The Health & Wellbeing Board of Southend-on-Sea Council met on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the recommissioning of domestic abuse services, the evaluation of the Essex Learning Disability Partnership, and the impact of the cost of living crisis on child nutrition. Decisions were made regarding the approach to domestic abuse services and the extension of the learning disability healthcare contract.

Recommissioning Domestic Abuse Services

The Board discussed the recommissioning of domestic abuse services, focusing on the future of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) provided by Safe Steps. Concerns were raised about the potential discontinuation of early years IDVAs, which serve pregnant women and children up to age five. The Board debated the importance of these services, given the high utilization and the critical role they play in early intervention. Katrina Edwards, who presented the report, clarified that while funding constraints exist, there is no intention to deprioritize early years IDVAs. The Board agreed to explore further work on this issue, considering local needs and potential collaborations.

Essex Learning Disability Partnership

Mrs. Cowdery raised concerns about the exclusion of Southend Health Watch from the consultation process regarding the Essex Learning Disability Partnership. The partnership is evaluating whether to recommission or extend the learning disability specialist healthcare contract, which includes services such as inpatient mental health assessment, psychiatry, and occupational therapy. The Board acknowledged the need for thorough co-production and organizational governance and proposed using the contract extension period to address identified issues. Health Watch Southend will now be included in the engagement process to ensure comprehensive feedback from Southend residents.

Child Nutrition and Free School Meals

Ms. Mitchell highlighted the increase in underweight children in Southend, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. She questioned the consistency and nutritional standards of free school meals. The Board confirmed that funding for free school meals is allocated through the Department for Education's National Schools Funding Formula, with schools managing their own rates and menus. The Board committed to exploring ways to ensure nutritional standards and portion sizes are met consistently across primary education.

Public Questions and Feedback

Owen Roberts from Health Watch Southend sought clarification on the engagement process for the learning disability healthcare contract. The Board assured that Health Watch Southend would be involved, and resources would be managed to support the process.

Informal Session Feedback

The Board reviewed feedback from the informal session held on 23 January 2024, which focused on integrating health and social care for effective joint delivery. The session emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving health outcomes.

Forward Plan and Future Meetings

The Board discussed the Forward Plan for 2024/25, which will be finalized and presented at the first meeting of the new municipal year. An informal session is planned for July to review the terms of reference and ensure alignment with the Board's objectives.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet 12th-Jun-2024 17.00 Health Wellbeing Board and the Public reports pack 12th-Jun-2024 17.00 Health Wellbeing Board.