The Croydon Council Health and Wellbeing Board convened to discuss mental health initiatives, anti-racism efforts, the Better Care Fund, and the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, among other items. The board agreed to publish the 2025 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, and also approved plans for a workshop to shape the council's strategic approach to anti-racism.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

Mental Health Programme

The board received an overview of the mental health programme, a key priority in the health and wellbeing strategy. Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health, framed the discussion around the five priorities within the health and well-being strategy, emphasising mental health as priority number one.

Key discussion points included:

• Self-harm and Suicide Prevention: The Croydon's self-harm and suicide prevention strategy and action plan was launched on World Mental Health Day.
• Mental Health First Aid: Ongoing work is being done to develop mental health first aid and trauma-informed training.
• Culturally Informed Counselling: Culturally and trauma-informed counselling has been developed at a local level.
• Building Brighter Futures Programme: Steve Phaure, Vontree Action, spoke about the Building Brighter Futures programme, launched by the Maudsley charity¹ in 2024, which aims to provide rapid response and mentoring to young people facing mental health challenges. The programme has received £994,000 in funding over three years.
• Creative Health: Lisa Rodeo, Creative Health Program Manager at Croydon Council, highlighted the creative health work being done, including a grant programme that awarded 40 grants to local community groups and individuals. These grants support projects like creative writing groups, music production workshops, and drama workshops.
• South West London Mental Health Programme: Sian Kirk, Senior Mental Health Transformation Manager for southwest London ICB, gave an overview of Croydon's activity within the wider southwest London all age mental health strategy. The ICB is focusing on community mental health transformation, improvements in children and young people's mental health, and crisis and urgent care pathways.
• Older Adults: Annette McPartland, Corporate Director for Adults Asher Care, raised concerns about the lack of focus on older adults in the mental health programme, particularly regarding dementia care.

Yemsi Gibbons, Chair of Croydon Health Services, asked about integrating the Building Brighter Futures programme with statutory providers.

The board agreed to note the work being undertaken by the council's public health and adult social care teams, as well as the community, to support mental health and wellbeing. They also agreed to consider opportunities to champion and promote the interventions and services available in the borough.

Anti-Racism Programme

The board discussed the anti-racism programme and the creation of a task and finish group. Jack Bedeman, Acting Deputy Director of Public Health, noted the need to move beyond rhetoric and ensure meaningful change for residents.

Key discussion points included:

• Workshop: A workshop is planned for 14 November, with a second workshop to follow that will include wider community representation.
• South West London Framework: The task and finish group suggested using the South West London framework as a starting point.
• Measurable Targets: There was a consensus on the need for measurable targets and outcomes to ensure the framework leads to real change.
• Scope: Edwina Morris, chair of Healthwatch Croydon, raised concerns about the scope of the programme and the need to involve the right people.
• Community Involvement: Steve Phaure suggested taking the conversation into the streets and neighbourhoods, using existing community infrastructure.

The board agreed to the recommendations and noted the date of the workshop.

Better Care Fund

Paul Connelly, Head of Integrated Contracts & Performance, presented the Better Care Fund Quarter 1 submission for 2025-26. He reported that expenditure is on track, but the number of placements into residential admissions is not. He also noted expected changes to the Better Care Fund next year.

Key discussion points included:

• Residential Admissions: The number of admissions was higher than planned, but this is expected to even out over the year.
• Risks: There are unknown risks associated with the changes coming to the Better Care Fund next year.
• Partnership Working: Councillor Yvette Hopley emphasised the importance of partnership working and open and honest discussions.
• Targets: There was discussion about the targets for the Better Care Fund and the need to focus on keeping people in their own homes.

The board agreed to note the report.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment

The board considered the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA). Sally Hudd, Public Health Principal, explained that this was the first time there had been a South West London collaborative approach to producing the PNA.

Key discussion points and decisions:

• Publication: The board agreed to publish the PNA for 2025.
• Section 8: The board agreed to review Section 8 of the PNA, which considers the role of the Health and Wellbeing Board for future opportunities.
• Access: There was discussion about access to pharmacies, particularly for those without transportation.
• Community Pharmacies: There was discussion about the role of community pharmacies in prevention and the need to incentivise them.

South West London Integrated Care Board Annual Report and Accounts

Hillary Williams presented the South West London Integrated Care Board Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-25. The board agreed to note the contents of the report.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan

Jack Bedeman presented the Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan. The next meeting on 28 January will focus on healthy, safe, well-connected neighbourhoods and communities.

Councillor Yvette Hopley challenged the board to find ways to engage the public and encourage them to ask questions.