Meeting documents

To receive the verbal update and propose a development session.

The Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board noted the verbal update and supported scheduling a development session on JSNA in early January 2022.

The verbal update and presentation were made by Public Health Specialist Pip Tucker.  He noted that the report is a statutory requirement for the Health and Wellbeing Board and enables them to understand the health and care needs in Somerset. 

It was noted that health and care needs are now very different after the onset of the pandemic.  The first focus was on the highest 10% of deprived areas of Somerset, which are located in the major towns across the county.  Interestingly, there was more Covid in these areas but not by much, showing a low level of inequality in that respect.  During the pandemic, some things changed quickly, such as a fall in A&E attendance of 50% in the first month and a steep rise in unemployment claims.  Also interestingly, these claims rose by 60% in two months for poorer communities but by 120% in two months for the county as a whole.  Other changes occurred more slowly, including a slight reduction in domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour, which may reflect either the community pulling together or a lack of contact by agencies who record these incidents. 

With regard to a focus group on Sedgemoor, voluntary groups reported significant hunger in the area, as well as concerns about the impact of the pandemic on people who were just getting by, the impact of stress and anxiety, and the ability to seek help and information digitally.  SCC also commissioned Hidden Voices to conduct five focus groups in Bridgwater, who held 14 street interviews and spoke to 56 people; the mental health of residents of the poorer communities was significantly impacted by Covid and lockdowns, which may have accelerated current mental issues or brought to light unknown issues.  Fortunately, there was considerable informal support from neighbours and the community, as opposed to low levels of formal volunteering.  Interviewees did not often mention low income, due possibly to social taboos around discussing money, or to the positive effects of the furlough and the £20 universal credit uplift.

To summarise, significant need in the poorer communities of Somerset was reported, and the impact of covid on the welfare, wellbeing, and mental health of residents has also been significant, albeit slow to develop.  On the positive side, the pandemic generated stronger community interaction, but the emerging needs may be very different than in the past.  It was proposed that there be a development session on these issues before their final report is produced.

The Board then posed questions and comments; it was put forth that more scrutiny is needed regarding the links between unemployment and need, given that there are many positions open but apparently not enough young people training for them.  The reasons for this need to be analysed before proposals for improvement can be made.  Mr Tucker agreed that more research will be needed over the next 10 years; he noted that the analysis presented today was at the community level and was not about individuals.  The statistics don’t distinguish between age groups nor inform on why young people behave as they do, although anecdotally he has heard that while many are attracted to training, they have worries about the uncertainty of employment.  Another Member stated that the rental housing market needs discussion with respect to quickly increasing rents and potential homelessness, which contribute to lack of wellbeing and anxiety.

It was asked during which time period the data used in the report arose; it was responded that it covered the first two waves of Covid and that there are now new figures to be used in the upcoming development session.  With respect to a question about equitable recovery from physical rather than mental issues, it was noted that there is more evidence of cancer amongst poorer communities, although overall mortality is slightly lower.  Another question regarded the rise in unemployment and asked if there was a reason for the correlation of low wages with areas where many key workers lived; the reply was that when looking at the structure, many workers were in the retail and hospitality industries.

The Director of Public Health Trudi Grant stated that the report was a fantastic start, but the effects of the pandemic will span years.  As regards the deprivation issues not appearing to be as severe in Somerset as in other areas of the country, perhaps this is due to the more rural aspect of poorer areas, and she would like to see the Health and Wellbeing Board challenge the issue of inequality more.  It was replied that unemployment has actually gone up more in rural areas, but it is true that rural poverty needs are often the hardest to determine, with an increase in those areas of feelings of isolation, both physically and digitally.  On the other hand, urban deprived areas can appear to be more deprived.  Up until the third wave, Somerset saw concentrations amongst students and large families, particularly Asian, but the figures and effects are constantly evolving.

The Board thanked the presenters for the report, noted the information, and looked forward to the development session in January which will be very useful, particularly regarding the mental health aspects.

The Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board received and discussed the presentation and supported holding a development session in January 2022.