The Health and Wellbeing Board discussed the Safeguarding Adults Board's annual report, the emerging West and North London 10-Year Strategy, and the proposed changes to Brent's NHS neighbourhood health geographies. The Board also reviewed the Cancer Health Needs Assessment and agreed to adopt a new four-neighbourhood model for NHS services in Brent.

Safeguarding Adults Board 2025-26 Annual Report

The Board received the annual report from the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB), which detailed its activities and progress between April 2025 and March 2026. The report highlighted achievements in areas such as self-neglect, housing and substance misuse, and learning from Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs). The SAB has also approved a new strategic plan for 2026-2028, focusing on safeguarding those with complex care and support needs, and preventing harm to those with care and support needs. Key priorities for the new plan include mental health, suicide prevention, and homelessness linked to safeguarding. The report also outlined golden threads of community engagement, the digital world, and an effective workforce.

West and North London 10-Year Strategy

Dr. Radhika Balu, GP and Clinical Director for Mental Health at the West and North London Integrated Care Board (ICB), presented the emerging 10-Year Strategy for West and North London. The strategy aims to improve population health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and make better use of the £12 billion health and care budget across 13 boroughs. It proposes a shift towards prevention, earlier intervention, neighbourhood-based care, and co-production with residents. The strategy is built around three interconnected aims: improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities, reducing pressure on health and care services, and making the best use of available resources. The Board was asked to provide feedback on how the strategy aligns with local needs and priorities in Brent.

NHS Neighbourhood Health Framework: Confirming Neighbourhood Geographies

The Board considered a report recommending a move to a four-neighbourhood model for NHS neighbourhood health in Brent. This decision is a requirement of the national NHS Neighbourhood Health Framework and is intended to provide a foundation for improved services and support for residents. The review considered population size and need, health inequalities, accessibility, operational delivery, partnership alignment, and future sustainability. After reviewing stakeholder feedback, which indicated no clear consensus, the ICP Executive recommended merging the current Kilburn and Willesden neighbourhoods. The proposed four neighbourhoods are: Harlesden; Wembley; Kingsbury and Kenton; and Kilburn and Willesden. The Board voted to adopt this four-neighbourhood model. If this recommendation had not been agreed, the default position would have been to retain the current five neighbourhood areas.

Cancer Health Needs Assessment

Mai Stafford, Head of Evidence & Insight in Public Health, presented the Cancer Health Needs Assessment for Brent. The assessment highlighted that cancer affects one in two people in their lifetime and is a leading cause of death. Key findings included low uptake of cervical, breast, and bowel cancer screening in Brent, which is below both the North West London and England averages. HPV vaccination rates are also declining. The assessment noted that more deprived areas in Brent tend to have lower screening rates, and there are ethnic variations in uptake. Prostate cancer incidence is higher in Black ethnic groups, with a concerning lack of awareness about symptoms. Head and neck cancer is also a local concern, with higher incidence in men and South Asian communities, linked to smokeless tobacco use. The report noted that Brent is moving away from emergency diagnoses towards more timely pathways, which is hoped to improve survival rates. The Board was asked to note the findings, advocate for cancer prevention and early detection services, and ensure cancer prevention and care are included in the new Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The meeting also included discussions on the Safeguarding Adults Board's 2025-26 Annual Report, the West and North London 10-Year Strategy, and the Cancer Health Needs Assessment. The Board noted the contents of the Safeguarding Adults Board report and agreed to advocate for cancer prevention and early detection services, ensuring cancer is a priority in the new Health and Wellbeing Strategy.