The meeting was primarily focused on public health initiatives and community well-being in Worcestershire. Key topics included the introduction of new members, a public health review, smoking cessation in pregnancy, and tackling loneliness and isolation.

1. Public Health Review 2023-2024:

   • David Ross, the new cabinet member for Public Health and Wellbeing, chaired the meeting.
   • Lisa Macklin presented a comprehensive review of public health activities over the past year, emphasizing the importance of partnership with NHS colleagues, the voluntary sector, and residents.
   • Achievements included high performance in health visiting services, reduced smoking rates in pregnancy, and successful vaccination campaigns.
   • The review highlighted the importance of combining asset-based and deficit-based approaches in public health.

2. Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy:

   • Claire Mitchell and Hailey Darnell discussed efforts to reduce smoking in pregnancy, a significant risk factor for poor birth outcomes.
   • The local maternity and neonatal system (LMS) has been instrumental in driving improvements, with a focus on partnership and evidence-based practices.
   • Since 2019, smoking rates at the point of delivery have decreased from 13.1% to under 9%.
   • The introduction of vaping as a smoking cessation tool has significantly increased quit rates.

3. Tackling Loneliness and Isolation:

   • Lucy Check and Lucy Bird presented the draft action plan to address loneliness and isolation, a key priority in Worcestershire's 10-year strategy.
   • The plan focuses on partnership working, connecting people, and community engagement.
   • The Stay Connected Community Grant Programme has funded various projects, including a bereavement support group in Droitwich led by Geena and supported by Lucy Bird.
   • The importance of reaching hard-to-reach individuals and addressing loneliness across all age groups was emphasized.

4. Better Care Fund Update:

   • Simon Trickett requested the board's permission to delegate the sign-off of the Better Care Fund end-of-year template and plan update to the Integrated Commissioning Executive Officers Group.
   • This delegation ensures timely submission to NHS England, with formal sign-off to follow at the next board meeting.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next meeting date and an update on autism training for board members.