Mental health support, jobs and training among key recovery priorities for West Midlands
Residents from across the West Midlands have put forward their priorities and principles to rebuild the region following the coronavirus pandemic.
The priorities were proposed by a Citizens Panel, convened by the West Midlands Recovery Coordination Group (RCG) to understand the residents’ views in prioritising the region’s recovery.
The panel, consisting of 36 people from across the region and a range of backgrounds, met throughout the summer to learn about the issues facing the region and share experiences of how the pandemic had affected them and their families.
They agreed on six priorities they thought should be addressed to help the region recover. It included getting back to normal, safely – ensuring people can live safely and there is clear guidance as we move out of lockdown and to avoid a second peak; making sure patients can be treated, avoiding risk of Covid-19, and the healthcare system gets back on track to diagnose and treat people when they need it; and having a specific emphasis on making sure anyone who needs mental health support knows where to find it.
It also included preparing children to go back to an adapted school environment, ensuring their safety and wellbeing, and making sure every child was supported to make up for lost time; creating new jobs, with an emphasis on apprenticeships and entry-level jobs; and promoting and supporting business, especially smaller and/or local businesses and the self-employed by encouraging people to buy local, while providing financial and business support to help them get back on their feet and protect jobs.
The RCG is now coordinating work with partners across the region to shape plans to deliver in each of these areas.
Deborah Cadman, chairwoman of the RGC, said: “Before the pandemic, the West Midlands was one of the best regions to live, work and play.
“While we have been badly hit by the pandemic, I know that the region can reset and rebuild stronger than ever.
“Every person that lives in the West Midlands has played a part in its success and it’s important that they can now also play a part in its recovery.
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“That’s why we established this panel, to ensure the views of the people we serve are shaping the region’s recovery.
“The RCG has listened to what our residents think should be our priorities and will now set out plans to deliver them.”
Councillor Brigid Jones, chair of the Citizens’ Panel steering group and WMCA portfolio holder for inclusive communities, said: “The panel is made up of a cross section of the West Midlands and we have asked them for their considered views on what recovery should look like.
“They have taken time to listen to others and learn how decisions are made by the region’s leaders.”
She added: “Now they have given us their responses we will be using them to help guide our recovery.”
