Sandwell Council is exploring online digital solutions for unpaid carers that provide information, guidance, advice and support at times when standard services are not available. Some of the £300,000 funding secured from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Accelerated Reform Fund has enabled our Adult Social Care team commission Bridgit Care – which is an online platform designed to offer localised content tailored to the needs of carers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Interactive workshops took place during May aimed at giving carers hands-on access to test the new website, with insights shared with the…
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People are being encouraged to share their views as the City of Wolverhampton Council recommissions local specialist domestic abuse support services. The council wants to hear from local residents, people affected by domestic abuse, and professionals from across Wolverhampton to help shape priorities and intentions for the new services to ensure they are effective, accessible and respond to local need. Domestic abuse specialist support services provide victims of domestic abuse with practical help, advice, and guidance. In Wolverhampton, support is available to women, men, and children who are either living in the community or in accommodation such as a refuge.…
Walsall Council’s planning service has been recognised for its significant progress and transformation following a recent Planning Peer Challenge conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) in March 2025. The Peer Challenge, held from 5–7 March at the Council’s invitation, provided an independent and honest assessment of the planning service’s performance. The findings highlighted a service that has made substantial strides since its last review in 2021, evolving into a high-performing, customer-focused operation that consistently exceeds national targets. “ We are very proud of the progress our planning service has made. This recognition…
Approximately 4,500 people gathered at Walsall Arboretum on Saturday 5 July for the Bostin’ Black Country Bash, an all-day festival celebrating the rich cultural and geological heritage of the Black Country with live music, family entertainment, and local pride on full display. The free event marked the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, with the Black Country proudly recognised as one of its prestigious members. The designation reflects the region’s international significance in shaping the Industrial Revolution and its ongoing global legacy. Other Geoparks globally include the North Pennines, Ore of the Alps in Austria, the Azores and…
Four category wins highlights strength across the range, from Elroq to Kodiaq Octavia named Best Family Car 2025, Superb named Best Estate 2025 Kodiaq repeats 2024 performance by winning Best Large SUV title Elroq named Best Mid-size SUV and overall Car of the Year 2025 Škoda models have been named Car of the Year four times previously Milton Keynes, 2 July 2025: Škoda has dominated the 2025 Auto Express New Car Awards by claiming no fewer than four category wins along with the coveted Car of the Year award. In a remarkable haul of silverware, the new Elroq took top…
KGM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, has announced its latest Motability offers for summer 2025, with advanced payments starting from just £299 across a selection of models. Available from 1st July to 30th September 2025, the new offers are designed to make driving a brand-new KGM vehicle more accessible for eligible Motability customers. The updated Motability line-up includes the compact and stylish KGM Tivoli, the spacious and versatile Korando, and the boldly designed, adventure-ready Torres, offering customers a range of practical options to suit various needs and lifestyles. Tivoli – From £299 Advance Payment The KGM Tivoli is the…
Ceremony echoes Sir Henry Royce’s tradition of personally signing off new designs Final steel beam of 40,000m² extension signed by Rolls-Royce Board of Directors Marks rapid progress – just four months after the CEO signed the first structural column Landmark extension is the largest single investment in the Home of Rolls-Royce since it opened in 2003 “Just four months ago, I signalled the start of above-ground construction on our £300 million extension project by signing the first steel column to be installed. My fellow Board Directors and I have now signed the last beam to be lifted into place, completing…
Foster parents and social workers came together at Wolverhampton Science Park for the annual Fostering for Wolverhampton Wellbeing Conference – an event dedicated to supporting those who look after the city’s children and young people in care. This year’s conference focused on wellbeing, recognising the emotional and physical demands of fostering and the importance of supporting foster parents so they can continue to provide safe, stable, and loving homes. The event featured a range of sessions designed to offer practical tools, emotional support, and shared experiences. Highlights included a powerful talk on menopause and its impact on family life, including…
Young performers from across Wolverhampton will raise the roof of the city’s premier music venue with a series of concerts next week. Wolverhampton Summer Sounds is a four-night celebration of musical talent taking place at the Wulfrun Hall, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, from Tuesday 15 July to Friday 18 July. Over 4 nights, 400 members of the Youth Choir, Concert String Orchestra, Keyboard Ensemble, Fusion Fives, Big Top SEND Ensemble, Bhangra Fusion Percussion, the Primary and Secondary Rock ‘n’ Pop groups, Guitar Group, Concert Wind Band, New Wind, Early Strings, New Strings, Jazz Big Band, Youth Wind Orchestra…
Sandwell Council continues to lead the way in maintaining roads and tackling potholes according to latest public satisfaction surveys. More investment is planned – more than £15million this financial year – to keep on top of these priority issues for residents and other road users. The percentage of residents satisfied with road maintenance in Sandwell is more than double the local government benchmark, according to latest research. And another recent survey put Sandwell in the top three local authorities nationally for the way it deals with potholes, and in the top 10 nationally for seven highway maintenance categories. Sandwell Council…