W4174 Contract for the delivery of a community led social prescribing service to Walsall residents in specific Walsall locality areas

The delivery of a community led social prescribing service is commissioned to address loneliness and social isolation among residents of all ages in Walsall. The service is designed to empower residents to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing by supporting them to engage in community activities and build social networks.

It aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation by supporting, signposting and connecting individuals with community groups in their local area, as well as providing a range of advice and support to help people access volunteering opportunities. Walsall Council is seeking Voluntary Sector/ Community led organisations to deliver this service in the specific Walsall locality areas which are: • Hub 1: North Walsall - AP 3 - Bloxwich East, Bloxwich West, Birchills Leamore, Blakenhall • Hub 2: West Walsall - AP5 - Bentley and Darlaston North, Darlaston South, AP6 - Willenhall North, Short Heath, Willenhall South • Hub 3: East Walsall - AP1 - Pelsall, Brownhills, Aldridge North, Rushall-Shelfield and Walsall Wood, AP2 - Aldridge and Beacon • Hub 4: South Walsall - AP4 - Walsall South, St Matthews, Paddock, Palfrey, Pleck The service offers one-to-one support and a simple referral process, making it accessible for those who might benefit from it.

It's part of a broader effort to create a more connected and supportive community, where individuals feel valued and included The Hubs are delivered through a hub and spoke locality model with each hub connecting residents, to other appropriate community-based provision. The hubs provide a flexible approach and over the years have continued to adapt to meet the needs of residents.

The main focus of the service is around tackling loneliness and social isolation, improving wellbeing and reducing preventable health and social care service use. It takes a "strength-based approach" to improve the social connectivity of all residents across Walsall.