The Health and Wellbeing Board of Hampshire County Council met to discuss several significant topics, including the Better Care Fund 2023-25 plan, trauma-informed approaches, the drug and alcohol strategy update, and the findings of the #BeeWell survey 2023. Key decisions were made to endorse the Better Care Fund's objectives and to support trauma-informed practices across various services.

Better Care Fund 2023-25 Plan and Performance to Date

Gail Kirby presented the report on the Better Care Fund (BCF), which allocated £163 million across 28 schemes in 2023/24. The two main priorities are improving the overall quality of life and reducing pressure on urgent and emergency care, and tackling delayed discharges to improve system flow. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) provided additional funds to support hospital discharges through home-based and bed-based Discharge to Assess (D2A) schemes. However, high demand and workforce challenges have strained these services.

The Board recognised and endorsed the two-year plan's ambition to enable people to stay well, safe, and independent at home for longer and to provide the right care in the right place at the right time. The February performance report highlighted ongoing challenges, including high patient acuity, workforce constraints, and financial pressures. The Board acknowledged the need to demonstrate sustained improvements in discharge services and system flow for the next financial year.

Trauma-Informed Approaches

Karen Dawes from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) presented slides on trauma-informed approaches, defining trauma and its consequences. The presentation included an example from Fareham Borough Council's homelessness service, which recognises and addresses trauma. Recommendations for the Board included encouraging staff to complete trauma-informed e-learning, self-assessments, and supporting bids from providers who value trauma-informed practice.

Drug and Alcohol Strategy Update

Sue Cochrane, along with a past user of the Catch-22 service, presented the From Harm to Hope strategy. The plan, developed with the Hampshire Strategic Drug and Alcohol Partnership, aligns with national ambitions to focus on prevention, disrupt county lines operations, and improve treatment services. The economic and social cost of alcohol and drug use in the UK is estimated at £40 billion annually. The local plan for Hampshire, backed by national funding, aims to reduce unmet needs and improve access to treatment, particularly for alcohol misuse. The Board noted the key achievements and future actions in the Hampshire plan.

#BeeWell Survey Findings 2023

Suzanne Smith and James Robertson presented the findings of the #BeeWell survey, which aimed to understand factors influencing young people's wellbeing. The survey, completed by Year 8 and Year 10 pupils in autumn 2023, covered themes such as overall wellbeing, health and routines, relationships, and the local environment. Schools in Hampshire engaged well with the survey, and follow-up support sessions were offered to help schools interpret their data and identify actions to improve student wellbeing. The findings will be further discussed at the Place Assembly.

Forward Plan

The Board reviewed the 2024 Forward Plan.