The Joint Health and Wellbeing Board of Kensington and Chelsea Council were scheduled to discuss mental health, the Better Care Fund, and pharmaceutical needs at their meeting. The board was also scheduled to review the minutes from previous meetings.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-28

The Joint Health and Wellbeing Board were scheduled to discuss the progress on the development of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNA) for Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, and to agree to undertake the required 60-day statutory consultation.

The report pack included draft PNAs for each borough. According to the draft PNAs:

Kensington and Chelsea is well served in relation to the number and location of pharmacies. The Health and Wellbeing Board has concluded that there is good access to necessary and other relevant services with no gaps in the current and future provision of these services identified.

Westminster PNA - Consultation draft

The report pack stated that the consultation would run from June to August 2025.

Ambition 3 Review: Mental Wellbeing

The Joint Health and Wellbeing Board were scheduled to discuss a report profiling the work across system partners to support early intervention and prevention across children’s and adults' mental health, and how this contributes to meeting ambition 3 of the Health and Wellbeing strategy. Ambition 3 is: We are supported to look after our mental wellbeing.

The report pack noted that there has been a growing need for support among young people, with referrals 113% above pre-pandemic levels. It also noted that secondary mental health services for adults have also experienced a rise in demand, and referrals are 14% above pre-pandemic levels.

The report pack also noted examples of services and initiatives underway to promote good mental health and emotional wellbeing, such as a perinatal mental health pathway, a School Health Service, mental health youth workers, and the Wellbeing Hub and Way to Wellbeing campaign.

The report pack stated that Children’s Services works jointly with health partners to identify needs early and address these through a range of initiatives and programmes to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young people. Emphasis is placed on prevention and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing across the whole population.

The report pack also listed a range of services and support available for those who remain a significant concern and risk. CAMHS¹ services are delivered by CNWL NHS Trust for complex mental health difficulties.

Better Care Fund - 24/25 End of Year Outturn

The Joint Health and Wellbeing Board were scheduled to discuss a report requesting approval from the HWBB Chairs to finalise and agree the 24/25 End of Year submission for the Better Care Fund.

The report pack noted that there is a net overspend of £302,970 in Westminster, and a net overspend of £371,109 in Kensington and Chelsea. The overspend is primarily due to increased activity on Integrated Community Equipment Services.

The report pack also provided a summary of the 2024–25 National Performance Indicators.