The Health and Wellbeing Board of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss a range of critical public health issues. Key decisions included noting updates on the impact of prolonged heat and drought conditions, the integrated suicide prevention strategy, and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Board Strategy Exception Report.

Impact of Prolonged Heat and Drought Conditions

The Board received an update on the significant impact of the summer's prolonged heat and drought conditions on local communities and emergency services. Stephen Quinton from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) reported an unprecedented increase in wild fire incidents, noting that fires had destroyed homes and industrial units, not just farms, as had been historically the case. He highlighted the long-term impact on affected communities and the operational challenges faced by AF&RS, including requests to support other parts of the country. The service is consulting the public on their concerns to shape future planning.

Ronnie Lungu from Avon and Somerset Police stated that while call numbers increased significantly, this did not translate to a corresponding rise in crime, with anti-social behaviour being the highest category of incidents. Preventative measures, such as patrolling at-risk areas and ensuring water safety, were implemented.

Dr. Charles Bleakley commented on the increased demand on GPs due to the heat, noting that consulting room temperatures were often uncomfortable for staff and patients. A heatwave learning event for partners was organised for 7 September. Lucy Baker from BSW ICB reported that the ambulance service experienced its busiest week during the first heatwave, with demand lessening as the heat continued, stressing the importance of proactive public messaging and taking health services to cool spaces. Paul Scott mentioned that the Climate and Nature Strategy includes actions to mitigate wildfire risks and provide access to cool spaces for vulnerable people. Becky Somerset of 3SG reported that 85% of charities surveyed had their service delivery impacted by the heatwave. Suzanne Westhead provided an update on adult social care, highlighting challenges in care homes, particularly for individuals with dementia, and noting several unexpected deaths due to the heatwave.

The Board resolved to note the update.

Integrated Suicide Prevention Update

The Board received an integrated update on the B&NES Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, student mental health initiatives, and community mental health pathways. Paul Scott introduced the report, highlighting partnership working between the Council, universities, Bath College, and health representatives.

Lucy Baker from the BSW ICB addressed concerns raised by universities regarding student access to support, particularly for those not meeting urgent intervention thresholds. She noted that an update on community mental health frameworks would be presented in November, and that changes to community pathways would introduce a single point of access in October to improve support. A specific piece of work is underway with the University of Bath to support neurodiverse students.

Nic Streatfield from the University of Bath emphasised the importance of partnership working and joint training to support the yearly influx of students needing mental health support. He highlighted the need for universities to work with NHS services to ensure students are directed to the right support promptly and to build on the existing informal partnership approach.

The Board resolved to:

• Note key actions and progress in the delivery of the B&NES Suicide Prevention Strategy 2024-2028.
• Recognise the importance of a whole-system approach to suicide prevention, encompassing housing, employment, domestic abuse, poverty, social isolation, substance use, statutory mental health services, and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) prevention support.
• Note the range of university activities supporting student mental health and suicide prevention, and acknowledge the city-wide NHS/Higher Education Institution (NHS/HEI) forum, alongside the development of a structured action plan and a Memorandum of Understanding for information sharing regarding student risk.
• Support continued system action on young people, students, and digital harms, including suicide-related internet content, online influences, and transition pathways between education, community, and adult services.
• Note the ICB update on community mental health pathways, including prevention, early intervention, VCSE support, and progress towards a single point of access for primary care referrals.
• Support the continued promotion of the full range of local mental health and suicide prevention support.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Board Strategy Exception Reporting

Jean Kelly provided an update on Priority 1 of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, noting that the action to influence the Integrated Care Alliance (ICA) to invest in emotional wellbeing and mental health for children and young people was marked as amber, pending an Emotional Health and Wellbeing Summit in November. The implementation of the Families First Programme was also amber, with service design due for implementation in November and a Families First Board established. The implementation of the Best Start in Life Action Plan was rated green, with a new hub established in Twerton and wider Bath West community, offering advice and support for families, including peer support from parent community champions. A soft launch on 17 August was attended by 37 agencies, with a formal launch scheduled for 10 September.

Meg Carter updated on Priority 2, reporting that two actions – prioritising projects to address employment barriers for young people and improving access to information, advice, and guidance (IAG) on employment and skills – were rated red due to funding challenges. Structural changes at the West of England Combined Authority mean funding is not guaranteed beyond March 2027, and B&NES is exploring internal funding options.

Paul Scott reported on Priority 3, with the update of the Community Wellbeing Hub (CWH) Business Plan to align with the new NHS strategy rated amber due to the need for alignment with the Neighbourhood Health Plan. The implementation of recommendations from the B&NES Social Prescribing Framework was also amber, though work was ongoing and nearing completion.

Lucy Baker provided an update on Priority 4, noting that the design and implementation of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) and ensuring work on prevention and inequalities are visible and aligned in key NHS and Local Authority plans were rated amber. While neighbourhood teams are now in place, significant work remains over the next 10 weeks.

The Board resolved to note the Quarter 2 Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Exception Report.

Feedback from Development Sessions

Meg Carter reported on the development session for the B&NES Climate and Nature Strategy, noting strong engagement and partner input that influenced the strategy, such as the inclusion of key performance indicators around mortality. The strategy is in its final governance stages and has seven identified action areas, requiring partner support for delivery. The Board resolved to note the update.

Changes within the NHS

Lucy Baker provided an update on changes within the NHS, stating that the ICB was working through revised governance for local funding streams. The Integrated Care Alliance had been disbanded and replaced by a place-based partnership board. Three new board team members focusing on neighbourhoods had been appointed to facilitate partner collaboration. The team is working with partners to identify the 1% cohort – those who most frequently use health services – to develop preventative care plans. A further update would be provided at the next meeting, and the Neighbourhood Plan would be submitted to a special meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board in December. The Chair highlighted upcoming changes to the HWB's governance role and stressed the importance of partnership working. The Board resolved to note the update.