The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday 19 November 2024 to discuss and endorse a new strategy for suicide and self-harm prevention, review updates on the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, and plan for the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment. The Board also approved submissions for the Better Care Fund, noted the Croydon Carers' Strategy, and reviewed the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

Croydon's Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy and Action Plan Refresh 2025-2028

The Board reviewed and endorsed the refreshed Croydon's Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for 2025-2028. This strategy aims to reduce suicide rates, improve support for individuals who self-harm, and enhance services for those bereaved by suicide. Claire Mundle, Principal in Public Health, presented the strategy, highlighting its collaborative, multi-agency approach and the importance of developing an annual action plan through the Suicide Prevention Steering Group. The Board was encouraged to consider opportunities to champion the strategy. Funding for initiatives like Men's Sheds, which have been supported by the South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Public Health grants, was discussed, with assurances of continued investment. The strategy will be monitored through annual progress reports presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cabinet.

Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) and Joint Strategic Needs Analysis (JSNA) Updates

Jack Bedeman, Consultant in Public Health, and Rachel Flagg, Integrated Delivery Manager, provided an update on the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) and Joint Strategic Needs Analysis (JSNA). The JLHWS has been published on the council's website, with coordinated communications being issued to raise awareness. Sub-groups are being established to support the strategy's development, and work is underway to align the refresh of the Croydon Health and Care plan with the JLHWS. A new Knowledge and Intelligence Partnership subgroup (KIPs) is being established to develop a Joint Outcomes Framework with key performance indicators for each priority area of the JLHWS. Updates to the JSNA content on the Croydon Observatory were also noted, including key dataset changes related to first-time entrants to the youth system, fuel poverty, low birth weight, smoking prevalence, flu vaccination coverage, late-stage HIV diagnoses, suicide rates, and dementia diagnoses.

Planning for the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA)

Sally Hudd, Principal in Public Health, presented a report on the planning for the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA). Health and Wellbeing Boards have a statutory responsibility to publish a PNA every three years, with Croydon's next due by October 2025. The recommended approach is a joint South West London initiative, led by Richmond and Wandsworth, to commission a specialist provider. This collaborative approach aims to ensure Croydon's specific needs are met and to achieve cost savings. The procurement process is expected to begin in January 2025, with the PNA ready for board approval by September 2025. Discussions also covered the inclusion of pharmacy accessibility, particularly physical access and private spaces, within the service specification.

Better Care Fund Plan 2024-25 Quarter 1 and 2

Paul Connolly, Head of Integrated Contracts and Performance, presented the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for Quarters 1 and 2 of 2024-25. The Board was asked to sign off the submissions to NHS England. It was highlighted that there were no projected overspends or underspends. While the Residential Admissions metric was not on track, a mitigation plan had been submitted. Demand and activity reports indicated that placement figures were generally in line with projections, with a slight decrease in short-term Pathway 3 placements and rehabilitation beds. The Board recognised the cooperation of stakeholders in the BCF's development and approved the submissions.

Croydon Carers' Strategy

Hsio Ling Mei, Senior Commissioning and Contract Officer, provided an update on the implementation of the Croydon Carers' Strategy. This five-year, all-age, whole-system strategy has been developed in collaboration with over 100 carers and professionals. The strategy has been published on the Croydon Council website and was officially launched on 21 November, coinciding with Carers' Rights Day. The first-year delivery plan includes 11 points, with action one, the procurement of new service models for adult and young carer services, on track for commencement in April 2025. The Carers' Partnership Board will oversee the strategy's governance, meeting quarterly to monitor progress.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2029

Beatrice Cingtho-Taylor, Director of Housing, Homelessness Prevention & Accommodation, introduced the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2029. This four-year strategy, agreed by Full Council in July 2024, outlines a multi-agency approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. The strategy covers six priority areas, aligning with the Health and Wellbeing Board's principles. Progress to date includes efforts to reset and strengthen relationships with the third sector, which had been identified as a key priority. The report acknowledged the significant challenge of housing supply alongside high demand and highlighted ongoing work with Children's Services to understand and support care leavers' housing needs. Reducing rough sleeping remains a challenge, particularly with new rough sleepers, though support for long-term rough sleepers is showing positive outcomes.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan

Jack Bedeman, Consultant in Public Health, presented the forward plan for the Health and Wellbeing Board. The plan outlines upcoming meetings and development activities, including updates on the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, JSNA, and the Better Care Fund. Members proposed including an update on the 10-year NHS plan and noted that training sessions were being arranged. The Board resolved to note the forward plan and identify items for future meetings and development activities.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees and well wishes for Christmas.