Issue - meetings

The Board will receive an update on supporting and promoting mental wellbeing and improving mental health and to consider any initiatives coming forward.

Paul Iggulden, Public Health Consultant, presented the report on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy – Promoting Health Lives – supporting mental wellbeing and improving mental health, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix ‘C’ to these minutes in the Minute Book.

Mr Iggulden reported on three themes previously identified by the Board namely supporting our communities, supporting our staff well-being and working to prevent suicides.  He explained that at the request of the Board a workshop was set up to take a stock check of the current position and to consider any additional activities that may be needed to support mental wellbeing. Mr Iggulden highlighted that the report set out key initiatives and recommendations. The Board was advised of the following themes:

• Understanding the landscaping – the workshop had discussed three levels – low level support, second level relating to initial diagnosis and a third professional intervention level.  Mr Iggulden indicated that the focus of work for the Board would be around level one including wellbeing support that can be made available and in particular how we work to build shared understanding across our communities of the signs of good mental wellbeing, recognising when problems were emerging and where to go for help. 
• It’s time to talk – the workshop discussed people’s ability to access offers of help which was often limited by either recognition or reluctance to ask for help or acknowledge that there were issues. Conversations highlighted the continuing existence of stigma around asking for help and that emotional distress was often poorly understood.  Proposals included development of tools to help people recognise when either they need help to boost resilience or see that others may need help. In the statutory sector the view was staff wellbeing was well supported through the pandemic in terms of mental health and wellbeing, but it was less clear about what offers were in place for local business.  It was suggested that the offers of training and support be extended to the wider workforce.  In schools and educational establishments offers were being developed that were available to pupils but support for staff was less clear.  He also highlighted that there was no mention of the offer to people in their homes or communities.  
• Improving joined up working - there was a need to provide information, advice and guidance regarding preventative measures and non-medical support.

Mr Iggulden outlined the detail of each of the recommendations set out in the report.   The Director of Public Health highlighted, in respect of initiative 2, the need to scope the proposal to know exactly what added value a digital offer can provide.  Steve Place, Community Action Network referred to the bounce back fund through the R3 Group to develop a first stop shop including the option of an app in respect of anxiety about losing employment or going out to work.  He highlighted the opportunity to discuss with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and to take a joined-up approach.  The Chairman referred to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10