The Health and Wellbeing Board of Kirklees Council convened on 27 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the annual report of the Kirklees Safeguarding Adults Board (KSAB), updates on mental wellbeing initiatives, and the progress of the Connected Care and Support programme. Decisions were made to endorse the KSAB Annual Report and to continue supporting mental wellbeing and integrated care initiatives.

Kirklees Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report

The Board reviewed the KSAB Annual Report 2022-23, which highlighted the safeguarding activities and achievements over the past year. The report detailed the efforts to protect vulnerable adults in Kirklees, including case studies and statistical data on safeguarding concerns. The Board endorsed the report, recognising the importance of continued vigilance and support for safeguarding measures.

Mental Wellbeing Initiatives

An update on mental wellbeing was presented, focusing on the various initiatives undertaken to improve mental health across the community. The collated slides provided insights into ongoing projects, such as community outreach programmes and partnerships with local mental health organisations. The Board discussed the impact of these initiatives and agreed to maintain support for mental wellbeing efforts, emphasising the need for accessible mental health services.

Connected Care and Support Programme

The Board received an update on the Connected Care and Support programme, which aims to integrate health and social care services in Kirklees. The update included progress reports on the Living Well and Ageing Well initiatives, detailed in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3. The Board discussed the benefits of integrated care, such as improved patient outcomes and more efficient use of resources. They decided to continue supporting the programme, with a focus on enhancing collaboration between health and social care providers.

Director of Public Health Report

The Director of Public Health report was presented, covering various public health issues, including the ongoing response to COVID-19, vaccination campaigns, and health inequalities. The Board discussed the challenges faced in addressing these issues and the strategies being implemented to improve public health outcomes. The report underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to public health and the need for continued investment in preventive measures.

Healthy Places Update

An update on the Healthy Places initiative was provided, highlighting efforts to create environments that promote health and wellbeing. This included projects aimed at improving air quality, increasing green spaces, and encouraging active lifestyles. The Board acknowledged the positive impact of these initiatives and discussed ways to further enhance the healthiness of local environments.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet for the meeting.