Agenda item

To receive an annual update.

The Panel received a presentation providing an update on the progress of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.  The presentation has been attached to these minutes as an Appendix.

The Health and Partnership Manager reported that the Health and Wellbeing Strategy had been adopted in 2022 and had been developed using evidence and insight from both national and regional sources.  It identified three strategic priorities; working in partnership, increasing physical activity and improving mental wellbeing.

The District Council’s role and aims were outlined and included, for example working collaboratively with partners on shared outcomes, signposting, targeting those with the largest health inequalities and working to support the most vulnerable groups.

The progress against the action plan was detailed within each of the strategic priority areas.  Future health and wellbeing projects were outlined, including two new artificial turf pitch developments at Testwood School in Totton and Burgate School in Fordingbridge, support to the development of a practical cycle network and programmes to increase cycling; two new parkrun events proposed in Fordingbridge and Fawley and accessible sensory walks in New Milton and Totton.

It was also noted that a number of Strategies would be developed to support the health and wellbeing of residents, which included the Corporate Plan, Community Strategy and Clean Air Strategy.

The Chairman expressed his support to the great work which was being carried out, and highlighted the Story Quest and sensory projects which were taking place in New Milton.

A member of the panel asked how the life expectancy of residents in the New Forest compared to the national target.  It was acknowledged that it was a priority to improve the life expectancy for residents, but also to help people to live well for longer.  Local knowledge was used to encourage people to be active.  It was important for people to be active and the more active they were, the greater the likelihood of them being able to live an active and independent life for longer.

It was confirmed that there had been a delay to the New Forest Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan which was being developed by Hampshire County Council.  It was expected this would be available in the summer 2024.

Further detail was sought in relation to the proposed sensory walks and it was noted that two locations had been identified.  One in New Milton at Ballard Lake and one in Totton.  Eling Boardwalk was a potential site, however a meeting was due to take place with the clerk of Totton and Eling Town Council to review and map this out to ensure it would meet all the necessary requirements.

A member noted that for the health and wellbeing of people, exercise could be carried out in 15 minute bursts rather than in participating in the more formal activities which had been identified and questioned what was being done to promote shorter and easier forms of exercise.  It was confirmed that any movement was good but that the Chief Medical Officer recommended 150 minutes of activity a week as the optimal duration but that strength and resistance work was important as people got older in order to be able to live better for longer.  Through part of the Shared Prosperity Fund project, there would be a live better for longer campaign to educate people on the importance of being active, doing little things such as walking to the shops and schools.

The geography of the District was discussed with rural and isolated communities and the importance of working with other organisations, to bring people together, particularly those who did not have access to transport.  It was confirmed that there was scope to work with others and that it was a target to support vulnerable communities.  It was however recognised that resources were limited and therefore this could be a challenge.