The aim of the project is to co-ordinate the effort of addressing health inequalities for Black and Ethnic Minority communities across the Sandwell PCT; West Bromwich & Wednesbury, Oldbury & Smethwick and Rowley Regis & Tipton. It seeks to improve co-ordination between the various communities participating in lay health work and mainstream health services.

It promotes the idea that improving communication can influence health outcomes. It supports effective service delivery that is culturally appropriate and relevant to diverse community needs in order to promote an equitable health service.

The aim of the project was to support the core HAZ (Health Action Zone) principles of:

• reducing health inequalities and promoting equality of access to services
• targeting those socially excluded with particular emphasis on the Black and Ethnic Minority communities
• working in partnership with local people and organisations
• capacity building in the BME voluntary sector so that it is more of an equal partner in health delivery
• structuring the development as a community enterprise to maximise community ownership and sustainability
• modernising health services

Main activities of the project:

• provide linguistic and cultural access with back up of existing voluntary group structure for support
• development of Health Forums and Health Task Groups for each community
• project development based on the Community Development model
• addressing women's health issues
• mental health promotion and referrals
• smoking cessation promotion and referrals
• drug misuse needs assessments reports and projects
• health assessments and physical health promotion
• healthy heart campaign
• diabetes and cancer prevention
• route for communication and consultation
• outreach work with hard to reach groups
• provide accredited training, mentoring and routes to higher education
• provide employment opportunities by recognising and using of existing skills
• health promotion programmes, events, road shows and seminars
• walking and cycling initiatives
• health assessments
• advocacy
• social support
• undertake health needs assessment
• inform planners and decision makers
• being responsive to the needs and ideas of communities and putting them into practical solutions
• encouraging self-development and enhancing the capacity of communities to participate in decisions affecting their health

Contact Details:

Project Manager - Sandwell CHC
Kingston House - 438 High Street
West Bromwich
B70 9LD

Telephone: 0121 612 1625
Fax: 0121 500 1410
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