Agenda item

Christus Ferneyhough was welcomed to the meeting and delivered a presentation to update the Board on the adoption of the Local Authority Declaration on Healthy Weight (HWD), which is a strategic, systemwide commitment to promote healthy weight and good overall health and wellbeing in communities. 

The HWD includes 16 commitments whereby local authorities (or areas) pledge to achieve action on improving policy and healthy weight outcomes.  All partners are fully supportive of the HWD - sign-up is required from schools and leadership teams.  The HWD is important as in Barnsley 1 in 5 children start primary school overweight or obese, 1 in 3 leave primary school overweight or obese and 2 in 5 of 5 year olds have visible dental decay.  In Barnsley, 2 in 3 adults are overweight or obese, leading to health issues later in life. 

A whole systems approach is required to tackling this, with the Board taking ownership.  It was reiterated that consultation on the HWD will include young people and that Barnsley's food plan, which is currently up for a refresh, will incorporate the views of the Youth Council.  

RESOLVED that

(i)            Christus Ferneyhough be thanked for his attendance and contribution;

(ii)          the Board approves and endorses the adoption of the HWD as a Barnsley declaration; 

(iii)         a progress report be submitted and presented to the Board in October 2021 and

(iv)         Members of the Board work with us in identifying priorities and ways in which we can work beyond the pledges to make change.