ill health
    • Change environment
  • At the moment people are spending more time in ill health and this is particularly evident when looking at the most deprived areas/inequalities.
  • People move out from cities to rural or coastal/periphery areas as they age
  • This presents challenges on the resources available to them
  • Statistics focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) map shows higher incidents of disease. People are entering old age in much better heart health with mortality rates between 1975 and 2020 declining by approx. 75% which is a great step forwards. However, when we look at overall incidence rates we tend to get higher concentrations of Cardiovascular disease in coastal areas – marker of deprivation and older age groups moving there.
  • Multi-morbidity happening earlier in areas of deprivation
  • Our aims should be: quality, enjoyment and freedom/independence
  • More generalist training for health professionals as well as their specialisms.
  • Built environment needs to be adapted and optimised for older adults – this includes transport, access to places of leisure and exercise, and housing.
  • It will be easier to plan and build for the predictable concentration of older adults in certain parts of the country if we do it now rather than trying to retrofit at scale later.
  • Gaps in research - some areas such as social care and frailty in older age, ageing in ethnic minority populations are significantly under researched. Several research gaps including the much greater risk of infections in older adults/incontinence for example which have an impact on older populations healthy ageing and independence
  • North Yorkshire Council public health 4 priorities
    • Reducing health inequalities
    • Housing
    • Employment and financial security
    • Age-friendly communities and digital inclusion

 

The group thanked LB for a brilliant summary of the report. DW also raised that the report is good for dispelling myths on ageing and diversity of ageing

The group wondered what the implications will be when NYC and CYC combined authority.

5.  Age Friendly York Update

CW provided an update, firstly on the Priority Action Points and Achievements this year and then 2 summary Progress On A Page (POAP) reports regarding Dementia info on Live Well York (LWY) and age friendly benches:

 

Age friendly York action priority action plan (available on request)

Age Friendly York Achievements 2022-23 (available on request)

                      

The Action Points have been agreed in collaboration with YOPA and looking at what reasonably can be achieved this year. The doc is for info and each point will have a POAP. The second doc summarises the achievements.

 

The group said this was useful. There was a query about the Curiosity Partnership. CW said there was a meeting a few weeks ago to discuss loneliness and isolation. Chair confirms there will be an open event in the first quarter of next year and details will follow in the New Year. This is a work in progress to look at evidence base, looking at research opportunities – using research to inform Adult Services.

 

Progress on a page – dementia information (available on request)

Progress on a page – provision of benches (available on request)

 

Dementia POAP – information page created on LWY so the group agreed to sign this off as completed. Next stage is to add a Dementia Pathway with links to pertinent information.

 

Benches POAP – age friendly bench designs consultation in Acomb High Street, recommendations made to CYC. DW asked whether it was worth reaching out to organisations such as UoY, YSJ etc to share recommendations of bench design for them to consider if they need to replace or install new ones. Chair agreed this was a good idea and suggest CW speak to David Smith Access Officer about identifying and approaching organisations in York.

 

 

New Action 065: CW to speak to David Smith to share the age friendly bench designs with large organisations in York.

 

 

6.  Term’s and Condition’s

Chair spoke about HWB Board reviewing and revising their Terms of Reference and AWP is no longer a formal subgroup, we will still be able to report into them and have a relationship. This means that the AWP group will need to revise its T’s and C’s.

Ageing Well Partnership – Terms of Reference (available on request)

Health and Wellbeing Board _ terms of Reference (available on request                   

The group’s feedback included that there were some concerns that the AWP would lack some influence, and this was a weakening of position. There were some questions as to why this decision had been made which the Chair was unable to clarify. DW raised concerns about the city seeking Age Friendly City status and this may affect the outcome. The Chair said he would look to seek some clarity with the position, where the group will report into, and the status of the group with Peter Roderick and Tracy Wallis. The group agreed.

 

 

New Action 066: Chair to email Peter Roderick and Tracy Wallis about the AWP and its relationship with HWB Board and provide an update in the next meeting.

 

 

DR asked if there can be formal recognition of York Carers Centre rather than “carer rep” and terms of membership. Chair said this will get picked up next time.

7.  AOB

SH shared details of Age UKs external engagement piece. Link is below:

Age UK York Strategy development. Thank you to everyone who have already completed it and shared their thoughts. Please do continue to have your say. You can get involved online (offline option available too, just contact SH) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WZ5GZ5J

 

There was no other business.

The Chair brought the meeting to a close.

 

Ageing Well Partnership

Tuesday 15 August 2023

 

Notes of meeting

 

In attendance

 

Liz Buckton (LB) - Public Health, City of York Council

Shelia Fletcher (SF) – Commissioning Manager, Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Simon Holmes (SH) – Chief Executive, Age UK York

Fiona McCulloch (FM) – Citizen’s Advice York

Joe Micheli (Chair) - Head of Communities, City of York Council

Philippa Press (PP) - Public Health, City of York Council

Diana Robinson (DR) – Carer Action Group  

Alison Semmence (AS) – Chief Executive, York CVS

Clare Tate (CT) – Communities and Prevention, CYC (minutes)

Carl Wain (CW) - Information & Social Action Manager, City of York Council

Dianne Willcocks (DW) – York Older Person’s Assembly (YOPA)

 

Apologies

Siân Balsom (SB) – Manager, Healthwatch York (HWY)

Jayne Bone (JB) – Ops Senior Manager, NHS York Trust

Jeff Wiley (JW) - Mental Health Services for Older People, TEWV

Gary Young (GY) – Lead Primary Care Officer, NHS Vale of York CCG

 

1.  Welcome and introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Ageing Well Partnership and introductions were made. 

 

 

2.  Apologies and Minutes of the last meeting

Apologies were noted.

 

Chair talked through the notes of the previous meeting held in June.

 

DR asked about the opportunity to hear more about the Healthwatch report that Sian Balsom had referred to in the last meeting. Chair states that SB is on leave this week and the item will be put on a future agenda when SB returns.

 

Outstanding actions:

CW not spoken to Marilyn Crawshaw again but Chair decides to drop the action as not significant to the progress of the Action Plan.

 

Otherwise the minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting and no outstanding actions.

 

 

3.  Health Protection Update – Philippa Press

PP provided an overview of the Health Protection update which includes details of flu, Covid-19 and pneumococcal vaccinations and screening programmes relevant to older people.

 

The presentation was in two parts; vaccinations and then a pause for questions and discussions (slides 1-16) and then the overview of the screening programmes (slides 17-32) and further discussions.

 

 

Essential principles:

  • Being planned and prepared. This includes constantly monitoring what is happening in UK and worldwide to spot trends and predict need, e.g. rise in measles in the UK
  • Investigation and control. E.g. outbreak in a care home or school. Establishing a plan and putting procedures in place.
  • Health Protection board that Public Health team (PH) lead where they do desk-top exercises to model responses e.g. oil spill or chemical leak.
  • Vaccination Programme for Older People – annual winter flu and Covid-19, pneumococcal, shingles. These are all free vaccines to those people at risk which include older people, very young, pregnant, underlying diseases and the immuno-suppressed.
  • Essential that these are taken up.
  • Flu is unpredictable and every year it changes. Looking at what strains of flu are prevalent in the Southern Hemisphere when we are in summer and manufacture the vaccine in response.

