Views from the Social Work teams Social Workers Linking to Community Activities
We spoke to Peter Whitehouse, a social worker in the Sutton Coldfield area team. He has been asked by his manager, to be an NNS champion, which means being the link between the area team and the NNS. Peter says:
"I was quite enthusiastic about the role because I've had previous dealings with Keat (an NNS Neighbourhood Networker) when the Three Conversations model came in so I've already got that link there and I've regularly have been keeping contact with Keat. Manjit (another Networker) attends our cluster meetings [ward level meetings] on a regular basis every fortnight so her contributions are useful as well. She uses the discussion at these meetings so that she can see things from our point of view. I try to link in with other things too and met with Matthew Bick (a commissioner) regarding the procurement of NNS.
Part of my role is liaising with the NNS to identify gaps in service. We're focussing in on a number of initiatives at the moment. I'm a very big believer in the digital inclusion initiative with David Wilson and I sent through a referral as soon as he started. "
Digital Inclusion Project
This year Sutton Coldfield NNS has funded a new digital inclusion project which has allowed Age Concern Birmingham to employ a skilled support officer named David Wilson. David is working with small local groups and also on a 1:1 level with individuals.
His focus is enabling older people to use gadgets such as smart phones, tablets and laptops to communicate with loved ones and engage with the wider community. They also have a library of tablets which can be loaned to people with no access to this technology.
David recently went to visit a 95 year old lady who had been referred by her social worker, Jane Yarnall, during a level 3 conversation of her social care needs assessment. Jane told us:
"After I had chatted to the lady and her son, and discussed her support needs and what she felt she needed help with, I noticed a bible in the cabinet. This led to a discussion about how she used to attend church and how she loved to sing. I then thought about the recent talk I had heard from David Wilson. The referral process was quick and easy and David was very supportive and prompt in getting back to me. David arranged to see the lady and her son and issued her with a tablet. He was able to set up her local church website and she was able to access an on-line service."
CNSO - Anika Sarna
Anika is the Community Network Support officer (CNSO) for the Sutton Coldfield constituency. CNSOs work with individuals and families and provide advice and information,, help to build local connections and provide practical support to those who need it. Anika told us:
Mrs B came to see me and said a future goal is to access employment. We created an email address and I supported Mrs B to create a CV. Mrs B received positive feedback from her job coach. Mrs B has no internet or tablet access and wanted to improve her digital skills. I made a referral to David Wilson requesting a tablet. This was agreed and we visited Mrs B. David installed apps where she could access digital support. With additional support from myself she can now send and receive emails and access online accounts in her own time.
Email: david.wilson@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk
Telephone: 07852 577255