Sandwell Metropolitan 2018-2019 Borough Council TheThe HealthyHealthy SandwellSandwell Director of Public Health Annual Report PEOPLE POWER THROUGH improves health THICK N THIN Social support is important in increasing resilience and promoting recovery from illness. Loneliness also makes it harder to KEEP OUT build willpower and TH’OSS ROAD resilience over time, which can lead to A person’s social unhealthy habits. networks can have a significant impact on The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital. Dr Mark Hyman MD their health. One large scale international 45 years ago the of study showed that was formed, sharing power with over seven years, the West County Council. A lot has those with good social changed since then, but what remains central relationships had a to Sandwell’s identity is its residents and 50 per cent greater their strong sense of community. Research survival rate compared shows that spending time with other people with individuals is a great way to improve our health. Through with poor social this report we show what community means relationships. to Sandwell, and how it is having a real impact on health outcomes.

Markets have always been a hub of activity in Sandwell, where Like in many towns at the time, High Street was people came together every week and built strong relationships in the process of being pedestrianised in September 1974 CONTENTS ‘People Power’ Improves Health Research shows that People power improves health ...... 2 spending time with other people is a great Our community and way to improve our our health ...... 4 health. Sandwell Sandwell’s stats ...... 6 Whether you live in West Bromwich, Wednesbury, , Oldbury, or , there are lots Improving health and of ways to get active and meet new building resilience ...... 8 people in your local area. 10 The new Director of Public Health Tipton Public Health at work ...... for Sandwell wants to raise awareness of how important 12 West SHAPE ...... community groups and activities are Bromwich important for our health. At the heart of the Dr Lisa McNally said “As we work to Oldbury community ...... 14 improve health in our local area, we need to look at what is strong in our SCVO ...... 15 community, not just at what is wrong.” N NW NE “Sandwell is a place brimming with Rowley Regis Leisure centres ...... 16 community groups and projects, Smethwick run by local people for local people. Oldbury in focus ...... 18 Whether they be a walking group, W E a choir, a parents group, a drama Rowley Regis in focus ...... 23 society or a craft club – all of them SW SE have the potential to improve health Smethwick in focus ...... 26 and well-being.” S This report looks at our local 29 community as a source of health. Tipton in focus ...... We hope to take you on a journey through our borough to meet our community and see the great work that is currently going on How do community groups improve Wednesbury in focus ...... 32 health and well-being, and what examples do we have in each of West Bromwich in focus ...... 34 our six towns? Acknowledgements There are stories from those that Vision 2030 ...... 36 organise community activities and Lisa would like to thank colleagues from Sandwell Public Health and those that have benefited from them. organisations who provided such great case studies for inclusion in our Sport ...... 39 They show how community activity report. Special mention to Ansaf Azhar, Katie Deeley, Sara Whitehouse, in Sandwell is something for us to be Richard Cooksey, Amarjit Ballagan and Liz Beard for their efforts in truly proud of and support to thrive. Lisa McNally, Director getting the report turned around in record quick time! of Public Health

2 3 Sandwell 45 years ago Local illustrator Our Community Charlie Griggs entertains children with his Desperate Dan cartoons in the and Our Health Dandy comics The Metropolitan Borough There are many reasons why getting involved in a community activity of Sandwell was formed

is good for our health. For example, joining a walking group will West Bromwich obviously mean we are more physically active, while getting involved Albion finish 6th in the English Second in a choir or a craft group can help reduce our stress levels. Division

However, maybe the main The good news is that, if we In Sandwell, we’re lucky to Health and Safety at reason community activities help people become less have such a strong community This even includes those who Work Act 1974 was are good for our health is socially isolated, then their spirit, which means that there’s may have disabilities or long released the primary because of the friendship they health outcomes can improve. a lot on offer to anyone who is term health problems. The latest piece of legislation offer and their potential to Research has even shown that feeling lonely or isolated. There national survey shows that the covering occupational reduce loneliness. when people join a new, group- are literally hundreds proportion of social care users health and safety in based social activity, the extent of community groups run by in Sandwell who say they have Great Britain. to which they need to see their local people for local people as much social contact as they would like is significantly higher “The power of doctor or go to hospital reduces (many are in this report). 3 2 than the national average! community to create significantly . Let’s not be complacent health is far greater however. We can all keep than any physician, looking to increase the number Sandwell today of community activities that local clinic or hospital.” people have to choose from. Local born actress Dr Mark Hyman MD We also need to ensure those Julie Walters receives activities get the right support to Dame Commander thrive. If we do, Sandwell will not of the Order of the There has been a lot of research just a fun place to live, but also a British Empire looking at the impact of loneliness healthier place to live. West Bromwich Albion are on health. For example, studies pushing for promotion in show that it increases your the English Second Division risk of heart disease, diabetes, (Championship) depression and even dementia. It has also been linked with 1McNally (2018) Social Factors in Population New Director of Public Health delays in discharge from hospital Health Management starts at Sandwell Council http://www.mentalhealthchallenge.org.uk/social- and a greater risk of hospital Warley Baptist Church garden project showing community spirit at its best, factors-population-health-management/ readmission following discharge1. with Cllr Syeda Khatun MBE and Cllr Steve Trow. The Data 2Uni. Of (2014) Protection Act http://www.champspublichealth.com/sites/ default/files/loneliness%20final.pdf is passed and 3Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework. looks to protect “Community is as important now, as it was then” https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/ people’s data publications/clinical-indicators/adult-social-care- outcomes-framework-ascof/current