 

Flu Programme 2023/24

  • Currently announced to be available only to 65+
  • Key message is to get this as early as possible as it takes approx. 2 weeks for the individual to create the antibodies that protect you.
  • Requires 95% uptake in order to provide “herd immunity” but currently York figures are below this; only 84.7% for 65+ and 57.3% for other At Risk groups
  • Data is collected so they know the groups who aren’t coming forward (this is discussed later)
  • Communications required to dispel myths. Flu vaccine is NOT LIVE and DOES NOT give you the flu. You might feel a little unwell afterwards as a response to your body creating the anti-bodies you need to protect yourself.

 

Covid-19 Programme 2023/24

  • There will be another booster vaccine available from September/October onwards
  • Some people experiencing Covid fatigue as they’ve had up to 6 vaccinations now. People questioning whether they actually need it but data shows there are 53% less hospital admissions for those who continue to have the booster vaccination.
  • Will be offered to 50+
  • Will be offered to residents in Care Homes (and staff)

 

Shingles

  • Vaccinations for 70-79
  • Vaccine not as effective for over 80s
  • Reduces the risk of post hepatic neuralgia which is really painful and long lasting.
  • Duration of cover is one, or shortly to be two vaccinations needed over life span.
  • Uptake in York is very low

 

Gaps in vaccinated people, Wards affected:

  • 10% in the most deprived areas of York
  • Bishopthorpe
  • Fulford
  • Haxby
  • Heslington
  • New Earswick

 

Pneumacoccal

  • Infections can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis.
  • Can cause permanent brain damage.
  • Vaccine offered to babies and 65+ and people with serious long term health issues, e.g. heart, lung, kidney conditions

 

The group discussed at length about communications and promoting / getting the message out there particularly to address any fears that people may have about vaccines. Suggested events such as the Dementia Fair in New Earswick in September might be a good place to raise awareness. Also group members are able to get the messages out further through own points of contact. Would be great to get copies of relevant literature / key messages out of the meeting to be able to use.

 

The group also discussed about really low uptake amongst health and social care workers and trying to find out what the barriers are to getting vaccinated. PP confirms they do work alongside Primary Care colleagues and start planning as early as March each year.

 

Concerns were raised about people in contact with immuno-suppressed people which includes front line workers, carers and family/friends visiting people in care homes. PP confirmed that if one person in the family falls into an at risk group then the whole family should be offered the vaccine in order to protect that person., e.g. chronic conditions such as kidney disease.

 

The group had a brief discussion about the shingles and pneumococcal vaccines that are often given at the same time and the cover that they provide. PP confirms for pneumococcal you get called at 65 but the vaccine is less affective as you age so you won’t get an automatic recall.

 

The group discussed Covid-19 boosters for over 50s and why it’s only routinely offered to over 65s. Examples of visitors bringing Covid into care homes. Some group members feel this is problematic; testing not readily available, some people don’t get symptoms, etc. PP states that people have to take personal responsibility if they feel unwell not to go or there are other measures such as sitting outside or social distancing. And a reminder that the vaccine is only one element of protection and that people need to keep up good hand hygiene and other measures.

 

The group were keen to support these campaigns to help promote uptake with their members and join up comms to promote across partners. CW talked about the Age Friendly “Did You Know” campaign which helps to inform and dispel myths, e.g. pelican crossings can hold the green man for frail people crossing. Some people think flu is just like a cold. Some people will not hear and do health care workers need more incentives to get vaccinated.

 

DR raised about Climate Change and whether PH have a climate change lead. PP confirms that there is no lead in York as such, but there will be one regionally. Issues are tackled within the Emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPPR) planning, e.g. heat waves etc. Chair reminds the group that PH is represented on the Climate Change board. DR refers to an announcement made on June 12 and would like an update:

https://yhphnetwork.co.uk/news/yorkshire-health-and-climate-leaders-commit-to-collaborate/

 

"Statement of intent: Collaboration between the Association of Directors of Public Health Yorkshire and the Humber, and the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission

Directors of Public Health and the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission are working together to support the ambitious actions in the region’s Climate Action Plan."

 

“All fourteen local Directors of Public Health across the Yorkshire and Humber region have unanimously agreed that climate change and biodiversity loss is a key public health issue on which they will all focus their collective energy."

 

 

New Action 060: Chair to liaise with PH colleagues and include this as an item in a future meeting agenda.

 

 

PP then went onto talk through the second part of the presentation about Screening programmes. Slides show data from 2021/22 but numbers stated below are more recent figures.

 

Breast Screening Programme

  • 50-53 years old born female and then every 3 years after
  • Lots not coming forward on their first invite
  • Automatic invites end at approx. 71 years but you can request a scan after this date if you want.
  • Some work needed to reach out to transgender males and non-binary people who were born female.
  • York 71% which is below target and a downward trend across the region.
  • Targeted work required to find out why people don’t attend, potential to use community based practitioners such as Local Area Coordinators, Social Prescribers and Health Trainers

 

Bowel Screening Programme

  • 60-74 years male and female, every 2 years
  • In 2018 age group lowered to 50 and from 2020 have started to invite groups so in the process of bringing this in in stages
  • Requires 52% to be effective, York 75.5%
  • Trend is increasing, Bowel Babe effect?

 

Cervical Screening Programme

  • 25-64 years, born female (25-49 every 3 years; 50-64 every 5 years)
  • Low uptake in lower ages
  • Target is 80%, York 66.6% in <50s, and 74.3% in 50+
  • Really low numbers and declining year on year

 

AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm)

  • 65th birthday year, male
  • York 36%, very low, trend decreasing
  • No Ward data

 

The group then discussed how Ageing Well Partnership can help. The group asked what could be the reasons that NY are faring better than York and is there lessons to learn from them? Possibility of joint campaigns? PP confirms they have regular meetings with NY and NHS England. York has a different population demographic with lots of deprivation and inequality but we must find out what the barriers are for people. Chair states that York is in a good place to lean on our partnership connections to reach into our communities and sharing information and awareness raising. The group conclude that there needs to be targeting of specific cohorts.

There was a brief discussion about cervical screening and the HPV vaccinations for girls may be the reason younger women aren’t taking up their first appointments. But it’s still too early to tell how successful the HPV vaccination is so screening is still vitally important.  Talked about how the Jade Goody effect has now worn off, although her son is about to appear on Strictly Come Dancing so there may be some bounce-back after this.

 

 

New Action 061: If you have anything further to contribute please contact Philippa Press at: philippa.press@york.gov.uk

 

 

The group thanked PP for her presentation and she left the call.

 

4.  Improving Life Expectancy and Planning against ten big goals

CW suggested looking at these 2 agenda items together and gave a summary of the article.

 

 

 

  • Self managing approach.
  • Main objective of life expectancy.
  • In particular looking at how small changes in lifestyle can have a big impact of life expectancy.
  • Raise profile.
  • Myth busting - even making changes after retirement age, it’s never too late to benefit from lifestyle changes. Research shows frailty can be reversed.
  • From Age Well perspective which of the 10 goals would improve life expectancy through these goals

 

A short discussion followed regarding the article being based on research but it would have been better to see the source material direct. Also as it relates to US veterans how relevant is it to UK as they have unique factors such as PTSD, overweight and environmental factors, can the group see evidence from UK equivalent data. CW explained the reason for sharing the article was more about stimulating conversation rather than a direct comparison and apologises if this was misleading.

 

 

Chair asked the group if they would like to work with Tracy Wallis and the delivery of the HWBB action plan and to look at the ten goals within the same timeframes. The group agreed on this approach.

