Purpose

It is a statutory duty for Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) to produce Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) that address population health needs and inform strategic commissioning across the partnership. The resource is used by Council, NHS and VCFS colleagues to support strategic planning and prioritisation of resources. The JSNA 2024-27 was approved by the Committees in Common (CiC) in September 2024 and a programme of JSNA deep dives in June 2025.

This paper presents a deep dive into the health needs of informal Carers, including a rapid evidence review and analysis of data relating to the provision of informal care in Barking and Dagenham. It is intended to be read alongside the Barking and Dagenham Healthwatch 2025 report into the Lived Experience of Carers, and to support the forthcoming LBBD Carers’ Charter.

The Health and Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee will be asked to consider the findings of the Carers’ Health Need Deep Dive and their implications for services, and agree to its publication on the Council’s website.