Direct Access to Wellbeing Services - supporting patients, staff & community of Birmingham

Client: Birmingham community healthcare NHS trust charity (BCHCC)

As part of our goal to support the ‘hardest to reach’ in our communities, for the first time, we’re partnering with the NHS on our Direct Access to Wellbeing Services Team (DAWS) project.

With fuel poverty levels sitting at almost 20% in the West Midlands, the initiative will support over 100,000 people across Birmingham to keep warm and healthy at home.

DAWS provides essential services tailored to the patient’s specific needs. This includes energy efficiency, income maximisation and carbon monoxide (CO) safety advice and registration to the Priority Services Register.

Practical assistance such as free gas safety checks and the distribution of heated blankets and slow cookers are also offered, alleviating the burden of fuel poverty and associated risks.

Utilising our other partners, we’re able to offer a holistic package to further improve the wellbeing of those it is helping.

The project has already made a significant impact, with 25,000 households receiving support in the first six months and providing a positive social return on investment. Ongoing evaluation will ensure its effectiveness and sustainability as well as look to how we can help further.

The DAWS project is a flagship moment in the delivery of our vulnerability strategy.