Health Literacy Project Announcement, 22/08/25
Centrala is proud to launch a new three-year project to improve health literacy among migrant communities in Ladywood, supported by the Fairer Future Localities Fund from the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System.
This fund supports activities that tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes for communities of identity across Birmingham. It forms part of a broader effort to deliver on the priorities of the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System Strategy for Health and Care 2023–2033, by funding targeted interventions that create fairer, more inclusive access to healthcare.
We have created this project because we understand how difficult it can be for migrants to access healthcare in a completely new country. Language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and lack of culturally relevant information often prevent people from getting the help they need. We know how overwhelming it can feel just to make a GP appointment or understand a prescription when everything, from the language to the system, is unfamiliar.
This project directly addresses these challenges by delivering health-themed ESOL classes that combine Medical English with practical health education, empowering participants to confidently navigate the NHS and take charge of their health.
Through focused weekly sessions, participants will build essential language skills while learning how to manage prescriptions, book GP appointments, recognise symptoms, and adopt healthier lifestyles. They will also learn how to navigate healthcare online, including using NHS portals, booking systems, and accessing trusted digital health information.
The programme includes interactive, culturally relevant learning, such as healthcare role-plays, digital health literacy training, and practical activities that promote mental wellbeing and balanced nutrition.
Participants will also engage with healthcare professionals, gaining trusted, culturally sensitive guidance tailored to the needs of diverse communities.
This initiative will serve a broad spectrum of communities across Ladywood, including migrants and refugees. With rich local diversity, the programme has been carefully shaped to reflect the lived experiences and real needs of the people we support.
At Centrala, we are deeply proud of our ongoing work empowering migrant communities and fostering connection, understanding, and opportunity. This project represents a vital step forward, bridging the gap between communities and healthcare, and providing the tools for lifelong health literacy.
To find out more, follow this link to the project page.