The March Feet on the Street was coproduced with Dudley Voices for Choice (DVC) who are a user-led charitable organisation based in the Black Country, that supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people to speak up for themselves. They provide a range of services and activities including self-advocacy support helping members to become more confident and included in decisions made about their health and happiness, employment support and opportunities (60% of the DVC team are paid employees with LDA), and training packages delivered by ‘experts by experience’.

The Board welcomed the provocation at the end of this video and there was a healthy discussion following the video being shown. In summary, the key points made were:

• We have so much more to do but we can take some hope from the great foundation of partnership working and the improvement journey we have been on in reducing the number of people with a learning disability and/ or autism receiving care in an inpatient setting. This work demonstrates the power of starting with people and we can build upon that to address these wider inequalities.
• Reflections on our role across the public sector in unlocking the potential for more employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
• The video has bought into sharp focus  the inequalities that exist and board welcomed the chance to openly converse on the issue.
• There are pockets of excellence in the black country but we have a role in ensuring the work spreads.
• A thanks to the LDA board for recognising the call to action and organising the Stakeholder event.

Dudley Voices for Choice are respected and trusted by their members, families, advocates and professionals. Only through working closely with the DVC team are we able to shine a light on the less well-lit areas of the healthcare system and hear the honest experiences of people like Sam, Ade, John and Matty. Their generosity in helping to create this Feet on the Street video was greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

You can learn more about DVC’s work and the team on their website www.dudleyvoicesforchoice.org.uk or contact them on 01384 217 057.

You can watch the video here. 

St. Peter’s Collegiate Church is located in the heart of Wolverhampton City Centre and is open weekdays for visits and private prayer. Approximately 40 people visit the church daily.

The church serves as a warm and welcoming refuge within the city, actively engaging with the community. It supports all individuals – regardless of their faith – offering a safe space where visitors can enjoy a drink and some food. It is also a registered hate crime supporting centre.

After speaking to the churchwarden, we were able to have an insight into their plans for the future. Although they are seeking a new priest, the church is open to build strong relationships with local organisations and groups.

Currently, they have a good relationship with the Good Shepherd and are keen for other charities and organisations to leave supporting materials at their church, as well as resources to aid the development of their volunteers.  

After our conversation, our Involvement Team reached out to their contacts to raise awareness around the aim of the church and a clear call-to-action of sharing resources to help those visiting the church.

Since then, we have received a response from Rethink Dudley Sanctuary Hub, providing 24/7 mental health support across the Black Country, and they are able to share their resources with the church.

Going forward, we will share our resources with the churchwarden and will add them to our contact list to keep in touch to provide further support.

We recently attended Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre to speak to members of the ‘Move Through Menopause’ group on their experiences since joining.

Move Through Menopause is a 12-week programme which combines physical activity, education and discussion on topics such as hormones, mental health and nutrition – improving the experience of women going through the menopause.

Each 90-minute session is divided into two parts: the first focuses on providing information and facilitating group discussions, while the second is dedicated to movement in a judgment-free environment. Participants will be guided through various activities available at our leisure centre. 

Every week, a different menopause-related topic will be covered, offering information and opportunities to share personal experiences. The fitness component includes classes and access to gym facilities, table tennis, or swimming. While the sessions are particularly beneficial for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, they are open to anyone over the age of 18. 

Listening to the experiences from members of the group, it was clear to see how much of an impact the menopause can have on their everyday life, including their thoughts, relationships and physical health.

One member highlighted how they wish GPs had more insight into symptoms and should realise not all symptoms are the same. It was discussed that the lack of menopause-related groups and activities in Wolverhampton causes concerns for many. One lady found out about this group through her workplace and another from social media.

As people get older, some may find it difficult to connect with others and make new friends. It was mentioned that “This programme has fostered a sense of community. I’ve benefited a lot from this. I’ve not only don’t it for myself, but for my family – and made great friends too.”

Reflecting on the conversations with the women, we can see the challenges in raising awareness of these sessions and the link between physical health and the menopause.

To address this, both our Involvement Team and the Programme Lead has shared information with Active Black Country, Street Games, Primary Care colleagues, and our Women’s Health Reference Group.

For further information and to sign up, please email MichelleRatcliffe@pfpleisure.org.