4 5 6 7 The following pages present how In 2030, Sandwell Sandwell Public Health and other organisations local to Sandwell are is a thriving, working together with the community to optimistic and make a real difference to local people. Community asset-based This work is represented in the resilient community Directorate Business plan and feeds approaches to It’s where we call home and where we’re into the council wide Vision 2030. proud to belong - where we choose to bring up our families, where we feel safe and cared for, enjoying good health, rewarding IMPROVING work, feeling connected and valued in our neighbourhoods and communities, confident in the future, and benefiting fully from a HEALTH & BUILDING revitalised More information about the Vision 2030 RESILIENCE ambitions can be found on page 36. for wellbeing

A person’s social networks Social support is Lack of social networks can have a significant particularly important in and support, and chronic impact on their health. increasing resilience and loneliness, produces One large scale promoting recovery from long-term damage to international study showed illness (Pevalin and Rose physiological health via that over seven years, 2003). raised stress hormones, those with adequate Strong social capital can poorer immune function social relationships had also improve the chances of and cardiovascular health. a 50 per cent greater avoiding lifestyle risks such Loneliness also makes it survival rate compared as smoking (Folland 2008; harder to self-regulate with individuals with poor Brown et al 2006). However, behaviour and build social relationships (Holt- in the most deprived willpower and resilience Lunstad et al 2010). Social communities, almost half over time, leading to networks have been shown of people report severe engagement in unhealthy to be as powerful predictors lack of support (Halpern behaviours (Cacioppo and of mortality as common 2004), making people Patrick 2009). lifestyle and clinical who are at greater risk less risks such as moderate resilient to the health effects smoking, excessive alcohol of social and economic consumption, obesity and disadvantage. high cholesterol and blood pressure (Pantell et al 2013; Holt-Lunstad et al 2010).

Local children enjoying Healthy Sandwell grant funding activities through local VCS

8 9 The Public Health pharmacies and schools Development Officers to signpost people to (PHDOs) are part of the preventative support at an PUBLIC HEALTH Health Improvement Team early stage. within the Directorate. They are now set to start Based in community meeting with businesses Ricky Byrnes - Matt Hill - at work settings in each of across the Borough to Smethwick Rowley Regis It’s now time to share how Sandwell Public Health operates to realise Sandwell’s six towns, they ensure that they have a a closer relationship with our communities here in the borough. play a key role working healthy workforce and with local groups and look at ways of improving organisations to make employee health overall. sure referral pathways are Katie Deeley, Physical working properly, and Activity – Project Manager improving awareness of told us, “We’re keen to Megan Smith – Kate Hickman - services that can help West Bromwich Wednesbury promote the message that people become healthier looking after our health and happier. is our responsibility, and PHDOS also link closely support people to look with GP surgeries, after themselves.

Healthy Sandwell is the public facing Public Health Brand that engages with Nicky Taylor - Tom Richards - Oldbury Tipton residents on the various services and Our campaign “Smokefree School Gates” launched with great activities avail bile in the borough. engagement from local schools This includes our Healthy Sandwell advisors who deal with enquiries and referrals that come in from a variety of sources. Healthy Sandwell was branded in 2017 and launched its new website in 2018. The team have active Facebook and Twitter accounts that are used to engage with communities and promote activities and Last summer, Sandwell Trends, messages from across the borough. the council’s corporate intelligence website, was refreshed. The site provides a range of resources; reports, charts, maps, data and information about Sandwell, which is available Our Weigh2Go to everyone. smart scales weight management programme Since the refresh, we have added a continues to roll out range of content, across a variety of across the borough topic areas, including; population, deprivation, health and Census data. Why not take a look… www.sandwelltrends.info Healthy Sandwell promoting services with a few of our providers Staff make the pledge to go fizz free in February

