From today, Sparkbrook Children’s Zone will be known as the Family Wellbeing Zone.
Launched in 2021, Sparkbrook Children’s Zone is a pioneering integrated health and social care service funded by NHS England and the Fairer Futures Fund. The service is delivered in partnership with GSA, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and South Doc Services within a local Primary Care Network of nine GP surgeries.
Dr Caroline Wolhuter, our Head of Prevention and Early Intervention, said:
"Since it was established more than five years ago, Sparkbrook Children’s Zone has gone from strength to strength.
"As our work has expanded beyond a single geographical area and a sole focus on children, we felt the name Family Wellbeing Zone more accurately captures our current service offer.
"I am immensely proud of what the team has achieved to date, and I am excited for this next chapter."
The new name reflects a broader, more inclusive approach. While we continue to support children, we recognise that supporting women and families as a whole is vital to shaping healthier, happier futures.
The Family Wellbeing Zone now offers support to families living in the Hall Green and Selly Oak areas of Birmingham.
The service is made up of three workstreams:
Children's Zone
Since 2022, the Children's Zone has supported more than 3,400 families through direct interventions and engaged a further 1,400 families through community outreach activities.
As the service continues to evolve, colleagues are working closely with schools to provide early identification, advice, and support, helping children and families access the right help at the right time.
Women's Zone
Funded by the Birmingham and Solihull Fairer Futures Fund, the Women's Zone supports women to improve their health and wellbeing before pregnancy through Plan Well appointments.
The Women's Zone provides practical information, health advice, and personalised support to help women prepare for a healthy pregnancy and give their babies the best possible start in life. The service also aims to empower women who are not planning a pregnancy by providing signposting to appropriate local health services.
Since January 2026, the team has supported 128 women with pre-pregnancy planning and diabetes management.
Research Zone
Working in partnership with the University of Birmingham, the Family Wellbeing Zone has published evaluations demonstrating the impact of its integrated model and the benefits it delivers for local families. The service has also been recognised as an NHS England National Exemplar, reflecting its commitment to improving outcomes for communities through place-based, preventative care.