Cabinet members to consider £185k a year contract to keep elderly active

BARNSLEY Council’s ruling cabinet members will discuss the procurement of a contract to get elderly people active at a meeting next week.

The Older People Physical Activity Alliance, widely known as BOPPAA, is led by Age UK Barnsley.

Age UK Barnsley lead and coordinate the BOPPAA but works closely with a core group of organisations, including Barnsley Premier Leisure and Barnsley FC Community Trust who actively work in communities to support older people to maintain independence and wellbeing.

More than 70 organisations are now part of the alliance, and they offer more than 180 different activities across Barnsley.

Some have been directly funded through the BOPPAA whilst others are part of existing provisions.

The current contract is due to end next year, but due to the success of the programme council bosses have said it is ‘essential’ it continues. A £185,000-peryear contract has been put forward for approval, with a three-year length – potentially extending to five.

The report states: “The programme improves health outcomes for older people by improving their strength, balance and movement. As a result, people are less likely to experience deconditioning, which increases the risk of falls, which, in turn, increases pressure on the health and social care system.

“Based on the programme’s success, impacts and outcomes we have seen from the pilot, it is essential for this work to continue. Barnsley has an ageing population, and as people live longer, it is imperative to support them to age well and support their independence and wellbeing into later life.

“The proposal is to commission a provider, using the brand name BOPPAA, for three years from April 1 to March 31 2027, with the option to extend for an additional two years should funding be identified.

“It is proposed that the contract is commissioned at the annual value of £185,000 and will be funded jointly by Healthier Communities with an £85,000-per-annum base budget and the Better Care Fund’s £100,000-per-annum budget.”