10 11 SHAPE The team have just completed the anti-bullying road shows in 12 Your Talent 2018 schools (including PRUs), reaching SHAPE 750 young people with an anti- One of the annual events in the SHAPE bullying message. calendar is SHAPE Your Talent. Throughout May The SHAPE Programme is the Council’s approximately 350 children and young people initiative to listen to the child’s voice in took part in 6 heats across Sandwell to display Sandwell. their artistic talents of singing, playing in a Over the past 4 years the programme has band, dancing or any other performing art form. made significant progress in achieving its The finals were held in June with the winners objectives. It provides immense satisfaction receiving some fantastic prizes. After the SHAPE and pride in knowing the difference the your talent final, producers from The Voice Kids programme is beginning to make in not had watched the audition videos from the heats only providing a voice to children and and felt that some of the young people should young people but also in empowering audition for The Voice Kids as some of the acts them to build resilience and confidence to were that good. become successful. At the same time the programme has been able to tackle some of the pertinent issues affecting young Young people from across people in this current climate including the borough CSE, online safety and bullying. SHAPE team and Adam Shaikh picking up his award performed over the 6 heats The programme would not be a success Young people are at the heart of SHAPE if it wasn’t for the in kind and financial Cllr Simon Hackett taking part in the anti bullying road show contribution of both internal and external and through SHAPE Youth Forum we have partners. Partnership working is essential continued to train and develop young people. Forum members have helped and supported to the programme in particular with the The Summer events SHAPE Your Talent and SHAPE Youth all SHAPE events from planning and organising to delivering. Thank you to all those who are Festival Festival. Thank you to all the partners for their attracted part of SHAPE Youth Forum and have been contribution for supporting and delivering the over 5,000 there to share the experience with us. programme and a special thank you to the young Youth Service who have been an integral part. Neesha Patel, SHAPE Project Manager people to , for various activities including a The team have been commended “colour-run”. with the West Midlands Police, BAPA police and community inspirational award for the work with Young People. And Adam Shaikh, who is an SHAPE’s objective is to listen to the active member of the SHAPE youth voice of children and young people forum, has been awarded with the in Sandwell using five themes: outstanding citizen award from the • Staying Safe West Midlands police and crime commissioner for his work • Being Healthy with SHAPE. • Enjoying and Achieving • Making a Positive Contribution Neesha and Tariq picking up the BAPA police and community inspirational award • Economic Wellbeing

12 13 Way to wellbeing Horticulture Project The horticulture project, part of adult At the heart of the through performing social care’s community engagement services, has completed its move to the arts Portway Lifestyle Centre. Sandwell councils’ community Previously located on Road, the new community art Sandwell is a thriving borough with so much on offer in each of our project for people move brings the project together with day with learning opportunities services already based at the six towns. Here’s some examples of projects in our libraries and disabilities, part of centre – which also boasts a fully accessible community projects. adult social care gym and a GP practice on site. The group direct services, are also set to start building up and is based at the redeveloping the gardens at Stoney Lane Sandwell stories Literature festival Coneygre Arts Centre in Tipton. day centre as part of a service remodel. Both staff and Based in West Bromwich, Multistory works Running from Monday to Friday, the people who use with outstanding artists to make art with, for at libraries service’s tutor-led performing arts includes the service rolled and about the people of Sandwell. Libraries across Sandwell ran their first drama, dance and singing – providing a literature festival during March 2019 at fun way for self-expression, confidence their sleeves up Their projects reflect and celebrate everyday Central Library in West Bromwich. building and getting more active. to get involved life from factories, pubs and clubs, people’s in the big move, The project also generates a small homes, places of worship and markets. They The Festival ran from Saturday 16 from helping income from their ever-popular shows and work with residents, photographers, artists, to Saturday 23 March and included to transport plants and flower beds to Christmas performances. writers, documentary film-makers and more. storytelling, local history talks, author events reassembling and painting the sheds. and musical performances. The festival Multistory brings local communities together Anyone can pop along and benefit from the opened with a musical tribute to the Bronte with artists to engage them in their creative project, and everyone is welcome. If you enjoy family featuring a series of songs based on work, and to produce artwork that people growing your own vegetables while socialising their poetry and characters from their novels want to see, support and be involved in. outdoors in the fresh air – a great boost to by award winning jazz singer Val Wiseman. wellbeing – why not pop along between Check out what’s on in the libraries by 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday? visiting Discover Sandwell and checking Volunteers are also sought to support the project out the events calendar. – all you will need is some spare time and an interest in gardening and making new friends.

