The Sandwell Public Health team are pleased to announce that the Hello Sandwell digital platform is now live.
The Hello Sandwell platform is a new and exciting pilot project that provides a different approach to engage with Sandwell residents to improve their health and wellbeing. The Hello Sandwell uses signs placed across Sandwell six towns and invites people to text about the support they need and receive information on support available.
The Hello Sandwell platform provides signposting service around four key public health areas: mental health, improving health and wellbeing, cost of living and warm spaces.
Each of the six towns will have its own poster. The Council team will learn from evidence gathered and ensure targeted support or interventions can be provided for where the need is greatest as well as addressing health and wellbeing inequalities.
How are you doing it?
Each town will have a set of posters pinned to lamp posts on busy High Streets as well as within local community groups, faith groups and libraries to promote the Hello Sandwell platform and ensure people can access the signposting service they need at a time they need it.
How does it work?
Conversations can be started by just scanning a QR code. It's simple and easy to use - you don't need to download any apps or to fill out any registration forms (Standard SMS/ text rates apply.)
Unlike traditional online platforms that require the internet or a smartphone, Hello Sandwell works through standard text messaging service (Standard SMS/ text rates apply). Signs placed on objects in public places will invite people to text about what support they need help with, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to guide the two- way conversation and direct them to relevant support or services. It also offers the opportunity for residents to feedback and enable us to improve our services to meet their needs.
What do we expect from the platform?
Sandwell Public Health hope that by engaging with the community through the signposting service, they can capture what matters to our residents anonymously and ensure that health inequalities can be either reduced or managed.
What are the benefits for your community?
- No personal data is recorded
- Engage with a two way conversation in real time
- Have access to signposting service on mental health, cost of living support, warm spaces and improving health and wellbeing at your finger tips
- Have a voice and improve local services by giving your views
Where can people engage?
Across all six towns. Look out for the Hello Sandwell posters on busy High Streets and within your local community groups, faith groups and workplace.
Dr Lina Martino (Public Health Consultant) commented:
“The Hello Sandwell digital platform is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to residents and connect them with relevant services to support them during the winter season and beyond”.
The pilot will run for 12 months until December 2023.