Sandwell Council and its employees have been shortlisted for four awards at the National Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.
Sandwell Council is shortlisted twice in the Public Health Category for projects to improve health. Shortlisted finalists are also included in the Outstanding Individual Contribution and the Rising Star categories.
Judges for the awards have received more than 900 submissions for this year’s awards with winner set to be announced on 12 June in London.
Councillor Syeda Khatun MBE, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: "I am absolutely thrilled Sandwell Council and its staff have been shortlisted for the LGC Awards. To receive one mention in the shortlist is excellent but it's a real testament to our team and their hard work to be in line for up to four awards.
"We are making a real difference to people's lives in Sandwell with the work we do and we couldn't do that without the commitment and dedication of our staff.
"We are among some stiff competition in each of the categories and I look forward to hopefully bringing back a few awards in June when the winners are announced."
The Healthy Ageing App project, shortlisted for the Public Health Award, has a transformative impact in making healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive in Sandwell.
Health Fabric collaborated with Sandwell Public Health, working with local charities and community interest groups to connect with diverse communities in the Sandwell region. The initiative focused initially on mental health, particularly managing anxiety and panic attacks, and long-term conditions by developing and integrating English self-care content and local support links into the UNITY platform and app.
Sandwell Better Mental Health programme, shortlisted for a Public Health Award, is a range of community wellbeing initiatives for Sandwell residents of all ages. Following the success of the initial programme in 2021-22, which was funded by OHID’s Prevention and Promotion Fund for Better Mental Health, additional funding was invested to extend the programme and increase reach through working with the voluntary and community sector. Projects to date have focused on parents of young children, working age men, people from ethnic minority communities, older people, carers, and people with disabilities or additional needs.
Liann Brookes-Smith Interim Director of Public Health at Sandwell Council has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award. Liann started working at Sandwell Council as a Consultant in Public Health in 2021, having previously worked here as a registrar. She rapidly established herself as a trusted and valued colleague and leader due to her strong existing relationships and networks, efficient and logical approach to problems and her approachable and caring nature. Liann has been nominated for being a compassionate and empathic leader who has shown great resilience and creativity in addressing ongoing and new challenges, including through building on established partnerships.
Emily Jayne Morgan has been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award. Emily, a member of the School Improvement and Public Health team, leads on several key areas including Personal Development, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Poverty Proofing. She has developed strategic and operational support to Sandwell Council, Sandwell schools, and to colleagues regionally and nationally. Emily works collaboratively with an extensive number of partners, including co-chairing networks, and commissioned services whilst also undertaking a master's degree funded through an apprenticeship.