Decision details

Report on the current Day Opportunities including research to date, supporting data and recommendations develop a model that delivers a bespoke and range of options for future reinvestment.

Decision

(i)         That the recommendation from People and Health Overview Committee of 23 July 2024, for the proposed model for the future commissioning and reshaping of day opportunities provision in Dorset, be agreed.

(ii)        That the model described and the approach to implementation and consultation, be adopted.

Reason for the decision

Day services were a vitally important part of the Dorset support offer for several hundred local residents, providing meaningful activities during the day for those who need support. Our research had shown that people were increasingly wanting flexibility, variety and social connection, which points to a need to modernise the offer around day opportunities. Our commissioning strategies had previously committed the council to this direction of travel, and the additional insight gained from consultation in 2023 had now confirmed and firmed up the next steps.