The Health and Wellbeing Board of Harrow Council met on Thursday 08 January 2026 to discuss winter preparedness, a whole systems approach to weight management, and support for residents with severe and multiple disadvantages. Key decisions included noting the winter preparedness framework, endorsing the whole systems approach to healthy weight, and agreeing to further investigate support for residents with severe and multiple disadvantages.

Winter Preparedness

The Board received a report outlining a partnership framework for monitoring and responding to winter pressures across Harrow. The framework, structured around confirming the situation, managing pressures, and communication, aims to ensure a coordinated, system-wide approach. While the framework was welcomed, members raised concerns about the granularity of data for specific communities and the need for clearer coordination and leadership. It was agreed that further work would be undertaken to strengthen the framework, particularly in relation to coordination, Harrow-specific data, community engagement, and future reporting.

Whole Systems Approach to Weight Management

A proposed whole-systems approach to promoting healthy weight across Harrow was presented, recognising that healthy weight outcomes are influenced by multiple interconnected factors. The approach acknowledges the full spectrum of weight needs, from underweight to obesity, and emphasizes collaborative action across stakeholders. Data presented highlighted significant increases in overweight and obesity among children and adults in Harrow, alongside a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and an ageing population, underscoring the need for preventative, system-wide action. The existing tiered weight management offer was outlined, from open-access services to clinical interventions. Next steps include engaging partners to identify strengths and gaps, and establishing a task and finish group to develop a strategy and action plan. Members welcomed the structured approach but raised concerns about declining physical activity among children and young people, the growing prevalence of metabolic conditions, and the need for clearer communication about existing schemes. Questions were also raised regarding governance, accountability, and coordination.

Harrow Residents with Severe and Multiple Disadvantages

The Board received an initial briefing on an approach to understanding and responding to severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) among Harrow residents. SMD refers to residents experiencing two or more intersecting health and social issues, such as homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system. Initial estimates suggest that at least 1,000 Harrow residents experience two or more forms of severe disadvantage, with an estimated annual public service cost of over £45 million for Harrow. The report highlighted the link between SMD and childhood trauma and poverty, and referenced evidence-based approaches adopted elsewhere. The Board agreed that the proposed approach should be supported and progressed through the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Working Group, with regular progress updates reported back to the Board.

Harrow Safeguarding Children's Board Report

A verbal update was provided on the work of the Harrow Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP). The partnership's three key strategic priorities for 2024–25 were outlined: Early Help and the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH); Domestic Abuse and Child Safeguarding; and Contextual Safeguarding. Key achievements included the rollout of the Team Around the Family framework and the launch of the Family Hubs Network. Members were also informed about a multi-agency commitment to develop and embed trauma-informed practice across the borough and the drafting of a Domestic Abuse and Child Safeguarding Strategy. The Board noted the verbal update and expressed support for the ongoing work of the HSCP.