Meeting the needs of vulnerable people, Reading
Download (PDF 2.64 MB)Summary of report content
The report presents the findings of a roundtable meeting held by Healthwatch Reading on 13 February 2017 with voluntary sector organisations representing 12 different organisations who support local vulnerable people.
Some of the main findings were; people seeking help from charities have more complex needs than previously due to funding cuts, perceived gaps in NHS mental health services and perceived failures in integration of health and social care services; increasing numbers are seeking help to appeal benefit sanctions or decisions at PIP; organisations are just about maintaining staff and volunteer numbers but say that people are emotionally worn down by the complexity of cases.
In conclusion the roundtable was regarded as a positive initiative by those who attended. Attendees wanted the Reading Health and Wellbeing Board to consider the following key messages.
‘We’re having to do the best we can with limited resources, but so should the council, health and others’. Future consultations with service users about service change/closure should include provision of extra direct support. CCGs and RBC should work more effectively together to ensure there are effective ‘bridges’ between their services to protect vulnerable people.
Reading Borough Council and Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Groups responded to the Healthwatch Reading report.