Walsall is one of the most deprived areas in England, ranking 28th of 296 local authorities in the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, with over half the population living in the 20% most deprived areas nationally. These inequalities create significant disparities in wellbeing and healthy life expectancy, highlighting the need for targeted, equitable neighbourhood health approaches.

Walsall is developing a neighbourhood-based model that brings health and care professionals together with wider support in the voluntary sector and communities to improve the wellbeing of people of all ages and their households. Seven neighbourhoods, coterminous with Primary Care Networks, are geographically aligned with Family Hubs, existing health, mental health and social care services, and the Voluntary Community Faith & Social Enterprise infrastructure organisations. Using shared digital systems and care planning tools, teams aim to improve outcomes and promote independence, reduce the need to access urgent and crisis support.

Early priorities include frailty and supporting people of all ages with complex-needs. Community initiatives, such as the Feel Good Friday Clinic at the Stan Ball Centre, show how care delivered in vibrant community hubs can reduce social isolation and provide holistic support.

A dedicated Citizen Voice Lead has been recruited to ensure lived experience shapes neighbourhood design and delivery, focusing on underserved and seldom-heard groups. Their role embeds co-production, builds community trust, and ensures the model is integrated, equitable and responsive to local needs.