We have to learn how to do more with less were the beginning words in a meeting I attended recently.

I am sure that most of us know that feeling as prices rise, benefits get capped and work contracts are cut. But this was said by staff from a Social Services Team and what they were looking for were answers. Did we, the attendees, have any? We certainly struggled to find some and although we fully appreciated the problem we found it fairly difficult to come up with solutions.

We could all see that a solution must be found and soon because, with the cost of the present care reaching £140 billion and rising, solutions need to be found. People with substantial needs are the priority so what about those with intermediate or low needs? In my opinion we need to look at what can be done in other ways to help people keep the independence they still have.

For instance, if the council paid more attention to the number of pot holes that are a trip hazard to disabled and elderly people this would be less cost to the NHS which too is struggling to meet its financial commitments.

Should we be looking at those with minimum needs and offering opportunities to maintain or even increase their present level of independence? We had too much of the word volunteers and the presumption that it was a bottomless pit so let us look at ways people, with a little help from the authorities, can do this. I heard recently about two good schemes that set about doing just this and it has been a great success.

One was called Time Bank (www.oxontimebanks.org) that was set up originally by the local Health Centre. It starts from the premise that everyone has something to offer from listening to someone, teaching basic computer skills, doing odd jobs and many other skills. If you do something for someone the hours you spend are banked and when you need something you use those hours. No money involved, just time. The scheme is supported by the Health Centre who encourage disabled and elderly people to join.

The other is Sportivate (www.oxfordshire sport.org/sportivate) who believe that everyone can take part in a sports activity which is a sure way of keeping fit and independent. This brainchild is lottery funded and offers different ways of playing a sport. Table tennis is called Polybat and is played without a net but has sides to the table and the ball must hit the side before reaching your opponent. I am told it is easily played from a wheelchair. Creativity on the part of the council might have its rewards.

Come on Oxford get your thinking hats on.

Oh, and one more thing; this is my last column. Having moved away from Oxford recently, I am now leaving the column in the safe hands of Niall Strawson and Gavin Hageman. So thank you for your time, your enthusiasm and, most of all, your support.