Agenda item

To note the progress made on the priorities and objectives of the Epping Forest Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2026.

Fabrizio Ferrari, Health Improvement & Economic Development Team Manager, introduced the report with representative of key partners for The Health and Well Being Strategy; Rachel Lewis, West Essex Relationship Manager, Active Essex, and Jo O’Boyle Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Epping Forest  

The key priorities were outlined as: improve mental health and wellbeing; reduce loneliness and social isolation; increase physical activity; support residents in relation to the rising costs of  living; and tackle alcohol and substance misuse issues.  The strategy delivery was underpinned by principles of delivery, that had agreed by partners and stakeholders these were outlined as: a whole system approach, prevention and early intervention, self care and management of own wellbeing; place based approach, life course approach.

The delivery and governance structure of the Strategy was described, and the mult-agency themed groups detailed as Healthy Behaviours Action Group, Socio Economic Action Group, Clinical Action Group, and Built and Natural Environmental Action Group. Specific projects and individual case studies associated with each of the groups were given and the successes, key outcomes, outputs and added value were provided.  

The next steps included the replication of the place-based approach to health inequities which was an exemplar of best practice a funding was being sought from Essex County Council for Public Health Accelerator Funding; the alignment of strategic priorities through a whole system approach; alignment with the Council’s ‘Fit for the Future’ transformation programme; action plans and priorities will be refreshed through the multi-agency groups and the reporting dashboard and action plan report will be updated to show progress of the strategy.

The Chairman stressed the importance of partnership working, the joint effort in developing the strategy to find common objectives, and the effectiveness of the place based and whole systems approach. He highlighted that money had been levered in from external sources, the added value associated with the strategy and difficulty in quantifying the benefits of prevention. The Chairman thanked all members that had participated in the Board and commended Gill Wallis for her contribution.

The Committee provided a variety of questions and comments and were advised that:

·         Some projects and services covered rural areas, including the warm places project and community champions and bids had been submitted to the UK property fund, which if successful would impact on the rural communities.

·         The marketing approach was outlined, including the use of social media and screens in GP surgery and leisure centres. Community champions, groups and partners were actively involved in promoting the projects and services.

·         That requirement for health impact assessments has been embedded in planning policy, when developments meet specific requirements.   A Healthy Weight Strategy was being developed and the Playing Pitch Strategy would be refreshed.

·         Participants in mental health groups had been referred after clinical assessment and work with a social prescriber. Other referral agencies for mental health issues were available including mental health practitioners in the community.

·         The dashboard should provide a mechanism to show progress made against the Strategy and Action Plans. The dashboards would be used by all partners and data sharing would be beneficial in quantifying progress. It would be possible to bring further updates to Scrutiny if required.

Resolved:

That the Committee noted the update on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.