Birmingham Community Health Champions

Building healthier futures together 

People who live and work in Birmingham face a range of health challenges - from staying physically active and keeping up to date with vaccinations, to the impacts of air quality and smoking. With the right information, support and access to services, individuals and families can take control of their health, helping to prevent illness and build healthier futures. A team of Bolder Healthier Community Champions can help by sharing trusted information, encouraging positive changes, and guiding people towards the right local support. 

Background to the programme 

The Bolder Healthier Community Champions programme is led and funded by Birmingham City Council’s Public Health Division and facilitated by BVSC. Public Health works to help citizens live healthier, happier lives and is committed to reducing health inequalities through meaningful community engagement. Champions will be allocated to a Birmingham locality and managed directly through one of the following lead organisations: 

• Central Birmingham (Hall Green or Selly Oak constituencies) – St Paul’s Community Development Trust 
• East Birmingham (Hodge Hill or Yardley constituencies) – Disability Resource Centre (DRC) 
• North Birmingham (Erdington or Sutton Coldfield constituencies) – Witton Lodge Community Association 
• South Birmingham (Edgbaston or Northfield constituencies) – Northfield Community Partnership  
• West Birmingham (Ladywood or Perry Barr constituencies) – Flourish Health CIC  

How will Champions help build healthier communities? 

• By inspiring others to make positive choices 
• Sharing trusted health information, and 
• Connecting people with local services and support. 

Their knowledge, voice and experiences make a real difference. 

What’s involved?  

Champions will:  

• Attend 8-9 monthly engagement sessions (online or in-person) per year to learn practical information about health topics and available support and services. 
• Commit to sharing their learnings with their communities.  
• Feedback to a named Manager on progress  
• Attend an annual event to celebrate the impact of the champions’ work 

What support will be provided? 

We will provide champions with everything they need including: 

• A full induction 
• Regular learning and engagement sessions 
• Practical ideas and resources to support their role 
• A named local contact for ongoing support 
• Opportunities to connect with other champions and share feedback 

What knowledge and skills are needed?  

No specialist knowledge needed - training and support are provided. Just an interest in health and a willingness to share what you learn. 

What time commitment is involved? 

This is a flexible volunteering opportunity that champions can fit around their commitments. Champions can choose to attend engagement sessions that suit their schedules. We ask that champions commit to attending induction training and at least eight of twelve engagement sessions per year. 

Expenses 

Reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as local travel to and from engagement sessions or events. 

Benefits of becoming a Champion 

• Learn more about health topics and available resources and services for support. 
• Improve the health of local people, including family and friends. 
• Meet new people, including other Champions. 

Next steps 

• Select the ‘I'm Interested’ button and complete the Expression of Interest form 
• We will then be in touch to have a short conversation about your interest in the role and with further information about an induction session. If you have questions about the opportunity, please contact us.