The Health and Wellbeing Board of Wandsworth Council met on Thursday 04 December 2025 to discuss several key public health initiatives. The meeting noted the findings of an adult social care health study, endorsed the Healthy Minds initiative to improve children's mental health, and approved the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.

Adult Social Care Health Study

Shannon Cattillo, Director of Public Health, presented the findings of a study into the health-related drivers of demand on adult social care services in Wandsworth. The study, which analysed data from over 9,000 individuals known to adult social care services over a 15-month period, revealed a significant increase in the proportion of adults receiving support from the age of 45 upwards. It also highlighted that individuals from Asian, Black, and mixed ethnic backgrounds were statistically over-represented among adult social care clients, while those from other and White ethnic groups were under-represented. Hypertension was the most prevalent condition, affecting 43% of those studied, followed by diabetes and depression. The report suggested that focusing on prevention, both for those who have not yet developed conditions and for those already receiving support, could reduce the burden on adult social care services. The Board noted the report and endorsed the recommendation for the development of an action plan, with a working group to be established to analyse pathways and identify preventative interventions.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Start Well Update

The Board received an update on the Start Well element of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which covered several key areas:

Healthy Minds Initiative

Graham, Senior Public Health Lead, presented the Healthy Minds initiative, which aims to address the rising prevalence of mental health disorders in children and young people. The report highlighted that the proportion of children with a probable mental health disorder has increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 5 between 2005 and 2023. The Healthy Minds strategy focuses on primary prevention and building resilience within the community, recognising the impact of wider determinants of health such as housing, education, and access to leisure. The initiative aims to ensure that all schools have access to mental health support and to embed a whole-school approach through programmes like the Social and Emotional Literacy Programme (PAS). The Board expressed strong support for the Healthy Minds initiative, recognising its innovative approach and potential to make a significant difference.

Childhood Obesity

Talu Oliade presented on initiatives to tackle childhood obesity, including the promotion and support of breastfeeding and healthy weaning, and the Health for Life programme. The breastfeeding friendly scheme has seen 53 venues sign up, and family hubs are pursuing UNICEF BFI accreditation. A task and finish group is also working to support families at risk of food insecurity. The Health for Life programme targets postnatal mums identified as obese and children aged 0-5 and 10-11, with a focus on integrating with local initiatives like Access for All and the play strategy. The Board noted the report and the ongoing efforts to address childhood obesity.

Childhood Immunisations

Melissa Barker, Senior Public Health Lead, provided an update on childhood immunisations, highlighting the collaborative efforts between Wandsworth Council, the South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS England, primary care, school immunisation teams, and the voluntary sector. Key initiatives include the appointment of a dedicated immunisation coordinator to support GP practices with data quality and recall processes, and strengthened school immunisation programmes with targeted outreach to groups with lower uptake. The ICB has also been working to increase accessibility by integrating pharmacies into delivery, with 27 community pharmacies in Wandsworth involved in conversations about childhood immunisations. Proactive steps have also been taken to minimise the risk of outbreaks and strengthen local preparedness, including catch-up vaccination clinics and updated response plans. The Board noted the report and acknowledged the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, while recognising Wandsworth's relatively stable immunisation rates compared to national trends.

Unintentional and Deliberate Injury

Ramia presented on the work to reduce attendances and hospital admissions caused by unintentional and deliberate injury in children. The initiative focuses on embedding accident prevention within the 0-19 service, providing information, advice, and guidance, and implementing the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. Achievements include the recruitment of a specialist health visitor focused on accident prevention, the development of podcasts on safer sleeping and baby carrier use, and virtual training sessions. The UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, which focuses on maternal and child bonding and breastfeeding, has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The Board noted the report, acknowledging the downward trend in admissions for serious injuries, while also noting the higher rate of overall attendances for injury in Wandsworth compared to other boroughs, which may be due to coding differences.

Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report

Fiona Martin, Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board, presented the annual report for 2024-25. The report highlighted the council's effective multi-agency approach to safeguarding adults, with good collaborative working between health, social care, police, and community partners. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment was positive, finding that the vast majority of people felt safer following intervention and that risk was reduced or removed in almost all cases. The report emphasised the importance of making safeguarding personal, ensuring individual voices are heard, and empowering individuals throughout the process. Key achievements included joint audits of the transitions pathway, safeguarding training to improve self-awareness of self-neglect, and the creation of accessible resources for people with learning disabilities and autism. The Board noted the report and discussed opportunities for collaboration and sharing insights into safeguarding.

Wandsworth Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025

Nikki presented the Wandsworth Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2025. The PNA is a statutory report that assesses the pharmaceutical needs of the local population and identifies any gaps in provision. The report concluded that there are currently no gaps in pharmacy services in Wandsworth. It also noted that while the population in areas like Nine Elms is expected to increase, the PNA indicated that additional pharmacies are not currently required, with a review scheduled for 2026. The consultation process involved input from residents and Healthwatch, with efforts made to ensure accessibility through easy-read formats. The Board approved the final PNA report and noted the learnings arising from it, including the value of cross-South West London collaboration and early engagement with market entry and the ICB.

Work Programme

The Board reviewed its work programme, noting forthcoming items and inviting suggestions for future reports. A seminar on a whole-system approach to weight management, nutrition, and movement was announced for February 5th, 2026, with a peer review tool being circulated to shape the discussion. The Board noted the work programme and encouraged members to contribute ideas for future agenda items.