The Health and Wellbeing Board of Leicester City Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss key public health initiatives. The meeting focused on strategies for hypertension prevention and case-finding, and on initiatives to improve mental health support, particularly for men, and to create more mental health-friendly places within the community.

Hypertension Prevention and Case-Finding

The Board received a report detailing Leicester City Council's ongoing efforts to address undiagnosed hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Rob Howard, Director of Public Health, presented the report, highlighting that hypertension is the most common cardiovascular condition in Leicester and a major contributor to the city's higher-than-average under-75 mortality rate. It was noted that an estimated 24,000 adults in Leicester are unknowingly living with high blood pressure, often referred to as the silent killer due to its lack of symptoms.

Current activities include the NHS Health Check programme, which has a strong uptake in Leicester (55.9% compared to the national average of 34.4%), and the community pharmacy hypertension case-finding service for individuals aged 40 and over. A multi-partner task and finish group, established in December 2024, has been focusing on identifying and addressing hypertension-related health inequalities. This group has used data to pinpoint high-risk areas such as City Central, Westcotes, and Braunstone, and has developed a standard operating procedure for public health staff to conduct blood pressure checks alongside health promotion activities.

Outcomes to date show that over 10,000 individuals were screened for hypertension through the NHS Health Check service in 2025-2026. The task and finish group's efforts have resulted in at least 413 additional blood pressure checks, with approximately 30% of these showing results above the normal range. Crucially, 5-10% of individuals checked had never had their blood pressure measured before.

Future plans include expanding outreach to workplaces, developing a blood pressure monitor loan scheme through libraries, and aligning with national campaigns like 'Know Your Numbers'. The Board was asked to endorse these collaborative approaches and to identify personnel who can contribute to the delivery of this work.

Mental Health Friendly Places and Men's Mental Health

The Board also discussed initiatives aimed at improving mental health support and reducing suicide rates, with a particular focus on men and the creation of Mental Health Friendly Places (MHFPs). Rob Howard, Director of Public Health, presented the report, noting that while Leicester's suicide rate is not significantly higher than the national average, men are disproportionately affected, accounting for approximately three-quarters of suicide deaths locally.

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Suicide Prevention Strategy prioritises targeted support for high-risk groups, the development of MHFPs, data-driven interventions, and a Start a Conversation campaign to reduce stigma. Currently, 97 organisations are signed up as MHFPs, with 516 people having received training. The initiative is expanding to include small businesses, such as barbers and cafés, with training to be offered in an e-learning format.

To support men, the Board heard about Mental Health Friendly Clubs, which involve six football clubs across Leicestershire offering sessions for men to engage in physical activity and socialise. Two of these clubs, Friar Lane and Epworth FC, and GNG FC, are located within Leicester. A co-produced booklet detailing local services supportive of men's health and wellbeing was launched in May 2026 and is being disseminated widely. Three webinars focusing on lifestyle and goal-setting for men's mental health were also well-attended.

Other actions include weekly partnership meetings to support the bereaved and raise awareness of issues like loneliness and relationship breakdown. Future work will focus on reducing access to lethal means in car parks and promoting suicide prevention in primary care. A small grants programme of up to £3,000 is also being developed to support community-led mental wellbeing initiatives. The Board was invited to note the disproportionate impact of suicide on deprived areas and men, and the ongoing development of MHFPs and initiatives to support men's mental health.

Other Matters

The Board also received updates on the Better Care Fund - LIHCG Update and the Leading Better Lives programme. Verbal updates were provided on the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Neighbourhoods Strategy. The Board also noted the membership and Terms of Reference for the upcoming year, as well as the dates of future meetings.