Agenda item

Giving children and young people a better start in life is one of eight priority areas in Croydon’s draft Health and Wellbeing strategy 2018 – 2023. This report provides further information about this area and how it will be addressed.

(Copy attached)

Councillor Flemming introduced the report and explained that it was a continuation of the ongoing work at Best Start on First 1000 Days, focusing on the critical time which shaped children as adults. It was explained that two main focusses of the Borough were to increase opportunities for young people and to encourage immunisation.  It was also noted that the second youth congress had been held and was well attended. There was an extensive discussion regarding mental health and Councillor Flemming noted it was positive that young people were publicising mental health and mental wellbeing. 

Councillor Campbell suggested an internal audit was conducted to gain a clear perspective of the various groups and their work contributing to mental health issues with children within the Borough; following the audit a clear plan could be established. The Vice-Chair added that if an audit was agreed then the Health & Wellbeing Board would need to ensure it was actioned.

Councillor Campbell noted it would be valuable for the Members of the Health & Wellbeing Board to attend a mental health first aid course.

The Public Health Consultant noted that youth mental health first aid was available for those who work with young people. Following the tram incident a community youth model would be provided in New Addington where training would be provided to local schools and if this was positive then it would be introduced to other areas of the Borough. The Director of Education and Youth Engagement stated that the Mayor of London had designated funding for 2000 members of schooling staff to be trained across London. He also added that a positive response had been received from young people requesting that they be trained so they could look after their peers.

The Vice-Chair noted that self-harm amongst young women was continuously increasing, especially within the Accident & Emergency department; therefore, it was important for the Health & Wellbeing Board to collaborate with local schools. The Chair agreed and added that involvement within the Board from teachers and young people should be encouraged and she would extend the invite to the next workshop in December.

The Croydon Health Service NHS Trust representative stated that violence was a public health issue and should be reflected within the priorities in the Health & Wellbeing Strategy. He noted that Croydon had the second highest rate of knife crime within London and one of the highest records of sexual exploitation in the country. The Public Health Consultant noted that a priority regarding violence would be included in the Youth Plan and the Health & Wellbeing Strategy. Councillor Flemming added that the priorities were set by the young people, these being; mental health, safety and jobs.

Councillor Hopley noted concern for immunisation as the Borough was below both the national and London average for children being immunised. Councillor Flemming explained that there was more information being distributed to parents and coffee mornings had been introduced within schools providing the opportunity for parents to receive further information and ask questions. The sessions were well attended and were having a positive impact on the immunisation figures.

RESOLVED – That the Board agreed to:

1)    Approve the draft Health and Wellbeing Board children’s priorities;

2)    Agree the proposals for taking forward the priorities.