The Health and Wellbeing Board met on 28 January 2026 to discuss the delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with a particular focus on healthy, safe, and well-connected neighbourhoods and communities. Key decisions included the approval of a Joint Outcomes Monitoring Framework to track progress against strategic priorities, noting the progress of Croydon's participation in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, and endorsing the strategic approach for developing a comprehensive anti-racism framework for Croydon.

Delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Joint Outcome Monitoring Framework

The Board approved the publication of the Joint Outcomes Monitoring Framework (JOMF) on the Croydon Observatory. This framework, developed collaboratively by the Knowledge and Intelligence Partnership (KIPs) and strategy priority subgroups, consolidates key indicators to provide the Board with an overview of system performance against the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2029. The JOMF will be reviewed annually, with future reports on its progress and the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) to be presented to the Board.

Delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Healthy, Safe and Well-Connected Neighbourhoods and Communities

Neighbourhood Health and Care: National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) and planning for 2026/27

The Board noted the progress of Croydon's participation in Wave 1 of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). This programme, aligned with the NHS 10-Year Plan, aims to shift care from hospitals to communities, embrace digital technologies, and focus on prevention. Croydon was selected as one of 43 wave one sites, benefiting from national focus to accelerate progress. A stakeholder workshop identified key priorities, including a holistic, place-based approach, improved timely access to support, promotion of prevention, simplification of systems, and the creation of sustainable models. Early testing of new ways of working for multi-disciplinary teams has begun, with plans for wider rollout and the development of neighbourhood health plans for 2026/27. The Board was informed that Health and Wellbeing Boards are expected to formally sign off Neighbourhood Health Plans, though this will not change statute before 2026/27.

Creative Health Evaluation Insights

The Board noted the progress and initial evaluation of the Creative Health Programme, which aims to deliver evidence-based creative interventions to improve the health of communities at risk of health inequalities. The programme operates across four strands: a Creative Health Network, community grants, targeted interventions, and advocacy for the sector. Initial evaluation indicates that the programme is successfully reaching target communities and positively impacting residents' mental health and wellbeing, particularly in reducing low mood, anxiety, and loneliness. Future priorities include expanding the Creative Health Network, increasing the reach of community grant schemes, refining targeted interventions, and improving stakeholder engagement. The Board was asked to promote creative health opportunities and consider collaborations.

Anti-Racism Work Programme

The Board endorsed the strategic approach for developing and implementing a comprehensive anti-racism framework for Croydon. Following a workshop with senior leaders, five key recommendations were approved: the co-development of an anti-racism vision and position statement, the design of a governance and accountability framework, the development of a five-year anti-racism programme of work and action plan, the co-design of key equity indicators with communities, and the holding of wider workshop sessions in 2026 to engage stakeholders. The programme aims to address racialised inequalities in health outcomes, service access, and workforce disparities, with a vision for Croydon to become an anti-racist system within five years.

Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) Update

An update was provided on Croydon's Community Hubs, highlighting their role in Neighbourhood Health in Action. Community Hubs are described as close to home, accessible, and inclusive spaces that connect residents to activities and services, fostering prevention and wellbeing. The model, developed through the Healthy Communities Together Programme, is supported by a network of VCFS delivery partnerships. The hubs aim to increase social support, promote healthier lifestyles, build trust, and encourage engagement with services like the NHS App. Data from four hubs indicated significant improvements in mental and physical wellbeing, increased independence, and a greater sense of support and connection among attendees. The vision for Croydon is a network of community-led hubs in every neighbourhood, with a priority on fundraising for sustainability.

Better Care Fund 2025-26 Quarter 2 Submission

The Board ratified the Better Care Fund (BCF) Quarter 2 submission for 2025-26 to NHS England. The submission confirmed that expenditure was on track, with 48% spent by the end of Q2. While residential admission rates were on track, discharge delays were not yet determinable due to challenges with a new data set. The report noted that all national conditions had been met, with the exception of the signing of the Section 75 agreement, which was expected shortly. The Board was also informed that changes to the Better Care Fund, now referred to as the Integrated Care Funding Framework, were anticipated.

Healthwatch Croydon Annual Report 2024-2025

The Board noted Healthwatch Croydon's Annual Report for 2024-2025, which detailed the organisation's work in gathering and presenting the views and experiences of local residents on health and social care services. The report highlighted that Healthwatch Croydon supported over 1,000 people to have their say and access information, publishing eight reports on various topics including health inequalities, virtual wards, and eye services. The organisation's work contributed to shaping the Croydon Health and Care Plan and influenced discussions on neighbourhood care. The report also detailed the impact of their projects, such as improving access to diagnosis and post-diagnosis support for neurodiverse residents and informing the redesign of reablement pathways.

Healthwatch Croydon Briefing on Proposed Future Arrangements for Patient Engagement

The Board received a briefing on proposed changes to the Healthwatch network, stemming from the Department of Health and Social Care's 10-year Health Plan and the Dash Review. The proposals include transferring Healthwatch England's responsibilities to the DHSC, establishing a Director of Patient Experience, and disbanding the local Healthwatch network. Instead, ICBs and local authorities would be responsible for delivering patient voice and engagement activities. Healthwatch Croydon expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on the independence of patient voice, the integration of health and social care feedback, and the ability to reach seldom-heard communities. While acknowledging that changes would require new legislation, the Board was informed that current funding arrangements for local Healthwatch would continue for 2026/27, with changes likely from April 2027. Healthwatch Croydon is working with partners to ensure resident voices continue to be heard.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan

The Board reviewed its Forward Plan, noting that the next meeting in March would focus on supporting children, young people, and families. Future meetings will address supporting the older population and will include updates on the Better Care Fund, the Neighbourhood Health and Care Plan, the Health Protection Assurance Framework, and annual reports from the Director of Public Health and the Board itself. The Board also noted proposed development workshops on anti-racism and creative health.