Bromley is set to enhance its support for residents with learning disabilities following a recent Health and Wellbeing Board meeting where the Bromley Learning Disabilities Strategy 2025 – 2030 was examined. The board also discussed the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the South East London Sexual Health Strategy, and the Bromley Suicide Prevention Plan.
The Learning Disabilities Strategy focuses on five core themes: being positively prepared for adulthood, communities, a healthy life, a good home, and learning, work and independence. The council currently supports around 780 adults with learning disabilities, costing approximately £67 million annually. Projections indicate that this population, along with their carers, requiring council support will increase by about 100 individuals by 2040.
In addition to the Learning Disabilities Strategy, the board reviewed the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-30, jointly led by Bromley Council and NHS South-East London Integrated Care Board (ICB). This strategy builds upon the successes of the previous 2020-25 strategy, including the roll-out of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and the establishment of the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
Key priorities for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy include more targeted community prevention and early intervention services, helping children and young people with more complex needs to thrive, and improving outcomes for older people with mental health challenges and dementia.
The board also discussed the Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley (LSLBB) Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy 2025-2030, outlining four themes: healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships, improving reproductive health, reducing rates of sexually transmitted infections, and preventing and living well with HIV. Finally, the Bromley Suicide Prevention Plan 2025-30 was reviewed, setting out Bromley's approach to reducing suicide and self-harm and supporting those affected.