The Health and Wellbeing Board of Mole Valley Council convened on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the health and wellbeing strategy, tobacco control efforts, the Better Care Fund, and the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) on multiple disadvantages.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Highlight Report

Karen Brimacombe introduced the health and wellbeing strategy highlight report, focusing on several initiatives:

• Encouraging Healthy Weight in Young People: Active Surrey has been awarded the Be Your Best programme contract to support children aged 5-17.
• Surrey Bridge the Gap Programme: Outreach workers engaged with government representatives to promote cost-effective system outcomes.
• Changing Futures and Alliance for Better Care: Recognised nationally for supporting individuals with lived experience to gain meaningful employment.
• NHS Health Checks: Efforts to increase referrals and uptake in key neighbourhoods, working with community and faith organisations.
• Cancer Inequalities and Hoarding: Research and training initiatives to address these issues.
• Falls Prevention: Development of a training package and checklist.
• Carers Partnership Group: 75% of the group are non-paid carers, highlighting strong community involvement.

Tobacco Control in Surrey

Emma Jones, Public Health Lead at Surrey County Council, discussed Surrey's tobacco control strategy:

• Smoking Prevalence: Smoking remains a leading cause of ill health and early death, costing Surrey £950 million annually.
• Tobacco Control Strategy: Launched in October, aims to create a smoke-free generation through legislative changes and local initiatives.
• Additional Funding: Surrey received a £1.1 million grant to support 15,000 smokers in quitting over the next five years.
• Targeted Support: Focus on high-prevalence groups, including routine and manual workers, substance misuse patients, and gypsy/traveller communities.

Priority Two Outcomes

Kate Barker provided updates on priority two outcomes:

• Surrey Suicide Prevention Strategy: Consultation on the revised strategy is ongoing, with a countywide strategy to be published.
• Universal Well-being Plan for Children and Young People: In preparation for Surrey's Feeling Good Week.
• First Steps to Support Work: Pilot areas extended to Waverley and Woking, and the launch of the chat box pilot.
• Mental Health Investment Fund (MYTH): Evaluation framework being developed to assess the impact of funded programs.

Dose of Nature Programme

Jack Smith presented on the Dose of Nature programme:

• Nature Prescriptions: GP referrals for nature-based interventions to promote mental health.
• Guildford Hub: Established to support North Guildford PCN, with 80 referrals in the first year.
• Challenges: Funding sustainability and integration with other green health projects.

Sexual Health Programme

Julia Groom highlighted Surrey's sexual health initiatives:

• Chlamydia Testing: Increased detection rates among young women.
• Teenage Pregnancy Prevention: Action plan developed to address the plateau in teenage pregnancy rates.
• HIV Action Plan: Pilot of point-of-care testing to increase access and reduce late diagnoses.

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) on Multiple Disadvantage

The JSNA chapter on multiple disadvantages was co-produced with the Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LIRO). Key findings and recommendations include:

• Governance Structures: Establish a multiple disadvantage partnership board.
• Five-Year Strategy: Develop a strategy to improve life outcomes for this population.
• Data Collection: Improve data sharing and collection protocols.
• Co-Production: Ensure people with lived experience are involved in decision-making.
• Early Intervention and Prevention: Invest in solutions to reduce the impact of multiple disadvantages.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: Embed trauma-informed practices across the system.
• Commissioning Practices: Promote partnership and integration in commissioning.
• Substance Use Services: Conduct a comprehensive review of services.
• Mental Health Services: Offer diverse and accessible mental health support.
• Housing and Accommodation: Improve access to suitable housing options.

Better Care Fund (BCF)

The Board reviewed the Better Care Fund Plan 2023-25 Update for 2024/25, noting concerns about reductions in funding for mental health, social prescription, and autism services. A detailed explanation and future planning were requested.

Integrated Care System (ICS) Update

The Board noted the Surrey Heartlands ICS Update and the Frimley ICS Update.

The next meeting is scheduled for 18 September 2024.