The Health and Wellbeing Board of Leicester City Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of public health initiatives. Key topics included strategies for preventing and identifying hypertension, efforts to create mentally healthy spaces and support men's mental health, and updates on the Better Care Fund and the Leicester Integrated Health & Care Group.

Better Care Fund and Leicester Integrated Health & Care Group Update

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on the Leicester Integrated Health & Care Group's work, which aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Leicester's population. Discussions were expected to cover changes in the health landscape, including the integration of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with Northampton and Northamptonshire, and the development of a neighbourhood model for health and care. The Group also oversees the Better Care Fund (BCF), and the report was expected to detail the management of scheme lines and business cases for the 2026/27 plan, which required the Board's approval. Updates on the Health & Wellbeing Board Delivery Plan, including childhood immunisations and healthy weight initiatives, were also on the agenda.

Hypertension Prevention and Case-Finding

A report was presented to the Board summarising public health work to address undiagnosed hypertension among adults in Leicester City. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and often has no symptoms, earning it the nickname the silent killer. The report detailed current national services delivered locally, such as the NHS Health Check and the community pharmacy hypertension case-finding service. It also outlined local partnership work, including a multi-partner task and finish group that used data to identify high-risk groups and geographical areas for targeted outreach. This outreach included blood pressure testing at community events, mosques, and food hubs, as well as working with the Roving Health Unit and community pharmacies. Future plans included expanding the approach to workplaces, developing a blood pressure monitor loan scheme through libraries, and aligning with national campaigns like 'Know Your Numbers'. The Board was asked to support and endorse these collaborative approaches and to identify appropriate personnel to address any gaps in partnership representation.

Mental Health Friendly Places and Men's Mental Health

The Board was scheduled to receive information on suicide rates within Leicester and the prevention response, with a particular focus on support for men, who are disproportionately affected by suicide. The report highlighted the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Suicide Prevention Strategy's priorities, including targeted support for high-risk groups, the expansion of Mental Health Friendly Places (MHFPs) and Clubs, data-driven interventions, and the 'Start a Conversation' campaign. MHFPs are organisations that promote mental wellbeing and support individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, with training provided to help staff recognise signs of crisis and refer people to appropriate care. The initiative was expanding to include small businesses, with training to be offered in an e-learning format. The report also detailed efforts to support men, including 'My Space My Game' sessions at local football clubs and the co-production of a men's support booklet detailing local services. Webinars on lifestyle and goal setting for men's mental health were also mentioned. Future actions included outreach to car parks to reduce access to lethal means and promoting suicide prevention in primary care. The Board was invited to note that death by suicide reflects wider inequalities, that men are disproportionately affected, and that MHFPs initiatives are being developed across Leicester communities.

Leading Better Lives Verbal Update

The Director for Adult Social Care and Commissioning was scheduled to provide a verbal update on the 'Leading Better Lives' programme, which aims to develop an early action approach for Leicester.

Integrated Care Board (ICB) Verbal Update

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) was expected to provide a verbal update on its current position.

Neighbourhoods Verbal Update

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) was also scheduled to provide a verbal update on the Neighbourhoods Strategy.

Membership and Terms of Reference

The Board was asked to note the membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board for 2026/27, as set out in Appendix A of the agenda pack, and to note the Terms of Reference for the Board for the same period, as detailed in Appendix B.

Meeting Dates

Board members were asked to note the scheduled meeting dates for the Health and Wellbeing Board for 2026-27.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Board, held on 5 March 2026, were attached for confirmation as a correct record.

Questions from Members of the Public

The Chair was scheduled to invite questions from members of the public.