Agenda item

To receive the Health & Wellbeing Board Strategy Quarterly Progress Report.

Members received a report outlining the commitments of each priority lead for the coming year, with a focus on strengthening delivery and addressing ongoing challenges. It was noted that future reports, including the update that was to be brought to the next meeting of the Board in June, would highlight key risks and areas requiring further attention.

The Service Delivery Manager Health Improvement & Prevention provided a summary of the report, drawing attention to strong thematic links across the priority areas. Members were advised that the report reflected a coordinated approach to tackling inequalities, enhancing prevention, and improving system-wide collaboration.

In relation to inequalities, Members heard that more targeted work was being undertaken with underserved communities, including those experiencing homelessness. Efforts were being made to better connect local support services to improve outcomes for vulnerable residents. Members were updated on progress in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, including the rollout of health check pilots and the community blood pressure project. The role of the community and voluntary sector was acknowledged, with examples of successful signposting to appropriate services, reducing pressures on primary care.

The Board were asked to note the development of the ‘Connect to Work’ programme, which aimed to prevent economic inactivity through targeted 1:1 interventions. This work was supported by joint funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the NHS.

Members were informed that the Telford & Wrekin Integrated Place Partnership (TWIPP) had agreed three main priorities and established an Accelerator Group to drive operational delivery. This group brought together leads from across the system to coordinate place-based action. A key theme emerging from the groups discussions was the resilience of the voluntary sector, which played a vital role in delivering outcomes. Members acknowledged the ongoing challenge of securing long-term funding and welcomed efforts to explore sustainable solutions.

The Service Delivery Manager Health Improvement & Prevention highlighted the importance of health-promoting organisations and the need to strengthen their role in supporting residents. Members were encouraged by the progress being made to scale up prevention initiatives and build strong foundations for future work.

Members of the Board welcomed the report’s focus on inequalities and the inclusion of case studies. Members commended the report for highlighting the involvement of residents, particularly volunteers, in service delivery and noted the value of giving service users a voice and the positive impact this has on outcomes.

During the discussion Members raised concerns about the long-term effects of youth vaping. The Service Delivery Manager Health Improvement & Prevention responded, confirming that national grant funding had been received to support cessation services for young people. The Board were advised that the team was exploring regional best practice and working with local providers, the licensing team and schools to develop a coordinated response. Members were also advised that that the Borough’s Health & Wellbeing Statement on vaping was currently being updated.  A further update will be brought to a future meeting.

The Board praised the Borough’s Green Flag award and the positive impact of volunteer-led initiatives on mental health highlighted local strategies to support families. The Statutory Director of Public Health provided Members with an update on domestic abuse services, noting the local authority’s statutory duties and the strong programme offer in place, and emphasised the importance of working with perpetrators as well as providing protection and support for victims.

The Board noted the report.