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As part of Healthwatch Sandwell's priority work programme, this project explored local residents' experiences and awareness of community mental health services. The project aimed to understand how people access support, identify barriers that may prevent them from seeking help, and gather feedback on how services can be improved to better meet the needs of local communities.
Awareness of available services, confidence in accessing support, and experiences of care can vary significantly between communities. Healthwatch Sandwell identified community mental health services as a priority area due to ongoing concerns about access, waiting times, awareness of services, and health inequalities affecting different groups across the borough.

Walker Grange is a Sandwell local authority extra care facility, based in Tipton that provides accommodation and on-site support for individuals who require assisted living while maintaining a level of independence. People who live at Walker Grange are council tenants. The service plays a significant role within the community, offering a supportive and structured environment for the people who live at Walker Grange. Several years ago, the service was due to close; however, following strong opposition and protests from the people who live at Walker Grange and their families, who highlighted the importance of the facility and the impact its closure would have, the decision was reconsidered. As a result, Walker Grange remained open and continues to deliver care and support to those who live there.
There are 40 flats in total, and currently the vacant flats are being refurbished to improve accessibility.