The Healthier Communities Select Committee was scheduled to discuss improvements to mental health provision, public health prevention initiatives, and the implementation of plans for individuals with learning disabilities. The meeting also included a review of the committee's work programme.

Improving our Mental Health Provision

The committee was scheduled to receive updates on key developments in adult mental health services across Lewisham. This included information on the redesign of community mental health centres by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), and the progress of a new 24/7 community mental health centre pilot in North Central Lewisham. The report also detailed the establishment of a voluntary sector cooperative, commissioned in partnership by the South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB) and SLaM, to offer support services. Additionally, changes to the delivery of social work functions within SLaM's community teams were to be discussed.

The report highlighted the Lewisham Neighbourhood 2 Central (N2C) 24/7 Community Mental Health Centre [05a. Healthier Select CommitteeLewisham N2C Community MH CentreFeb 26_.pdf], a national pilot site aiming to provide integrated, co-produced community mental health care. This initiative, led by SLaM and its partners, focuses on prevention, open access, and collaboration with voluntary and community sector (VCSE) organisations. The centre is intended to offer extended hours, crisis support, day services, and culturally appropriate interventions, with a particular focus on addressing inequalities for Black communities. Key milestones included the commissioning of a VCSE Cooperative and the establishment of interim and permanent sites, with the main location at 1 Heather Close expected to be operational from May 2026. The pilot phase is scheduled to conclude in March 2027. The report also detailed the Mental Health Social Work Review [05b. HCSC - Mental Health Social Work Review 260226.pdf], which recommended establishing a new Mental Health Social Work Service managed by Lewisham Council staff. This new service aims to ensure the Council's responsibilities are met to a high standard, with robust systems for monitoring performance and providing accountability. The benefits outlined include improved resident experience, more timely decision-making, and enhanced workforce satisfaction.

Public Health Prevention

Two reports were scheduled for discussion under this item: Gambling Related Harms in Lewisham and Lewisham Whole Systems Approach to Obesity and weight management medication .

The report on Gambling Related Harms in Lewisham [06a. HCSC Gambling Related Harms.pdf] was set to inform the committee about the growing recognition of gambling-related harm as a public health issue. It was noted that a statutory levy on licensed gambling activity was introduced in April 2025 to fund treatment, research, and prevention. The report highlighted that gambling can cause significant harm to individuals, families, and communities, often being used as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. It was estimated that around 6,800 people in Lewisham could be affected. The report also discussed how gambling outlets are often concentrated in more deprived areas, increasing exposure and normalising gambling. The rise of online gambling and potential barriers for some ethnic communities in seeking help were also mentioned.

The report on the Lewisham Whole Systems Approach to Obesity and weight management medication [06b. Systems Approach to Obesity and weight management medication.pdf] provided an update on the use of weight management medications, such as GLP-1 agonists, within Lewisham's broader strategy to tackle obesity. The report outlined the tiered approach to weight management services, from universal health promotion to specialist Tier 3 services and Tier 4 bariatric surgery. It noted that weight loss medications are generally available within Tier 3 services. A pilot across Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark was testing how GPs could safely prescribe these medications with community or digital support. The report stressed the importance of structured advice and follow-up support after treatment to prevent weight regain. It also emphasised that addressing obesity requires action on wider determinants of health, such as access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity. The report included data on obesity rates in Lewisham, hospital admissions related to obesity, and the costs associated with weight management therapies, noting that the prescribing of Mounjaro® is subject to a phased implementation.

Learning Disabilities Implementation Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Lewisham Learning Disabilities Implementation Plan (Adults and Young People) 2024-2029 [07. HCSC LDIP Update Report 26.02.2026 f..pdf] and the Lewisham Learning Disability Partnership Board [07a. HCSC Appendix 1 - Supporting Documentation.pdf]. This report was the second annual update on the progress of the plan, which aims to improve the lives of people with a learning disability in Lewisham. The plan is structured around seven priority areas, with delivery managed by a Partnership Board and five delivery subgroups. The report detailed achievements and ongoing work in areas such as housing, health and wellbeing, employment opportunities, support for family carers, managing risks, and developing a sustainable workforce. The importance of co-production and ensuring the voices of people with lived experience and their carers are central to the process was highlighted.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee was asked to note the completed work programmes for the 2022-26 cycle and to suggest priority topics for the incoming committee to consider. The report, End of Administration Work Programme Report [08. HCSC End of administration work programme report 22-26.pdf], provided an overview of past work and invited members to propose areas for future scrutiny, focusing on outcomes, timing, and evidence. The report also referenced the Council's Corporate Strategy for 2022-2026, encouraging suggestions that align with its priorities.