A groundbreaking healthcare initiative in Birmingham is successfully confronting a widespread 'silent killer', with local residents strongly advocating for its expansion across all communities.
Holistic health programme delivers proven results
The scheme, funded through the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System's £22.2 million Fairer Futures Fund, is delivered by community organisation 'Communities Engage and Thrive' and charity 'Saathi House'. Targeted at residents in west Birmingham, the six-week programme provides comprehensive support for managing type 2 diabetes, a condition described as highly prevalent in the area.
Early data reveals significant success: 52 per cent of participants who completed the course have seen measurable reductions in their blood sugar levels. To date, 96 individuals have finished the programme, with another 24 expected to graduate by the end of the year.
Residents report life-changing improvements
Participants describe transformative effects that extend far beyond physical metrics. Eric Johnson, 64, diagnosed in 2009, stated his blood pressure dropped dramatically from 175/120 to 147/98. "I swear by this programme. This should be everywhere in all the communities," he said, highlighting better sleep and overall wellness.
For 72-year-old Satish Kumar, the programme helped him avoid being put on insulin. "It has brought my sugar level down, my blood pressure down, it has changed my eating habits," he explained, noting the scheme also reduces pressure on NHS services.
Perhaps the most profound impact was reported by 50-year-old Naz Akhtar, who suffers from anxiety and depression. "I can't stress how much this has changed my life. Health wise, I've lost weight, my sugars are better, I've halved my medicine," she said. "But more than that is my mental health. I'm back to my normal self almost 100 per cent."
A community-focused approach to prevention and management
Parveen Talwar, Founder and Director at Communities Engage and Thrive, emphasised the programme's broad reach. "Even though this is a diabetes management programme, people know in the majority who have got diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inflammation, arthritis, anxiety – many other health conditions as well," she said. Their monitoring shows clear reductions in stress levels and improved sleep among attendees.
Councillor Mariam Khan, Birmingham City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, praised the initiative's empowering nature. "This course is really empowering people and giving them the opportunity to learn about better lifestyle choices in their communities is really important," she stated. She highlighted its role in helping people acquire key health skills at home, benefiting both themselves and their families, and addressing wider wellbeing issues beyond diabetes prevention.
With participants unanimously calling for its expansion, this community-based model presents a powerful blueprint for tackling chronic health conditions and alleviating strain on national health services.
