The Health and Well-being Board of Northumberland Council met on Thursday 13 August 2026 to discuss progress on the Sexual Health Strategy and receive an update on the 0-19 Growing Healthy Northumberland service. The meeting also reviewed the forward plan for future board discussions.

Sexual Health Strategy - Progress Update

The Board received an update on the Northumberland Sexual Health Strategy (2024-2029), which is progressing well across its four key priorities. Councillor Eve Louise Chicken, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, highlighted that 100% of actions for Teenage pregnancy and young people and Education across the life course are in progress. For Reducing STIs & HIV prevention, 92% of actions are in progress, and for Contraception and reproductive health, 95% are in progress.

Key achievements include the rollout of the Elephant in the Room campaign, aimed at young people, and the expansion of contraception services, including a pilot scheme with pharmacies offering Depo injections. The strategy also addresses the rise in STIs among those over 50 and aims to reduce stigma associated with sexual health. The Board was asked to comment on the strategy's direction and priorities.

0-19 (25) Growing Healthy Northumberland Annual Report 2025-2026

Ashley Eyston, Head of Public Health Nursing and Operations, and Karen Shepard, Interim Head of Nursing for Northumberland and Gateshead, presented the annual report for the Growing Healthy Northumberland service. The report demonstrated that the service continues to deliver high-quality, responsive, safe, and effective services, aligning with the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The service delivered 39,942 contacts to children, young people, and families in 2025-2026, achieving over 90% of its Key Performance Indicators. The report highlighted efforts to reduce health inequalities, including support through the Baby Box initiative and the Great Start in Life pathway pilot in Ashington. Partnership working was also a key focus, with integrated delivery with Family Hubs and early years providers. Challenges identified include workforce recruitment and retention, particularly in rural areas, and the need to ensure equitable access to services. The Board was asked to note the report and presentation.

Health and Wellbeing Board - Forward Plan

The Board reviewed its forward plan for the 2026-2027 council year, noting forthcoming agenda items. A development session focusing on neighbourhood health plans is scheduled for the next meeting on 10 September 2026. Councillor Glenn Howard Sanderson suggested that members be informed of the topics on the forward plan to encourage wider engagement.

The next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board will be a development session on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at 10:00 a.m.