14 15 Ideal for all Sandwell’s Voluntary and Agewell – Sandwell Ideal for All is a pioneering Public Health Older Adults user led charity run by and for disabled and disadvantaged Community Sector (SCVO) Physical Activity Pathway people. Agewell is a social enterprise led by older people Sandwell benefits from a well-established Voluntary They provide a range of services for the benefit of older people. and Community Sector (VCS): a vibrant and diverse to promote independence, collection of charitable and not-for-profit businesses, Working with They deliver a range of services to help older people stay inclusion, health & wellbeing, employment & skills social enterprises, advocacy organisations, healthier and independent for longer, and to support and development, and sustainable community and neighbourhood groups. Healthy Sandwell care for isolated and vulnerable individuals. community projects across the Utilising funding from Sandwell Public Health, Sandwell Public Health Older Adults Physical Together the many different parts of the VCS make borough. Services include: Activity Pathway contract enabled Agewell to set up a huge impact on residents’ health, providing SCVO delivered a ‘micro-grants’ programme opportunities for local older people to get healthier, • Peer-support groups, support around positive life choices, providing for Sandwell’s VCS. happier and more active. There is now a programme of condition-specific support opportunities for physical, mental and emotional The programme’s purpose is to enable weekly activities to suit all abilities. One of the activities groups, social coffee mornings wellbeing and enhancing people’s quality of life. local community organisations to deliver most in demand is Tai Chi which can be particularly and events across the engagement activities that include a short, It’s estimated that across the Sector around 20,000 helpful in reducing stress, improving posture, balance, borough for disabled people, health-related promotion of Healthy residents participate and support voluntary-led general mobility and increase muscle strength in the legs. and meaningful volunteering Sandwell services. activity each year, giving 1.4 million hours of their opportunities. time, equivalent to £19 million workforce and During the last year these have been varied • Employment and with massive health and wellbeing benefits to and diverse, including: skills support, jobs brokerage, residents and often to the volunteers themselves. • A Pamper Party for carers Information advice and The Sector also features over 200 Sandwell- guidance, welfare rights based charities and not-for-profit organisations • Picnic in the Park support. delivering professionalised and expert support • ‘Clubbercise’ in 3 locations. for residents, very often free of charge. • Health and Wellbeing • Community Wellbeing event – including Programmes using social and SCVO is a local charity that acts as an umbrella Zumba, healthy eating, hand massage, therapeutic horticultural sites, body for the VCS. relaxation techniques. food growing, healthy eating/ • Family Open Day – including health cooking, active gardening and & wellbeing advice, ‘taster’ workshops, crafts, vocational experiences. Healthy Sandwell service information We also have a variety of other Kaleidoscope opportunities and partnerships • Christmas Meal (and garden centre visit) which to support people’s Plus Group – targeting older adults who often have journey towards healthier, mobility challenges and find it difficult to Upbeat Singers Group more resilient futures. regularly get out and about. The Kaleidoscope PluGroup, “Community The user-led approach means • Moat Farm Community Christmas Funday Wellbeing Service” is delivered across those involved report 86% Sandwell from community venues. • Community Cultural event – incl. healthy positive improvements to The service aims to support individuals eating tips, planting vegetables, family mental/physical health & aged 16 plus, to maintain and improve exercise session wellbeing, reduced isolation, their wellbeing through activities and • Sandwell Special Olympics Awards Evening improved knowledge, skills and support groups based on the “The Five incl. promotion of health and wellbeing, opportunity, access to suitable Ways to Wellbeing” particularly for those with disabilities employment and increased independence. Activities include Mindfulness groups, Yoga • Music-making/drumming sessions – targeting and the weekly Upbeat Singers Group. those experiencing the effects of dementia

16 17 Sandwell Leisure centres Leisure Trust

Sandwell Leisure Trust is very proud that in get top marks a competitive market with challenging local Sandwell has 11 leisure centres, run by Sandwell Leisure Trust and demographics, SLT continues to deliver Places for People Limited. All children aged 16 and under can access service improvements exceeding targets agreed in partnership with Sandwell Council, free swimming at the centres, and all over 60s and people who are and increasing participation in physical registered disabled can also access free swimming. activity and sport throughout the borough. The Trust continues to play a key role by working in partnership with Sandwell Council Places for People to deliver their ‘Vision in 2030’ for a thriving,

West West Bromwich Leisure Centre Working in partnership with optimistic and resilient community. Bromwich have worked closely with the Agewell, a Strength and SLT also supports Sandwell’s key Leisure Centre Sandwell Public Health to Balance class is currently Public Health priorities by evidencing is a Sport deliver a successful work place thriving at the centre. This how the Trusts work is changing best health scheme targeting those class regularly attracts over people’s lives and by increasing practice example facility in who are physically inactive in 20 older adults who have a attendances at the leisure centres it the heart of West Bromwich the workforce. Consisting of variety of diagnosis making manages which is getting more people comprising primarily of 2 a well-supported taster swim them less mobile. The active in Sandwell. swimming pools, a multi or gym membership, after participants not only enjoy SLT is committed to developing station gym, a 2 story soft the programme over 25% the expert delivered physical and delivering activities for young play area, 2 aerobic studios of those that had took part activity session by Agewell, people and creating opportunities and a 4 court sports hall. had made a commitment to but also a hot drink, biscuit for the wider community to socialise being more physically active and the important social Since opening in June 2014 through physical activity, sport and in the form of a gym/swim or element of this. West Bromwich Leisure group exercise. sports club membership at Centre has seen over 2 the time of completion. The Trust works in close partnership million active visits. with adult and health care services to support vulnerable adults to access leisure provision in the borough The Trust also provides targeted concessions, membership options and pay and play activities to enable an affordable choice to access quality sport and leisure activities throughout Sandwell. SLT manages 10 leisure centres across Sandwell.

