Members received a copy of the Marmot Review – Executive Summary, which was referred to at the meeting.  Members also received a presentation from the Director of Public Health, Caroline Dimond which set out prevention measures across the Council and its partners, which included working with STP, partners locally and work within the Council. 

The Group was advised that focus was on identifying opportunities where greater effort can be invested into prevention and early intervention which would assist with reducing high cost spending later on.  The presentation set out interventions which would bring quickest gains and how to secure a success.   The presentation also included key achievements to date and outlined how the Housing Strategy would support prevention.

The Group then went on to receive a presentation from Becky Morgan and Louise Sims from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.  The presentation provided information to members on the positive work voluntary organisations provide to the community.  In particular focus was on prevention work and success of the Talking Point trial.  The Group was advised that the community builders had been key in the project but future funding of the project was due to expire in approximately 18months.

Chairperson to sum up, identify next steps and the Board to form a recommendation on this theme.

The Board resolved to include the following in their final report which will be considered at a future Cabinet meeting:

This Council will take steps to:

(i)            ensure that the Housing Strategy supports ill health prevention; and

(ii)          ensure prevention treatment programmes are funded effectively to safeguard and reinforce their current positive work, in particular addressing addictive behaviours which can lead to poor mental wellbeing.