 

5.  Age Friendly York Update

CW provided an update, specifically around the number of consultations going on at the moment or recently closed and that Age Friendly York are being approached before consultations go live. This is a great step forward and should lead to better outcomes. Ensuring people feel included and involved. E.g. Blue Badge Access consultation (currently live, see link below)

 

 

Consultation Link: Blue Badge Access

https://www.york.gov.uk/BlueBadgeAccess

 

 

Alternative formats, such as braille or large print, are available by emailing: cycaccessteam@york.gov.uk or contacting Customer Services on telephone: 01904 551550.

 

 

Parking in the city centre, council car parks and road metres providing a cash alternative.

Acomb Front Street bollards and benches. The Access Officer working to ensure benches are accessible. Ensure these are handled with properly before rolling out across York.

Age Friendly group have had a number of guest speakers such as Claire Foale about the Transport Strategy, Katie Brown about Older Peoples preventative services, Melanie Elkan about Intergenerational activities and soon to have Edward Njuguna about Sensory Impairment commissioning.

 

The group briefly spoke about the York Cares Intergenerational social clubs and how they reach out to encourage interaction between age groups. This included mention of the session run by CW on Foraging, and one in particular with Nestle. For the benefit of all members we have enclosed the programme below for the next quarter period to be shared amongst groups and partners wherever possible.

 

 

Resources link: Social Clubs

 

 

 

 

The WHO application for Age Friendly city status is still on hold. After the Blue Badge ban has been reversed we will be looking to re-engage with people to see when the application should be submitted, this is likely to be  next year.

 

6.  Partner Updates

York Carers Centre and YOPA are both contributing to the Blue Badge Access consultation.

 

23/9 YOPA running the 50+ Festival for 10 days.

  • Lots of activities from bikes to bowling.
  • Programme soon to be available online and hard copies will be also available.

https://www.yorkassembly.org.uk/50-festival/ for more details

 

30/9 International Day for Older People

  • Programme nearly ready

 

Citizen’s Advice York about to launch a new outreach at Gillygate GP surgery. Also following research, they have found there is an upward trend of older people getting addicted to gambling especially on smart phones. So as a response to this they will have, every other Wed, an expert from GamCare in the office.

 

25/9 York Dementia Strategy will be 1 year old on 28/9 and they are holding an event at 10am at Folk Hall, New Earswick to promote 12 months of the Strategy and there will be services available for people to talk to, iMUSE therapy sessions, people with lived experience, advice for carers.

 

Future agenda item – Healthwatch report, CW to liaise with SB on her return from leave.

 

 

New Action 062: CW and SB to liaise about providing an update on the Healthwatch report at a future meeting.

 

 

SF talked through the Brain Health Café held every Friday in Acomb where people can drop in and meet professionals, check their symptoms, access to clinicians, access to social workers, no referral required. Has received great feedback, helping people navigate the pathway and it is very busy/well attended. It’s promoted through GPs, 1st contact Mental Health, social prescribers etc. Poster enclosed below.

 

7.  AOB

 

There was no other business.

 

The Chair brought the meeting to a close.

 

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 17 October 2023, 1-3pm on Zoom.

Ageing Well Partnership

Tuesday 20 June 2023

 

Notes of meeting

 

In attendance

 

Siân Balsom (SB) – Manager, Healthwatch York (HWY)

Anna Basilico (AB) – Head of Population, Health & Partnerships, Humber & Yorkshire ICB

Jayne Bone (JB) – Ops Senior Manager, NHS York Trust

Liz Buckton (LB) - Public Health, City of York Council

Simon Holmes (SH) – Chief Executive, Age UK York

Joe Micheli (Chair) - Head of Communities, City of York Council

Joh Patterson (JP) – Chief Executive, Independent Care Group

Diana Robinson (DR) – Carer Action Group  

Alison Semmence (AS) – Chief Executive, York CVS

Clare Tate (CT) – Communities and Prevention, CYC (minutes)

Carl Wain (CW) - Information & Social Action Manager, City of York Council

Dianne Willcocks (DW) – York Older Person’s Assembly (YOPA)

George Wood (GW) – York Older Person’s Assembly (YOPA)

 

Apologies

 

Shelia Fletcher (SF) – Commissioning Manager, Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Gary Young (GY) – Lead Primary Care Officer, NHS Vale of York CCG

 

1.  Welcome and introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Ageing Well Partnership and introductions were made.  DW thanked the organisers for advanced copies of the presentation slides and reports with the agenda.

 

 

 

2.  Apologies and Minutes of the last meeting

Apologies were noted.

 

Chair talked through the notes of the previous meeting held in April.

 

DR asked about the opportunity to hear more about the Adult Social Care report. The Chair confirmed that Jamaila Hussain the Corporate Director for Adults Services and Integration is planning to speak at a future meeting of YOPA to provide an update on Adult Social Care. DR pointed out that not everyone is a member of YOPA so Chair stated he will ask Jamaila to attend a future AWP meeting to discuss the report.

 

Outstanding actions:

Action 56 - CW is waiting on some figures about excess deaths over the winter months.

 

DR had a query over some of the figures that appeared relating to Phil Truby’s State of Ageing Report Update. The specific figures quoted are regarding diagnosis and that in York we are below average. CT has updated the notes to correct this.

 

Otherwise the minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting and actions progressing.

 

 

New Action 057: CT to amend the previous minutes – completed and attached below.

 

 

 

3.  Self Monitoring – Anna Basilico

AB provided an overview of the Self Monitoring Hypertension / Blood Pressure Screening campaign which includes self service Community Based Monitoring and Self Monitoring in the home.

 

 

Community Based Monitoring:

  • Linked to HWB Strategy where 1 in 4 adults suffer heart attacks and strokes which can be prevented.
  • Opportunistic screening to address gaps in diagnosis. York has biggest diagnosis gap in the region. Contributes to a large proportion of the life expectancy gap between least and most deprived groups.
  • Aim is to increase prevalence of screening and increase choice and access to self screening.
  • This is an additional service and not replacing any current service or resource.
  • Received funding from ICB for 6 static blood pressure monitors to address the gap in monitoring in the community.
  • Pilot 6 locations in community venues, targeting most deprived areas.
  • Settings are to be non-clinical with high footfall to reach people who aren’t already looking at their own health.
  • 6 locations proposed but will review to check they are in the best locations to increase reach.
  • Possible locations include: Morrisons, Foss Islands; York Hospital foyer; Acomb Garth community centre; Burnholme community centre; Pocklington library; Energise leisure centre.
  • Launching over the summer with city-wide communications around “know your numbers” and “manage your numbers”. Person won’t just get a set of numbers they will also be signposted on to provide personalised support, e.g. GP, CYC Health Trainers etc.
  • Not just blood pressure there are lots of results they will receive, e.g. BMI, heart rate, visceral fat rate etc.
  • FREE to use.

 

SB asked about how this work links in with Community Pharmacies. AB -there is some work to join up comms and to highlight the work they are doing.

 

CW asked what solutions will look like. AB – a mixture of onscreen links to websites and online info and physical posters and flyers, tailored to local offer. Trying to be accessible to on and offline users.

 

DR asked what data is being captured? AB – name, age, post code and GP surgery only with permission sought to share. The info they receive will not identify the patient but will be able to scrutinise age groups, postcodes (are they hitting the deprived area. Also during the “know your numbers” week they will look to seek feedback and opinions.

 

AS questioned about what support is available to the patient to reduce their fears over using the machines and if this was an opportunity for volunteers? AB – great suggestion, plans in place to inform practitioners such as LACs and people working in the settings so they know how to use the machines. Information outputs in both digital and paper options to be inclusive.