A class run by West Bromwich leisure centre 18 19 Recovery College Healthy living workshops and health walk leader training

Quarterly workshops are but also what is happening delivered to a different locally to them with cohort of adults who are regards to living a healthier recovering from various lifestyle. e.g Portway pass, mental health problems Kaleidoscope sessions, around leading a healthy Stride walks etc. OLDBURY lifestyle. Staff from the college The idea is to increase their received walk leader awareness of what support training and deliver a The Aman Group was a adopt healthy lifestyles and conditions for them and there is from Public Health monthly health walk for project funded through providing tips and techniques their families. commissioned services service users to take part in. through effective fun exercise Sandwell Council’s The groups offer walking, programmes to better Community Activity Network dancing, singing, art and their health, wellbeing and programme. craft activities, gentle motivation. The Aman Group aims to exercise – including chair encourage people living in The Aman Group provides based for the elderly. Sandwell to become more a safe space for women to The group includes social physically active and increase meet in confidence and outings- along with visits to levels of participation in discuss issues concerning the cinema, local religious physical activity. South Asian Asian women. Combating buildings, and information communities are more prone isolation, the weekly session sessions. Visits are planned to diabetes and coronary for women is a unique mix to arts and community / heart disease. of health, education and cultural events with the aim physical activity, that aims Wellbeing sessions are of building upon the lady’s to improve health and delivered in the library, knowledge, confidence and wellbeing, reduce coronary encouraging people to self-esteem. heart disease and related

My story A woman, who attends the groups on a regular basis, expressed that without the group she doesn’t know where she’d be now, “I was a recluse, depressed, wouldn’t go out, even with relatives. The group has given me a new lease of life and new found confidence, I have a smile on my face now, and my depression has completely gone.

Please never close these groups”. The Aman Group enjoying a session

20 21 Eat Out Eat Well GM2LF Big Local An Oldbury business claims the first Gold Crime Prevention Award for Sandwell Council’s Eat Out Eat Well award. Eat Out Eat Well awards Programme recognise caterers who make it easier for their customers to make healthy choices Operating in Oldbury and Rowley the when eating out. Grace Mary to Lion Farm (GM2LF) Big The latest awards have seen companies Local is one of 150 community–led ROWLEY across Sandwell– including a national groups throughout England and Wales pick up accolades from the council’s who have been granted £1million to be Environmental Health, Trading Standards spent over 10 years. and Public Health teams, and BMVJV was It’s about bringing together all the local the first business to receive a Gold Award. REGIS talent, ambitions, skills and energy from BMVJV is a joint venture between individuals, groups and organisations who want to make their area an even BAM Nuttall, Morgan Sindall and The Bangladeshi Islamic community of all ages better place to live. VolkerFitzpatrick and provide healthy Cultural Society was together. Children and My story meal options for staff working on the As part of their Community Safety work founded in 1992 with the adults are welcome at the “I feel proud of myself that M5 viaduct. the GM2LF Big Local launched a Crime aim of gathering people football and martial arts I have completed the FA Prevention Programme for all residents in of ethnic Bangladeshi sessions to encourage Level one coaching course the GM2LF area. In partnership with the background to advance families to exercise and would like to see how local Police and Citizens Advice Sandwell education and assist in together. I progress further into crime prevention workshops were held, providing recreational Through the partnership giving people tips and information on higher levels of coaching. and leisure facilities. between Goals Soccer keeping their homes and themselves safe. It provides various The level 1 coaching Centre and Bangladeshi course has taught me how As there had been a notable increase in educational facilities for Islamic Cultural Society to organise a session and crime in the area the GM2LF offered and both young and old. public access to the Goals also provided me with a still continues to offer local people free The Sandwell community facility has been increased variety of sessions to use crime prevention packs (house, shed and activity network programme with the new weekly car). Nearly 200 people have received funded weekly football football sessions. as well as giving me the a pack, including people vulnerable and martial arts sessions opportunity to complete A key project objective has through health, previous victims of crime, are delivered by the a first aid course and also been to recruit new socially isolated and alone. Bangladeshi Islamic a child protection coaches and officials from Cultural Society at local awareness course” The programme has improved people’s the BAME community. The venues including Goals quality of life, health and wellbeing first of these is Ashraf Ali Ashraf Ali, Level 1 FA Soccer centre. by helping them feel safer where they who as the first of many Coach live, reducing the risk of social isolation Sessions are open to new coaches from a BAME and vulnerability. It has also promoted anyone from the local background is leading the community togetherness. community which will way, and will serve as an hopefully encourages example and advocate for greater awareness, other parents and adults understanding and to encourage them to get communication between involved and become a different faiths and cultures qualified coach or official. thereby bringing the BMVJV picking up their award from Cllr Elaine Costigan

