The Health and Wellbeing Board approved the North East London Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029, which aims to improve sexual health outcomes across the region. The Board also received an update on the progress of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement plan, noting ongoing challenges with demand and the need for specialist provision. Finally, an update was provided on the Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy, highlighting the multi-agency approach to tackling violence and exploitation in the borough.

North East London Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029

The Board approved the North East London (NEL) Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029¹. This strategy, developed through extensive engagement with residents and partners across eight boroughs, aims to empower residents to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and ensure timely access to high-quality, inclusive, and equitable services. Tower Hamlets faces significant challenges in this area, including high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and low use of effective contraception. The strategy outlines four key priorities: healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships, good reproductive health across the life course, high-quality STI testing and treatment, and working towards zero HIV transmission. Local action plans for NEL and Tower Hamlets were also noted.

Updated SEND Improvement

Steve Reddy, Corporate Director of Children's Services, presented an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, highlighting progress made against the Written Statement of Action (WSoA) and acknowledging areas for further development. While improvements have been noted in relationships with parents and carers, and in areas like autism diagnostics and therapies, challenges remain. These include a sustained rise in demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), impacting timeliness, and a significant shortfall in specialist education places. The Board was informed about preparations for an upcoming SEND inspection, with a focus on self-evaluation and partnership working. The new SEND and Inclusion Strategy is being developed, with public consultation underway.

Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy

Leo Hutchinson, Strategy and Policy Manager, presented the draft Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy. This strategy has been developed in response to new legislation requiring local areas to collaborate on preventing and reducing serious violence. The strategy defines serious violence to include violence and exploitation affecting young people under 25, domestic abuse, sexual violence, and hate crime. It outlines six strategic priorities: prevention and early intervention, safer spaces, disrupting offenders, supporting victims, safeguarding those at risk of exploitation, and tackling violence against women and girls. The strategy has undergone consultation with residents, professionals, and the voluntary sector, with a final version to be presented to the Cabinet in September. Board members raised concerns about the effectiveness of bringing perpetrators to justice and the role of the Metropolitan Police, as well as the need for greater involvement of the voluntary and community sector and housing providers.

Annual Public Health Report Headlines

Dr Somen Banerjee, Acting Corporate Director of Adult Social Care, presented the headlines from the Annual Public Health Report. This report provides a comprehensive overview of health trends and drivers in Tower Hamlets, aiming to inform strategic priorities and address health inequalities. Key findings highlighted lower life expectancy in Tower Hamlets compared to London, with a slowing rise and recent fall in life expectancy mirroring national trends. The report also detailed demographic shifts, including a faster ageing population, high population churn, lower English proficiency, and significant inequalities related to ethnicity and deprivation. Environmental factors such as overcrowding and poor air quality were noted, alongside specific health challenges in early years, including gestational diabetes and low birth weight. For adults, marked inequalities in long-term conditions, mental health, and cancer outcomes by ethnicity were presented. While smoking levels have fallen, variations by ethnicity persist. The report also highlighted concerning figures for alcohol-related hospital admissions and substance misuse. The Board was encouraged to reflect on these findings and advise on attendance at the report's launch event.