Agenda and draft minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Michelle Beach, seconded by Councillor Dedrah Moss and

Resolved (unanimously) – That Councillor Samantha Martin be appointed Chair of this Overview and Scrutiny Task Group.

It was then proposed by Councillor Michelle Beach, seconded by Councillor Dedrah Moss and

Resolved (unanimously) - That Councillor Arjun Singh be appointed Vice-Chair of this Overview and Scrutiny Task Group.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

There were no declarations of interest.

Attached for members to consider at the meeting.

Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Task Group discussed the scope for the review, including the objectives, desired outcomes, and terms of reference.

They also had regard to the notes of the informal “brainstorming” meeting held on 28 March 2024 which identified a number of organisations that may be useful to speak to as part of the review.

Resolved – That the draft scoping document be approved and the final version circulated by email to members of the Task Group.

Chelsea Fisher, Social Prescribing Team Leader and Bernie Heggarty, Neighbourhood Priorities Officer have been invited to the meeting to present information about council services in respect of suicide prevention and bereavement.

This may also be useful for the scoping exercise and members may wish to update the scoping document  based on information received. 

Chelsea Fisher, Social Prescribing Team Leader and Bernie Heggarty, Neighbourhood Priorities Officer gave a presentation outlining the Council’s Social Prescribing Service. He explained that most of its clients were people with moderate mental health issues accompanied with, or related to, difficulties in circumstances e.g. social isolation, housing, or financial problems.

The social prescribing service also provided signposting for people in crisis or with severe mental health issues.

They also presented the Council’s Suicide Prevention and Reduction Strategy Action Plan 2022-2025.

It outlined the actions which had the Council had already completed including:

-       Amparo - Share information with Chorley Central Primary Care Network Multi-Disciplinary Meeting to enable Amparo support to be offered to more residents.  

-       Chorley Council website - Provide residents with up-to-date Mental Health/Suicide information and support details.

-       World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 - Increased awareness to residents of mental health support in Chorley.

It also included some forthcoming events:

-       World Suicide Prevention Event – September 2024

-       World Mental Health Day – October 2023 

It also referred to the Chorley Suicide Working Group – which included a range of partner organisations including Chorley Women’s Centre, St Laurence’s Church, Lancashire Mind, Chorley Council Social Prescribing, Chorley Council Public Protection, Bereavement Team (LTHTR), United Reformed Church, All About People, Chorley Buddies, Citizen’s Advice, Amparo, Mindsmatter, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Library House Surgery, Cllr Samantha Martin, Cllr Aaron Beaver, and CAMHS.

The Chair thanked Chelsea and Bernie for their attendance.

Resolved – That the information be noted and included as part of the final Task Group report.

Schedule of meetings to be agreed at the meeting.

Resolved – That the Task Group schedule of meetings be as follows:

Wednesday, 19^th June 6.30pm.

Thursday, 23 July 6.30pm.

Tuesday, 20 August 6.30pm

Tuesday, 25 September 6.30pm.