CP1094 - 14 Voluntary Sector Representation within the Community Health and Social Care Teams

Tender description

Integrated health and social care teams (Health and Social Care teams) work alongside GP practices across Devon focused on people, and their carers, with long term conditions and / or complex needs. As equal partners, voluntary and community sector representatives are integrated into these Health and Social Care teams. This model of multi-disciplinary working which includes the voluntary sector as a core member of the team has been built on work first developed in Exeter in 2007 and then extended across Devon as part of the Partnerships for Older People work. The key purpose of the voluntary sector co-ordinator role as part of the community health and social care teams is to provide a ‘bridge’ to the local voluntary and community sector (VCS). The co-ordinator represents the VCS as a whole not one organisation, raising awareness of the range of VCS opportunities and resources available to support people in a local community. This expertise does not exist with local health and social care professionals and is subject to regular change both in breath and capacity. It is important that the VCS representative acts ‘neutrally’ across range of local voluntary sector providers. The VCS representative brings a unique perspective and contribution to a multidisciplinary discussion at a core group (or equivalent). They have a clear understanding of the opportunities to connect individuals and their carers to non-statutory services that promote wellbeing, support reduction in social isolation or provide vast range of practical support / help and advice