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Sandwell Council has launched its five-year Better Research for Better Health programme, bringing in £5 million funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research. This programme will improve how we do research, how we use it to make decisions and how we communicate findings to others. This will help to ensure that local services meet the needs of residents, give good value for money, and support the council’s goals. It is one of 30 Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) in the UK. It is a partnership between Sandwell Council, the University of Birmingham and the voluntary sector, represented by Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and Sandwell Consortium. The launch event was attended by Sandwell Council officers, as well as the Chief Executive and Cabinet Members, and others, including University research partners, regional public health bodies, and Sandwell voluntary sector organisations. The event focussed on how Sandwell and its partners can collaborate to improve people’s health in the borough. Shokat Lal, Chief Executive of Sandwell Council, said: “The HDRC will help to strengthen how we use research and evidence to make decisions, considering the needs and values of our diverse communities. This will help to ensure that services are prioritised to support those most in need, support us to get value for money and deliver our Council Plan.” Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jackie Taylor, said: “The Health Determinants Research Collaboration team will be delivering community engagement roadshows within each of the six towns in Spring 2025. These roadshows will offer the opportunity for Sandwell residents to learn more about the programme and how they can be involved.”

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The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the impact of the Launchpad a dynamic digital skills and incubation hub created as part of the £21.3 million Bloxwich Town Deal investment and to hear from users, partners and local leaders about how the facility is helping to shape economic and community opportunity in Bloxwich and across the borough. Since opening its doors, over 1,100 visits in just 16 weeks, supporting 400+ residents with ongoing help. Our business space also supports 37 local entrepreneurs who use the hub as their regular base, with a further 99 entrepreneurs having received business support. The Launchpad offers residents free access to digital resources, training sessions, flexible working space and collaboration areas designed to foster innovation, learning and business growth. “ It’s been inspiring to see the West Midlands Mayor engage with the success of Bloxwich launchpad. Since opening in September, the centre has become a real community asset, welcoming hundreds of people through its doors and providing vital support to help them build skills and grow their ideas. This visit underlines our commitment to investing in facilities that deliver real outcomes for local people and businesses right here in Bloxwich. “ Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader Walsall Council The Mayor of the West Midlands praised the Launchpad’s achievements to date, highlighting its role in supporting inclusive growth, digital inclusion and local enterprise. “ It’s been great to see first-hand the real difference this hub is making. Speaking with users, entrepreneurs and business owners who are supported by the launchpad gives me a great sense of pride in the work being done here. Places like Launchpad are vital for helping people gain skills, start and grow businesses, and drive opportunity right across our region. “ Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Bloxwich Launchpad sits at the heart of Walsall’s broader regeneration programme, which saw major improvements delivered across the borough in 2025 from community facilities to parks and enterprise spaces all designed to create opportunity, support learning and enhance wellbeing for residents. Bloxwich Launchpad is located on Market Place in Bloxwich Town Centre and is open to the public Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm. Find out more or view upcoming courses and sessions on the Launchpad website.

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