The Health and Wellbeing Board of Herefordshire Council convened on Monday, 10 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including updates on the Good Mental Health Action Plan, the Better Care Fund year-end report, the Director of Public Health Annual Report, and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire All Age Autism Strategy.

Update on the Good Mental Health Action Plan and Mental Health Needs Assessment

Kristan Pritchard provided an overview of the progress on the Good Mental Health Action Plan. The Chair inquired about the progress in promoting voluntary activities through Herefordshire Wellbeing Ambassadors and Strong Young Minds Champions, to which Pritchard responded that work is ongoing with partners and a review is set for December 2024.

Michael Dalili presented the Herefordshire Mental Health Needs Assessment. Dr Mike Hearne emphasized the need for data on access to mental health services. Kevin Crompton expressed concern about self-harm rates, which he will address with the Safeguarding Children Partnership. The Chair noted the council's efforts to support rough sleepers into accommodation. The report recommendations were unanimously approved.

For more details, refer to the main report and its appendices.

Better Care Fund (BCF) Year-End Report 2023-2024

Hayley Doyle presented the BCF year-end report, noting a slight overspend of 1% and the use of accumulated reserves to cover discharge system costs for 2023/24. Jane Ives highlighted the importance of reablement services, while David Mehaffey raised concerns about the increase in falls. Adrian Griffiths mentioned that Herefordshire benchmarks favourably nationally despite the increase in falls. The report was unanimously approved.

For more information, see the BCF year-end report.

Director of Public Health Annual Report

The Chair thanked Matt Pearce, the Director of Public Health, for his contributions. Pearce discussed the need for increased physical activity and social connections to reduce falls and loneliness. David Mehaffey mentioned the 'WorkWell' service funded by the DWP to support individuals at risk of falling out of employment due to ill health. Jane Ives inquired about the availability of newer data on healthy life expectancy and the tracking of health checks. The report was unanimously approved.

For further details, refer to the Director of Public Health Annual Report.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire All Age Autism Strategy 2024-2029

Hayley Doyle and Valerie Fitch presented the Autism Strategy, highlighting the positive impact on young autistic individuals. Dr Mike Hearne and Jane Ives discussed the delays in autism diagnosis and the need for workforce improvements. Stephen Brewster requested that training be extended to the voluntary sector. The strategy was unanimously approved.

For more information, see the Autism Strategy report.

Other Business

The board also discussed the association between childhood obesity and oral health, with fluoride varnishing being a key preventive measure. The Public Health Lead Mental Health noted that childhood obesity rates in Herefordshire follow the national trend. The board considered the work programme and scheduled the next meeting for 16 September 2024.

For the full minutes of the meeting, refer to the printed minutes.