The meeting noted a number of reports, including the annual reports for the Youth Counselling and Substance Misuse and Alcohol Service (YCSMAS), the Islington Safeguarding Adults Board (ISAB), and an update on the Combating Drugs Partnership. The Board also received a presentation on proposed changes to governance arrangements for health and wellbeing, prevention and early help activities in Islington.

Youth Counselling and Substance Misuse and Alcohol Service

The Board discussed the YCSMAS annual report, which highlighted the service's successes in tackling issues related to trauma and self-harm. They discussed the challenges of transitioning young people from children's services to adult services, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Board also talked about maintaining community links and the importance of effective screening to ensure that young people are directed to the most appropriate support services.

Islington Safeguarding Adults Board

The Board noted the ISAB annual report, which highlighted the partnership's work across various sectors. The Board emphasised the importance of early identification of safeguarding issues, particularly during home visits. They discussed initiatives aimed at ensuring that vulnerable adults receive the right care from the right professionals. The Board also stressed the importance of transparency and responsiveness to residents' concerns.

Combating Drugs Partnership

The Board discussed the update on the Combating Drugs Partnership, which outlined the progress made in implementing the national drug strategy. The Board acknowledged the significance of achieving targets related to the number of people accessing support services. They also discussed strategies for promoting awareness of available support, particularly among those who may not readily seek help.

Health, Wellbeing and Independence

The Board received a presentation outlining proposed changes to the governance of health and wellbeing, prevention, and early help activities in Islington. The proposed changes would see a more integrated approach, bringing together the work of the Health & Wellbeing Board, the Islington Borough Partnership, the Fairer Together Early Help Programme, and the Children & Families Board. This streamlining aims to avoid duplication, enhance collaboration, and improve the efficiency of service delivery. The Board noted the presentation and invited further comments.