The Community Welfare Pathway Roseanne Fearon Head Of Service, Adult Services Social Work Service

The First Steps Social Work Service

The Community Welfare Pathway Initiative was one of the key proposals originating from; ‘ The Nations Commitment; Cross Government Support to our Armed Forces, their Families and Veterans’. The pilot was subject to consultation with the Ministry of Defence, the Scottish Government and the Services of Council. Fife was identified as the Scottish pilot site. There are in excess of 3,000 members of the Armed Forces Community in Fife

Fife Council’s participation in the pilot project was approved by Elected Members in January Strategic contacts for the local Armed Forces, Veterans Group, NHS Fife and the Local Authority were identified to lead and develop the pilot project. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Defence, Fife Council and Scottish Veterans Charities was signed on 15 March 2010.

The Fife Firm Base Social Work Service

The Fife Firm Base The operational framework A secure environment, at home and overseas, that sustains the front line, enables training for and deployment on operations and ensures the consent and support of the public and host nations Support the Armed Forces Operational Support Manning Terms & Conditions of Service Values & Standards Career Management Administration Built Estate Support Services Engage the Community Community Support UK Based Ops Recruiting Reserves Youth and Cadets Veterans OGDs Regional Authorities Charities Ceremonial Public Military Events Well-Being Healthcare & Recovery Recognition Children & Young People Housing & Living Conditions Education, Training & Resettlement (Employment) Sport & Adventurous Training Security & Protection

Firm Base Aims To develop the aspirations of the Firm Base into a reality of joined up responses across Fife for military personal, their families and veterans. To reference the Firm Base principles with key Scottish Government and public sector outcomes. Resource Implications The focus is targeted at enhanced co-ordination of existing resources.

Firm Base Workstreams The development of clear first point of contact information and simple signposting to the Armed Forces national point of contact. To direct the Armed Forces Community to additional help that may be available locally from the Third Sector or public agencies in Fife.  To improve access for the Armed Forces Community to their statutory entitlement to public services.

Firm Base Workstreams  To publicise services available in Fife to the Armed Forces Community  To undertake a mapping exercise that will inform the future planning of services for the Armed Forces Community in Fife.  Community Covenant Expected Outcome The very highest level of co-ordinated public services to the Armed Forces Community in Fife.

Strategic and Operational Links With The Firm Base Social Work Service

The Fife Firm Base - Strategic Link Provides an overview of the challenges of supporting former and current servicemen and woman. Supports the development and sharing of best practice in Scotland. Contributes to high level policy being developed by the Ministry of Defence and the Scottish Government.

The Fife Firm Base - Operational Link Involves the lead strategic contacts for the local Armed Forces, Veterans Group, NHS Fife and the Local Authority. Ensures co-ordinated public services are being delivered for the Armed Forces Community in Fife. Develops outcomes and takes forward planning in the medium term/longer term.

Outcomes Some Examples Social Work Service

1 2 3 Firm Base Line of Development OutputLinked Scottish Government National Outcome Actions In Fife Recognition Provide policy and direction to ensure our people are appropriately recognised Outcome 13 We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity Social Work Service Eligibility Criteria revised to support the Armed Forces involved in active duties Contact Centre provides co-ordinated signposting Healthcare and Recovery Provide and assure healthcare recovery to soldiers and families, including a recovery capability for soldiers Outcome 6 We live longer, healthier lives Actioned and achieved through the Health and Social Care Plan, The New Physical Disability Strategic Implementation Group

1 2 3 Firm Base Line of Development OutputLinked Scottish Government National Outcome Actions In Fife Children and Young People Provide policy and direction to our children and young people’s services Outcome 4 Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens Outcome 5 Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed Achieved through implementation of joint early years strategy, Getting It Right for Every Child, Delivery of multi agency child protection improvement plan and the Integrated Children’s Services Plan Veterans Develop policy and activities that assist veterans and harness their support Outcome 2 We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people Achieved through working with Fife Employability Team, the DWP and work with voluntary sector

Social Work Service AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY, HOW DO I UNDERSTAND THE MAZE OF OPTIONS I MAY HAVE AVAILABLE TO ME?

1. THE COMMUNITY WELFARE PATHWAY IN FIFE THE FIRM BASE - CO-ORDINATING PARTNERSHIP WORKING – LEADS TO ENHANCED CO-ORDINATION OF SERVICES ACROSS FIFE 2. THE SHARED VISION AND PATHWAY IN FIFE 1.THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLEAR CONTACT INFORMATION THROUGH SIMPLESIGNPOSTING TO THE NATIONAL POINT OF CONTACT. 1.THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY WILL BE DIRECTED TO ADDITIONAL HELP THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE LOCALLY FROM THE THIRD SECTOR OR PUBLIC AGENCIES. 1. PUBLIC SERVICES TO THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY IN FIFE ARE PUBLICISED. 1.THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY HAS IMPROVED ACCESS TO THEIR STATUTORY ENTITLEMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICES. 1.THE FIRM BASE MAPPING EXERCISE WILL INFORM FUTURE PLANNING OF SERVICES IN FIFE. 2.THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTING SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO FIFE

Social Work Service Firm Base – Final Thoughts Focus on the Possible Challenge Resilience Optimism, ambition and integrity

Roseanne Fearon Head Of Service, Adult Services Telephone – Social Work Service