The Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to consider a draft suicide prevention strategy for Northamptonshire, and receive an update on the priorities and transformation activities of the Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board. The committee will also hear about the council's Technology Enabled Care and Digital Strategy and review its draft work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Northamptonshire Draft Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031

The committee is scheduled to receive an overview of the draft Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy aims to reduce the number of suicides and the harm caused by suicide across the county. It acknowledges that suicide can affect anyone but recognises that certain groups face a higher risk due to social, economic, health, and life circumstances. The approach outlined in the strategy combines targeted action for these higher-risk groups with wider population-level prevention efforts, focusing on building resilient communities, reducing stigma, improving mental wellbeing, and ensuring timely support is available. The strategy has been developed through partnership working across various sectors, including health, local government, education, criminal justice, and the voluntary and community sector, with input from individuals with lived experience.

Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board - Priorities and Transformation

An update is scheduled to be provided to the committee from the Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) regarding its strategic priorities and transformation activities. Following this update, the committee will have the opportunity to engage in scrutiny activity through a question and answer session. The ICB is a key body responsible for planning and delivering health and care services in the region.

St Andrews Hospital Update

The committee is scheduled to receive a verbal update from the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust concerning St Andrews Hospital in Northampton. A briefing note is expected to be circulated to committee members in advance of the meeting.

Adult Social Care Technology Enabled Care and Digital Strategy

The committee is set to receive an overview of the council's Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and Digital Strategy. This strategy outlines how the council intends to support residents in living independent, safe, and fulfilling lives through a more proactive and preventative approach to care, utilising technology. This overview is being provided prior to the strategy's consideration by the Cabinet in July 2026. The strategy emphasises a 'TEC First' approach, aiming to make better use of data, innovation, and partnership working to deliver the right support at the right time, without replacing human interaction but rather enhancing it.

Draft Committee Work Programme 2026-27

The committee is scheduled to consider its draft Work Programme for the 2026-27 municipal year. This programme outlines the topics and areas of focus for the committee's scrutiny activities over the coming year.