Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Nasheen, Mark Gifford, Anna Howarth, Erin Portsmouth, Suzannah Reeves, Charlotte Stevenson,  Anna Tebay and Natalie Williams.

Urgent business, if any, to be introduced by the Chair.

There were no items of urgent business received.

To receive Declarations of Interest in any Contract or matter to be discussed at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest received.

To receive questions from the public, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no public questions for the meeting to consider.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, held on 11^th September 2025, are attached for approval.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on 11^th September 2025 be approved as a correct record.

To note the Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024/25

Henri Geller and Jayne Ratcliffe presented the report. It was noted that activity was keeping up with previous years, and that there had been less formal enquiries than in previous years. It was highlighted that training and awareness events had taken place. It was noted that the Board could be assured that strategic links had been strengthened, and partners were thanked for their work. It was noted that the TRAM protocol was recognised nationally and that the Safeguarding Board had an active communication strategy.

Members queried the disparities and why this was the case. Members were assured on this issue and it was note that this would be taken back as feedback to the board.

Members noted that there were a number of actions and queried whether there was a strategic overview. It was noted that this was part of a three year plan for the board and that the Board was currently in the first year, and that the actions were for both the Board and the sub-groups, with plans in place to ensure that progress is being made.

Members noted the need to understand cultural differences, noting that Roma representation is rarely seen and that by utilising the existing infrastructure, it will help everyone.

Members noted that the work had been managed as a society, noting culturally appropriate work. Members also queried why referrals don’t seem to come from certain communities, and it was noted that work was ongoing to look into that issue.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Report to follow

This item was deferred until the next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Report to follow.

Julian Guerriero presented the report, noting the Government’s From Harm to Hope strategy. It was noted that treatment numbers were huge but that those in criminal justice account for around 20%. It was highlighted that some of the key challenges include levels of unmet need, churn rate, the high complexity of cases and increasing numbers of young people. The local and national priorities were discussed.

It was highlighted that successful completions had increased, and that the focus was on strength-based pathways to rehabilitation and recovery, noting the need to move to recovery focus.

Red Rose Recovery were invited to speak, and noted that they were led by evidence, not ideology, and that they undertook supervision and training, including Spagomi, competitive litter picks for recovery support.

Members raised the possibility of work with other organisations, such as the Street Angels. Members also noted that alcohol metrics were the last worst metric and that a recovery plan was needed. Dual diagnoses were also discussed, which were mental health and addictions.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To note the progress made in the implementation of the Natural Health service and the impact it has made to date and to note the grant award to support the implementation plans for the remainder of the year (25/26).

Steph Wild presented the report, noting that a natural health system was a core goal of Northern Roots, along with the main themes of people, planet and place. It was noted that 8000 Oldhamers had been engaged with since 2023.

The activities of the scheme were noted including referrals from GPs as part of social prescribing, and partnerships. It was noted that future plans for the scheme included transitions from School Year 6 to Year 7 and caregivers.

It was noted that a cancer recovery scheme, Into the Wild, had taken place at the end of September 2025 and that the impact had been felt within sessions with positive feedback having been received.

Members noted the positives of the report and queried how more people could be brought into services like this. Members also requested that arts and culture works be showcased too.

To receive and note the presentation on BeeWell Oldham School Data

This item was deferred until the next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board.