 

Self Monitoring at Home:

  • Already 1000 monitors have been issued to households and they are hoping to procure more monitors.
  • Targeting specific groups of patients that could benefit the most
  • Monitoring at home is better as patient more relaxed and can do a reading at a time convenient to them
  • Choice to self-monitor
  • Not to replace a service
  • Devices need to be accessible and inclusive
  • Next steps clearly communicated
  • The group discussed about how people could obtain a monitor if they don’t appear on a specific list. Unfortunately only if there was a surplus of machines in GPs but also they would have access to the community settings.

 

The group also discussed at length about communications and promoting / getting the message out there particularly to address any fears that people may have about using the machines. Discussed the language used “jumping onto machines” etc that comms needs to be carefully worded to be accessible and not to frighten people who may feel intimidated by the technology. Suggestions included a FAQ, whether machines were mobile or could be moved to be installed at events or info fairs, e.g. YOPA info fairs, “International Day of Older Persons”. AB said they wouldn’t be looking to move the machines very often but she would be interested to hear about any events coming up that could be an opportunity especially if they are in any of the 6 chosen settings.

 

 

New Action 058: If you know of an event that you think could be a good opportunity to promote this campaign please email Anna at a.basilico@nhs.net.

 

 

The group also discussed about reaching out to vulnerable groups e.g. homeless people who often have comorbidities, smoking, alcohol, drug dependence and if there would be the possibility of homeless hostels or places where people are happy to access, e.g. Carecent.

 

The group were keen to support this to help promote this with their members and join up comms to promote across partners.

 

4.  Age Friendly York Priority action points 2023/24

CW asked the group if they wanted to discuss any of the items on the action plan.

 

 

A short discussion followed regarding Getting Out and About specifically around responses to the Talk About Survey and that there is a high percentage of interest in this.

 

AS referred back to point 3.10 reference to York Human Rights City should be York Disability Forum? CW to check which “hat” Marilyn Crawford is wearing for her work on ownership of public noticeboards. This was raised at the last meeting and not been amended.

 

 

New Action 059: CW to check and amend if necessary.

 

 

DR asked about Happy To Chat and Chatty Benches. CW confirmed York Theatre Royal first Monday of the month is included and talked through the current mapping of benches and where these are and which are “age-friendly” or “happy to chat” benches, e.g. LAC or CYC Health Trainers links on LWY show opportunities to chat.

 

The group discussed reducing trips and falls and highlighted again the YOPA info fair where people will be demo’d how to report hazards and encouraged to be active citizens. The group also talked about public transport not being sufficient particularly for wheelchair users. Looking at community based solutions to get people out and about. Early stages of problem solving this.

 

CW talked through a proposal for an additional action point regarding self-monitoring. The group approved this to be added to the action plan.

 

 

The group approved that the specified action points be taken forward.

 

5.  Talk About Survey Results

CW introduced the Talk About Survey results.

 

Talk About Survey is completed twice a year – its all-age but can filter the responses by age groups. There are electronic and non-electronic versions of the survey.  Looking to increase participation of the survey.

 

CW had requested a one-off addition of 4 questions related to older people to gather the voice of older people in York (see report). This is alongside the ongoing opportunity to comment on the Age Friendly pages on the website and a comments box and cards for written feedback at St Samson’s Centre.

 

 

CW talked through the survey results and GW talked through his involvement in the word analysis and creation of categories which led to the word clouds. No mention of public loos which is progress and pleasing to see that older people care about the environment. High on concerns were the state of the roads, the planning issues on Leeman Road and the difficulty in contacting the Council. GW’s proposals are at the bottom of the report.

 

LWY has been added to the list of sources where “people get their information”.

 

The group talked about volunteers and their involvement in maintaining the city, litter picking and a sense of community pride.

 

The group talked about the risk of losing people who compete the survey if they are unable to see the actions taken forward as a result. “You said, we did”. Opportunity when email goes out link to what has been done since the last survey was completed, e.g. benches at St Nicks had no backs and now at least 2 benches have backs. We can tell these stories when they happen.

 

GW raised the quote “frailty or physical disability creates a barrier to people making friendships” and wonders if there is something more that can be done here. How do we create a culture, frailty hub. Suggestion to set up a meeting regarding the state of the city centre. The group agrees.

CW has already approached Business Intelligence team to repeat the trial questions again in a year’s time.

 

6.  Partner Updates

There were none.

 

7.  AOB

LB requested for her and colleague Phillipa Press to speak at the next meeting to talk about Health Protection (vaccination/immunisation, screening programmes, feedback on messaging, Winter planning). Chair agreed.

 

DR requested that the group formally look into Cost of Living Crisis and the impact on older people. Chair states this is being looked at by the Financial Inclusion group. SB discussed the Heathwatch Report which looked at hospital admissions due to malnutrition (not enough data) and not just the normal areas or groups affected. She is happy to bring this and discuss at the next meeting.

 

There was no other business.

 

The Chair brought the meeting to a close.

 

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 15 August 2023, 1-3pm on Zoom.

 

Ageing Well Partnership

Tuesday 18 April 2023

 

Notes of meeting

 

In attendance

 

Siân Balsom (SB) – Manager - Healthwatch York (HWY)

Joe Micheli (Chair) - Head of Communities – City of York Council

Diana Robinson (DR) – Carer Action Group  

Alison Semmence (AS) – Chief Executive – York CVS

Clare Tate (CT) – Communities and Prevention, CYC (minutes)

Phil Truby (PT) – Public Health, City of York Council

Carl Wain (CW) - Information & Social Action Manager – City of York Council

Dianne Willcocks (DW) – York Older Person’s Assembly (YOPA)

 

Apologies

 

Shelia Fletcher (SF) – Commissioning Manager – Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Jeff Wiley - Mental Health Services for Older People, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Gary Young (GY) – Lead Primary Care Officer - NHS Vale of York CCG

 

 

1.  Welcome and introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Ageing Well Partnership and introductions were made. 

 

 

2.  Apologies and Minutes of the last meeting

Apologies were noted.

 

Chair talked through the notes of the previous meeting held in February.

 

DR asked for her comments on climate change and pollution and the awareness of new diseases to be added to the minutes.

 

A discussion followed regarding a recent hustings held at YOPA for the May 4th elections and there was a lot of interest in the Transport Strategy highlighting that health inequalities are not clinical but social and transport is something people were very vocal about; e.g. location of Shopmobility in Piccadilly needing to be somewhere more accessible.

 

Outstanding actions:

AS only one paper copy of Growing Green Spaces will try to source a copy for CW

 

DR had a query about York Cares and intergenerational Social Clubs

 

DW noted that her details were still incorrect. Otherwise the minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting and actions progressing.

 

 

New Action 052: CT to amend the previous minutes - completed.

 

 

 

3.  Dementia Strategy Update

SF provided an update on the progress of the action plan for the Dementia Strategy.

Key points include:

  • Dementia diagnosis remains low 55.5%
  • Issues and Blockages – awareness and understanding of dementia and when to seek support in primary care. GP appointments being scarce. Delays to CT scans.
  • Referrals increased
  • No Co-ordinators at present, recruiting 3 new posts.
  • Juggling registers impacting the figures regarding recovery routes.
  • Stigma
  • Delivery Plan to reach 67%, additional nurse
  • Positive progress - using dashboard / data to influence where to target support.

