Merton Health and Wellbeing Board to Integrate Youth Perspectives in Development
The Merton Health and Wellbeing Board is set to incorporate youth perspectives into its development, following discussions at a recent meeting where the importance of involving young people in shaping the board's future was highlighted. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the board's capability to steer neighbourhood development.
Russell Styles, Director of Public Health, updated the board on Merton's successful bid for targeted support from the Local Government Association (LGA) through a consultancy called Health Integration Partners. This support, aimed at enhancing the board's capability to steer neighbourhood development, will involve a survey with board members, one-to-one interviews, a development session, and the creation of an implementation roadmap. A mobilization meeting for this support is scheduled for Friday, October 9th, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with a briefing available for those unable to attend. Further updates will be provided at the November meeting.
Councillor Usaama Kaweesa, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, stressed the importance of involving youth voice, specifically mentioning the Young Inspectors, in this development process. I feel quite strongly that they should also be involved in shaping the future governance of the board and its effectiveness,
Councillor Kaweesa stated. The Young Inspectors have been a significant contributor to the board, and their input is imperative in shaping its governance and all aspects moving forward, including inputting into neighbourhood health plans.
Youth perspectives will primarily focus on shaping the future governance and effectiveness of the board, as well as contributing to neighbourhood health plans. The Start Strong
initiative, which focuses on children and young people, will also benefit from these perspectives, with actions related to being healthy and staying safe, and addressing the rise in adolescent mental health needs and the diagnosis of neurodiverse children and those with autism. Positive outcomes have already been reported by the Children's Trust Board and Young Inspectors regarding the 'Start Strong' initiative.
While the Young Inspectors are integral to the development process, it was confirmed that one inspector, Max, had received an invitation to participate, with follow-up arrangements to be made if he was unable to attend. The specific training or support these young people will receive is not detailed in the provided information.
The targeted support from the LGA, delivered by Health Integration Partners, aims to enhance the board's capability to steer neighbourhood development. The specific objectives beyond this consultancy are not elaborated upon in the meeting information.
Further details on the Merton Health and Wellbeing Board's agenda and reports can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack for the meeting on Thursday, October 1st, 2026. The Minutes of the Previous Meeting are also available.