The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss a range of important reports and updates concerning the health and wellbeing of Richmond residents. Key topics included annual reports on safeguarding children and adults, an update on social prescribing services, and a study on adult social care health needs.

Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024-2025

The Board was scheduled to receive the annual report from the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership (KRSCP). This report details the joint activities undertaken by the partnership in line with the Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance (2023). The report outlines the partnership's progress against its priorities, including efforts to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation, address neglect, and improve adolescent and transitional safeguarding. It also highlights the partnership's work on implementing the Working Together 2023 guidance, including governance structures and engagement with community sectors. The report was presented for information, with the Board asked to note its findings.

Six Month Social Prescribing Report from 1 April – 30 September 2025

An update on the Social Prescribing service delivery in Richmond was scheduled for discussion. Social Prescribing aims to support individuals with non-medical needs by addressing wider determinants of health, acting as a key component of Universal Personalised Care. The report covers the period from April to September 2025 and details the service's partnership with 25 GP practices across five Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Richmond. It was noted that the service has transitioned away from the Joy case management system to a Microsoft Form for referrals due to system changes. The report provides data on referrals received, reasons for referral (with social isolation and mild to moderate mental health issues being the most common), client demographics, service interventions, and client feedback, including case studies illustrating the impact of the service. The Board was recommended to note this update.

Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024/25

The Board was to receive the annual report from the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB). This report provides assurance on the statutory multi-agency arrangements established by the Council with partners including the South West London (SWL) Integrated Care Board, the Metropolitan Police, and Wandsworth Council. The report details actions taken to prevent abuse and neglect of adults at risk with care and support needs. It highlights achievements in relation to the SAB's strategic plan, such as the creation of accessible resources, improved feedback from residents following safeguarding interventions, and effective partnership working. The Board was recommended to take note of the information regarding safeguarding activities and to consider opportunities for collaboration with other Boards on keeping people safe.

Adult Social Care Health Study

The outcomes of an Adult Social Care Health Needs Study were presented. This study aimed to understand the health-related drivers contributing to the demand for adult social care services in Richmond. The analysis, which covered a 15-month period and included data from over 6,000 individuals, identified hypertension, depression, and chronic kidney disease as the most prevalent conditions among service users, with a significant proportion experiencing multimorbidity. The study highlighted variations in the ethnic composition of service users and underscored the need for both universal and targeted prevention strategies. The report was presented for information and discussion, highlighting opportunities for investment in prevention and more integrated prevention pathways across the health and care system. The Board was recommended to discuss and note the report.

JLHWS Live Well Update: Adult Immunisation, Cervical Cancer Screening, Climate Change, and Air Quality

This report provided an overview of key activities delivered in relation to four priority areas within the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) '18 Steps to Health and Wellbeing'. These areas were adult immunisations, cervical cancer screening, climate change, and air quality. For adult immunisations, the report detailed progress on the South West London Immunisation Action Plan, uptake figures for COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccinations, and workforce development initiatives. Regarding cervical cancer screening, the report noted the establishment of a Cancer Prevention and Screening Steering group and ongoing work with community organisations and a pan-London campaign. It also highlighted the RM Partners' reduced capacity due to funding cuts and the ongoing work to identify new step leads. For climate change, the report detailed the launch of new strategies and programmes focused on reducing carbon emissions and improving community resilience. For air quality, the report outlined activities to link air quality to health outcomes, including training for healthcare professionals, an indoor air quality monitoring pilot, and the implementation of the borough's Air Quality Action Plan. The Board was asked to note the delivery outputs for these Live Well priorities.

Combating Drugs Partnership Progress Report for Richmond

A progress update for the Richmond Combating Drugs Partnership (CDP) was presented, detailing successes and next steps. The CDP, established in September 2022, works towards objectives aimed at reducing drug-related crime, improving access to treatment, and reducing access to substances, in line with the Government's ten-year drug strategy. The report highlighted achievements such as improved continuity of care for offenders released from prison, a functioning Local Drug Information System, the development of a pathway for reviewing alcohol licence applications, and the publication of a Drug and Alcohol Related Death Panel Summary Report. It also detailed preparedness for a synthetic opioid crisis. The Board was recommended to note the progress of the Combating Drugs Partnership and its associated outcomes.

Richmond Health & Wellbeing Board Seminar Review & Next Steps

The Board was presented with a review of a seminar held on 10th November 2025, facilitated by associates from the Local Government Association (LGA). The seminar aimed to review and strengthen the Board's effectiveness within the evolving health and care system. Key outcomes included reflections on the Board's distinctive role, opportunities and challenges, its strategic context, and its role in Neighbourhood Health & Care Plans. Strengths such as effective chairing and collaborative working were acknowledged, alongside areas for improvement including public engagement and meeting structure. The Board was asked to note the seminar outputs and support the adoption of proposed recommendations for improving collaborative working and partner engagement.

Health & Wellbeing Board Work Programme

The Board was presented with the indicative schedule of meetings and seminars for the Health and Wellbeing Board. This included planned reports and themes for upcoming meetings in March 2026 and June/July 2026, covering topics such as frailty, SEND Futures, the JLHWS, the Director of Public Health's annual report, neurological needs assessment updates, the Better Care Fund, Healthwatch's annual report, and Neighbourhood Health Plans. Proposed seminar dates and topics for 2026 were also outlined, including a focus on weight management, neighbourhood health, carers, and the CYP Charter. The Board was recommended to note the proposed work programme items.