Plans for future ethnic minority health and wellbeing services to be considered by councillors
Support for ethnic minority, migrant, refugee and asylum seeker communities across Wirral could continue under a new commissioning model being considered by councillors.
A report going to Wirral Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on 15 September 2026 sets out plans to recommission services that help people access healthcare, get advice and support, connect with local services and take part in community activities that improve health and wellbeing.
The council currently commissions specialist organisations to provide support for communities who can face barriers such as language difficulties, social isolation and challenges accessing services. The current contracts are due to end in March 2027, and the report proposes a new approach designed to improve how services work together while keeping specialist support in place.
Last year, the current services supported 1803 residents across Wirral and delivered support through outreach activities, advice, advocacy and community-based wellbeing services. They also worked with people from over 30 different communities/language groups.
Research carried out by the council found that some residents from migrant, refugee and ethnic minority communities can experience difficulties accessing healthcare and other support services. The new model aims to improve access to help, strengthen community connections and reduce health inequalities.
The proposed model would continue support in four key areas:
- Community outreach and engagement
- Support for asylum seekers and refugees
- Community health and wellbeing
- Cultural awareness and inclusion training
The report also proposes investment of up to £300,000 a year, funded through the Public Health Grant, which is government funding provided to councils to support local public health services and improve health outcomes for residents.
It outlines that there is also an opportunity to improve coordination between services, reduce duplication and create a more joined-up experience for residents.
If approved, the recommissioning process will begin later this year, with arrangements put in place to help ensure support continues for residents when the new contracts start in April 2027.
The report will be presented to Wirral Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on 15 September 2026. Residents can watch the meeting live or view the agenda and papers online at: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=908&MId=12770&Ver=4.
