The Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of County Durham Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss suicide prevention initiatives, the annual health protection assurance report, and an update on the transformation programme of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. The meeting focused on reviewing current activities, identifying challenges, and considering future priorities across these key areas of public health and wellbeing.

Suicide Prevention in County Durham

The committee was scheduled to receive a joint report and presentation on suicide prevention efforts in County Durham. This report detailed the county's suicide rate, which is higher than the national average, with men accounting for 75% of deaths. It highlighted the launch of a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan in October 2025, aligned with the national strategy, which focuses on eight key priorities including improving data, supporting priority groups, and making suicide prevention everybody's business. The report noted progress in areas such as the Men's Suicide Prevention Action Group and the Suicide Prevention Community Champions initiative. Challenges identified included a rising national need, the complexity of addressing wider determinants of suicide, workforce capacity, and the difficulty in measuring success. The committee was asked to note the report and provide feedback to inform the ongoing development of the action plan.

Health Protection Assurance Annual Report June 2026

A joint report from the Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services and the Director of Public Health was scheduled for discussion, providing an update on health protection assurance arrangements and activities in County Durham. The report emphasised that health protection is a mandated responsibility of local authorities under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, involving safeguarding residents from diseases, risks, and environmental hazards. The Health Protection Assurance Development Partnership (HPADP) provides governance for these arrangements. The report detailed key achievements in 2025, including work on improving vaccination uptake, behavioural insights for screening programmes, and pandemic preparedness through participation in Exercise Pegasus. Areas identified for improvement in 2026 included strengthening assurance in screening and infection prevention, developing a comprehensive pandemic plan, and increasing public awareness regarding cosmetic treatments. The committee was recommended to endorse the report's content and support efforts to address areas for improvement.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust Transformation Programme Update

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation from representatives of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) regarding their transformation programme. The programme aims to improve mental health, learning disability, and autism services by shifting care closer to home, preventing crises earlier, and making services more consistent and accessible. Key priorities include adult urgent and planned care, older people's mental health, children and young people's services, adult learning disabilities, and specialist services. The presentation was expected to cover the programme's Big Shifts, system changes focused on community mental health and neighbourhood alignment, and capital investment for a left shift of services. Achievements highlighted included a reduction in waiting times for assessments and appointments, and zero inappropriate out-of-area inpatient placements. Challenges noted were the lack of ringfenced revenue funding for new developments and rising demand for services.