The West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss a range of reports and strategies aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents. Key topics included the Disabled Facilities Grant Annual Report, the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy, and updates on the Neighbourhood Health Plan, Carers Strategy, and Healthwatch West Northamptonshire's annual report. The Board also received an annual report from the NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board and an update from the Health Protection Committee.

Disabled Facilities Grant Annual Report 2025/2026

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on the allocation and expenditure of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) for the 2025/2026 period. These grants are provided by central government to help individuals with disabilities remain living independently in their own homes, thereby avoiding the need for residential or hospital care. The report was expected to detail how the allocated funds were spent and highlight any issues encountered during the year. The DFG programme aims to support independence, prevent hospital admissions, and facilitate timely hospital discharges. The report was also intended to seek the Board's support for continued partnership working to maximise the impact of DFG funding through Better Care Fund arrangements.

Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy Refresh

A refreshed Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2026-2031 was scheduled for discussion. This strategy treats suicide as a preventable population-level issue and aims to provide a clear, system-wide approach to reduce suicides and the harm caused by them. It reflects a shared commitment from system partners across the county to protect life, maintain hope, and support recovery. The five-year action plan outlines coordinated actions across health services, local government, the voluntary sector, and communities. The strategy incorporates learning from previous initiatives, findings from the Northamptonshire Coroner's Suicide Audit, updated national policy, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation arrangements. It acknowledges that suicide prevention extends beyond clinical services, considering factors such as financial insecurity, housing challenges, and social isolation. The strategy is aligned with the eight priority areas of the national suicide prevention strategy for England and adopts a phased approach to action over five years. The Board was asked to review the strategy, ratify its strategic priorities, and recognise that a functioning local strategy is a mandated requirement for delivering the Health and Wellbeing strategic vision.

Neighbourhood Health Plan

Melanie Williams was scheduled to provide a verbal update on the progress of the Neighbourhood Health Plan. This plan is part of a broader effort to develop a neighbourhood-based model of care that extends beyond NHS services to address the wider determinants of health and is rooted in communities. Discussions were ongoing between Directors of Public Health and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to clarify ownership of actions and determine areas for HWBB oversight and accountability. The West Executive Place Delivery Board was also exploring how the One Public Estate programme could support neighbourhood health by aligning estate planning with neighbourhood priorities and testing integrated approaches.

Northamptonshire Carers Strategy Year 2 Report

Michael Hurt was scheduled to present the Year 2 Progress Report for the West Northamptonshire Carers Strategy (2025-2026). The report was expected to detail progress made in supporting unpaid carers, including achievements in crisis support, an increase in registered carers, improved access to information, and positive outcomes from commissioned services. Key performance indicators were to be presented, alongside outcome measures indicating reductions in carer burden and improvements in overall quality of life. Priorities for Year 3 were also to be outlined, focusing on strengthening carers' voices, supporting their physical and mental wellbeing, and improving integration across health and social care services. The Carer Strategy supports the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy by improving carer health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities, promoting independence, strengthening community resilience, and supporting integrated working.

Healthwatch West Northamptonshire Annual Report 2025/2026

Gabriella Van Beek was scheduled to present the Healthwatch West Northamptonshire Annual Report for 2025-2026. This report was intended to showcase the work undertaken by Healthwatch throughout the year, including reports, Enter and View visits, and public engagement activities. It was to highlight the experiences and views of local residents, key themes identified, and how these have been shared with health and care partners. The report aims to inform local priorities, strategic discussions, and future health and wellbeing planning, demonstrating how the voice of local people contributes to improving services. The findings were expected to support the ambitions of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy by promoting resident voice, empowering individuals, reducing health inequalities, improving access to services, and informing service improvements.

NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board Annual Report 2025/2026

Emma Follis was scheduled to inform the Board of the published NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (NICB) Annual Report and Annual Accounts for 2025-2026. This report is a statutory requirement for all Integrated Care Boards and details progress in delivering the four aims of ICBs: improving health for all, reducing health inequalities, wisely spending public resources, and contributing to economic and social development. The report was expected to describe the extent to which the NICB has contributed to the delivery of any joint health and wellbeing strategy and how the ICB has engaged with relevant Health and Wellbeing Boards. The NICB Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26 were to be presented, having been approved by the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB and NHS Northamptonshire ICB Boards in Common and submitted to NHS England.

Health Protection Committee Update

David Johns was scheduled to provide a verbal update from the Health Protection Committee. This update would likely cover any significant health protection issues or activities that have been undertaken or are planned.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Laura Couse, Chair of the West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board. Other attendees included various councillors, officers from West Northamptonshire Council, representatives from NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, Healthwatch West Northamptonshire, and Chief Superintendent Rachel Handford from Northamptonshire Police.

The meeting was held at the Council Chamber, The Forum, Towcester, NN12 6FD.