Covers Great Yarmouth and surrounding parishes.

Co chairs: Lynn (JPUH) and a vacancy.  We're looking for somebody to fill this; could it be you?  Please email nsab@norfolk.gov.uk if you would like further information.

Some organisations who attend:

• acute hospitals (JPUH)
• adult social care
• NCH&C (learning disability)
• fire and rescue service
• police
• borough council
• Trading Standards
• voluntary sector
• DWP
• NIDAS

2025

As an example of the sort of discussions in 2025, the March topic was "Quieter Voices".

We had a presentation by the specialist older person’s IDVA (NIDAS) – including barriers for older adults (e.g. emotional awareness, trauma informed approaches). We talked about being alongside people, moving at their own pace, but being able to respond quickly and sensitively at the point intervention / support is needed.

What else can we do, or are we doing? 

• Sharing more information / support around trauma informed practice
• Use IMCAs
• JPUH – all staff (wards, emergency department) ask patients as standard if they feel safe at home – have had examples of identifying a cuckooing situation, also domestic abuse - has been very successful, is general enough to feel comfortable asking it
• Voluntary Norfolk – also do the same with young carers matters service, similar to the above, have a range of answers and then opportunities to support
• Seeing more carer breakdown – since pandemic, less community connection / support? Carers struggling to meet expectations on them. People are living longer, but with more complex health needs, being managed at home. Not enough support services. Families more dispersed. Might not be honest / open / come forward if concerned what might happen to the cared for person e.g. ‘taken away’ – decisions impacted by what might happen as result – makes preventative support difficult.
• Positive support – e.g. library services; collaboration meetings
• Recognise impact of digital isolation
• For older people was often the GP they would turn to, but very difficult to access now
• GYBC – over 900 properties – generally do an annual check, but can offer a monthly visit / call for support – chance to reach in and connect – feels a really valuable part of the role
• Local commissioning around preventative support / reducing social isolation from 2025

2024

Some key points from the ELSAP when we discussed prevention themes from SARs:

How do you access and implement learning?

Learning Lessons from SARs training – does use Norfolk examples

Information sharing as a key theme – could that be one thing to focus on for NSAB, as it is so often an underlying cause (understanding, confidence)

What helps you do this?

Do use NSAB / LSAP slides around SARs

Regular NSAB SAR update / learning event

Use face to face LSAPs / LSAP topics 

What do you think the barriers are?

• Not always knowing what the terms mean e.g. organisational abuse
• Time - too many emails!
• May not feel as relevant by the time it’s published
• Repetitive – same thing over and over
• Do the SARs really understand / identify the context i.e. it can be obvious what went wrong, but why isn’t always so well explored? 

2023

In the September meeting, the topic was neglect and self-neglect - in ELSAP we discussed role of Lasting Power of Attorney and neglect, which led to some really useful sharing of information about LPA. In fact we created a 'top tips' sheet that was shared around to all the LSAPs a s a result.

We also talked about how partnership working really makes the difference – strong communication and networking, alongside pragmatic approaches - with numerous examples from the Eastern area.

2022

In 2022 there were some really positive discussions linked to the topics - from the DHR Daisy there was a strong focus on promoting best practice across the area, maintaining professional curiosity so we really see carers; that we recognise adult children as carers, and financial pressures as well as emotional ones. The partnership were keen to support Carer's Week in June also.