Agenda and minutes

1.1   The chair welcomed all those present and introductions were made.

2.1  The minutes were agreed as a correct record.

3.1  There were no declarations of interests.

4.1 

4.2 Jon Williams read out a statement from Ali Aksoy on his experiences in smoking in the Turkish community.

“When I was at the age of 14, I took out my first cigarette to smoke from the pocket left on the table at home. The main reasons of starting smoking were because of family problems I have been witnessing and smoking became a habit when I start living myself in my very early age, I like having friends around which were already smoking, as we spent more time together we were smoking to let the time fly.During that my first teen years I felt what is like to be lonely. When I was 14 everyone in my family were addicted to smoking. Cigarette packets all over the house. I had the mindset of a kid at the time and I thought all those excuses were more than enough to start. I became so addicted cigarettes were presented like a bowl full of sweets.

In my opinion on why men smokes covers a variety reasons and excuses.

Firstly, they think it can be to prove his manhood. On the other hand too much responsibility because of being man and his workload might be too much. All those and financial pressures might be effective as well as they are not fond of themselves at those early ages and other emotional issues….

Also, as smoking becomes a lifestyle for the user, they start buying expensive well-advertised cigarettes to show their social status: as people around them smoke which can also be a reason of why they start.

Unemployment making people lazy and hopeless that’s can be another reason of starting smoking.

4

11.1   Paul Haigh introduced the report providing a further update to the Board on the development of the East London Health and Care Partnership and the NEL Sustainability and Transformation Plan. 

RESOLVED:

To note the verbal update on the East London Health and Care Partnerships and the NEL STP.

12.1  Penny Bevan introduced the report focussing on children and young people in the City of London and Hackney. Hackney had a significantly younger population than nationally with 65,300 children and young people under 20 years old.  Penny told the Board that the number of young people was forecast to rise by 6 % over the next five years.  The Borough of Hackney had seen a decrease in deprived neighbourhoods and was now the 11^th most deprived in the country. She referred to improving life opportunities and the importance of reducing health inequalities throughout a person’s life in the Borough. 

RESOLVED:

To note the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health.

12.1  Penny Bevan introduced the Annual Report of the Director of Public health Annual Report which focused on children and young people in the City of London and Hackney, brought to the Board for information.

RESOLVED:

To note the report.