22 23 Fish and chip shop Sport programme offers healthier options The Rowley Regis Learning Grasshoppers Netball Club who used to play netball to Community of 11 primary has been running for over return to the game or those Seavers fish and chip shop in Rowley Regis receives schools came together with 40 years and currently has who have never played to Bronze Eat Out Eat Well Business Awards. St Michael’s C of E High 4 senior and 3 junior teams give the game a try in a A takeaway frying in high oleic sunflower oil; grilled fish School to create an annual offering netball at a variety welcoming, non-judgemental is available as an alternative to fried fish and meals can physical activity and sport of levels, with an age range environment. be served with rice instead of chips. programme. of 9 – 55! The Back2netball session This involved training offers the opportunity for sessions for primary school families to exercise together teachers together with as mothers can play with resources packs for each their daughters keeping activity, competitions and them active and engaging events for all 11 primary them in positive activity while schools to come together exercising together which at St Michaels, leadership will build their relationships. development for St Michael’s students and an introduction The project has attracted for the primary school pupils 77 new women and girls into a range of activities to the sport and seen 1462 including yoga, dance, mini attendances at sessions tennis, dodge ball and so far. The club have handball amongst others. entered teams into a social Back2Netball league and Seavers picking up their award from Cllr Elaine Costigan Back2Netball is a national With early exposure to a have created a pathway for initiative based around range of activities the pupils any Back2netball participants playing the game in a fun, learn there are a whole to progress into the club friendly and social way to variety of ways to be active and play in the competitive encourage women and girls and healthy over a lifetime. leagues if they want to.

24 25 Dorothy Parkes Centre, Smethwick – Extend Gentle Exercise

The Dorothy Parkes Centre providing, or hosting, a wide male and female attendees. is a place of welcome and range of activities. This group has many opportunity, accessible Our Extend Gentle Exercise benefits which include a to all within the local Class is an exercise class reduction in falls which community, and open for the over 60’s to improve reduce number of A&E visits seven days a week. The strength, balance and and hospital admissions. The Centre helps to address increase stamina. Therefore, group always stay behind local issues such health reducing the symptoms of afterwards for refreshments inequality, obesity, lack age related conditions and and a chat meaning they of empowerment of local improving mobility for those make friends and increase people, elderly isolation, SMETHWICK who have disabilities. confidence and wellbeing. long-term poor health, They all go out at Christmas both physical and mental, The beneficiaries are local for a meal together. low educational attainment people who are aged 60+. Members are encouraged Hill Leisure Centre & a new Special Olympics Sandwell and unemployment by There are a good mixture of was founded in 1983. to train weekly, competing swimming project at West in sporting events, winning Bromwich Baths. The Special Olympic medals of which they are mission is to provide year- Special Olympics Sandwell very proud. We are raising round sports training and worked with the CANDO money to enable more athletic competition in a for Smethwick, Ricky Byrnes, members to try new sports; variety of Olympic-type to submit an application My story to boost our Sandwell Team sports for all children for a Community Activity to “GO FOR GOLD!” Paul Collins, and individual who and adults with learning / Network funding award to uses Disability Day Opportunities intellectual disabilities. Sports we deliver include set up and deliver a new services, has been part of the Athletics at Tipton Sports weekly Boccia session to This provides continuing Special Olympic team for several Academy, Football & Tennis add a new activity to their opportunities to develop years. In addition to being a keen at Portway Leisure Centre existing programme. physical fitness, demonstrate and Swimming at Haden Performance Artist, he enjoys courage, experience joy and keeping fit and healthy and never participate in a sharing of misses his weekly training sessions. skills, gifts and friendship with their families, other Paul, 37, competed in the Special Special Olympics athletes Olympics in in and the community. September 2017, where he won his We rely on volunteers to 1st ever Gold medal for Boccia. The support members in their Ceremony was held in December at sport ensuring their personal The Park Hotel in . safety, encouraging them Paul, who is from West Bromwich, to achieve high standards & told us, “I had a really good night PB - Personal Best. Members at the Awards Ceremony, where I learn sporting skills but also received my medal. I’m very proud social skills increasing in self- of my achievement!” confidence, physical fitness & improved activity levels.

26 27 Lightwoods Town grant park community helps catering cycle club community group A Smethwick community group is finding it Lightwoods community cycle club was easier to cater for people with disabilities developed through a partnership between and learning difficulties thanks to a grant Sandwell council and Cycling UK. from the council. The club is now led by volunteers and The Cape Community GO Active Project provides Sandwell residents with the supports Cape Community Day Care opportunity to cycle together. Centre by cooking for its service users. The session helps people to gain The GO Active Project applied to Sandwell Council for a town grant to pay for a TIPTON confidence on a bike and cycle for health and leisure. commercial freezer – meaning food can be prepared and stored more easily for the day centre users. Bangladeshi My story Womens Nasra Parveen, a local resident of Pakistani Origin who attends the classes said “I cook Association at home for my family all the time, but I The Bangladeshi Women’s Association Limited never bothered to check salt and fats intake, as a part of its Tipton Communities Connected but after attending healthy cooking classes, initiative and partnership working with the I am still cooking my daily food but reduced Workers Education Association has been the fats for healthier oils and salt. delivering a Healthy Cooking and Eating The food taste just as same and I feel programme with a group of 30 women from healthier and feel confident that my family across the three neighbourhoods of Tipton. are eating healthy too”. The Programme is delivered by a qualified Chef and from the two centres managed by BWA K Bangladesh Tipton Muslim Community Centre and the Jubilee Park Community Centre, the programme comprises of teaching basic culinary skills, healthy eating and food technology. A healthy meal is cooked every lesson and the dishes cooked are drawn from different cultures and traditions. This healthy living programme develops cooking skills and knowledge around healthy eating and healthier options through learning about food labelling and healthier cooking methods. The Programme also increased awareness and consumption of fruit and vegetables and to reduce salt, sugar and fat, especially saturated fat from their diet.

