Walsall Council is updating its approach to supporting residents’ mental, financial and overall wellbeing, building on four years of its Mental Wellbeing Strategy.
The refreshed approach follows the success of the borough’s Thrive Mobile Wellbeing Unit – known locally as Let’s Chat – which has played a key role in connecting residents with support services.
Delivered in partnership with local organisations including Bloxwich Community Partnership, Manor Farm Community Association and Walsall Transport, the mobile unit has recorded around 3,000 visits during 2025/26 so far. By bringing support directly into neighbourhoods, it has helped residents access advice and services in a more accessible and informal way.
The mobile unit will complete its current phase at the end of March 2026. However, the council says its impact will continue to shape how support is delivered across the borough.
A new model is now being developed, designed to strengthen wellbeing support within existing community services and organisations. This work will link closely with the introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund, helping ensure residents can access the right support when they need it.
Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, said:
“ The mobile unit has completed a hugely successful chapter in supporting residents with their mental wellbeing, particularly as we came out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our priority is ensuring that adults, families, and communities in Walsall continue to receive the right support in the right place, at the right time. Building on the success of the Thrive Unit and a range of other initiatives, we are ensuring that support within local communities continue that is easy to access and sustainable for the future. “
Eleanor Boycott, Chief Executive Officer at Bloxwich Community Partnership, added:
“ Let’s Chat began as a simple commitment to reconnect with communities emerging from the isolation of the COVID 19 pandemic. It has since supported communities, meeting individuals in the heart of their neighbourhoods, rebuilding confidence, supporting wellbeing and proving that meaningful conversation can change lives. “
Ongoing support for residents
Despite the changes, a wide range of free and confidential support services will continue to be available across Walsall.
Residents can access mental health support through Rethink Community Mental Health Services, including the Sanctuary Hub in Bloxwich, which offers out-of-hours support and outreach.
Be Well Walsall continues to provide up to 12 weeks of support to help improve physical health and wellbeing, including weight management, smoking cessation and NHS health checks for eligible residents.
Support is also available for those affected by alcohol or drug use through Change Grow Live, which offers both one-to-one and group support, as well as treatment services and help accessing wider care.
For those experiencing loneliness or isolation, Making Connections Walsall offers personalised support to help people build social networks and engage with their local community.
Residents can also access advice on finances, welfare and the cost of living through Citizens Advice Walsall, alongside digital support and local services through Walsall Connected centres.
Specialist help is also available for gambling-related harm, with a dedicated directory signposting residents to appropriate services.
Young people will continue to be supported through POP Walsall and a range of community organisations.
Getting help
Anyone needing urgent support for their mental wellbeing is advised to contact NHS 111 or use the online service to speak to a trained professional.
The council says the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, launching in April 2026, will play an important role in supporting residents facing financial hardship, while also helping to build long-term resilience across communities.