The Health and Wellbeing Board of Brent Council was scheduled to discuss a range of topics aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents. Key agenda items included an overview of inequalities and actions to tackle them, the Public Health Annual Report, and an update on the Brent Health Matters programme. The Board was also set to review progress on working together in neighbourhoods.

Overview of Inequalities and Actions

The meeting was scheduled to include a presentation on Brent's efforts to address inequalities. This presentation was intended to highlight key data concerning inequalities within Brent, comparing it to regional and national figures. It was also planned to showcase best practices in tackling inequalities and outline how these could be used to further develop the council's approach to health inequalities.

Public Health Annual Report

A presentation of the Public Health Annual Report (PHAR) was on the agenda. This report was expected to detail how Public Health in Brent is addressing health inequalities through community-centred approaches, with a particular focus on community engagement, social capital, and Radical Place Leadership.

Brent Health Matters Impact and Learning

An update on the Brent Health Matters adults' programme was scheduled, focusing on its impact and outcomes. The report was intended to cover the programme's achievements, the challenges encountered, and its future plans. This programme, established in September 2020 following the first wave of COVID-19, received funding from the North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL ICB) and a Public Health grant. The report indicated that funding for the Children and Young People (CYP) team was due to conclude in March 2026, with a business case being prepared for ongoing funding. The programme has engaged with community organisations, provided community grants, and conducted outreach events. Data presented showed engagement with various ethnic groups and those in the most deprived areas (IMD 1 and 2). The programme has also facilitated diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes, and supported improved diabetes and hypertension management. Furthermore, it has contributed to closing the inequality gap in bowel cancer screening uptake. The Health Educators within the programme provide case management support for individuals with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, showing an average improvement in various health goals. The Children and Young People team's work included initiatives for asthma, immunisation, and mental health support.

Working Together in Neighbourhoods

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on the progress and next steps in developing a coordinated approach to neighbourhood working between Brent Council and the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP). This initiative aims to foster collaboration between the council and the ICP to enhance local service delivery.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Look - Future Agenda Items

The meeting agenda included an opportunity for Board members to suggest future topics for discussion. This forward look allows the Board to plan its agenda and address emerging priorities in health and wellbeing for the borough.

The meeting was scheduled to be chaired by Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure. Other members of the Health and Wellbeing Board include Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Housing), Councillor Gwen Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education & Employment), Councillor Promise Knight (Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture), Councillor Suresh Kansagra (Leader of the Conservative Group), Patricia Zebiri (Healthwatch), Dr Rammya Mathew (Vice-Chair, North West London Integrated Care Board), and representatives from the Brent Integrated Care Partnership Executive, Residential and Nursing Care Sector, and Brent Council.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ. Members of the public were able to attend in person or follow the proceedings via a live webcast.