The main topics of discussion were the pressures, financial challenges, and value of the voluntary sector, along with a focus on prevention in children and young people’s mental health.
The Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Alliance presentation
- ICP Members received a report and presentation from the Chair and one of the Vice Chairs of the VCFSE Alliance, highlighting the:
- current pressures
- financial challenges, and
- value of the voluntary sector in Hertfordshire and west Essex.
- They also shared findings from a recent survey on this topic with VCFSE Alliance members.
- The partnership discussed the challenges facing the voluntary sector in terms of grant and funding applications. It was noted that 40% of voluntary sector officers’ time was spent seeking or applying for grants. Officers were encouraged to highlight any issues they faced when applying for grants or funding within any Hertfordshire and west Essex ICP organisation.
- The partnership reflected on their connections with the VCFSE, discussing:
- the impact of current joint projects
- future plans, and
- ways to enhance support for client/patient outcomes by working as a ‘one team’ with VCFSE.
- They also reflected on the alignment of members with the commissioning principles linked to the ICS Health Creation Strategy.
- Officers will present an additional paper on this topic to the ICP, the Strategic Leads Group, or a development session in the future. The aim is to discuss and agree any practical measures to support the voluntary sector.
Prevention in children and young people’s mental health
- ICP Members received a report and presentation from officers across our system. This provided an update on the ongoing work in Hertfordshire and West Essex, aimed at supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people, with a particular focus on prevention.
- Officers acknowledged that the demand for service, managing expectations, and gaps in the workforce continue to be ongoing challenges. However, they provided assurance the availability of mental health support has increased. This now includes:
- support within schools
- online support, and
- a drive for early intervention.
- ICP Members acknowledged the specific challenge of supporting children outside of school term times. It was suggested that collaboration with the voluntary sector could enhance this support. For example, it was noted that Hertfordshire MIND offers support services, and a consultation with the Youth Council could help understand the needs and preferences of children and young people for support outside of school.
- ICP Members affirmed the importance of ensuring every interaction contributes to mental health support. They also emphasised the need to avoid duplication of work.
- The partnership acknowledged the ongoing need to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. While significant progress has been made in this area, it was also noted that children and young people are still being admitted to hospitals in mental health crises.
- Officers will invite a headteacher from a school to a future meeting of the ICP to talk through what mental health support was being provided in schools.
In addition to this, ICP Members also received an update from the ICP Lead Officer. This update outlined activities supporting the partnership’s work, including efforts by the strategic leads for the integrated care strategy. These leads are overseeing the implementation of deliverables in the delivery plan. Additionally, an update from the ICB was provided, detailing the ongoing work of the ICB.
You can find meeting papers and presentations on the Hertfordshire County Council website.
The next ICP meeting in public will be held in September 2024.