To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

No declarations of interest were submitted.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 1^st March 2006

The Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st March, 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

A representative of Sedgefield Police will attend the meeting to give a report on crime statistics and initiatives in the area.

Sergeant B. O’Connor was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics in the area.  It was report that crime statistics were as follows :-

Specific reference was made to a police initiative targeting anti-social behaviour within Trimdon Village and Trimdon Grange.

It was explained that high visibility patrols had been conducted by Beat Officers, PCSO’s, Special Constables and Neighbourhood Wardens over a three week period.

As a result of the initiative one arrest had been made. There had also been 39 stop checks, 39 misc. 146 forms distributed and 12 off-licence checks.

Members were informed that there had been a reduction in reported incidents of anti social behaviour throughout the initiative and positive feedback had been received from local residents.

A representative of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

A. Inglis was present at the meeting to give an update on local health matters.

Specific reference was made to the future PCT configuration in County Durham.  Members were informed that the outcome of consultation in relation to the merger of PCTs would be known in May 2006.  It was pointed out that Sedgefield PCT was currently working with other PCTs in the County to prepare a Local Delivery Plan.

With regard to the White Paper, “Our Health, Our Care, Our Say” it was pointed out that the integrated teams at Tremeduna Grange, Trimdon Village had been noted as a good case study.

Members were also updated on the financial position of the NHS at a national level and more specifically at Sedgefield PCT. 

With regard to the possible flu pandemic it was explained that work was being undertaken by the PCT to ensure that contingency plans were in place so that services would continue to be provided and information be disseminated to the public.

A representative from DISC will be present at the meeting

Fraser Hill attended the meeting to give a presentation on the above.

It was explained that DISC Drug Services were a specialist agency providing structured interventions for people with substance misuse problems.  Programmes were delivered in drug treatment centres and various settings within the community.  All participants using the service would be 18 years of age and over and have a substance misuse issue and a residency within the respective PCT area. There was an open referral policy.  Referrals could be made directly to treatments centres by telephone fax and drop-in.

Clients were given the opportunity to move away from problem drug use and into healthier lifestyles through one to one key working group work and workshops.

Copies of leaflets were available at the meeting for Members’ information, which made reference to a client’s  journey and the various stages involved, which were:

• Refer into the service
• Assessment of need
• Formation of Care Plan
• Intervention/Programme
• Review and monitor
• Improve social functioning
• Improve life and basic skills
• Increase personal independence
• Increase personal responsibility
•  Exit Strategy

It was reported that the success of DISC Drug Services work was measured both the service users themselves reflecting on their progress and by the workers evaluating the progress of their clients.

To be agreed at the Council Annual General Meeting on 19^th May 2006.

Noted that the date of the next meeting was to be agreed at the Annual Meeting of Council on 19^th May, 2006.