The Wokingham Borough Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss the Wokingham Youth Offer Needs Assessment, review the Board's membership, and consider its forward programme. Key decisions included approving the Wokingham Youth Offer Needs Assessment and its accompanying action plan, and appointing representatives from the SEND Voices Parent Carer Forum to the Board.

Wokingham Youth Offer Needs Assessment

The Board considered the Wokingham Youth Offer Needs Assessment, a comprehensive report detailing the needs and current provision for young people aged 11-19 in the borough. The assessment, informed by surveys and focus groups with over 2,000 young people, identified key areas for improvement. These include increasing the availability and visibility of youth services, ensuring inclusive environments, enhancing safety and travel experiences, supporting independence, increasing awareness of volunteering opportunities, reviewing mental health support, and improving digital access to information.

The report highlighted specific groups of young people who would benefit most from strengthened activities and support, including those eligible for free school meals, young people with SEND, those in care, and those not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Eight recommendations were developed to guide improvements, focusing on expanding services, ensuring equitable access, promoting safer travel, enhancing physical safety, supporting independence, increasing volunteering opportunities, reviewing mental health support, and improving the digital offer.

The Board resolved to note the outcomes of the Youth Future Focus analysis, the Youth Needs Assessment, and the draft Action Plan. The report also detailed a comprehensive action plan with specific tasks, leads, and timelines for implementing the recommendations.

Wokingham Borough Health and Wellbeing Board Membership

The Board received a report proposing changes to its membership. It was proposed to appoint two representatives from the SEND Voices Parent Carer Forum to the Board: Terri Walsh and Sarah Clarke. This change aims to enhance the Board's ability to address health and wellbeing priorities by incorporating the perspectives of parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Board resolved to appoint a representative from the SEND Voices Parent Carer Forum and recommended that the Council note this decision and agree to amend paragraph 8.11.3 of the Constitution to reflect the change in membership.

ICB Update

Ben Riley presented an update on the Integrated Care Board (ICB). The focus has been on organisational changes related to the development of the new Thames Valley ICB, with a Joint Committee established between the Frimley and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Boards. The update also covered joint commissioning intentions for Thames Valley and the creation of an Innovation Fund to encourage bids for projects aligned with the NHS 10-year plan. The Board noted that performance during winter pressures had been good, and trusts had managed the impact of industrial action effectively.

The Board resolved to note the ICB Briefing.

Forward Programme

The Board discussed its work programme for the remainder of the municipal year.

The Board resolved to note the forward programme.

Public Question Time

Eden Edwards submitted a question asking if the Wokingham Authority could join Pets as Therapy to use their dogs in homes and care homes, mentioning Suffolk Lodge Wokingham. This question was noted for consideration.