Spring is here and the days are getting warmer but the 'cost of living crisis 2023' still continues.
We have teamed up with Legacy West Midlands, Birmingham City Council and local providers to ensure that our most vulnerable communities are supported throughout this crisis. We now have two BAME social welfare hubs Edgbaston and Highgate, which form part of our overall Hub & Spoke health outreach strategy in the areas surrounding our regular walks.
Our Wellbeing Hubs developed organically as a genuine response programme during the global pandemic. Initially the focus was ensuring that vulnerable people had adequate resources to ‘stay well at home’ - food supplies, digital devices to get online and social support to reduce isolation. As the restrictions were lifted, our hubs expanded to provide Covid vaccine guidance and support, as well as delivering well being activities in local open spaces. The HUbs provide an safe accessible entry into movement and also alleviate anxiety for those who struggle to socialise post pandemic. Many local people have suffered during the pandemic’s as a result of poverty, poor health or loss of family members. Hence, we have linked with local partners and expanded our offer to provide a weekly club 'on your doorstep', which provides...
- A hot meal
- Food bank supplies
- Movement activity
- Welfare advice & support
- Arts & crafts activities
These sessions are delivered in a local trusted community space. We also provided general health monitoring and social activities. In addition,
Outcome
The pandemic highlighted that BME and urban communities are more likely to neglect their wellbeing and mental health. In addition, when they seek help they are often treated as second class system and do not receive the same level as care as others. Our Hubs aim to encourage individuals engage in constructive dialogue that will aid self-actualisation and expression around wellbeing & mental health .We connect service users with local support services and craft a framework for engagement through the delivery suitable activities tailored around the needs the local community and the assets on the ground.
We have had an amazing level of support and cooperation from local faith groups, community group and active citizens, who have supported the delivery and sustainability of our Hubs. We currently have 2 Well-being Hubs - Edgbaston & Highgate and we are in the process of setting up one in Handsworth and Aston we have worked with local partners, such as NHS & Birmingham Adult Education Services, to provide structured programmes of support by trained professionals.
