Research in 1993 showed that Castle Vale had some of the worst health statistics in Birmingham, as well as higher levels of drugs and substance misuse than the city’s average. Poor health is recognised as one of the chief barriers to living life to the full. The twin issues of improving health and alleviating poverty have permeated HAT programmes.
A review of the Health Needs Assesment shows that residents are now living just over 5 years longer than they were at the start of HAT. This has been directly credited to the improved services. The survey also highlighted that there is a perception that poor health is also due to stress and environmental issues. As a result, the HAT and its partners focused on the recommendations highlighted in the study in order to continue to make improvements beyond 2005.
Key initiatives developed:
- Plans for Health Village are being progressed and completion anticipated by the end of 2004. A start on construction was made in early 2004.
- "Walking Bus" established to escort children to school on foot as a way of providing healthy and improved road safety awareness.
- Comprehensive Drugs and Substance Misuse Strategy launched in 1998 and Victim Support established in 1998.
- Healthy Living Centre (The Sanctuary) built in 1999 to house 12 voluntary organisations all under one roof. Click here for further information.
- Nursing Home – Completed October 2001 to provide 68 beds with 20 for Senile Dementia. Telephone 0121 749 7887.
- Zero Tolerance of violence against women and children – campaign launched in September 1999 and a co-ordinator employed to raise the issue of domestic violence.
- Initiated and supported setting up of a Credit Union – a community Bank for Castle Vale lending at reasonable rates. Click here for more information.
- Community Mental Health project - (Castle Vale Friendship Club): This project provides treatment and a social network of activities for residents suffering from mental health problems and was developed in partnership with North Birmingham Mental Health NHS Trust. The club meet every Tuesday at the Sanctuary (10am and 3pm) and is open to all Castle Vale residents. For further details Click here.
