The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss a range of critical public health issues, including safeguarding children and adults, social prescribing, adult social care needs, immunisations, climate change, air quality, and drug and alcohol misuse. Key decisions included noting the annual reports for the Safeguarding Children Partnership and Safeguarding Adults Board, and the progress of the Combating Drugs Partnership. The Board also discussed the Adult Social Care Health Study and received updates on the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy's Live Well priorities.

Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024-2025

The Board received the annual report from the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership (KRSCP), detailing its activities and achievements for 2024-2025. The report highlighted successes in areas such as governance, joint working on child neglect strategies, positive audit outcomes, and extensive multi-agency training. It also identified areas for development, including inconsistencies in the Operation Encompass scheme for sharing information about domestic abuse with schools, challenges with police data sharing, and the need to improve young people's direct involvement in partnership work. Concerns were also raised about online harm to children, limited police participation in training events, and ongoing waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The partnership's financial position was noted, with an underspend carried forward due to partner contribution uncertainties.

Six Month Social Prescribing Report (April - September 2025)

An update was provided on the Social Prescribing service, which supports individuals with non-medical needs and addresses wider determinants of health. During the six-month period, 720 referrals were received, with the primary reasons being social isolation, mild to moderate mental health issues, and benefits advice. The majority of clients were over 75, though a significant cohort was also aged 40-44. The service reported positive outcomes, with 78% of clients feeling they were managing their health and wellbeing better. However, the service faces challenges including high demand, reduced staff numbers leading to waiting lists, and significant data system issues following the withdrawal of three Primary Care Networks (PCNs) from the Joy database. The Board noted the importance of robust data systems for effective population health management.

Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-2025

The Board reviewed the annual report of the Richmond and Wandsworth Safeguarding Adults Board (RWSAB). The report assured the Board of robust, responsive, and collaborative multi-agency safeguarding arrangements that are delivering positive outcomes for adults at risk. Key achievements included the creation of accessible resources like easy-read leaflets on online safety, joint audits of the transitions pathway, and strengthened strategic partnerships. The report noted a 17% increase in safeguarding concerns and enquiries, which was viewed positively as an indicator of heightened awareness and proactive reporting. Neglect and acts of omission remained the leading categories of abuse, with self-neglect also rising. The report highlighted that 90% of care homes in Richmond were rated as good or outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Board was asked to consider opportunities for collaboration and sharing insights on safeguarding practices.

Adult Social Care Health Study

Shannon Katiyo, Director of Public Health, presented the findings of the Adult Social Care Health Study. The study analysed data from over 6,000 individuals receiving adult social care services in Richmond over a 15-month period. Key findings indicated an over-representation of Black, Mixed, and White ethnic groups among service users, and an under-representation of Asian ethnic groups, compared to the borough's general population. Hypertension was the most prevalent condition, followed by depression, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and dementia. Multimorbidity was common, with 61% of clients on two or more disease registers, a proportion that increased significantly with age. The study concluded that there are significant opportunities to improve primary and secondary prevention pathways through a population health management approach. The Board noted the findings and the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Joint Local Health & Wellbeing Strategy: Live Well Update

An update was provided on the 18 Steps to Health and Wellbeing strategy, focusing on four key areas: Adult Immunisations, Cervical Cancer Screening, Climate Change, and Air Quality.

• Adult Immunisations: Melissa Barker, Senior Public Health Lead, highlighted positive uptake rates for RSV vaccinations in Richmond, which were the highest across South West London and above the London average. The winter vaccination campaign also saw strong performance, with outreach clinics in community locations and high COVID-19 vaccination rates in care homes.
• Cervical Cancer Screening: It was noted that RM Partners, who had been leading on this step, have had their funding reduced, impacting their capacity to continue as step leads. Work is underway to identify new leads. A pan-London cervical screening campaign using social media influencers is planned for January 2026.
• Climate Change: Andrew Haggar, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability, reported on the launch of the Richmond Climate and Nature Strategy, alongside strategies for retrofit and adaptation. Initiatives include the Smarter Homes Hub, Warm Home Packs, and projects addressing flooding and overheating through rain gardens and parklets. The Council is also collaborating with other West London boroughs on heat resilience.
• Air Quality: Maya Crutchley, Air Quality Officer, presented on efforts to link air quality to health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups. This included indoor air quality training for health professionals, a pilot project monitoring air quality in vulnerable families' homes, and continued work with schools on air quality awareness. New air quality monitoring stations have been installed, and the Love Clean Air website is being refreshed with a focus on health.

The Board noted the progress in these areas and discussed potential collaborations, including joint branding for the Love Clean Air website and support for indoor air quality assessments.

Combating Drugs Partnership Progress Report

Ross Little, Public Health Lead (Substance Misuse), presented the progress report for the Combating Drugs Partnership (CDP). The report highlighted an increase in the number of adults and young people accessing treatment for drug and alcohol issues, with more adults successfully completing treatment. Continuity of care for individuals leaving prison has improved, leading to higher engagement with community services and reduced re-offending. Neighbourhood crime rates have decreased in three out of four metrics, potentially linked to CDP activities. However, drug-related mental health conditions have increased, underscoring the need for better integrated care for co-occurring conditions. The CDP is refreshing its strategic delivery plan for 2025-2027, focusing on increasing treatment access, improving continuity of care from prisons, supporting young people, integrating care for co-occurring conditions, embedding lived experience, and enhancing regulation and enforcement. The Board was asked to note the progress and outcomes of the CDP.

Richmond Health & Wellbeing Board Seminar Review & Next Steps

Denise Madden presented the outcomes of a seminar held on 10 November 2025, facilitated by the Local Government Association (LGA), which reviewed the Board's effectiveness and future-proofing its structure. The seminar acknowledged the Board's strengths, including its functional efficiency, collaborative approach, and successful tackling of local issues like pharmacy provision. Areas for improvement included enhancing public accessibility to meetings, increasing engagement with the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), and considering changes to meeting frequency, structure, and membership to better align with evolving health and care systems, particularly Neighbourhood Health & Care Plans. The Board was asked to note the seminar outcomes and support the proposed development plan, which includes reviewing the forward plan, enhancing reporting, increasing public and partner involvement, and potentially increasing meeting frequency.

Health & Wellbeing Board Work Programme

Lynn Wild presented the indicative work programme for the Health and Wellbeing Board, outlining planned meetings and seminars for the upcoming year. Key reports to be discussed include updates on the Frailty Collaborative, SEND Futures, the JLHWS Live Well priorities, the Director of Public Health's annual report, and the Neurological Needs Assessment update. Seminars are planned on Neighbourhood Health, the role of AI in health and wellbeing, carers, and the CYP Charter. The Board was asked to note the proposed work programme.

The meeting concluded with an announcement regarding the upcoming launch of the Richmond Adult and Young Unpaid Carers Charter on 16 February 2026.