Based in the heart of the Black Country Adam Bradley co-founded the Black Country Wellbeing Centre – a grassroots wellbeing centre – to offer his local community the chance to connect and work together to tackle social issues and inequalities he saw in his neighbourhood.
The Black Country Wellbeing Centre provides a huge variety of community-led activities – from boxing to drama, football to music – to bridge the intergenerational gap in Dudley. Opening in January 2019, the centre (once a derelict site) is now a thriving community hub that reaches more than 150 people every week. The activities that Adam and his team deliver create spaces for local people to improve physical and mental health, learn new skills and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Adam credits the success of the centre to the hard work and dedication of local people, volunteers and donations. The cafe, for example, provides meals for older members of the community and is staffed by support workers who are on hand to help with a range of issues – from disability support to unemployment advice. During the pandemic, the centre made and delivered over 6,000 meals for isolated people in the community – creating opportunities for local people to support and connect with one another.
Adam and the Black Country Wellbeing Centre were selected for The Multiplier because it was clear just how important the grassroots, community-led and truly local activities that he organises are to building connection in his community.
By bridging the intergenerational gap in Dudley and creating a safe place for all to connect, Adam is building confidence and power in his neighbourhood. The Multiplier will help him to meet like-minded people, and gain support to grow his centre. We’re excited to be part of his journey.
