Issue - meetings

Report by Maggie Rae, Corporate Director

Cabinet member Cllr Keith Humphries presented a report which updated Cabinet on the progress of the Wiltshire Mental Health And Wellbeing Strategy and the plans for its consultation process.

The draft Strategy as presented would provide the strategic direction for Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in promoting mental health and wellbeing and supporting people with mental health problems and their carers over the next 7 years.

The aim of the strategy was to create environments and communities that would keep people well across their lifetime, achieving and sustaining good mental health and wellbeing for all.

Subject to Cabinet’s approval, it was proposed to commence consultation on the draft strategy on 10 October, thereby linking it to the world mental health day and would run to January 2015.  The Strategy would be considered by the Executive Committee of the CCG, the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Health Select Committee. 

Cabinet member, Cllr Laura Mayes asked about references within the document to children. Corporate Director Carolyn Godfrey explained that the document set out the expectation to have regard to the impact on children and safeguarding issues. Corporate Director, Maggie Rae acknowledged that there was separate documentation in respect of children which would be appropriately aligned. Maggie Rae also referred to the often overlooked basic ways of improving the mental health and wellbeing of children.

Cllr Keith Humphries thanked members for their contributions to the debate on this item which would be taken forward as part of the feedback during the consultation process. He also asked members to encourage people to engage in the consultation process.

Resolved:

(a)          That Cabinet approve the draft strategy and the proposed consultation process.

(b)          That the comments made during the debate on this item be included as part of the feedback during the consultation process.

Reason for decision

To ensure that Cabinet are aware of the content of the draft strategy and the

proposed consultation in advance of the consultation launch.