A short discussion followed regarding the role of Admiral Nurses. York hospital have 2 within the pathway looking at timely discharge from hospital. This is a new and ongoing project.

People in care homes not being diagnoses so working with Chocolate Works Care Village.

SB shared examples of where people are waiting 6 weeks for urgent GP appointment and not being signposted to any services e.g. Brain Health café. SF asked for individual details to be forwarded to her.

 

 

New Action 053: SB to share examples with SF.

 

 

SF talked through work to link in with the Age Friendly Action Plan. There is a dedicated page on Live Well York and developing a Dementia pathway with links to help people navigate their way through services.

Peer Review – establishing a group including people with lived experience.

Visibility in events during Carers Week and Dementia Action Week.

The group discussed the need for positive examples of people living with dementia to feed into Prevention work. To collect voices and help them tell their stories.

The group also discussed talking about “end of life care” at every opportunity and why it’s taking so long. Workforce issues causing a backlog. A focus on services working better together, e.g. Advanced Care Planning co-produced with St Leonards supporting to complete the Advance Care Planning document.

Several event planned for people to hold the Strategy to account, has it made improvements to people’s lives? Using LWY / Dementia Hubs to find info also working with Age UK, Alzheimers Society etc to reach out to people.

DW mentioned about a 5 min animation she commissioned on York Hospital website regarding End of Life Pathway where avatars take you on the journey, voices are real people on their journey. Could something similar be created for Dementia pathway. SF looking at collecting stories.

 

4.  Age Friendly York Priority action points 2023/24

CW confirmed that all baseline assessments are complete and the revolving action plan has been working concurrently. There are too many action points to be delivered this financial year and therefore proposed the following priorities which were pulled together alongside YOPA:

 

 

Progress on a Page (PoaP) summaries for HWBB.

CW opened the floor for comments.

A short discussion followed regarding Reducing Trips and Falls specifically around being an active citizen and how to report hazards in public areas. There is a form on the CYC website, more work to be done with 100 Digital to upskill people to use technology. What happens in the aftermath of a trip/fall at the moment, not recorded by hospital or ambulance staff etc.

AS asked if point 3.10 reference to York Human Rights City should be York Disability Forum? CW to check which “hat” Marilyn Crawford is wearing for her work on ownership of public noticeboards. 10% of older people rely on noticeboards for finding information.

 

 

New Action 054: CW to check and amend if necessary.

 

 

DW shared an example of making a complaint where she googled Complaint York and was able to find the form and report 5 street lights that were out. 3 of which were fixed within a few days so it works and she wanted to know where good experiences can be shared. CW said he collects these and for details to be sent to him.

 

 

New Action 055: DW to share examples with CW.

 

 

DR raised a question about Homes and Housing about plans to build appropriate housing / new housing for older people. CW spoke about raising awareness with the planning department.

The group approved that the specified action points be taken forward.

 

5.  Health and Wellbeing Strategy Action Plan – for information

Chair shared the following action plan. This was as a follow up to Peter Roderick’s talk at the last meeting. This is currently being considered by HWBB.

Actions include addressing loneliness and reducing health inequalities. AS confirmed work is already being done and the outcomes won’t just be figures / data, there will be case studies and stories also.

The group discussed at length the subject of health inequalities; around the common issues of access to health. Systems change required for health to make changes to make it more accessible. Without decent transport, housing, public services and health we will maintain and widen health inequalities. Wider social and cultural changes required. Query about A15 and if this could be reframed or widened. The group discussed how this will be addressed in other action plans as a change is required to a range of services in a longer term vision. You can’t look at one action plan without looking at the others. PT said he would feed this back to Peter.

The group also discussed the cost of living crisis and how we act on this and how it is being captured and monitored. Chair talked about transformation of services to act in a more compassionate and human way, e.g. Connecting Our City on mental health services. Things are slowly moving in the right direction but there is more to be done. Understanding that a strong VCS and Healthwatch is vital to transformation and strong voices for change.

 

 

 

 

6.  State of Ageing Report Update

A number of meetings ago PT delivered a report. He returned to this meeting to provide an update. PT talked through some updated figures in the slides (attached below) based on the recent census information.

Key points:

  • York lost 10,000 responses on census day. Numbers down in all age groups, not just students who would have been “at home” during lockdown.
  • Population growth in older people. Approx. 19% are over 65
  • Only 4 or 5 wards are deprived compared to the rest of UK
  • Life expectancy falling but not as pronounced in York
  • Gap in equality has not widened but not narrowed either
  • People living in good / bad health – 10% of 65+ live in “bad or very bad health;” 34% 50+ are disabled.
  • Health conditions – cardio, COPD, cancer, knee/hip/arthritis, sensory, mental health, dementia. In York diagnosis levels of dementia (55.1%) and diabetes (71.3%) are below the national average.

A question was raised regarding figures for excess deaths in winter. PT said there is generally a significant lag in data (up to 18 mths) but he will check to see if there are any up-to-date figures available.

 

 

New Action 056: PT to check and forward figures to CW if available.

 

 

A short discussion followed about the figures for disabilities of 50+ and whether these are people known to CYC. PT said some of these will be unknown and managing themselves. The group wondered if this is used by Adult Social Care to look at possible future demand on support and services. There was also a query regarding the newly formed combined authority but this has no impact on the figures presented.

DW referred to Hull ICS integrating info and if they could be a future guest speaker to discuss their plans for "Living Well" that include Ageing Well and Dying Well.

https://www.humber.nhs.uk/news/new-single-point-of-contact-spoc-for-humber-teaching-nhs-foundation-trust-community-services-18-april-2023/627653

 

7.  AOB

DR request to discuss the revised report on adult social care that was published earlier this month.  It would be good to hear what the implications are for any Ageing Well work, especially as it puts people at the heart of developments in care, particularly encouraging better support.  The Chair confirmed this will be added to the agenda for the next meeting.

The group discussed the frequency of meetings and decided to keep them bi-monthly.  

 

There was no other business.

 

The Chair brought the meeting to a close.

 

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 20 June 2023, 1-3pm on Zoom.

Ageing Well Partnership

Tuesday 21 February 2023

 

Notes of meeting

 

In attendance

 

Joe Micheli (Chair) - Head of Communities – City of York Council

Elizabeth Buckton (EB) – Public Health, City of York Council

Shelia Fletcher (SF) – Commissioning Manager – Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Diana Robinson (DR) – Carer Action Group  

Peter Roderick (PR) – Lead Officer Health & Wellbeing Strategy, City of York Council

Alison Semmence (AS) – Chief Executive – York CVS

Clare Tate (CT) – Communities and Prevention, CYC (minutes)

Carl Wain (CW) - Information & Social Action Manager – City of York Council

Dianne Wilcocks (DW) – York Older Person’s Assembly (YOPA)

 

Apologies

 

Siân Balsom (SB) – Manager - Healthwatch York (HWY)

Piper Coghill – Senior Operational Manager for Community Services - York Teaching Hospital.

Jeff Wiley - Mental Health Services for Older People, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Gary Young (GY) – Lead Primary Care Officer - NHS Vale of York CCG

 

 

1.  Welcome and introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Ageing Well Partnership and introductions were made. 

 

 

2.  Apologies and Minutes of the last meeting

Apologies were noted.

 

Chair apologized for the cancellation of December’s meeting and talked through the notes of the previous meeting held in October.

