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

Northamptonshire Draft Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031

The committee was 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 outlines a system-wide approach, combining targeted interventions for high-risk groups with wider population-level prevention efforts to build resilient communities and improve mental wellbeing. The strategy acknowledges that suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, and emphasizes the importance of timely support, compassion, and understanding. It builds upon the successes and learning from the previous strategy (2022-2025) and aligns with national priorities for suicide prevention. The document details key achievements from the previous strategy, the national context for suicide prevention, and the local picture in Northamptonshire, including data from a coroner's audit. The proposed approach is phased, with ongoing actions and specific plans for Phase 1 (April 2026 – October 2027) and Phase 2 (December 2027 – June 2029). The strategy also outlines how its impact will be measured through inbuilt evaluation, quarterly oversight, and end-of-phase reporting, and emphasizes the importance of partnership working with various organisations.

Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board - Priorities and Transformation

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)¹ regarding its strategic priorities and transformation activities. This would be followed by a question and answer session, allowing the committee to scrutinise the ICB's work. The Integrated Care Board is a key body responsible for planning and delivering health and care services for the local population.

Adult Social Care Technology Enabled Care and Digital Strategy

An overview of the council's Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and Digital Strategy was scheduled for discussion. This strategy aims to support residents in living independent, safe, and fulfilling lives through a more proactive and preventative approach to care. It highlights the increasing age of the population and the rising costs of care, suggesting that TEC can improve outcomes and reduce the need for intensive services. The strategy emphasizes a TEC First approach, utilizing data, innovation, and partnership working. It defines TEC, including telehealth, telecare, telemedicine, and telecoaching, and outlines current TEC usage within West Northamptonshire, such as safety and reassurance devices, monitoring tools, and remote health monitoring. Key areas for development include self-assessment and digital pathways, wearable technology, predictive analytics, AI, and robotics. The strategy also addresses tackling digital exclusion and the digital skills gap, improving integration with health and the VCSE sector, and increasing the use of predictive analytics and AI. The document includes case studies illustrating the impact of TEC on individuals' lives, such as Dusanka, Adrian, Max, Brian, Ellie, and Janice, demonstrating how technology can maintain independence, prevent crises, and improve overall wellbeing.

Draft Committee Work Programme 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to consider and approve its draft work programme for the 2026-27 municipal year. This programme outlines the topics the committee intends to scrutinise and discuss in the upcoming year, ensuring a structured approach to its overview and scrutiny functions.