The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, updates on mental health services, approaches to tackling obesity and food insecurity, and the commercial determinants of health. Key decisions included noting progress on the Health and Wellbeing Board Implementation Plan 2025-2030 and endorsing the Whole Systems Approach to Obesity as Lewisham's unified response.

Health and Wellbeing Board Implementation Plan 2025-2030

The Board received an update on the development of the implementation plan for the Lewisham Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030. This plan aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all Lewisham residents and reduce health inequalities by focusing on prevention and key social determinants of health. The plan is structured around four priority areas: addressing the impact of poverty on health, addressing the impact of housing on health, embedding prevention for children and young people in educational settings, and progressing key prevention programmes for cancer and cardiovascular disease. The plan has been circulated to stakeholders for finalisation of action owners and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2026. The Board was asked to note and comment on the progress made in its development.

Lewisham All-Age Mental Health Alliance Update – Focus on Adult Community Mental Health Service Developments

An update was provided on the work of the Lewisham All-Age Mental Health Alliance, a partnership aimed at improving mental health outcomes for residents of all ages. The Alliance focuses on three core priorities: improving community mental health services, enhancing the crisis pathway, and addressing mental health inequalities. Significant developments are underway for adult community mental health services, including the redesign of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's community mental health centres around neighbourhood models, and the establishment of a new Adult Social Care Mental Health Service. These changes aim to improve access, continuity of care, and the integration of voluntary and community sector organisations. The Board was asked to note the work programme and support awareness-raising for these service transformations.

Lewisham Whole Systems Approach to Obesity – Update

The Board received an update on the implementation of the Whole Systems Approach to Obesity (WSAO) in Lewisham. The report highlighted that obesity rates remain high, with a disproportionate impact on certain geographical areas and ethnic groups. The WSAO aims to address the complex drivers of obesity through system-wide action. Key next steps include developing a new WSAO strategy, commissioning a culturally tailored adult weight management service, and developing targeted services for pregnant women and birthing people from Black African, Black Caribbean, and Asian backgrounds. The Board was recommended to note the progress, adopt the WSAO as Lewisham's unified response to obesity, and encourage senior leaders and councillors to actively champion this work.

Food Justice Action Plan Update

An update was provided on the implementation of Lewisham's Food Justice Action Plan (FJAP), launched in response to rising food insecurity. The plan, overseen by the Lewisham Food Justice Alliance, has seen significant achievements, including the awarding of grants to community projects, increased access to advice services in foodbanks, and improved community asset mapping. The second phase of the plan is focusing on improving referral pathways, increasing access to community kitchens, and promoting money-first approaches to crisis prevention. The Board was recommended to note the progress, consider future funding arrangements beyond April 2027, and explore the development of a borough-wide food strategy.

Annual Public Health Report (APHR) 2024-25 – Commercial Determinants of Health

The Board received a summary of the Director of Public Health's Annual Public Health Report, which focuses on the commercial determinants of health (CDOH). The report highlights how private sector activities significantly influence population health and can exacerbate existing inequalities. Key areas of impact discussed included alcohol, tobacco, high fat, sugar, and salt food and drink, gambling, and environmental factors like air quality. The report calls for coordinated action from the Council, individuals, communities, and partners to address these influences. The Board was asked to note the report's contents and support the ongoing work of the public health team in implementing its recommendations.

Birmingham and Lewisham African Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR) Progress Report – A Leaflet for Stakeholders

An update was provided on the implementation of the recommendations from the Birmingham and Lewisham African Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR). Since the previous report, further progress has been made in embedding BLACHIR's opportunities for action into policy, commissioning, and delivery. Six opportunities for action have been fully completed, with 28 in progress. New developments include enhanced workforce development and expanded use of communities of practice. The report highlighted the national recognition received by the Lewisham Health Equity Teams programme for its innovative partnership working. The Board was asked to note the progress outlined in the stakeholder leaflet.

Better Care Fund

An update was provided on the Better Care Fund plan. The Quarter 2 Monitoring Return for 2025/26 indicated good performance on discharge delays and care home admissions, although emergency admissions to hospital were not on track to meet targets, partly due to increased acuity of need in older people and a change in virtual ward service provider. The Board was invited to raise any questions and note the report.