The Health and Wellbeing Board of Bromley Council is scheduled to discuss several key public health issues at its upcoming meeting. Topics on the agenda include updates on childhood obesity, the future of prevention strategies, and sexual health commissioning. The Board will also receive information briefings on dementia support, drug and alcohol partnerships, and stop smoking initiatives.

Childhood Obesity Update

A significant focus of the meeting is expected to be an update on childhood obesity in Bromley. The report indicates that while Bromley's overall childhood obesity rates are lower than the national average, there are concerning trends. Data from the National Child Measurement Programme shows that by Year 6 (ages 10-11), the prevalence of obesity more than doubles from Reception year (ages 4-5). In 2024/25, 7.4% of Reception-aged children and 17.8% of Year 6-aged children in Bromley were living with obesity. The report highlights that obesity prevalence is not evenly distributed across the borough, with higher rates concentrated in areas like St Paul's Cray, Crystal Palace & Anerley, and Penge & Cator. The joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2024-2029 identifies reducing childhood obesity as a priority aim. The evaluation of child weight management pilot services is also informing the procurement of a new service set to begin in April 2027.

Future of Prevention

The Board is scheduled to consider the Future of Prevention, though details on this specific item are to follow. This topic is likely to encompass strategies and initiatives aimed at proactively addressing health and wellbeing challenges before they escalate, aligning with the council's broader commitment to preventative care.

SEL Sexual Health Commissioning Strategy

An update on the South East London (SEL) Sexual Health Commissioning Strategy is also on the agenda. This will provide information on how sexual health services are being planned and commissioned across the region.

Information Briefings

The meeting will include several information briefings, offering updates on various partnership initiatives:

• Dementia Support Update: This briefing will provide information on the current state of dementia support services.
• Bromley's Combating Drugs and Alcohol Partnership Update: This will offer insights into the work being done to address drug and alcohol issues within the borough.
• Bromley's Stop Smoking Partnership Update: This briefing will detail the progress and strategies of the partnership focused on helping residents to quit smoking.
• Joint Commissioning Board Update: This will provide an overview of the activities and decisions of the Joint Commissioning Board, which plays a role in coordinating health and care services.

Matters Outstanding and Work Programme

The Board will also review its work programme and discuss any outstanding matters from previous meetings. This includes reviewing the progress on actions such as sharing the Bromley Outbreak Management Plan and providing information on the transition to the Family Hubs model.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is chaired by Councillor Mike Botting, with Councillor Diane Smith serving as Vice-Chairman. Other attendees include various Bromley Council officers, representatives from the Integrated Care Board, the Bromley Safeguarding Adults Board, the Bromley Safeguarding Children Partnership, and local voluntary sector organisations such as Healthwatch Bromley and Community Links Bromley.