Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women's Health and Mental Health, visited Sparkbrook Children’s Zone* to gain insights into their work to improve women’s health outcomes and reduce infant mortality in Birmingham.
Colleagues at Sparkbrook Children’s Zone recently launched their Women’s Offer, aimed at preventing infant mortality, increasing awareness of contraceptive options, and reducing health inequalities.
The kick-off event was held on Thursday 5 February and brought together professionals from health, education, and voluntary and community groups across the city. Following an introductory presentation, attendees heard from expert speakers in three seminar sessions led by colleagues at Sparkbrook Children’s Zone and knowledge partners from the NHS and Umbrella:
- Having Difficult Conversations around contraception choices
- Developing Professional Curiosity Using the Sparkbrook Children’s Zone Model
- Increasing Cultural Competency with a Focus on Diabetes
Following the launch, the Department of Health and Social Care reached out to Sparkbrook Children’s Zone to arrange a visit for Baroness Merron. During her visit, the Minister was introduced to a patient who had received support from Sparkbrook Children’s Zone clinic and met colleagues delivering early intervention services across the Hall Green and Selly Oak constituencies in Birmingham.
Simarjeet Kaur, Programme Manager at Sparkbrook Children’s Zone, said:
“In Birmingham, the infant mortality rate is twice the national average for England, with global majority groups overrepresented in these figures. Our Women’s Offer focuses on preconception support before a women gets pregnant (or choices not to), thus promoting early intervention and preventative care. We want women to know there is a choice, rather than leaving pregnancy to chance.
“We utilise Bump Ready and Umbrella services so that women and families are aware of their choices around sexual health in a culturally appropriate way.
We were grateful for the opportunity to engage with Baroness Merron about the health challenges facing women in the communities we serve and to share insights into how partnership working can make a positive impact.”
Baroness Merron also took part in a roundtable discussion with Dr Caroline Wolhuter, Head of Prevention & Early Intervention; Simarjeet Kaur, Programme Manager; Fran Dutton, GP & Co-Clinical Lead of Sparkbrook Children’s Zone; Chiara Luxmoore, Communications & Development Officer; Lubna Rahman, Care Navigator at Sparkbrook Children’s Zone; and Clarie Lemer, Chief Strategy Officer at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
The Minster praised Sparkbrook Children Zone in a video released on International Women’s Day 2026
*Sparkbrook Children’s Zone is a pioneering integrated health and social care service funded by NHS England and Fair Futures Fund, delivered in partnership with GSA, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and South Doc Services within a local Primary Care Network of eight GP surgeries.