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Health and wellbeing

Mobile wellbeing project sees almost 5,000 residents supported

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Almost 5,000 residents have been supported by a successful project which offers wellbeing support directly in communities across Walsall.

Image depicts the Let's Chat Wellbeing Walsall bus
Also known as Let's Chat, the bus travels across the borough to support residents with their mental wellbeing.

The Thrive Mobile Wellbeing Project is delivered by Bloxwich Community Partnership, Manor Farm Community Association, Walsall Community Transport, and Citizens Advice Sandwell and Walsall. It supported 4,759 individuals during 2023, with 495 people assisted through Citizens Advice, yielding a substantial financial benefit of £472,623 for Walsall residents. 

The project, also known as the ‘Let’s Chat’ bus, is a friendly local service that supports residents’ wellbeing. Part of the No Wrong Door approach, the service helps connect residents to the right support when it is needed.  

The bus visits communities across Walsall, providing a wide range of support on financial concerns, employment, housing challenges, fuel crisis and signposting to wellbeing activities. 

The service also offers residents the opportunity to complete an 8 Steps to Wellbeing plan, which helps residents and others to understand what is important to keep healthy, well and independent. Last year, almost 4,000 wellbeing plans were distributed.  

Last spring, the Council ran a wellbeing campaign to encourage residents to take steps to improve or maintain their wellbeing. It included signposting to the Let’s Chat bus, wellbeing advice and tips and a number of community events across the borough. 

“ We are thrilled to see that more residents are coming forward to access wellbeing support directly in the community.

Our staff do a phenomenal job in supporting those in need and ensuring that residents are connected to the right support at the right time.

The Let’s Chat bus is currently visiting a number of different locations across Walsall throughout the week, including Bloxwich, Brownhills and Pheasey. We encourage you to pop along and have a friendly chat with the staff, who will be more than happy to help you. “

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces
Walsall Council

For further information about the Let’s Chat bus including the bus timetable and how to get support for your wellbeing, visit the Walsall Council website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/get-support-your-wellbeing  

Residents who need urgent mental health support or would like to speak to someone concerning their mental wellbeing can contact Black Country 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline Support at 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 065 168. 

ENDS 

Notes to editor: 

  • The Thrive Mental Wellbeing unit’s achievements were featured in the Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces annual briefing. The full report will be presented at a meeting of Walsall Council in April 2024. Download the report from CMIS.  

  • The success of the wellbeing unit has also been highlighted in the Health and Wellbeing Board’s Annual Report on Priorities, which will be presented at the Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 19 March. Download the report from CMIS. 

  • The Thrive Mental Wellbeing unit (Let’s Chat) launched in November 2022 and is operated by Bloxwich Community Partnership, Manor Farm Community Association, Walsall Community Transport, and Citizens Advice Sandwell and Walsall.   

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