To receive an update on the progress of the ‘Call to Action’ declared in the Director of Public Health’s Annual report on Children and Young People -  (December 2016)

The Director of Public Health delivered a presentation which outlined the health outcomes of vulnerable children and young people in Central Bedfordshire and the effects of adversity on brain development in very young children impacting their health in later life.  Members were advised of the key priorities for the service in delivering improved outcomes and the action plan required in order to minimise health inequalities, giving the child the best possible start in life.

In light of the presentation Members discussed the following in summary:-

·         That the willingness of parents to engage was key and the need for professionals to find the most effective ways of working with them was vital.

·         The necessity of improving resilience and self esteem in vulnerable children in order to combat, amongst other things, instances of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

·         The need to ensure barriers to learning were minimised and positive choices were made by children and young people, with the support of their parents, carers and professionals.

·         The importance of high quality personal, social and health education (PSHE) in schools.

·         The need to analyse trends and outcomes and learn from best practice.

·         That there had been a significant reduction in smoking locally with vaping recognised as part of the healing process.

·         The importance of partnership working across all sectors in order to ensure a joined up and holistic approach.

·         That data in relation to self harm would be shared when it had been made available, recognising the need to reduce these behaviours where possible.

RECOMMENDED:-

1.    That the Committee acknowledged the progress of the actions in the Director for Public Health’s report in 2016;

2.    That the Committee supported the areas and actions for further improvements;

3.    That the Committee champion the implementation of defined actions across all services and organisations.

4.    That the Health and Wellbeing Board include within their work programme a focussed approach in order to address the challenges around knife crime and drug and alcohol abuse in all children and young people.

5.    That an associated timeframe be assigned to all targets in order that they be effectively monitored and tracked.