Reports Hub

Consultation by: Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council consulted on proposals to repurpose children’s centres and family hubs across the city. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull raised concerns about how feedback was gathered, including unclear messaging, late publication of key documents, and limited opportunities for people to attend drop-in sessions. We also highlighted a lack of clarity in the supporting information, which made it difficult for families to understand what service changes would mean in practice. We warned that the proposals risk deepening health inequalities particularly where families may no longer have services within walking distance and recommended that a formal Health Impact Assessment be undertaken. We will continue to listen to local people about the impact of these changes and share relevant feedback with the council.

Consultation by: Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council carried out a third phase of consultation on the future of its Residential Care Centres, building on feedback from earlier rounds. This phase introduced a new alternative preferred option and included updated Health and Equalities Impact Assessments. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull submitted a response to ensure that the views and experiences of patients, residents, and carers continued to shape the proposals and decision-making.

Consultation by: Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council consulted on its Creating a Mentally Healthy City 2025 strategy, which outlines a vision and plan to improve mental health and wellbeing across the city. The strategy includes priorities across four key areas — People, Families, Communities and Places — as well as a strand focused on suicide prevention. Healthwatch Birmingham responded to the consultation to ensure that the views of local people are reflected in the final plan.