The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for 26 January 2026 was set to cover a broad range of critical public health and social care issues affecting County Durham. Key discussions were planned around mental health and resilience, the integration of health and social care services, and updates on strategies for learning disabilities and autism. The meeting also included reports on child safety, adult safeguarding, and the progress of various health and wellbeing campaigns.

Mental Health, Wellbeing and Resilience

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on mental health, wellbeing, and resilience initiatives across County Durham. The report, presented by Michael Laing, Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services, and Amanda Healy, Director of Public Health for Durham County Council, aimed to inform the Board about key achievements and ongoing challenges. The report highlighted the ambition to reduce self-reported anxiety to 10% by 2034, which would represent over 53,000 fewer people experiencing anxiety. Key achievements noted included the transition to a new Mental Health and Wellbeing System Partnership Board, the first-time use of the Health and Wellbeing Survey to gather insights, and the roll-out of the Mental Health Gateway across Primary Care Networks. The report also detailed efforts in suicide prevention, community investment through the Thriving Together programme, and specific initiatives for children and young people, such as the STAR project. However, current challenges were also outlined, including system instability due to ongoing reorganisations, increasing demand on support services, and identified service gaps, such as the closure of organisations like ManHealth. The report recommended that the Board note the contents, acknowledge the work undertaken and the challenges ahead, and discuss next steps for 2026.

Transforming Care, Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy and Think Autism Strategy Update

Sarah Burns, Director of Local Delivery/Head of Integrated Strategic Commissioning for the County Durham Care Partnership and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, was scheduled to provide an update on the Transforming Care Programme. This update was to cover the refresh of the Joint Health and Social Care Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy and the Think Autism Strategy for County Durham. The report indicated that County Durham is focused on delivering Transforming Care objectives in line with national commitments. It highlighted the completion of two key accommodation-based projects, Whitebeam Gardens and Hawthorn House Bluebell units, designed to expand housing and support options, provide intensive support, and promote independence. The report noted increasing complexity in mental health and learning disability services, driven by co-occurring conditions and increased demand, necessitating a joint approach across health and social care. The recommendations included noting the progress on service developments and strategies, and receiving regular updates on the Transforming Care agenda.

Better Care Fund 2025-26 Quarter Two Report

Michael Laing, Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services, was to present the Better Care Fund (BCF) 2025-26 Quarter Two report for Durham County Council. The BCF is a key policy aimed at integrating health, social care, and housing services, requiring joint plans between the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Local Government. The report was intended to assure the Health and Wellbeing Board of continued compliance with national requirements. Performance metrics discussed included emergency admissions for those aged 65+, discharge delays, and admissions to long-term residential and nursing care. The report indicated that emergency admissions were not on track to meet targets, and discharge delays had marginally missed the target, although permanent admissions to care homes showed positive performance. Expenditure was reported as consistent with tolerance levels. The Board was recommended to note the report, confirm continued compliance with BCF requirements, and agree to receive future quarterly reports.

Child Death Annual Report 2024-2025

Michael Laing, Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services, and Amanda Healy, Director of Public Health, were scheduled to present the 2024-2025 County Durham and Darlington Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) annual report. This report summarises the panel's activities aimed at improving the health, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people. The report noted 39 deaths were notified to the CDOP, with 33 cases reviewed and finalised. Key modifiable factors identified from these reviews included maternal obesity in pregnancy, smoking during pregnancy and in the household, management of high-risk pregnancies, co-sleeping, poor parenting, and timely access to services. The report highlighted that modifiable factors aligned with the Health and Wellbeing Board's priorities, such as Making smoking history and Enabling Healthy Weight for All, were particularly relevant. The Board was recommended to note the report and consider any additional actions required concerning the identified modifiable risk factors.

Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024-2025

Councillor Cathy Hunt, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People's Service, was to present the 2024-2025 Annual Report of the Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP). The DSCP is established to coordinate safeguarding services and identify the needs of children in County Durham. The report was to provide an overview of multi-agency safeguarding activities, reflecting on practice, learning, and improvements within the local safeguarding system. Key priorities for the partnership included Domestic Abuse, Harm Outside the Home, the First 1001 days, and Mental Health and Wellbeing. The report also detailed ongoing work on a Serious Incident Notification/Child Safeguarding Practice Review panel, training initiatives, and the development of new priorities for 2025-2027, such as Trauma Informed Practice and Working Together and Towards Reform. The Board was recommended to receive the annual report.

Durham Safeguarding Adults Partnership Annual Report 2024-2025

Lesley Jeavons, Independent Chair of the Durham Safeguarding Adults Partnership, was scheduled to present highlights from the 2024-2025 Annual Report and share key learning from Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs). The report indicated a decrease in reported safeguarding concerns, but an increase in formal Section 42 safeguarding enquiries opened and concluded compared to the previous year. Key types of abuse identified included neglect, physical abuse, self-neglect, and financial abuse. The report also highlighted key learning from SARs concerning Mary, Sarah, and Luke, focusing on themes such as improving interactions with vulnerable adults, addressing compassion fatigue, the use of the Mental Capacity Act, and the importance of multi-agency meetings and early intervention. The partnership's strategic plan focuses on Reflection and Innovation, Safeguarding Assurance, and Communication and Engagement.

Health and Wellbeing Campaigns

A presentation was scheduled to outline key campaigns for Summer, Autumn, and Winter 2025. These campaigns aimed to address significant public health issues, including Making smoking history with initiatives like FRESH Smoking Survivors and Stoptober, and Reducing alcohol harms through Alcohol Awareness Week and training for the County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service. Additionally, campaigns focused on Improving mental health, resilience and wellbeing, including the Now You're Talking initiative and World Suicide Prevention Day, and Enabling healthy weight for all through the Healthy Weight Alliance and breastfeeding support.