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<p>In March 2013, the Department published statutory guidance to support health and
wellbeing boards in undertaking Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNA) and Joint
Health and Wellbeing Strategies (JHWS).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The guidance
focuses on the methodology for producing comprehensive and high quality assessments
and strategies, and emphasises the importance of understanding and addressing the
needs of the whole local population at all stages in the lifecourse, with a particular
focus on vulnerable sub-groups and those likely to experience health inequalities.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The guidance does not specifically discuss the inclusion of
speech, language and communication needs of the local population in the JSNA. It would
not be appropriate for the Department to highlight any particular care group or area
of need over another as this would risk undermining the purpose of JSNAs and JHWSs
being objective, comprehensive and locally-owned.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>A
copy of the guidance is attached.</p><p> </p>
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