Agenda item - INDEPENDENT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2018

Report of the Director of Public Health.

42.1                 RESOLVED: That the board agreed to note the report.

42.1                 The Director of Public Health introduced the 2018 independent annual report on the state of local public health that focused on the role of arts as a determinant of health and wellbeing. This report included themes of inequalities in access to art and culture, mental health and wellbeing, social isolation and concentrated on Brighton & Hove already being a hub for creative health and how it had the potential to be a national centre of excellence for arts and health.

42.2                 The Chief Executive commended the report and applauded its interesting and innovative approach. He added that the report was an excellent foundation to help develop policy as well as understanding.

42.3                 Councillor Taylor stated that the report was a work of art in itself and creatively engaged readers with long-standing public health issues that highlighted the emerging field of social prescribing. He stated that it was concerning to see such high levels of unemployment in Brighton & Hove and this needed to be specifically tackled as it was a key determinant of good health.

42.4                 The Director for Public Health stated that employment would be at the heart of the forthcoming Health and Wellbeing Strategy as it was critical for people to have a sense of purpose which linked to the national Industrial Strategy.

42.5                 Councillor Page stated that the report was beautiful and interesting and was a dynamic and appropriate approach for Brighton & Hove. Art projects that enthused, helped people to gain skills and develop confidence were critical to help people to find employment. He added that there were challenges with accessibility because art could often be associated with affluence and hoped that inequality could be a key focus.

42.6                 The Chair stated that everyone could benefit from this initiative and even link in with the city’s tourism offer as an arts and wellbeing leader. The presentation could be found on the following link:

https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/health/public-health-brighton-hove/annual-report-director-public-health

42.7                 RESOLVED: That the Board agreed to note the report.