Funding Boost to Tackle Mental Health Inequalities for Young People in Sandwell
Black Country Brighter Lives, the charity of Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded £109,400 from NHS Charities Together’s Innovation Challenge Fund to help reduce mental health inequalities for children and young people in Sandwell.
This funding will empower young people to lead the way in creating mental health and wellbeing communications that reflect their voices and experiences. Through podcasts, campaigns, and events, they’ll spark open conversations and help break down stigma in their communities.
Young people will also have the opportunity to become community health researchers and ambassadors, and even support NHS staff in improving how they communicate with children and young people.
In a borough where over half the population is from ethnically diverse backgrounds and many neighbourhoods face significant deprivation, this initiative aims to build trust, improve access to support, and ensure every young person has the chance to thrive.
The learning from this project will help shape future mental health services across the Black Country.