Demographics and Communities 

Bell Green and the WEHM area have experienced a rapid population growth of 22% over the past decade, reaching 19,000 residents. This growth rate is among the highest in the city, surpassing Coventry’s average growth rate of 9%. The area is characterised by a youthful demographic, with a significant increase in children aged 0-15 and working-age adults, particularly those aged 25-34. There are fewer older residents (65+), and the number of lone-parent households is notably high at 15.3%, compared to the city’s 8.3%. 

The community is diverse, with 47.1% from an ethnic minority group, slightly above the city average. Additionally, 29.4% of residents were born outside the UK, though recent migration rates are slightly lower than Coventry’s average. Community cohesion is also lower, as reported in the 2022 Coventry Household Survey, community cohesion appears to be lower compared to the rest of Coventry.

Bell Green and WEHM share similar health and well-being challenges, despite some differences. WEHM has a younger population, while Bell Green has more residents of Asian or Asian British descent, and WEHM has larger Black African and ‘Other White’ populations. 

Prospects 

Avoidable differences in health start to emerge by the time a child reaches the age of 5. Fewer children (56.2%) in Bell Green and WEHM reach a good level of development compared to the Coventry (61.1%) and national averages (65.2%) in 2021/22. Contributing factors include higher rates of low birth weight, delayed antenatal care, fewer health visitor reviews, higher smoking rates during pregnancy, lower breastfeeding rates, and higher child poverty.  

Educational outcomes are also challenging, At the end of year 6 (key stage 2), the attainment performance for students in Bell Green and WEHM is below the average for Coventry, this gap widens through secondary school. Adults have lower levels of formal qualifications compared to the rest of the city.  

Unemployment and economic inactivity are higher than average, contributing to low employment rates and low household incomes, which are among the lowest in Coventry. Despite these challenges, the unemployment rate has improved over the past decade, decreasing more than in many other parts of the city. However, financial stress remains high due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 

Housing and Environment 

According to the Household Survey 2022, satisfaction with the local area is low at 55%, down 21 percentage points since 2018, compared to a 66% citywide. While access to green spaces is generally good, the quality varies. Air pollution remains a concern, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM), which poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. 

42.3% of homes in the area are socially rented, exceeding the city average of 17%. The area also has a high rate of overcrowding (12.0% of households) compared to 7.7% citywide. Crime rates, especially for violent crime, are higher than average, leading to decreased feelings of safety, particularly at night.  

Health and Wellbeing 

Life expectancy in Bell Green and WEHM is below the city average, with a significant gap for males. Premature mortality rates are higher than city and national averages, indicating that residents face not only shorter lifespans but also more of their life in poorer health overall.  

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these health disparities, although mortality rates were only slightly above national averages. Residents reported a greater impact from the pandemic, with lower vaccination rates among older residents for flu and COVID-19. 

HIV is a concern, with WEHM having one of the highest rates in Coventry. While GP access is good, satisfaction with services has declined.  

Several lifestyle factors are disproportionately affecting the health of Bell Green and WEHM residents: smoking rates are higher than average, and despite lower alcohol consumption, alcohol-related hospital admissions are among the highest in Coventry. Childhood obesity rates, especially in WEHM, are also higher than average. Teenage conception rates remain high in Bell Green and WEHM with the area having one of the highest rates in Coventry.