 

Further to the action points he updated that he had spoken to Cllr Runciman regarding further citizen representation on the Climate Change Strategy which will be considered. CW also mentioned that the Age Friendly York group were discussing about the role of ambassadors, e.g. ex-services, health Ambaasador and perhaps there could be an “environment ambasador”. To be an ongoing action point to look to progress.

 

EB added that the Public Health team hadn’t been able to arrange for Shaun to attend their team meeting yet but this was a priority.

 

DW noted that her details were incorrect. Otherwise the minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting and actions progressing.

 

 

New Action 046: CT to amend the previous minutes - completed.

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Dementia Strategy Update

SF provided an update on the progress of the action plan for the Dementia Strategy.

Key points include:

  • Referrals into memory services have gone up due to Dementia Coordinators
  • Nurse to be trained a Dementia Diagnoser
  • Dementia Dashboard being developed with lots of data
  • Brain Health Café in Acomb targeting people awaiting brain assessment
  • Dementia Hub in Acomb has received good feedback
  • Young onset dementia hub club
  • York Learning activities; Making Paintings, and Dance
  • DiaDEM pilot diagnosing advanced dementia at Jorvik Gillygate
  • A number of issues include recruitment, access to CT scans, stretched resources leading to backlog of cases, and numbers being skewed as people die or move out of area.
  • Trying to support people to include those who haven’t had a diagnosis yet, Dementia Forwards calls, signposting to other services

A short discussion followed regarding the voice of people living with dementia and are they being heard and whether groups such as Minds and Voices or York Carers Centre are influential. All projects have sought the views of people with lived experience, e.g. Brain hub club sought lived experience advice on who to target and how to promote itself.

 

4.  York Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy – Peter Roderick, Lead Officer

PR joined the meeting and provided an overview of the Strategy report.

 

This is a ten year strategy that will sit alongside the Climate Strategy and Economic Strategy.

The key points include:

  • All age
  • In the last ten years life expectancy remains static or has taken a downward trajectory
  • Health inequalities – the gap is widening between the most deprived and least deprived; 10 year difference in life expectancy amongst males, and a larger gap for women.
  • One big vision – citizens to have more health, and fairer health
  • Four communities – children have the best start, adults have equal access to health, die well, and age friendly city.
  • Six big ambitions – generate health, equal access, prevention, start wellbeing young, mental health, integrate health and social care through increased collaboration.
  • 10 goals – the overarching goal is to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.

The group raised about the importance of literacy and is this in the Strategy. PR stated that the specifics would be in action plans and he is happy to discuss this further. Certain group members might want to look at the action plans and make specific comments about what can be woven in.

 

 

New Action 047: PR to share action plans with AWP .

 

 

A conversation followed regarding the linkages with Climate Change action plans and public information envisaged (as well as support) e.g. with climate change not only older people dealing with cold weather but having adequate ventilation for hot periods given air quality issues.

The group also discussed building community capacity and the importance of relationships, and how we capture the impact of the richness of community assets. Some of the most deprived parts of York also have the highest resources of community groups and citizen volunteering, e.g. Westfield.

A short discussion followed about dying, end of life, effective advanced care planning and bereavement care.

Finally a request was made about accessible versions of the documents, e.g. easy read.

 

5.  Age Friendly York Action Plan and Project Plan

CW commented that there is nothing significant to report, the project plan has been completed apart from the last point. A hold had been put on the application to World Health Organisation as it was thought best to wait until after the local elections in May in case there are any changes in leadership. Also this was discussed with 20 groups to see when would be the best time to put the application in.

Chair added that this was the right thing to do and has been warmly received by these other groups.

CW has conducted a mapping exercise comparing the Dementia Strategy with Age Friendly York.

 

The group approved that the specified Dementia strategy are aligned with the Age Friendly Action Plan to ensure there is a joined up approach.

The group also asked if similar can be done with the three CYC Strategies and CW agreed.

 

 

New Action 048: CW to complete similar mapping exercise with the Climate Change, Health & Wellbeing and Economic strategies and report back to the group.

 

 

 

6.  State of Ageing Update

Unfortunately Phil Truby was not at the meeting so Chair suggested this be picked up in the next meeting.

 

 

7.  Good Practice in Age Friendly Places

Centre for Ageing Better’s report into Good Practice for Age Friendly Places was examined. York appears in the report several times; bench mapping by GoodGym and Chatty Benches.  

 

 

The group discussed how green spaces in York could be more accessible, how previous projects had not been successful due to a lack of momentum and what can be learned in the report from other areas. The group felt that this could still be explored by looking at previous work done, specifically the “Growing Green Spaces” work.

 

        

 

New Action 049: AS to share the final report for “Growing Green Spaces” with CW.

 

 

The group would also be interested in transport and getting about, what can be learned from the work in Brighton?

 

The group also discussed transport and getting about; that York Bus Forum heard about viz when spaces for wheelchair users are full, driver calls on taxi for travel - this can be critical for carers.

 

Carl discussed the Age Friendly subgroup that was set up called Community Transport and agreed to look at whether there were any good practice examples that can be shared with the group to address any identified barriers for people getting out and about.

 

 

New Action 050: CW to look at whether there were any Age Friendly good practice examples that can be shared with the Community Transport group to address any identified barriers for people getting out and about.

 

 

8.  Ageism

The Centre for Ageing Better report for Ageism was shared with the group, particular focus on the Recommendations on p29 of the report.

 

 

 

 

New Action 051: CW to provide a copy of the ageism report recommendations to the Age Friendly York group for discussion at a future meeting when space in the agenda allows.

 

 

9.  AOB

There was no other business.

 

The Chair brought the meeting to a close.

 

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 18 April 2023, 1-3pm on Zoom.

 

Dial in details will be shared separately

Ageing Well Partnership

Tuesday 18 October 2022

 

Notes of meeting

 

In attendance

 

Joe Micheli (Chair) - Head of Communities – City of York Council

Siân Balsom (SB) – Manager - Healthwatch York (HWY)

Elizabeth Buckton (EB) – Public Health, City of York Council

Shaun Gibbons (SG) - Head of Carbon Reduction, City of York Council

Diana Robinson (DR) – Carer Action Group  

Alison Semmence (AS) – Chief Executive – York CVS

Clare Tate (CT) – Communities and Prevention, CYC (minutes)

Carl Wain (CW) - Information & Social Action Manager – City of York Council

Dianne Wilcox (DW) - Older Citizen’s Advocacy York

 

Apologies

 

Jayne Bone (JB) - Operational Manager for Community Services - York Teaching Hospital

Piper Coghill – Senior Operational Manager for Community Services - York Teaching Hospital.

Shelia Fletcher (SF) – Commissioning Manager – Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Jeff Wiley - Mental Health Services for Older People, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Gary Young (GY) – Lead Primary Care Officer - NHS Vale of York CCG

 

 

1.  Welcome and introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Ageing Well Partnership and introductions were made. 

 

 

2.  Climate Change and Carbon Reduction

 

SG talked through a presentation of the York Climate Change Strategy. Key points included York’s aims to be Carbon Net Zero by 2030 which is very ambitious. SG talked through the structure of the team tasked to deliver the Strategy, sustainability and building resilience to climate change. He then talked us through the Strategy which is a 10 year plan and will sit alongside the Health & Wellbeing Strategy and the Economic Development Strategy.

