NHS Birmingham and Solihull

21/09/2026

18/09/2026

Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but having someone who truly understands makes all the difference.

Last week, our Involvement Lead for Wolverhampton, Bal, attended the launch of the new Cancer Support Project in Wolverhampton, a 12-month culturally grounded peer support initiative funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and delivered in collaboration with Health & Beyond and the SNJ Charitable Trust.

Reflecting on the event, Baljinder shared:

The initiative is focused on helping people affected by cancer connect with others who have shared similar experiences. These conversations were a powerful reminder that lived experience is invaluable in shaping services and support that genuinely meet people's needs.

What makes this service unique is how it tackles health inequalities head-on, through a non-judgemental space to talk, be heard, and connect with trained volunteers who are cancer survivors or carers and have walked a similar path.

Health & Beyond is also working hand-in-hand with clinical teams at SNJ Charitable Trust, establishing a direct referral pathway from GP practices so newly diagnosed patients hear about peer support right from their doctor.

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and to the organisers for creating a welcoming and supportive space.

18/09/2026

The Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull cancer bus is in Dudley Town Centre today, providing local people with important information on cancer signs and symptoms, cancer screening and health and wellbeing advice 💬

Thank you to Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, and Councillor Adam Aston, Deputy Mayor of Dudley, for joining Lesley Thorpe, Cancer Partnerships Improvement Manager for the Black Country, and our partners, to support the cancer bus tour and help raise awareness of local services available to those who need them.

Find more information on the cancer bus and where it's heading next via the link in the comments 🔗

17/09/2026

Thank you visiting the cancer bus Saqib Bhatti and for supporting this healthcare initiative! Follow our link in the comments to find out if the bus is visiting a location near you soon.

It was great to have visited the Fordbridge Centre in Solihull where I met the team at the NHS Cancer Bus. A really important initiative where you can get screened for different cancers including Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer and ask questions if you have any as well getting a health check which included blood pressure testing and a really easy and quick blood test. There was also a mobile cervical cancer screening unit.

The NHS staff were absolutely lovely and welcomed everybody. The most important message was get yourself checked out because the earlier cancer is identified the better it is when it comes to treatment. Thank you to the hosts for having this in North Solihull.

16/09/2026

Our involvement work is all about listening to local people, building on what is already strong in our neighbourhoods and connecting local organisations with healthcare.

A wonderful example of this recently came to life through a connection between Midland Mencap and the Birmingham Breast Clinic.

Earlier in the summer, our team visited Midland Mencap and heard from citizens and staff that cancer screening rates are low for people with learning disabilities and autism (LDA). Soon after, while meeting Health Inequality Specialist Radiographer, Jags, at our cancer bus we connected the two parties and last week, Jags visited Midland Mencap to speak directly with citizens about the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and attending breast screening.

This introduction meant that health education could happen in spaces where people feel safe, comfortable and connected and shows that when we listen to our communities and connect existing local assets, we build stronger, healthier neighbourhoods together.

16/09/2026

Spotting cancer early saves lives. Visit our cancer bus touring Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull to chat with NHS staff, get free health checks and ask questions about cancer. A quick health check, as well as knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer, could make all the difference.

Follow our link in the comments to find out where the cancer bus will be.

14/09/2026

Last week, we welcomed the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Sardul Singh Marwa, and the Mayoress of Solihull, Satnam Kaur Marwa, at our cancer bus in Mell Square, where they met the team and supported the Skin Cancer Awareness Day taking place at the bus in collaboration with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

The cancer bus gives local people the opportunity to speak to our friendly team of healthcare professionals about any concerns or questions they may have, learn more about cancer screening, and access quick, free health checks.

The cancer bus will be at the following locations this week, and more information can be found here ➡️ www.birminghamsolihull.icb.nhs.uk/health-information/cancer-and-diagnostics/cancer-bus-tour

📍15 September - Tesco Extra, B73 6RB (with the cervical screening service)
📍16 September - The Fordbridge Centre, B37 5DD (with the cervical screening service)
📍17 September - 15 Newtown Shopping Centre, B19 2SA (with the liver and cervical screening service)
📍18 September - Dudley Town Centre, by the fountain (with a focus on young people)

11/09/2026

🎓 Heading to uni?

Add the MenB vaccine to your Freshers' checklist and get protected before the fun starts ✅

Free MenB vaccination clinics are also coming to the University of Wolverhampton during Freshers’ Week:

📍 Wolverhampton campus: 14-18 September
📍 Walsall campus: 16-17 September

Find out more via the link in the comments.

09/09/2026

Our cancer bus will be in Mell Square (B91 3BG) today until 3pm 🚍

Climb aboard for quick, free health checks and to speak to our friendly team of healthcare professionals about any concerns or questions you may have.

There will also be a focus on skin cancer awareness with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, so if you are in the area and would like more information, please pop along!

04/09/2026

Join Sandwell Health and Care Partnerships for a FREE Community Healthy Heart Event on Wednesday 23rd September at Sandwell Aquatics Centre from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Come along for a friendly chat, a free basic NHS check, and lots more to help you live a healthier lifestyle!

What’s happening on the day?
- Get your blood pressure, height, weight, blood oxygen levels, and an ECG trace done.
- Consultant Cardiologist Professor Derk Connolly will be speaking all about the importance of heart health.
- Chat with experts on healthy eating, exercise, smoking cessation, drugs and alcohol, sleep, weight management, diabetes, lifestyle management and more.
- Have a go at badminton, swimming, circuit training, or gentle exercise!

No need to pre-book, just drop in!

Got questions? Contact the team at [email protected] or call 0121 507 2671.