What does this Group cover?

The group covers adult social services, housing, community safety, health co-ordination and cultural services. It includes all the personal care services aimed at specific groups of people - such as older people, and people with disabilities. It also includes activities which contribute to cultural development such as libraries, arts, tourism, leisure, events and sporting opportunities. It also monitors the performance of the Gateshead Housing Company, who manage the council's housing stock.

The Group also has lead responsibility for joint working with Health partners.

Which of the Council's policy areas does it contribute to?

The service supports the following policy areas:

• Culture;
• Housing Services;
• Social Support;
• Community Safety;
• Health.

The key service areas within Community Based Services are:

• Community Support;
• Cultural Services;
• Planning, Performance and Support;
• Services for Older People;
• Services for Adults with Disabilities;
• Housing Services.

Who's who in Community Based Services?

• Group Director: David Bunce;  
• Director of Adult Care and Housing: Michael Laing;
• Head of Libraries and Arts: Ann Borthwick;
• Head of Sport and Leisure: Louise Rule;
• Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods, Kate Israel;
• Head of Business Strategy and Support Services: Andy Crabtree;
• Head of Service (Strategy and Commissioning): Margaret Barrett; 
• Head of Housing Services: Jackie Park.