Inspire Growth and Hope
Inspire Growth and Hope (IGH) was developed and delivered in response to extensive consultation with women from BAME communities in Sandwell, who identified significant barriers to participation, confidence, health awareness, and access to education and employment opportunities. The project was designed and delivered by local women to ensure it was culturally appropriate, accessible, and responsive to the real needs of the community.
The project was delivered over a two-year period and provided weekly sessions focused on improving wellbeing, social integration, digital skills, and confidence. Sessions ran consistently each week and created a safe, supportive space where women could come together, build relationships, and develop new skills.
A core element of IGH was improving health awareness and wellbeing. RES facilitated sessions led by health professionals and public health practitioners covering key topics identified by the women themselves, including diabetes, healthy weight management, breast cancer awareness, menopause, pregnancy-related support, and mental health. These sessions were delivered alongside practical activities such as healthy cooking demonstrations, enabling women to apply learning directly to their daily lives.
The project also delivered structured IT and digital skills support. Women were supported to develop practical skills such as creating CVs, writing letters, preparing posters, and accessing online services. These sessions helped reduce digital exclusion, increased confidence in using technology, and supported women to take steps towards education, volunteering, and employment opportunities.
To promote inclusivity and accessibility, women were supported to create health information materials and posters in their own languages. This enabled key health messages to be shared more widely within families and communities and empowered participants to take an active role in supporting others.
Throughout the project, women were actively involved in shaping session content and delivery. Their lived experiences informed the programme, and case studies were developed to capture individual journeys, learning outcomes, and personal development. Many participants reported increased confidence, reduced isolation, improved wellbeing, and greater awareness of health services and community support.
Inspire Growth and Hope strengthened community connections by bringing women together on a regular basis, fostering peer support and social networks. The project contributed to improved wellbeing, increased engagement in community life, and greater confidence among women to explore education, training, and employment pathways.
Through IGH, RES successfully delivered a holistic, community-led programme that addressed health inequalities, social isolation, and digital exclusion, while empowering women from BAME communities to become active, informed, and confident participants within their communities.
