Promoting healthier communities and narrowing health inequalities is one of the priorities for local public service delivery shared by central and local government agencies.

SBYF in partnership with the PCT and a number of Bangladeshi community organisations in Sandwell established The Bangladeshi Health Improvement Group (BHIG) in 2002 as a strategic body, to address the health inequalities experienced by the Bangladeshi’s in Sandwell.

The group aim is to ensure that the Bangladeshi community has access to high quality healthcare provisions and information. In addition BHIG work in partnership with other community organisations with common purpose, mainstream agencies and policy makers and advocates concerns and aspirations to overcome disadvantage and ensure just and equal distribution of resources. 

Areas of work:

• Health promotion activities

• Health information and project development

• CHD awareness workshops

• Mental Health promotion

• Cancer awareness

• Smoking cessation

• Physical activities

• Diabetes

• Sexual health awareness

Activities and workshops are delivered throughout community venues in Smethwick, Tipton and West Bromwich. The feasibility of expanding delivery of activities in Wednesbury and Rowley Regis is currently being undertaken. The health project also contributes to strategic development of policy and mainstream services.