Faith Champions in Birmingham
Faith Champions in Birmingham
About the project
Across Birmingham’s diverse communities, health inequalities persist—and addressing them requires approaches rooted in trust, cultural understanding, and strong local partnerships.
In recognition of this, the Public Health Division of Birmingham City Council has commissioned a number of community engagement partners to work directly with residents. The goal is to share accessible public health information and co-design initiatives that respond to local health needs in meaningful and sustainable ways.
As part of this work, FaithAction has partnered with Birmingham City Council to engage with Christian and Sikh communities across the city. Faith groups play a crucial role in community life — not only in times of crisis but on an ongoing basis — offering trusted spaces, support networks, and practical help that directly and indirectly support public health.
Faith communities are already active in supporting wellbeing. Our aim is to build on this strong foundation and expand the reach of health-related engagement and services.
Focus groups
We are running focus groups with Sikh and Christian communities in Birmingham to listen about personal experiences and challenges faced by local communities. These sessions provide a trusted space to share lived experiences, identify barriers to accessing healthcare, and shape services that are more culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Insights gathered will directly inform future collaboration between faith groups and public health partners.
Topics discussed so far include cancer, vaccinations, and mental health.
Even though I speak English and know the system, it was still hard. Imagine w hat that is like for someone with no support and no language.
...the figures for, say, young Black men incarcerated in mental health institutions is horrific. I think culture and background and just the way that we present is sometimes misinterpreted, misunderstood, which has a negative result sometimes in the way we are treated.
Upcoming sessions
Flourish in Faith and Health
- 15th July 2025
- 1pm–2:30pm
- For Christians
Join our Christian in-person focus group in central Birmingham for an open and welcoming discussion on how faith, lifestyle, and community can support a healthy body, mind, and soul. This session is a chance to share experiences, talk about real health challenges, and help shape services that better reflect the needs of Christian communities. Lunch will be provided.
Strong in Spirit, Strong in Body
- 22nd July 2025
- 1pm–2:30pm
- For Sikhs
- Women's session
Join our Sikh in-person focus group in Birmingham, to take part in a welcoming female-only discussion about women’s health, including periods, menopause and more. Lunch will be provided and participants will be receive a voucher.
Strong in Spirit, Strong in Body
- 23rd July 2025
- 6pm–7:30pm
- For Sikhs
- Men's session
Join our Sikh in-person discussion on men’s health–a space for men to come together and discuss men’s health issues such as wellbeing, stress and screenings. Food will be provided, and participants will receive a voucher.
To register:
Co-designed projects
We are pleased to have funded two local faith groups to run small-scale health projects that will directly benefit their communities.
We’re proud to be working with:
Nishkam Healthcare Trust
Based in Soho and the Jewellery Quarter, Nishkam Healthcare Trust is leading work to raise awareness about the importance of childhood vaccinations. Their project engages with parents and parents-to-be, providing trusted information about why vaccinations matter, how they protect children’s health, and what steps to take if a child has missed any routine vaccines.
Beacon Evangelical Church
Based in Holyhead ward, Beacon Evangelical Church is delivering a project focused on young people and mental wellbeing. Through a combination of learning musical instruments and mental health awareness sessions, the project aims to boost self-esteem and equip young people with the knowledge of where to seek support if they need it. The initiative empowers participants to express themselves creatively while building confidence and resilience.
More information
This project builds on our previous work in Birmingham, such as the Creative English for Health programme, which improves health literacy and language skills in a culturally sensitive way.
We’ll also draw on our experience from the Faith Health Action Partnership and the Churches Health Action Partnership in Tower Hamlets, where faith-based initiatives have successfully delivered:
- Group bike rides for women to encourage physical activity and connection
- Blood pressure monitoring in at-risk groups
- Chair yoga for older adults to support mobility and wellbeing