Sandwell Council has won Campaign of the Year at the 2026 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards
The award was won for its impactful men’s mental health campaign, You ok, mate?, as it continues to support residents’ wellbeing through a new series of community mental health walks.
The national award recognises the council’s innovative and compassionate approach to tackling mental health stigma and supporting men to speak more openly. It also comes at a time when Sandwell is being recognised more widely for its improvement across services, including winning the Most Improved Council category.
Developed and delivered in-house, the You ok, mate? campaign uses real stories from local men to encourage honest conversations about mental health. Since launching, it has reached more than 2 million people and generated 450,000 video views.
To continue with the success of this campaign, the council is encouraging residents to take positive steps for their wellbeing by joining its ‘Walk in the Park’ events, taking place across the borough.
These relaxed, supportive walks provide a safe and welcoming space for people to get outdoors, connect with others and talk openly – or simply walk side by side with no pressure and no judgement. The initiative is designed to continue the campaign’s work by breaking down stigma and encouraging conversation in a natural, accessible way.
Councillor Ritchie Massey, Sandwell’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Men’s mental health is still too often overlooked, and many feel they have to face challenges alone.
“Winning this national award is a proud moment for Sandwell and a testament to the power of our communities coming together to support one another.
‘Walk in the Park’ builds on that success by creating simple opportunities for people to connect. Sometimes walking shoulder to shoulder can make it easier to start a conversation and take that first step towards getting support.”
Dr Frances Howie, Director of Public Health for Sandwell, added:
“We are incredibly grateful to the local men who shared their stories as part of the You ok, mate? campaign. Their honesty is helping to change attitudes and encourage more people to seek help.
Initiatives like ‘Walk in the Park’ are a natural extension of this work – creating spaces where conversations can happen and people feel supported.”
The walks will take place during Sandwell Safer Six and are free, open to all abilities, and welcome anyone who may benefit from fresh air, movement and informal peer support.
Walk in the Park event schedule
Friday 12 June
- Victoria Park, Tipton – 10.30am (meet at War Memorial)
- Brunswick Park, Wednesbury – 1.30pm (meet at play area)
Saturday 13 June
- Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich – 10.30am (meet at War Memorial)
- Britannia Park, Rowley Regis – 1.30pm (meet at multi-games area)
Sunday 14 June
- Lightwoods Park, Smethwick – 10.30am (meet at Lightwoods House)
- West Smethwick Park, Smethwick – 1pm (meet at Pavilion), followed by family-friendly activities from 2pm–3.30pm
The ‘Walk in the Park’ programme forms part of Sandwell Council’s ongoing commitment to improving mental wellbeing and helping residents live healthier, more connected lives.
For full details, visit:
https://www.healthysandwell.co.uk/walkinthepark/