ACTIVE BLACK COUNTRY LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST

We’re pleased to launch Active Black Country’s new podcast series, which aims to amplify the work we do across the communities of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton to get people to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.

The first episode is a deep dive into the successful Bilston Urban Village Medical Centre-led green social prescribing initiative, an accessible weekly walk along the Bradley arm of the canal in Wolverhampton that supports patients wanting to improve their health and wellbeing.

It features some fascinating interviews – with our Community Connector Jack Davies, Care Coordinator Usha Rani and a number of the wonderful participants, who speak candidly about the huge impact the weekly walk has had on their personal lives.

Consistently attracting between 18 and 24 participants every week, the project stands out because of its exceptional engagement with local residents in one of the most deprived areas of the country. It’s a partnership between Active Black Country, the health centre, Health & Beyond and the Canal & River Trust.

The project aligns with our strategic objectives which sees a future Black Country where all ages, abilities and backgrounds are able to be more active, move and play sport. In particular the green social prescribing initiative champions and advocates the role being active can play in contributing to wider outcomes across the health system and tackling health inequalities.

It also supports the Black Country Canals Strategy, launched in September with our partners, which underlines the shared vision “to create the conditions for a vibrant and accessible network of spaces which promotes active and healthy living, a thriving natural environment and an attractive offer for residents and visitors”.

Thanks to the Bilston Urban Village Medical Centre, Jack, Usha and all the walk participants who contributed to the podcast.