The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to discuss a range of topics aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Brent residents. Key agenda items include an overview of efforts to tackle inequalities, the annual report from Public Health, and an update on the Brent Health Matters programme.

Overview of Inequalities and Actions

This agenda item is scheduled to feature a presentation that will highlight Brent's work in addressing inequalities. The presentation is expected to include key data on inequalities within Brent, comparing them to regional and national figures. It will also cover best practices in tackling inequalities and explore how these can be used to further develop the council's approach to health inequalities.

Public Health Annual Report

The board is set to receive the Public Health Annual Report (PHAR). This report is anticipated to detail how Public Health in Brent is addressing health inequalities. The focus will be on community-centred approaches, with particular emphasis on community engagement, social capital, and what is termed Radical Place Leadership .

Brent Health Matters Impact and Learning

An update on the Brent Health Matters adults' programme is scheduled. This will provide information on the programme's impact and outcomes, including its achievements, the challenges encountered, and future plans. The Brent Health Matters programme was established in September 2020, following the first wave of COVID-19, during which Brent experienced a disproportionate number of cases and deaths. Funding for the programme has come from the North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL ICB) and a Public Health grant, with current funding set to conclude in March 2026. A business case for ongoing funding is reportedly being prepared. The programme has involved community engagement, with data showing a consistent increase in the number of organisations engaged and their level of participation over the years. It has also provided community grants, with £900,000 distributed across three rounds. The report details outreach events, where health checks and mental health consultations have been provided, with a focus on engaging residents from areas with higher deprivation. Data presented indicates that the programme has directly facilitated the diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes in residents. The report also highlights the work of the Mental Health team, including outreach events, signposting, consultations, and co-produced workshops. Clinical outcomes for diabetes and hypertension management are presented, showing improvements in key care processes and a reduction in the percentage of hypertension patients without a blood pressure reading in the last 12 months. The programme has also focused on bowel cancer screening, aiming to close the inequality gap in uptake. Furthermore, the Brent Health Educators provide case management support for individuals with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, with reported improvements in managing health online. The programme has also supported residents in registering with GPs and using the NHS App, with Brent showing a higher percentage increase in NHS App registrations compared to the NWL average. The Children and Young People team's work on asthma, immunisation, and mental health is also outlined, including a reduction in A&E attendances for asthma-related issues among under-18s.

Working Together in Neighbourhoods

This item is scheduled to provide an update on the progress and next steps in developing a coordinated approach to neighbourhood working. This initiative involves collaboration between Brent Council and the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP).

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Look - Future Agenda Items

Members will have the opportunity to suggest items for future Health and Wellbeing Board meetings. It is noted that there are two more meetings in the current municipal cycle and political administration. Potential topics for future discussion include a deep dive into health inequalities in Brent, considering new health service structures and the impact of the integrator, as well as early learning from work in Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and the Brent Health Matters initiative. The Public Health Annual Report is also slated for a future Board meeting.