Population and The Environment Case Study: Blakenhall, Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton: location

Wolverhampton is an industrial city in the Black Country conurbation to the north and west of Birmingham.

Wolverhampton: Population

In 2019, est 263,000

Information about city

Industrial city

It was granted city status in December 2000, received economic boost from their achievement. The council has invested in regenerating transport, retail, hospitality and cultural facilities.

Deprivation value in Wolverhampton

Overall index of multiple deprivation value of 33.20 in 2015.

Wolverhampton: Physical Environment

- Located on the Midlands plateau and next to the main seven Trent watershed of England
- City centre is densely built environment with high rise buildings. Beyond the inner ring road, building density is lower and scattered amongst a number of public open spaces
- To the north and west of the city boundaries lies open countryside of Staffordshire and Shropshire
- City receives less rainfall than national average but also less weekly sunshine hours

Wolverhampton Health Profile

City has a below average health values on most indicators with a particularly low score for 'under 75 mortality from all cardiovascular diseases' and 'prevalence for child obesity.'

Life expectancy for Men and Women below national average

Good Health Indicators compared to Wolverhampton and national average

Smoking: Below city and national average
Over 65 with illness that limits daily activity: Below average for city but above national average
Death and serious injury from road traffic: Below national average, despite high traffic density, speed restriction and regular congestions slows it down

Poor health indicators compared to Wolverhampton and national average

IMR: 9 - second highest rate in the city and well above national average of 3.9
Proportion of children entering reception overweight: 16% -highest rate in the city and above 9.5% national average
Life Expectancy: Male- 76.2 and Female- 79.7 below city average and national
Dementia prevalence: Second highest rate in the city, highest number of permanent placements in residential care

Obesity

Especially among children is a concern in Wolverhampton. City's Clinical Commissioning has made a plea for authorities to adopt campaigning to mitigate the issue.

There are opportunities for exercise at schools and open spaces but limited opportunities for formal organised activities in clubs as many cannot effort.

Problem being addressed by Bob Jones community hub where there is range of indoor fitness and recreational activities.

Average Deprivation value in England

21.80

Year 6 obesity rates

above the national average at 29.3.