The Health and Well-being Board of Northumberland Council was scheduled to discuss two key strategies: the Northumberland Physical Activity Strategy 2026-2031 and the Northumberland Commitment to Carers Strategy 2025-2030. The meeting also included a review of the Board's forward plan.

Northumberland Physical Activity Strategy 2026-2031

The Board was scheduled to consider the draft Northumberland Physical Activity Strategy 2026-2031, which aims to tackle physical inactivity across the county. The strategy has been developed with input from key partners and residents, and the meeting was intended to gather the Board's feedback on its strategic themes and action areas.

The report highlighted that physical inactivity is a significant contributor to preventable disease and widening health inequalities. It noted that while overall activity levels in Northumberland have improved, this progress is not shared equally, with people with disabilities, those from lower socio-economic groups, and women and girls being less likely to be physically active. The strategy proposes a coordinated, whole-system approach focusing on three interconnected themes: Active Communities, Active Places, and Active Systems.

Key recommendations included acknowledging the strategy as the county's framework for increasing activity, supporting the establishment of a multi-agency Physical Activity Strategy Group, and committing to four immediate priority areas for the first 1-2 years:

• Implementation and scaling of the Healthy Communities Programme in areas of greatest deprivation.
• Development of place-based approaches around schools to improve activity opportunities for children and young people.
• Targeted improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure in areas with the highest potential for behaviour change and inequality reduction.
• Shaping Sport England's funded Place Universal Offer to suit the needs and assets within Northumberland.

The strategy aligns with national and regional priorities, including Sport England's Uniting the Movement, national active travel policy, and Northumberland's Local Plan. It also links to the Northumberland Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, emphasising a whole-system approach to prevention and healthy behaviours.

Northumberland Commitment to Carers Strategy 2025-2030

The Board was also scheduled to review the multi-agency Northumberland Commitment to Carers Strategy 2025-2030. This strategy aims to set the direction for how partner organisations in Northumberland will work together to identify, value, and support unpaid carers.

The strategy's vision is for Northumberland to be a place where carers are recognised, valued and included and able to access the right opportunities, information and support at the right time for themselves and the person for whom they care. It acknowledges the vital role unpaid carers play in the health and care system.

The strategy was developed with input from unpaid carers and partners, and it outlines five key priorities:

• Listening to the voices of carers.
• Providing accurate and accessible information and advice for carers.
• Increasing opportunities to identify carers and reduce barriers to accessing support.
• Working collaboratively to support carers with the right support at the right time.
• Continuing to enhance the quality of support and services for carers.

The report noted that Northumberland has a higher proportion of unpaid carers compared to the national average, with specific attention given to young carers and parent carers. The strategy aims to address challenges unique to Northumberland, such as its rurality and demography.

Health and Wellbeing Board – Forward Plan

The Board was also scheduled to review its forward plan for forthcoming agenda items. This included noting details of future agenda items and providing an opportunity for Board members to add any business they wished to be considered for future meetings.