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Healthwatch Solihull Is proud to present our annual report for 2022-23.

This report explores how the cost-of-living crisis has affected the health and wellbeing of people in Birmingham and Solihull. It highlights how financial pressures have made it harder for residents—particularly those on disability benefits—to afford essentials like prescriptions, dental care, and transport to NHS appointments. Many also relied on Warm Spaces to manage rising heating costs and social isolation.

Healthwatch will use its role on Health and Wellbeing Boards to hold leaders to account and ensure their commitments—particularly around isolation, food, warmth, and mental health—are delivered effectively in the coming winter.

“The Healthwatch Solihull report demonstrates the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis for Solihull people… the findings of this report will be used to shape our local response through our Health and Wellbeing Strategy and our Prevention Strategy.”
— Ruth Tennant, Director of Public Health, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

This report outlines changes made following Healthwatch Birmingham and Healthwatch Solihull’s 2022 report How Easy Is It to Access NHS Dentistry in Birmingham and Solihull?. In response, NHS England introduced measures to expand access, improve prevention, and better support vulnerable groups. While positive steps were taken, feedback shows that many residents still face significant barriers to NHS dental care, and further improvements are needed.