The Health and Wellbeing Board approved a new borough-wide Carers Strategy for 2025-2030 and received updates on the refresh of the Sutton Health and Care Plan and the Complex Care Programme. The meeting also noted the ongoing responsibilities for aftercare for individuals with complex mental health needs.

A Borough-Wide Carers Strategy 2025-2030

The Board approved the new borough-wide Carers Strategy 2025-2030, which has been developed in partnership with stakeholders and carers. The strategy aims to ensure that carers are recognised, valued, and supported to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Key priorities include carer identification and recognition, assessing carer needs, supporting carers, and focusing on young carers. The strategy was shaped by extensive engagement with carers, including young carers, who provided feedback on their experiences and aspirations. The Board also agreed to receive an annual report on the progress of the strategy's delivery.

Refresh of the Sutton Health and Care Plan

The Board noted the update on the refresh of the Sutton Health and Care Plan and agreed to the direction of travel for the work going forward. This plan aims to articulate the partners' ambitions to join up resources, pathways, and delivery to improve local residents' health and care. The discussion highlighted that while Sutton compares well on many public health metrics, there are significant health inequalities, with life expectancy differing by up to 4.6 years between the wealthiest and least affluent areas. The plan will focus on targeting health improvements where they will be most effective, with priorities including healthy arts, early support and proactive care, support with hospital discharge, support for families with children with special educational needs, and working with the charity, community, and faith sectors. Challenges such as increasing demand, workforce pressures, and financial constraints were acknowledged, alongside uncertainty around future funding and policy developments.

Update on Complex Care Programme

The Board noted the work completed by Sutton Adult Social Care Services and the South London Mental Health and Community Partnership (SLP) in managing complex care mental health placements. This update highlighted the ongoing joint responsibility between the NHS and local authorities for aftercare arrangements for individuals discharged from hospital under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act. The Complex Care Programme has led to increased joint reviewing activity, significant savings for both the council and the NHS, and better outcomes for residents who are supported to live more independently. The programme has seen a reduction in weekly spend on these placements, resulting in substantial annual savings. The Board also noted the continued commitment of both parties to work together to address the challenges in meeting the needs of individuals with complex mental health needs, including the growing demand for specialist placements and the lack of suitable accommodation. The report also detailed the formation of a South West London Collaborative Partnership Group to manage these placements more effectively across the region.