The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for 19 January 2026 was set to cover a range of critical public health topics, including a deep dive into children and young people's mental health, an update on the Evidence Islington research initiative, and the findings of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment. The Board was also scheduled to review the annual work plan and discuss the impact of integrated health and care services.

Children and Young People's Mental Health Deep Dive Report

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a comprehensive report on the mental health needs of children and young people in Islington. This deep dive aimed to provide an overview of these needs, highlight existing inequalities, and describe Islington's strategies for prevention and support. The report was developed collaboratively by Public Health, Start Well Commissioning, Whittington Health, and the Social, Emotional and Mental Health Partnership, recognising that children's mental health is a system-wide effort. Key areas of focus included the prevalence of mental health conditions, self-harm, eating disorders, and the effectiveness of the Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) central point of access. The report also detailed support services available across different life stages, from early years to transitioning into adulthood, and highlighted targeted support for high-risk groups such as those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), children looked after, and young Black men. Challenges such as persistent risk factors, high demand, data limitations, and the need for early years support were also scheduled for discussion, alongside opportunities for the Health and Wellbeing Board to take action.

Evidence Islington Progress Update Report

The Board was to receive an update on the progress of Evidence Islington, Islington's Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). This initiative, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aims to embed research and evidence into local decision-making. The report was expected to cover progress in priority research areas such as housing and the environment, capacity building within the council and the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, and the development of data and insights dashboards. An evaluation of the programme's baseline findings was also to be presented, alongside feedback from the NIHR. Priorities for the next 12 months, focusing on measuring impact, dissemination, and strengthening partnerships, were also on the agenda.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Update

An update on Islington's 2025 Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) was scheduled. This statutory assessment, updated every three years, evaluates the current and future needs for pharmaceutical services within the borough. The report was expected to present the final conclusions of the PNA, including an assessment of pharmacy access, opening hours, and the provision of essential, advanced, and locally commissioned services. The report indicated that no gaps in the current provision of pharmaceutical services across Islington were identified to meet the needs of the population, either now or in the future.

Measuring the Impact of Integrated Health and Care Services

The Board was to consider proposals for a framework of indicators to measure the impact of integrated health and care services. This framework focuses on formal arrangements such as the Better Care Fund and Section 75 and Section 256 agreements between the NHS and the council. The proposed approach aims to demonstrate collective impact, support accountability, enable system learning, and inform decision-making and resource allocation. The framework is organised across two domains: Empowering people to live healthy and independent lives and Delivering the right care in the right place and at the right time by the right person. The report outlined plans for regular reporting, including an annual impact report, and the development of qualitative insights from resident and patient engagement.

Health & Wellbeing Board Annual Work Plan 2025/2026 - Update

Finally, the Board was to review and approve the updated work programme for 2025/2026. This plan outlines the key topics and priorities for the Board's formal meetings throughout the year, ensuring strategic issues are addressed in a timely manner. Members were also invited to provide input for the 2026/2027 work plan. The work programme is designed to align with the strategic objectives of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the integrated partnerships of Islington's health and care system, with the overarching aim of reducing health inequalities and improving health and care outcomes for residents.