The first five years
A blueprint for making life better for Wandsworth people is close to completion.
Over the next couple of months the council and its partners in the Wandsworth Local Strategic Partnership (WLSP) will be negotiating with the Government over the contents of the borough's local area agreement (LAA).
The WLSP, which includes police, health and community representatives, has the job of driving the long term plan for developing the borough. The LAA includes a set of tough quality of life improvements that have been agreed between the Partnership and central Government.
Negotiations will focus on agreeing challenging but realistic targets for some key issues - like helping people stop smoking or increasing the amount of waste recycled locally.
The WLSP will focus on up to 35 of the most vital issues affecting people in Wandsworth. Partners can receive a government 'reward grant' if they deliver results. This will mean extra money for investment in local services. The following two case studies are just a taster of how the LAA translates into positive action on the ground.
Target: to reduce the number of young people who get involved with crime
Helping young people feel safe and giving them the strength to make positive choices is a big priority for Wandsworth.
Working in partnership, the police and council are running a number of schemes to keep youngsters away from crime, such as the Volunteer Cadet Corp, peer mentoring and the Kickz Project, in which young people receive football training from Chelsea FC and take part in other activities and workshops. Practical steps have also been taken to tackle the problems that can be caused by gangs.
"Every Choice Matters" is a DVD teaching resource that encourages young people to examine their choices in life with particular emphasis on drugs, gangs, robbery and stop & search.
Young people helped the Wandsworth Youth Offending Team develop the DVD and write the scripts. Youngsters from local schools were chosen to act in it. It will be launched this month and will be used in Wandsworth schools, and the Kickz Project.
Target: to give more people independence and choice over their social care
If you have been assessed as needing help from Adult Social Services you can now receive money directly to arrange your care. The council is working to make the system as straightforward as possible. To find out more about direct payments contact Penderels Trust on (020) 3031 9155 or email wandsworth@penderelstrust.org.uk.
Colleen is in her 70s and has been receiving a direct payment since March 2006. She uses the money to employ a carer who helps her with personal care, housework and shopping and who accompanies her to social events.
Colleen says:
I thought this was an excellent idea because I would be in charge of my life, getting things done at a time that suited me.
Now that I am on direct payments I feel that I am living an independent life. I am able to choose who I want to provide my care and when.
For more information on the Local Area Agreement visit:www.wandsworth.gov.uk/wlsp.