Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Caan, Hamilton, Longden, Longhi and Malcolm and Guy Daly, Andy Hardy, Dame Julie Moore, Helen Hibbs and Gary Taylor.

The new Chair of the Wellbeing Board, Councillor Izzi Seccombe, welcomed everyone to the meeting and reported that she was looking forward to becoming involved with the work of the board having previously chaired the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board for four years. Introductions were made and duly noted

·       31 October 2018 (10.00-12.00)

·       18 January 2019 (10.00-12.00)

·       5 April 2019 (10.00-12.00)

The board noted the schedule of meetings for 2018/19

·       31 October 2018 (10.00-12.00)

·       18 January 2019 (10.00-12.00)

·       5 April 2019 (10.00-12.00)

The Chair reported that the WMCA was looking at the devolution deal with regards to the Wellbeing agenda and the opportunities for getting people into work, improving health and lifestyle and how the board could make a difference. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 April 2018 were agreed as a correct record.

West Midlands Mental Health Commission Update (Minute No.38)

Councillor Grinsell reported that in relation to suicide prevention, 10 September 2018 has been designated World Suicide Prevention Day and considered that all authorities should work together to support this.

The Mental Health Implementation Director, Sean Russell reported that he planned to circulate information to colleagues in good time on World Suicide Prevention Day.

The terms of reference for the board were submitted for information.

Resolved: That the terms of reference be noted.

·       PSR plan on a page

·       Wellbeing plan on a page

·       Major elements of the Wellbeing Programme

vRadical Prevention

vProductivity & Health

vSystem Collaboration

·       STP Update

·       Review of Progress to date

The board considered a report of the Director of Prevention and Wellbeing, Jane Moore that provided an overview of the Wellbeing Programme to date and the current activities being undertaken on the health and wellbeing agenda. This included a plan on a page for Public Service Reform, Inclusion and Cohesion, the WMCA Health and Wellbeing Portfolio plan on a page and a summary activity plan. A copy of the draft Birmingham and Solihull STP Strategy was also attached to the report.

Jane Moore, assisted by colleagues also outlined a presentation that focused on the key areas of radical prevention (West Midlands Mental Health Commission, ‘West Midlands On The Move’ and STP prevention stocktake 2018); productivity and health (Inclusive Growth Unit and Population Intelligence Hub, housing and health, transport and health and a children and young people summit) and system collaboration (integrated care, STPs and collaborative work and PHE and WMCA collective action).

In relation to the West Midlands Mental Health Commission and in particular work being undertaken in schools on mental health and whether this could be extended to include resilience, Sean Russell reported that consideration could  be given to looking at extending the Thrive programme at the children and young people summit.

Alison Tonge reported that children was a very big priority and consideration could be given around prevention. Sue Ibbotson also felt that the board could play a significant role around prevention in this area.

In relation to ‘West Midlands on The Move’ programme and the workstream for improving physical activity for disabled people, Sarah Norman reported she would like to see the ambition broadened to those people who have long-term conditions that make physical activity difficult.

Councillor Buttery concurred with Sarah Norman and highlighted that health conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy prevent people from doing things and reported of the need for people of all ages to be active noting the importance of the accessibility of transport.

In relation to the STP prevention stocktake 2018, Alison Tonge reported that a session would arranged to look at the themes that have emerged from the 3 STPs and responses from the wider region (H &W STP and Shropshire and are collating responses).

In relation to productivity and health and the establishment of a West Midlands Health Population Intelligence Hub within the Inclusive Growth Unit of the WMCA, Jane Moore reported that modelling work would be undertaken during the summer on the impact of the current Healthy Life Expectancy in the region on the economy and use of public services a report would be submitted to the next meeting of the board.

Andrew McKirgan presented the draft STP (Sustainability and Transformation) Strategy for Birmingham and Solihull, entitled ‘Live health, Live happy’ for information.

Andrew McKirgan reported that final amendments would be made to the strategy before it is considered at various events in October and a public launch would follow in November this year.

Colleagues commented that this was a really good, positive document and suggested that the Population  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Further to the presentation of the Health and Wellbeing work programme, the Chair and Jane Moore sought the views of the board as to what areas it should be building on moving forward.

Councillor Buttery reported that system diagnostic was exciting, noting the current system of care was a ‘post code lottery’ and there was a need to take good practice from STPs to other areas to provide a consistent approach to healthcare.

Councillor Grinsell reported on the need for the WMCA to have knowledge of what is being undertaken locally to ensure work is joined-up and there no duplication.

Councillor Caborn considered attention should be focused on the older people’s agenda and that a strong WMCA approach to the green paper on older people’s social care should be taken when it is published.

The Chair reported that the LGA would be submitting its own response to the green paper which was expected to be published in August/September for consultation. The Chair added that it was really important for member organisations to respond to the consultation and proposed that a meeting could be held in September to discuss a joint response to the green paper.

Councillor Shackleton reported that she was interested in place and would look at the 6 towns in Sandwell.

Mark Barrow reported that out of the 250,000 new homes needed for the West Midlands 70,000 are needed for older people and consideration needs to be given as to what is required for independent living noting that housing needed to be considered alongside health.

The chair thanked everyone for their contributions and it was agreed that a letter of thanks would be sent to the previous Chair, Councillor Sleigh from the board.