Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health, Katy Scammell,  Associate Director of Public Health and Denise De-Goze, Schools and Families Team Manager,  gave an overview of the current strategy and corporate comms on tackling obesity and what measures can be taken. This included child excess weight patterns over time, health outcomes, the causes of unhealthy weight and the priorities included  for the healthy child action plan.

Further to questions from the Sub-Committee, Somen Banerjee, Katy Scammell and Denise De-Goze;

·       Clarified that the Healthy Families scheme is available to all child guardians and alternative courses are held in children’s centres, schools, and community centres. Foster carers can also attend a Ministry of Food (MOF) healthy cooking course held twice a year.

[Clerk's Note – course details available here: Healthy families programme (towerhamlets.gov.uk)]

·       Explained that the GP Care Group commissioned BY Public Health to deliver the 0-19 service, a directory for primary care and other professionals to support healthy weight.

·       Noted that through the Public Health Commission they are also training those working in the community to support a healthy weight.

·       Conceded that the borough will most likely achieve healthy weight levels if there is good air quality that encourages active travel.

·       Clarified that challenges in tackling obesity include; the number of  unhealthy foods available, the lack of alternative options, green  and  play spaces and overcrowded homes in some parts of the borough. The Local Plan’s strategy will help create an environment that is more supportive of being a healthy weight.

·       Explained that data from the National Child Measurement Programme 2015 to 2021 showed that year 6 aged boys of South Asian ethnicity have the highest rates of obesity. Continual work with parents and schools takes place to identify unhealthy weight levels and there are plans to train Youth Workers as well as offer training to those working with children in care.

·       Indicated that consideration will be given to work alongside Influencers to promote child health. A proposal to introduce a healthy advertising policy will be submitted to Cabinet and work is also taking place to support fast-food owners to provide healthier options to their customers..

·       Confirmed that a Play Manager post has been created to take forward work to increase play opportunities for Tower Hamlets children. Although Mile End Play Pavilion Park is a dedicated space, officers will discuss specific areas that do require play spaces with Sub-Committee members outside of this meeting.

[Clerk's Note – park details available here Playgrounds and Inclusive Play (towerhamlets.gov.uk) ]

·       Clarified that ongoing workstreams will have sustainable long-term effects, such as the ‘School Food Improvement Programme’, the training  schemes  and changes to the borough’s leisure services to benefit children. The range of initiatives are across the borough and the cost cannot be apportioned to one department.

Following comments from Officers, the sub-committee;

·       Thanked the Officers for the presentation and all efforts made to date in tackling the issue of child obesity within the borough.

·       Requested officers update sub-committee members at a future meeting in the municipal year 2023/24.