 

The 5 core principles:

  • Increase collaboration and co-operation
  • Continuously adapt to change
  • Fair, inclusive, healthy and sustainable communities
  • New employment and investment opportunities
  • Good governance and evidence based planning

 

The 8 priority themes:

After consultations with the public throughout 2021 and 2022 (“Big Conversation” and focus groups) 3 themes emerged which led to a detailed action plan which will be published alongside the Strategy. This is being taken to full Council to be signed off on 24 Nov and supported by the York Climate Commission, which includes members from CYC, University of York, JRF, First Buses, Nestle, York Hospital and Chamber of Commerce.

 

Two areas identified where the most difference can be made is buildings and transport. E.g. supplementary planning documents providing advice to developers to made properties more sustainable and accessible.

 

Further info:

York Climate Commission

York Business Festival    

If you want further information on climate change and carbon reduction please email:  Carbon.reduction@york.gov.uk

The Chair opened the floor to questions. Some members hadn’t heard of any of the consultations taking place and there was a concern that the 3 main strategies need to be more joined up and there is cross-pollination of groups. A short discussion followed regarding the link between poverty and climate change. YOPA recently had a meeting about the Cost of Living crisis where Paul Cusack a member of the Climate Commission was challenged about the voice of the people within the Climate Commission. SG confirmed representation is through the CYC Executive Member for Climate Change. The meeting felt this could be strengthened through further citizen representation and asked how this could be enhanced.

 

The group considered “how do we make it everyone’s business” and ensure collaboration and engagement leads to raising awareness and supporting people to find the information and understand these issues. Suggestions included a Citizen’s Assembly and the group felt that AWP should recommend this to HWBB and to Climate Commission to ensure public engagement is maximized and inclusive.

 

 

New Action 042: CW and Chair to write to Cllr C Runciman and the Chair of the Climate Commission to request further citizen representation.

 

 

EB requested that SG attend a Public Health team meeting to help put into context what they are working on.

 

 

New Action 043: EB and SG to connect and arrange. SG happy to arrange this with other teams also.

 

 

A short discussion followed regarding information, shared analytics and how this can feed into grant opportunities. SG confirmed that city wide performance metrics will shortly be available and that York Community Energy provide great info in the short term. There are plans for a “one stop shop” advice where people can be supported through any changes e.g. measures to reduce fuel bills, green energy, reputable suppliers, scam warnings etc. The group also referred to the All Age Community Information Strategy which looks at non-digital solutions.

 

 

3.  Apologies and Minutes of the Meeting held 16th August 2022

Apologies were noted.

The minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting and actions progressing.

 

There were no outstanding actions from the meeting.

 

4.  Your Home – Age Friendly Baseline Assessment

CW provided an overview of the report.

Why an “interim” baseline assessment?

  • Review of Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy
  • Building Research Establishment’s report into housing conditions in the private sector
  • Health Impact report

 

Housing Need for Older People Initial findings:

  • Population growth is with the 65+, primarily the 80+ age group
  • 1,570-1,730 sheltered/retirement housing units
  • Social and affordable rented accommodation
  • 610-670 additional housing units with care + nursing care units
  • 1,200 units suitable for wheelchair users

 

Initial Recommendations:

  • Support the proposal for affordable rents at less than 80% of the market to improve the affordability
  • Push for housing development to be Accessible and Adaptable, demonstrating the cost benefit.
  • Encourage the proposal for all dwellings to meet the M4(2) standards (similar to the Lifetime Homes Standards) and around 10% of homes meeting M4(3) – wheelchair user dwellings (a higher proportion in the affordable sector).
  • support intelligence led housing development decision, including requesting working with older people to understand demand
  • Seek to embed ageing and housing considerations in all relevant strategies
  • Raise awareness of the Age Friendly Homes Rating Tool and look to see where this can ensure there are age friendly considerations in housing development decisions in York.

 

 

Having a voice in the complex world of housing:

  • HoME (Housing Made for Everyone) is a coalition co-chaired by the Centre for Ageing Better. They are well placed to represent the national interest of housing for older people.

“We want to work with policymakers, local authorities and homebuilders to ensure that all new homes are built to better meet the needs of current and future generations.”

Recommendation: Recognise HoME as a national voice that can represent the older people and where appropriate support and/or provide evidence to strengthen their call for change.

 

Housing Conditions:

Nationally - There are an estimated 4.1 million homes in England that do not meet basic standards of decency, and around half of those homes are lived in by someone aged 55 or over.

Locally – pending health impact report and stock condition update.

In addition costs of maintaining the home and keeping the home warm have a significant impact on both health and quality of life.

Recommendation: create a supplementary Age Friendly – Staying Warm report.

 

Housing Information:

  • Available in York through Housing Options Team
  • Wide range of advice services that can help with resolving the impact on housing
  • Access to information on housing through Live Well York

Recommendation: ensure older people have a range of different methods to access information on housing options, aligning with the York All Age Community Information Strategy

Recommendation: ensure opportunities are promoted to enable older people to explore housing options before crises point to enable informed and positive decisions

 

What’s next:

  • Housing will complete the specified reports
  • Key findings will be reported to the Ageing Well Partnership
  • Interim report will be updated to create a stronger understanding of local considerations
  • Age Friendly recommendations for Your Home will be updated and submitted for approval through the Ageing Well Partnership

 

As short discussion followed on assisted technology and the “grey and green agenda”, making technology less intimidating (USB ports in homes), and specific models used in Northern Europe such as LGBTQ+ and what that community wants.

The group were happy for this being renamed an “interim report”.

 

5.  Age Friendly York Action Plan

CW commented that there is nothing significant to report. See item 6.

 

6.  Age Friendly York Project Plan

CW talked through the last domain “Your Home”. The next step is a presentation/report to the HWBB on 16 Nov to seek approval for WHO Age Friendly Status. There are 56 age friendly communities in UK. Once the report is submitted they can provide comments. Proposal submitted in December. Approval from Cllr Runciman.

Chair thanked CW for all his work on Age Friendly project acknowledging it has been a mammoth task that has been excellently delivered through his many and varied connections, so many links championed and has led to spin-offs created.

 

7.  Dementia Strategy Update

Unfortunately SF not available so Chair suggested this be picked up in the next meeting. He added that it was good to see the Strategy finally launched with an imaginative set of events.

             

 

New Action 044: to be added to the agenda for January’s meeting.

 

 

A short discussion followed regarding the vacant Chairperson role and funding for Dementia Collaborative and its incredibly valued work to date. It was recognised that a detailed development review was required to inform the future role of the Collaborative, and not just funding, to make sure the voices of people with dementia are heard. It was acknowledged that there is no capacity to manage or resource this at the moment. Also there were concerns of the involvement of York Carers Centre as carer’s voices count too.

 

8.  AOB

DW raised Age Friendly City and another set of issues for people with non-profound disabilities, such as hard of hearing rather than total hearing loss e.g. St Sampson can’t afford a hearing loop system. People with limited sight aren’t being catered for either. AS said that York CVS can support St Sampsons to find the money they need.

 

The Chair brought the meeting to a close.

 

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 10 January 2023, 1-3pm on Zoom.

 

Dial in details will be shared separately

Ageing Well Partnership

Tuesday 20 February 2024

 

Notes of meeting

 

In attendance

 

Siân Balsom (SB) – Manager, Healthwatch York (HWY)

Jayne Bone (JB) – Ops Senior Manager, NHS York Trust

Liz Buckton (LB) - Public Health, City of York Council

Joe Micheli (Chair) - Head of Communities, City of York Council

Diana Robinson (DR) – Carer Action Group  

Alison Semmence (AS) – Chief Executive, York CVS

Clare Tate (CT) – Communities and Prevention, CYC (minutes)

Carl Wain (CW) - Information & Social Action Manager, City of York Council

Dianne Willcocks (DW) – York Older Person’s Assembly (YOPA)

 

Apologies

Shelia Fletcher (SF) – Commissioning Manager, Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership

Simon Holmes (SH) – Chief Executive, Age UK York

John Pattison (JP) – Independent Care Group

Jeff Wiley (JW) - Mental Health Services for Older People, TEWV

 

 

1.    Welcome and introductions

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Ageing Well Partnership and introductions were made. 

