The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for Thursday 16 April 2026 was set to cover a range of important topics concerning the health and wellbeing of Brent residents. Key discussions were planned around the development of an Age-Friendly Brent initiative, updates on services for children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, and the presentation of a new Brent Food Strategy.

Age-Friendly Brent Progress Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the development of Age-Friendly Brent, a resident-led initiative focused on enhancing the quality of life for older people in the borough. This initiative aims to address barriers faced by older residents, including issues related to accessible transport, outdoor spaces, access to health and care services, and digital inclusion. The report was expected to outline key findings from extensive engagement with older residents and present the emerging Age-Friendly Brent Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2028. The board was asked to note the progress made and support the implementation of the strategy, which includes promoting a whole-system, partnership approach and integrating Age-Friendly principles into relevant strategies and service planning.

Children and Young People Services Updates

Two updates were scheduled regarding services for children and young people.

Brent ICP Mental Health and Wellbeing Executive Group Progress Update

This update was to focus on the newly designed and commissioned emotional wellbeing and mental health support offer for children and young people in Brent, known as LYRA (Local Young People Resources and Advice Service). LYRA has been established as a prototype care model to deliver early intervention and prevention support, aiming to bridge the gap between community and specialist mental health services. The report was expected to highlight that Brent faces significant pressures on children's mental health, with a high prevalence of probable mental health disorders and increasing referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The update was also to cover plans for a neurodiversity profiling tool and the development of a crisis safe hub for children and young people.

Brent Children's Trust Progress Update

The board was to receive a six-monthly progress report from the Brent Children's Trust (BCT). The BCT is a strategic partnership group responsible for coordinating and steering the joint strategic direction for integrated local authority and health partner services for children and young people in Brent. The report was to cover the BCT's work programme from November 2025 to April 2026, including updates on initiatives such as Working Together in Neighbourhoods, the Brent Early Years Strategy, and the health and wellbeing of looked-after children. A workshop held by the BCT in February 2026 was also to be discussed, focusing on setting strategic priorities for 2026–2028, with identified priority themes including children's mental health and wellbeing, health inequalities and neighbourhood working, best start in life, and inclusion support and pathways.

Brent Food Strategy

A significant item on the agenda was the presentation of the first draft of a new Food Strategy for Brent, fulfilling a commitment from the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This strategy aims to create a fair, sustainable, and healthy food system for the borough, addressing priorities across health, sustainability, and equity. The strategy is structured around six core Food Missions : improving access to healthy and affordable food, reducing food insecurity, developing food literacy and skills, promoting good food jobs, encouraging food growing, and empowering residents and institutions to reduce food waste and support sustainable food choices. The board was asked to note the timeliness of the strategy, review and comment on the proposed strategic priorities, and the actions outlined in the draft Food Action Plan.

Proposal to Refresh the Brent Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference

The board was scheduled to consider a proposal to amend its Terms of Reference. The proposed changes aim to allow relevant Council Directors to be included as voting members of the board.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Look

Finally, the board was to discuss and agree any future agenda items for upcoming meetings.