28 29 Fun community-led CAN funded Dementia project helps safety awareness for project: Tipton capture memories children in Tipton fire station A project is capturing the memories of people together to share and record their memories experiencing dementia and their families in at a variety of relaxed sessions during the Following reports of antisocial behaviour occurring Tipton – so their stories can be shared with coming months.” at a local green space and concerns among parents running club future generations. in the area around children being abducted, father Tipton fire station aims to engage Sessions are taking place at various and martial arts instructor Craige Thompson has with the community with the aim Tipton Memories has received a council venues across Tipton. been offering his skills to schools in the community, to make the community of Tipton, town grant to create an oral history record running free Karate-based self-defence awareness healthier, stronger and safer. of people who were born or live in Tipton. classes for local children at after-school clubs and in Photos and documents may also be The Tipton ‘Couch to 5k’ beginners’ published in a book. PE lessons. programme is led by off duty fire The classes, which provide an opportunity to engage fighters, who voluntarily give up The project is being run by BUDS – Better in physical activity as well as helping children develop their time to improve the health and Understanding of Dementia for Sandwell – balance, safety awareness and discipline, have been wellbeing of Tipton residents. which has an office in Great Bridge Library. welcomed by PE co-ordinators who appreciate the The 9 week programme targets Alison Pugh, director of BUDS, said: opportunity to offer their children a chance to have a go complete beginners in the hope to “I am delighted that BUDS has received at a sport that is outside of the normal range they are get the participants to the position of funding and support from Sandwell Council. able to provide in curriculum PE. being able to run 5k. Participants are “The project has been a while in the then signposted on to various 5k runs planning and our aim is to bring people such as Sandwell Valley Park Run.

30 31 From Wednesbury to Windsor Members of the Wednesbury Older People Group were treated to a day trip to Windsor thanks to a town grant. The trip was to give members a chance to socialise with others, helping to reduce social isolation and keep people connected. The group travelled down to Windsor Castle, walked along the River Thames and visited historical sites around Windsor WEDNESBURY town centre including the local museum.

My story Children attending Sandwell’s The scheme, which has The Free Swimming Let’s grow in free swimming sessions are been running since 2013, Initiative in Sandwell is Wednesbury “By learning through sensory and creative gardening being offered fruit to help has proven to be incredibly helping improve the sport and food-based sessions, children and young people them achieve their five a popular with Sandwell’s and active leisure offer in The ‘Lets Grow’ programme are supported to develop skills and improve their health, day targets and promote children and young people the borough by providing supports children, families building resilience for the future. healthier snack options. with over 80 thousand people wider access to sport and and young people to improve taking part since it started. physical activity opportunities, The ‘Free Swimming in their health and wellbeing The sessions are backed with cooking, label reading, which will directly support Sandwell’ initiative allows Now in a new move to boost through simple ‘hands on’ food modifying recipes, ‘healthier swaps’, portion control the Council’s Vision 2030 children and young people, the health of youngsters free growing, healthy cooking and and inexpensive ways of getting the family involved ambition for Sandwell’s under the age of 16 who fruit will be available, some of fun activity sessions. in mealtimes. communities to live live in the borough to swim it provided by the supermarket healthy lives. The Ideal for All team is People come together with the team to share ideas without charge at leisure Tesco, for a trial period in a bid offering the sessions as part for fun and games in the fresh air using the project’s facilities throughout the to promote healthier snack of the Sandwell Let’s Grow garden sites and local parks.” school holidays. choices by young people. programme. Councillor Costigan Councillor Elaine Costigan, the council’s cabinet member for public health and protection, said it was “great news” that the scheme at the town’s allotments in Barlow Road was being launched for the benefit of local people. Members of the experienced horticultural Growing Opportunities team will show people how to easily grow healthy fresh food and get active through gardening.

