The Health and Wellbeing Board approved a new borough-wide Carers Strategy for 2025-2030 and received updates on the Complex Care Programme and the refresh of the Sutton Health and Care Plan. The meeting focused heavily on the new Carers Strategy, which was developed through extensive consultation with carers and stakeholders, aiming to improve identification, assessment, and support for unpaid carers across the borough.

Borough-Wide Carers Strategy 2025-2030 Approved

The Board unanimously approved the new borough-wide Carers Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy has been developed over 12-15 months through co-production with carers, partners, and stakeholders, aiming to recognise, value, and support the estimated 16,000 unpaid carers in Sutton. The strategy prioritises four key areas: carer identification and recognition, assessing carer needs, supporting carers, and specifically addressing the needs of young carers. Nick Ireland, Strategic Director of People Services, highlighted that the strategy is a significant commitment to local carers and will be supported by a delivery plan that will be co-produced with carers themselves.

During the discussion, several carers, including Kim and Raphael Zomaneh, shared their personal experiences, emphasizing the need for better recognition and support. Raphael Zomaneh, a Young Carer Ambassador, spoke about the lack of control over their day due to caring responsibilities and the need for greater transparency regarding waiting lists for services. Amy Scammell, Director of Strategy for the mental health trust, and Sandra Howard, Director of Adult Social Care, acknowledged these challenges and committed to working on improving communication and service delivery. The Board also agreed to receive an annual report on the progress of the strategy's delivery.

Update on Complex Care Programme

The Board received an update on the Complex Care Programme (CCP), a collaborative effort by the South London Mental Health and Community Partnership (SLP) to support individuals with complex mental health needs. Sandra Howard, Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, presented the findings, highlighting successes such as increased joint reviewing activity, significant financial savings for both the council and the NHS, and improved outcomes for residents who have been moved to less restrictive settings. The programme has achieved combined savings of nearly £10,000 per week, or over half a million pounds annually.

However, challenges remain, including a growing cohort of individuals requiring specialist placements, a lack of suitable accommodation in Sutton, and people being stuck in over restrictive settings. The CCP is working across South West London to develop a consistent approach to commissioning, market management, and the development of specialist provisions. The Board noted the ongoing commitment of both the council and the SLP to continue working together to address these challenges and improve support for individuals with complex mental health needs.

Refresh of the Sutton Health and Care Plan

Imran Choudhury, Strategic Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, provided an update on the refresh of the Sutton Health and Care Plan (SHCP). He noted that while Sutton generally compares well with the rest of England on public health metrics, with higher life expectancy, there are significant health inequalities within the borough. For example, men in the wealthiest areas of Sutton live, on average, 4.6 years longer than those in the least affluent areas. The draft plan aims to target health improvements where they will be most effective, focusing on five key areas: healthy hearts, earlier support for complex needs, supporting hospital discharge, improving support for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and strengthening collaboration with the charity, community, and faith sectors.

Michelle Rahman, Director of Transformation for Sutton Place, highlighted the context of significant NHS changes, including potential reductions in resources, which may necessitate a more focused approach. Councillor Jane Pascoe raised concerns about the experience of accessing SEND services, particularly regarding long waiting times for therapies and assessments, and the need for better early intervention. The Board noted the update and agreed to the direction of travel for the work, with the final plan to be presented in July 2025.