Innovative projects are helping people with diabetes to better manage their condition by accessing care in their communities - thanks to funding from Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System’s £22.2m Fairer Futures Fund.

A total of £318,000 from the Fund has been allocated to community organisation ‘Communities Engage and Thrive’ and charity ‘Saathi House’ to deliver local diabetes management support for people in West Birmingham.

The two organisations are delivering six-week ‘Manage Your Diabetes’ programmes, empowering local residents to take control of their health through a series of workshops focused on improving physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. The course is already changing lives with 52% of attendees reporting reduced blood sugar levels, 61% achieving weight loss and many now choosing healthier eating and exercise habits.  

The Fairer Futures Fund, launched in 2022, has already allocated nearly £12m to more than 120 grassroots projects across Birmingham and Solihull. A further £10.2m will be invested through to 2027 to continue tackling inequalities and improving health and wellbeing in local communities.

The Fund supports initiatives led by or in partnership with the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector to tackle health inequalities at a grassroots level, focused on communities who are experiencing the greatest disparities in health.

Parveen Talwar, Founder and Director at Communities Engage and Thrive, said: “We see every day how culturally informed, practical support can transform lives and our diabetes programme brings together a range of support that has been truly resonating with our communities and equipping people the tools to understand their bodies, overcome barriers, and make healthier decisions with confidence. We are proud to work in partnership to create lasting change and improve the wellbeing of families in West Birmingham.”

Tiffany Joseph, Centre Manager of Saathi House, said: “We know that health inequalities cannot be tackled in isolation. Our work on this diabetes programme reflects our wider mission: to empower women, young people and migrant communities with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to take control of their wellbeing and their futures. By bringing accessible, culturally informed care into the heart of our communities, we are helping people build healthier, more independent lives and creating the foundations for long-term change across West Birmingham.”

Councillor Mariam Khan, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Chair of its Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “We are proud to play a key role in the allocation of the Fairer Futures Fund and it is fantastic to see how projects are making an impact, supporting prevention and early intervention - empowering residents to manage their health – while building a healthier, more resilient city for everyone.”

Paul Athey, Chief Finance Officer at Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, said: “This project is an excellent example of how local organisations can make a real difference at a grassroots level to the health and wellbeing of our residents – supporting the delivery of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and its shift from treating to preventing ill-health and providing care closer to people’s homes.”

 

Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle. If it isn’t managed well, it can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, and can lead to stroke or early death.

West Birmingham has (data source is here):

  • The highest diabetes-related death rate (20.1 diabetes deaths per 100,000) of all the localities in Birmingham, which is higher than both the national average of 11.1 and the Birmingham rate of 15.7.
  • The second highest rate (9.8%) of diabetes of all the localities in Birmingham, and significantly higher than the national average of 7.1%.
  • The second highest number (21%) of emergency unplanned hospital admissions related to diabetes out of all the localities in Birmingham.

Many people are not getting help early and too many people are not seeking help until serious harm has already occurred.

By empowering local community organisations to deliver support directly in neighbourhoods, the Fairer Futures Fund is supporting preventing illness and improving the health and wellbeing of local people across Birmingham and Solihull.