 

 

2.    Apologies and Minutes of the last meeting

Apologies were noted.

 

The previous Ageing Well Partnership minutes are provided at the link provided.

 

Updates on the outstanding actions included that the mapping exercise for climate change (action 64) is an agenda item. Also that Peter Rodderick and Tracy Wallis had been contacted (action 66) and had said that there are no real changes to AWP and its relation to HWBB and does not affect Age Friendly city status application. AS spoke about her experiences of the Mental Health Partnership which has similar circumstances and that it has been positive and provided opportunities to highlight issues. They are actively approached for agenda items. CW also added that AFY are being contacted by HWBB to contribute to future board meetings.

 

Notes and actions signed off and approved.

 

3.    Urgent Care Report – Healthwatch York and North Yorkshire

SB provided an overview of the Urgent Care Report

                            

 

Key points

  • Previous research – our work built on four previous studies carried out between 2019 and 2022 (including our own rapid appraisal of urgent care). All four focused on urgent care in the Vale of York geographical area. These reports identified a number of themes: · a lack of timely access to a GP · a lack of continuity of care · travel issues to get to a GP · a lack of clarity on where to go when regarding urgent care · a need for improved communication
  • Between May and July 2023 Healthwatch York and Healthwatch North Yorkshire undertook work, commissioned by the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, to capture feedback about people’s experiences of urgent care across York, Selby, Ryedale and Scarborough. Urgent care includes same day GP appointments, advice from pharmacies, NHS 111, GP out of hours services and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC), but not A&E or 999 services. To gather people’s experiences and ideas on what is working and what could be improved, we developed a survey (available online, in large print and Easy Read versions). This was circulated via social media and taken to events and engagement activities across York and the appropriate areas of North Yorkshire. A press release about the project and survey featured in the York Press. The survey was open from 20 June to 14 July. Eighty-six people responded to the survey. We also worked with Healthwatch York and Healthwatch North Yorkshire volunteers to conduct conversations with people waiting at Urgent Treatment Centres in York, Malton, Selby and Scarborough. We spoke to 305 people on 28 days between 31 May and 13 July. More than one hundred of the people we spoke to fed back a few days after their visit to an UTC to update us on their experience. This was either via a short survey or conversation.
  • Nimbuscare to deliver GP out-of-hours and share info with hospital
  • No extra money for Urgent Care so have to look at how to use the money better.

 

Themes

 

  • Difficulties of getting a GP appointment are putting pressure on other urgent care services 
  • Lack of awareness of Urgent Treatment Centres and GP Out of Hours
  • Need for better coordination of other services to provide support and not just signpost to another service
  • Lack of coordination between services
  • Generally positive impressions of staff at all levels
  • People are accepting longer waiting times
  • Some interest in a digital alternative for minor illness

 

Underpinning all these themes was the need for better information wherever people are seen about how long they may wait and what will happen when they are seen. 

 

Ideas for Improvements

  • Better information about waiting times
  • Booked appointments
  • Clearer signage
  • Better triage and prioritisation on arrival
  • Improved system for calling people
  • Improve accessibility
  • Better coordination between services
  • Improve the facilities for those waiting a long time

 

“Communication needs to be better between hospitals. I went to Selby who sent me to York (after five hours), but York didn’t know and weren’t expecting me, so I have to start the wait all over again. I had to wait for nearly four hours after an x-ray to be told I had to go to York from Selby. Why did it take that long?”

“Ripon should be able to deal with the injury completely. I had two x-rays in Ripon yesterday and will probably have to have another today (in York).” 

 

The group then discussed at length including the following points:

How the self-assessment tools work? SB said she would raise with Gary Young or Nimbus.

 

 

New Action 067: SB to clarify with NHS/Nimbus about how self assessment tools work and report back to the group.

 

 

The group talked about the Healthier Together website for families specialising in child illnesses to provide advice on when treatment may or may not be required.

The group thanked SB for her excellent summary of the report.

 

4.    Age Friendly Climate Change Mapping – Carl Wain

CW gave an update on this piece of work which builds on the work of Age Friendly dementia report and also York’s 10 year climate strategy. Reduction strategy.

 

This was taken to the Age Friendly York meeting and it proffered a large debate and very lively conversation. Two main things that came out of the meeting was people responded positively to the table and “petals” which outlined the environmental elements. And also the need to evidence through data to be confident that progress is taking place. They have initially suggested some action points which need more consideration so not in a position to seek approval for these today.

 

Key Considerations

  • Housing / energy efficiency – Examples of Age Friendly Ireland and Age Friendly Manchester where they have developed a checklist for properties fit for Older People or have 63 recommendations for developers to make houses age friendly. The Housing team is already looking into these.
  • Reduce fuel poverty
  • International Day of Older People – potential to use this day to raise awareness of climate change impact on older people
  • Transport – providing easy car free journeys to hospitals and most common routes e.g. shuttle runs in Nottingham.
  • Car use – Older people using cars less, are there solutions why people less need a car.
  • Not at a stage to draft an Action Plan recommendations together.

 

The group discussion raised the following points:

  • Creating focus groups particularly around health, e.g. Kirklees have different groups and discuss environmental concerns
  • Preparation for International Day for Older People at early stages – no themes chosen yet
  • Incentivise people to ditch their cars after they reach 80 years, could include travel vouchers, e.g. £100 train vouchers. Should people with dementia still drive?
  • Cost of travel – people not going to health appointments due to the rising costs of travel, particularly to find dental treatment. Cuts to Dial-A-Ride.
  • Dr Musslewhite from university of Swansea report into elderly drivers.

 

Next steps - They will discuss again at the next meeting with a view to agreeing action points and then bring them back to AWP for approval.

 

5.    Loneliness and Isolation Curiosity Partnership Evidence Showcase – 13 March at the Guildhall

Chair promoted an event coming up exploring the loneliness and isolation puzzle in York. FREE to attend – aimed at people working in social care, third sector, residents. Asset rich but still have challenges.

Peter Rodderick will compare.

Key Note Speaker – Dr Kalpa Kharicha, Senior research fellow at King’s College (Campaign to End Loneliness).

Round table discussions, films and presentations.

 

6.    AOB

SB introduced work has started on looking into GPs – to understand what works and what doesn’t. They are working with GPs to find solutions. At this stage seeking feedback and there is a Primary care survey to complete:

We want to hear what's good and what needs improving at your GP practice. Fill in our short survey: https://smartsurvey.co.uk/s/F7MZ4B/  and help change things for the better

A short discussion followed about Pharmacy First, the powers extended to pharmacies to alleviate some of the pressure on GPs. SB highlighted that its really important to check the age ranges information that is circulating. Most of the national publicity doesn't actually tell you - e.g. Ear ache. SB shared the link to the info they are sharing:

Pharmacists can now prescribe drugs for seven health concerns - Healthwatch York.

DW asked how the take up is being monitored and interested to know if this works

 

There was no other business.

The Chair brought the meeting to a close.

 

Last updated: 19/02/2024
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