The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 16 April 2026 focused on improving the lives of older residents, addressing children's mental health needs, and developing a comprehensive food strategy for the borough. Key decisions included noting the progress of the Age-Friendly Brent initiative and supporting its strategy, acknowledging the increasing demand on children's mental health services while noting the development of new support offers, and presenting the first draft of Brent's new Food Strategy for review and comment.

Age-Friendly Brent Progress Update

The Board received an update on the Age-Friendly Brent initiative, a resident-led project aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older people in the borough. The initiative has gathered significant insights from older residents, highlighting challenges such as accessible transport, the condition of outdoor spaces, access to health and care services, and digital inclusion. In response, the Age-Friendly Brent Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2028) has been developed, focusing on five priority areas: Accessible Transport, Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Community Support & Health Services, Social Participation, and Housing, with Communication & Digital Inclusion as a cross-cutting theme. The Board was asked to note the progress made and support the implementation of the strategy, which aims to promote a whole-system, partnership approach across council services, NHS partners, and the voluntary sector. Key actions for the next two years include producing a printed Age-Friendly Directory, delivering digital skills training, conducting pavement walkabout audits, and launching a Rest & Toilet Community Network.

Children and Young People Services Updates

Brent ICP Mental Health and Wellbeing Exec Group Progress Update

The Board received an update on the mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people in Brent. It was noted that specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are experiencing a significant increase in demand, with caseloads rising by 22% in the last 12 months. To address this, a new service called LYRA (Local Young People's Resource and Advice Service) has been launched, offering early intervention and prevention support through a single point of access. The Board was also informed about plans to develop a neurodiversity profiling tool to identify needs earlier and a crisis safe hub for children and young people. However, it was highlighted that there is a lack of sustainable funding to manage the increasing demand on specialist CAMHS.

Brent Children's Trust Progress Update

An update was provided on the work of the Brent Children's Trust (BCT) from November 2025 to April 2026. The BCT, a strategic partnership group coordinating services for children and young people, has been focusing on strengthening integration and collaborative working. Key areas of oversight included neighbourhood working initiatives, the development and approval of the Brent Early Years Strategy 2026-2029, and the health outcomes for looked-after children. A workshop held in February 2026 identified four priority themes for the next two years: Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing, Health Inequalities and Neighbourhood Working, Best Start in Life, and Inclusion Support and Pathways. The BCT also discussed the importance of data and intelligence, partnership working, community engagement, and integrated delivery models.

Brent Food Strategy

The Board was presented with the first draft of Brent's new Food Strategy (2026-2029), developed collaboratively with various stakeholders. The strategy is structured around six core Food Missions aimed at addressing key food-related challenges in Brent: improving access to healthy and affordable food, reducing food insecurity, developing food literacy and skills, promoting good food jobs, encouraging food growing, and reducing food waste and promoting sustainable food choices. The strategy emphasizes shared values of food being foundational, the importance of equity and dignity, the power of partnership, and how environments shape choices. The Board was asked to note the strategy's timeliness, its contribution to the national good food movement, and to review and comment on the proposed strategic priorities and actions outlined in the draft Food Action Plan. The governance structure for the strategy involves the Health and Wellbeing Board providing strategic oversight, a Food Partnership acting as the central collaborative body, and mission-specific Food Action Working Groups for operational delivery.

Proposal to Refresh the Brent Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference

A proposal was put forward to update the Brent Health and Wellbeing Board's terms of reference to include relevant Council Directors as voting members. This change aims to ensure governance arrangements reflect current legislation and evolving system expectations, aligning with practices in other health and wellbeing boards. The intention is to ensure all members can participate in equal partnership. However, some councillors raised concerns about the practical advantages of expanding voting rights to senior officers and the potential dilution of democratic voice. The discussion also touched upon the legal framework of the 2012 Act and the statutory membership of such boards. It was suggested that the paper be reviewed to clarify compliance with legislation and present the update more clearly.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Look

Members were invited to suggest future agenda items for the Health and Wellbeing Board. One suggestion was to include an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms, following the government's white paper and the requirement for local areas to submit a plan by June. The potential inclusion of neighbourhood plans was also mentioned as a future agenda item.

Any Other Urgent Business

No other urgent business was raised.

The Chair concluded the meeting by thanking all attendees and highlighting the potential for collaborative working demonstrated throughout the discussions, particularly in relation to the Age-Friendly Brent initiative, the Food Strategy, and the work of the Health and Wellbeing Centres. The Chair expressed anticipation for the new administration to build upon the collaborative opportunities provided by the Health and Wellbeing Board.