News & Funding

The funding will be used to boost the council’s ability to carry out research that is used to inform decisions that will help improve outcomes for residents.

The funding will be used to establish an NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) in partnership with the University of Birmingham and the voluntary sector.

NIHR HDRCs enable local authorities to become more research-active, embedding a culture of evidence-based decision making. The NIHR is investing a further £55 million into a second wave of funding for HDRCs. The 11 new Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) will receive the funding over the next five years. 

Wider determinants of health are factors, outside of health care, that influence people’s physical and mental health. These factors include how polluted the air is, the quality of housing, how good schools are, employment status and household income.

In Sandwell 21.5% of residents experience deprivation relating to low income compared to 12.9% for England. There are also higher levels of particulate air pollution in Sandwell compared to both the West Midlands and England overall. It is hoped this funding will enable Sandwell Council to better target support and advice where it will make the greatest difference to the health and wellbeing of its residents.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “We are determined to use all of the means available to us to improve the health of our residents, and welcome this funding which will help us turn research into action so it makes real change to people’s lives.

“The money will be used to develop a research partnership with the University of Birmingham and the voluntary sector to build on one of Sandwell’s strengths – our communities.

“We will use the funding to ensure nobody is left behind – focusing on those facing the biggest life challenges such as the oldest and youngest members of our community and those living with disabilities or in financial hardship.”

Professor Miranda Pallan, Professor of Child and Adolescent Public Health at the University of Birmingham said: “The University of Birmingham is delighted to be supporting Sandwell Council to use research to address the factors that lead to poorer health. Ultimately this will help to improve health in the Sandwell community and reduce the inequalities that currently exist.” 

Shokat Lal, Chief Executive at Sandwell Council added: “We are proud of the effective way we work with a range of partners to deliver better outcomes for our residents.

“This funding will build on that approach, helping us to make decisions driven by research and data to make real improvements to the quality of lives for Sandwell residents.”