Agenda item

The Board received an update of the work being undertaken across Telford and Wrekin Council to improve and support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of local residents.

The report was divided into three sections:

· Adult Mental Health

· Suicide Prevention

· Year of Wellbeing

Also captured were the issues experienced in the last twelve months in relation to covid and the impact on residents and NHS services.  

Opportunities had come forward following covid and being required to work in a different way ie improvements with technology together with new ways of working and opportunities for funding.  A rough sleepers’ taskforce had been set up to help and support those in need.  Funding had been received for NHS Calm Cafes which were now operating six days per week with the most recent being opened to support with drugs and alcohol misuse and was open on a Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.  Partnership working was proving successful particularly with wrap around support for rough sleeping or temporary accommodation.  This built trust and gave connection to required services.  New products to assist with the discharge out of A&E, connectivity to daytime services, recovery focussed services, mental health impact assessments were being explored.  The previous twelve months had highlighted health and inequalities among black residents who were reluctant to engage.  It was the plan for Telford and Wrekin to provide mental health accommodation for rehab purposes for those with complex mental health needs.  In relation to Project Hope and suicide prevention, this had been rescheduled due to the passing of the Queen.  Its theme would be around connecting the risks of rough sleeping and the risk of suicide.  There would also be work around suicide prevention in real time together with a surveillance programme and post prevention.

The Year of Wellbeing was a well-received programme but not exclusively around mental health.  The pledges had an impact on emotional health and wellbeing.  Next year it was planned to roll this out to children and young people.

The Chair asked in relation to the Year of Wellbeing whether BAME were not feeding in to the pledges.

It was confirmed that there were a slightly lower proportion of BAME community groups but this was being looked at via health inequalities and understanding their needs.  The report was in an early stage and a report would be brought back to the Board.

Some Board Members felt that the benefits could be seen on a daily basis and there had been good communication around the Year of Wellbeing.  The update had summarised the changes taking place and the work that had been undertaken in the last year to assist and engaged in particular with the NHS winter funding programmes and the working relationships with third sector parties.

It was asked whether the mental health of children, particularly those in care was being considered, together with the adverse effect it had on children.

It was confirmed that the report primarily dealt with mental health in adults but children’s mental health had been equally covered.  A lot of work had been undertaken in respect of the whole model family safeguarding and supporting children which had been commissioned by NHS colleagues and it was hoped to reach as many children as possible.

The Chair suggested that a children’s health report be brought to the Board.

RESOLVED – that the updates provided on all programmes of work be noted.