Issue - meetings

The Chair noted that one of the key discussion items, the Joint Mental Health Strategy, had been withdrawn from the agenda and would now be considered at the next meeting.

He would discuss with officers, outside meeting, the reasons for the delay to this item.

The Board considered a report that provided an update on the progress being made with respect to the Mental Health Needs Assessment (MHNA)

It was noted that the MHNA formed part of the second phase of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). A briefing paper had been considered by the Well-Being Chair’s Executive in November, which sought approval to adopt the approach set out in the report.

It was confirmed that where the report made reference to the resources required from the Council this related to time and staff costs rather than additional financial resources. It was noted that there would need to be close collaboration in order to meet the timescales in place.

It was noted that in addition to focussing on Primary Care there would need to be a focus on preventative work in order ensure that resilience was created within services. The focus on Primary Care was welcomed and it was noted that in order to improve access to services and to reduce the stigma often attached to mental health issues it was important to assess the needs of people from a range of different backgrounds.

The Board was advised that the New Horizons Policy looked at the prevention and this would be included within the Joint Mental Health Strategy (JMHS).

In response to concerns that the proposed six week consultation period did not reflect the amount of time that had been invested in preparing the JMHS the Board was advised that there had been discussion work with local community groups.

The Chair noted that in order for both the JMHS and MHNA to be successful they would need to be presented as one piece of work. There was agreement that this should be submitted to the Boards next meeting.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report be noted.

2. That the Joint Mental Health Strategy and Mental Health Needs Assessment should be presented at the next meeting.