32 33 West Brom All Stars FC • 40 inactive children are • The children are now received a cash for sports now regularly undertaking participating in local grass club grant from Sandwell physical activity roots teams council to provide football • The children have lost • West Bromwich Albion sessions to local children. weight FC have signed a child on Their “Street Soccer” • The children are eating schoolboy terms to the programme has aimed to healthier academy increase and maintain fitness • We introduced them to • Educated parents on levels. We also delivered local Role Models changing their lifestyle habits quarterly healthy eating WEST workshops to educate parents on the need for a healthy and balanced diet and encourage all participants to embrace and adopt a change in their BROMWICH lifestyle habits. We have children who have lost weight and now participate in regular physical activities in an Sandwell Valley Parkrun My story environment of fun, challenge Sandwell Valley Parkrun launched in Sandwell 2017 and thousands of and excellence. As an organisation we have Parkrun events up and down the country and across five continents. engaged disadvantaged West Brom All Stars FC are Parkrun is a free timed five-kilometre run which takes place every families and provided proud to have been able Saturday morning, staffed by volunteers and free of charge for runners opportunities for deprived to work with a cohort of 40 of all abilities to turn up and enjoy running together safely. children to participate in fun inactive children and put them through a 12 month program Sandwell Council Sport and Leisure staff helped to get the event challenges organised to keep of structured Street Soccer. off ground but it is now led by volunteers who help with the weekly them off the streets, active organisation of the run and help launch it. and participate in civic society, “The Parkrun movement is hugely popular and we are happy to teaching them life skills. help launch one in Sandwell Valley. It gives people of all abilities the “We have arrived in the UK chance to run together safely on a Saturday morning and see each as refugees, this program has Sandwell week how their times improve. The valley is a great place to hold a 291 Community Association Parkrun but we need both runners and volunteers to make it happen.” given me and my child hope” The “HUB” is run at Wesley Methodist Church, High Street, Visually Mrs Sefar West Bromwich. It is open Monday through to Thursday, and is open to all ages from 50 plus. Impaired “Shiv has lost weight, he is Funded through the fitter, happier and enjoys It provides a friendly, welcoming atmosphere through a Community Activity Network, playing futsal” range of activities such as a gentle exercise class, men’s walking football, a digital drop in session, a men’s friendship SVI offered members the Mr Singh group, and an arts and craft group. Refreshments are also opportunity to attend classes “My son had never kicked a available during each session. to support visually impaired people to learn to swim and football, now he doesn’t stop” 291 Creative Hub for Older People is a valuable service that gain confidence in the water. Mrs Kossou aims to improve the lives of its members by connecting them with other members, and reducing issues such as loneliness and For many of the participants “I have learnt that to cook a social isolation. An example of how the Hub is achieving this can (who have no sight and healthy meal doesn’t break be seen through the one regular member who until joining the couldn’t swim at all before the the bank and can be delicious” exercise group had not left her home for three years, the lady project) are now able to dive Mrs Jahan now attends a number of the activities throughout the week. in at the deep end and lane swim without any support.

34 35 AmbitionAmbition 5 5

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36 37 SPORT What the club said: “We have been able vipers to offer young people within our community Sandwell Valley Parkrun the opportunity to launched in Sandwell 2017 and participate in a non- thousands of Parkrun events traditional sport that up and down the country and caters for all abilities. across five continents. We have specifically The Junior programmes have Black Country Vipers American be able to offer young given 17-19 year olds a club to Football Club received a cash people less fortunate be part of that encourage for sports clubs grant from financially the opportunity to be a healthy lifestyle and Sandwell council. The money part of a club that have a sport give them the life skills provided helped to advance that all abilities are able to improve them as the club in their community and to participate in no matter people as well as youth programme. what their background. sporting athletics.”

New Aquatic Centre set to make a splash

The new aquatic centre will A new urban park host the Commonwealth children’s play area Games in 2022. and café The designs feature a 50m New football pitch and Olympic-sized competition changing facilities swimming pool, a 25m diving Indoor cycling studio, pool and a studio pool along ladies only gym and large with 1,000 spectator seats sports hall and gym. Alongside the swimming facilities, the plans for the centre include:

38 39 SPORT New tram honours Cyrille Regis A new tram has been named in honour of Baggies legend Cyrille Regis MBE. Cyrille, who died last year, blazed a trail for black footballers in the 1970s and 1980s. Alongside fellow Albion stars Brendon Batson and Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille inspired Brendon, at the regional tram a tram named after him. I think a generation of young people depot in Wednesbury for the he would have felt humbled to take up the game. He was naming ceremony, organised and honoured, especially as awarded the Freedom of by the West Midlands the Cyrille Regis tram will be Sandwell in 2004. . carrying thousands of fans of his beloved West Bromwich Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Cyrille’s wife Julia said: “I Albion to for Joy Edis joined relatives and believe Cyrille would have many years to come.” former team mates, including been quite surprised to have

ROWLEY REGIS MARTIAL ARTS Jaydon is a WORLD CHAMPIONS world champ Two Rowley Regis martial arts competitors won Wednesbury tumbling gold medals at the World Championships in Rome. sensation Jaydon Paddock The members of the React Martial Arts – coach Arron is a world champion. Walker and junior member Harvey Adlam – won gold Jaydon, supported by Sandwell against the best kickboxers in the world. Council’s Gifted and Talented Harvey, who is aged 11 and from , and Arron programme, competed in competed in disciplines including ring continuous, mat St Petersburg, Russia, against 35 continuous and boxing at 35kg and 85kg respectively. other elite tumblers in the Tumbling World Age Group Championships. “It was a highly competitive world championships with teams from Spain, Sweden, USA, Jaydon said: “I’ve waited a long Morocco and Italy,” said Arron. time to be able to say that I am a world champion and now I finally Arron said the club, which was set can. Words cannot describe up in 2014, now hoped to attract how I’m feeling right now.” new members. The club has received funding from the The Gifted and Talented council to encourage more programme is keen to support other people to take up the sport. sporting people living in Sandwell.