To provide the Health and Wellbeing Board an update on the progress of the Board’s strategic priority of ‘Good Mental Wellbeing (GMW) throughout Lifetime.’

Kristan Pritchard provided a brief overview on progress of the implementation plan of the good mental health action plan.

The Chair asked where progress was in relation to ‘promoting voluntary activities available via Herefordshire Wellbeing Ambassadors and Strong Young Minds Champions’ (page 32).

Kristan Pritchard responded that work is ongoing with partners in this area and the review date has been set for December 2024.

Michael Dalili provided an overview on the Herefordshire Mental Health Needs Assessment.

The Director of Public Health noted that this is one part of a stage as part of mental health needs of those in communities, especially in harder to reach communities. The mental health action plan needs to be able to address issues which are present in those communities.

Dr Mike Hearne noted that something is needed on access to services and it would be helpful to have data on access to such services.

The Chair added that it is important to recognise that the council and voluntary sector have worked hard to get as many rough sleepers into supported accommodation.

David Mehaffey asked if smoking-quit rates are known amongst people who have specific mental health conditions.

Michael Dalili responded that this is something he would look into to find data on this group of people.

Kevin Crompton noted that from a safeguarding perspective, there is concern around the self-harm figure and will take that away to the Safeguarding Children Partnership.

The Chair added that the estimated dementia diagnosis was displayed in red, however, it is better than the England rate and region rate.

The Director of Public Health responded that some of the targets are arbitrary and some are red because they are lower than the national average.

David Mehaffey noted that on dementia diagnosis it is better to have a higher number as it is necessary to find people who have dementia to be able to treat them with it.

Jane Ives added that statistically there is a number of people who should be diagnosed with dementia and the aim is to find and diagnose those people who have dementia.

Stephen Brewster noted that a lot is going on amongst the VCS which is not necessarily being captured and it is important to capture the whole picture not only the statutory services provided.

Kristan Pritchard responded that this was a very useful point and it is vital that as this work continues to evolve, that the work all partners do is included.

The report recommendations were proposed, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Resolved

That:

a) That the Board considers the reports and notes the progress to date;

b) That the Board considers how to ensure that all partnership organisations are clearly sighted on the implementation plan and reference it across their own strategies and plans.