The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to discuss the needs of residents, with a particular focus on young people's access to community spaces and the findings of the Adult Mental Health Needs Assessment. The Board received an update on neighbourhood health initiatives and discussed the governance of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Young People's Access to Community Spaces

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the needs of young people in Barking and Dagenham, prompted by a resident's story. Scarlett, a 20-year-old resident, shared a video highlighting the lack of safe, welcoming, and free spaces for young people to gather. She emphasised the importance of third spaces – places outside of home and school/work where young people can simply be and connect with their community. The discussion revolved around the need for investment in funding, staff, and activities that reflect community desires, as well as ensuring safety and building trust with families.

Several councillors and officers contributed to the discussion, acknowledging the validity of the request for more spaces. Councillor Jane Jones highlighted the postcode lottery of available spaces across the borough, noting a particular lack in the south. Councillor Jagan John echoed these concerns, stressing the need for co-production with young people in designing these spaces and ensuring they are fit for purpose. He also pointed out the issue of cost, noting that many spaces now require payment, which is a barrier for young people in a borough dealing with poverty.

Melody Williams, Integrated Care Director at NELFT, stressed the need for a portfolio of activities and spaces to cater to diverse needs, from structured activities to more informal drop-in options. Nathan Singleton, Chief Executive of Healthwatch - Lifeline Projects Ltd, emphasised the importance of relationships and having an adult who cares as being more crucial than just the physical space. The council acknowledged that providing space is something they can do, and committed to working with young people to develop this further.

Adult Mental Health Needs Assessment

Matthew Cole, Director of Public Health for Barking and Dagenham, presented the findings of the Adult Mental Health Needs Assessment. The assessment revealed that while residents report relatively high levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and a sense of worthwhile activities, there is a substantial increase in the number of people experiencing mental illness. It is estimated that one in five adults in Barking and Dagenham has a common mental health condition, equating to approximately 37,000 individuals, with a projected increase of over 5,000 by 2035.

The assessment highlighted significant inequalities, with residents in more deprived areas being more likely to have a diagnosis of common mental health conditions or serious mental illness (SMI). There are also estimated undiagnosed rates of mental health conditions across various groups, with particular underrepresentation of young adults and Black and Asian adults in primary care data. The report also noted that young adults are increasingly experiencing loneliness, self-harm, eating disorders, and PTSD.

Wider determinants of health, such as financial situation, housing, employment, social connections, and access to mental and physical health support, were identified as key factors influencing mental health. The assessment found that Barking and Dagenham has a high level of deprivation, with significant proportions of residents living in poverty and facing financial insecurity. Housing quality and overcrowding were also identified as issues.

Residents' qualitative feedback indicated a prevalence of stigma around mental illness across diverse communities, with many finding it difficult to come forward for help due to high thresholds for support and fear of losing it. There was a perceived lack of awareness among GPs about wider community support offers, and a desire for more accessible, non-stigmatising, and culturally competent services.

The report made several recommendations, including embedding mental health detection and support into neighbourhood structures, creating a publicly available directory of support, working with the VCFSE sector to enhance their role, and facilitating funding for evidence-based programmes addressing psychosocial determinants of mental health. It also recommended reviewing support pathways, urgent and emergency mental health services, and the offer for those with complex trauma and ADHD. The need for a Barking and Dagenham Suicide Prevention Plan was also highlighted.

The Board was recommended to consider the findings of the Adult Mental Health Needs Assessment.

Better Care Fund Section 75 Agreement

Arabjan Iqbal, Better Care Fund Manager, presented the report seeking authority to enter into a new Section 75 partnership agreement with the North East London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB) for the Better Care Fund (BCF). This agreement is a national requirement to manage pooled budgets for health and social care integration. The total BCF budget for 2026/27 is just under £38 million.

The Section 75 agreement aims to enhance collaboration between health and social care, improve outcomes for residents through an integrated approach, ensure efficient service delivery, and improve value for money. It also provides opportunities for community engagement and improving economic resilience by working with the local community and voluntary sector.

Councillor Charlotte Pomery raised a point of clarification regarding delegated authority, ensuring that any changes would be agreed in partnership with the ICB. The Board noted the recommendation to agree to the Council entering into the Section 75 agreement and delegating authority to the Strategic Director of People for necessary decisions and variations, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health, with an amendment to reflect the need for consultation with the ICB.

Neighbourhood Health Update

Fiona Russell, Director of Community and Health Integration, provided an update on neighbourhood working. She highlighted the establishment of integrated neighbourhood teams (INTs) in each of the four neighbourhoods, each adopting a design, test and learn approach to supporting residents. These teams are developing new ways of working, engaging with specific population cohorts, and utilising non-clinical settings for engagement.

Funding streams are being developed to support this work, including the ICB's Transformation Fund. While an application for Macmillan and Social Finance Trailblazer Programme funding was unsuccessful, it reinforced the ambition to secure additional funding. The report also noted the ongoing development of a neighbourhood strategic framework and the promising results of the Proactive Care approach in supporting residents at risk of frailty.

The Board was recommended to note and comment on the progress of the neighbourhood health initiatives.

Governance of the Health and Wellbeing Board

Towards the end of the meeting, Councillor Maureen Worby, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, addressed the current governance structure. She expressed disappointment that the Board had reverted to being solely a Health and Wellbeing Board, having previously operated as a committee in common with the ICB sub-committee, which allowed for full membership and voting rights for partners such as GPs and the voluntary sector. She stated her commitment to restoring this committee in common status to ensure a true partnership of equals, even if it required amending the council's constitution. Councillor Worby emphasised that this collaborative approach was the strength of their delivery and would be maintained.