Birmingham City Council is launching a targeted outreach campaign to support vulnerable pension-age residents aged 70-79, ensuring they receive the financial assistance they are entitled to. Many older residents may be missing out on vital support, with Pension Credit not only increasing income to help with living and housing costs but also unlocking additional benefits such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Reduction and free TV licences (for those over 75) and discounts on services like NHS dental costs and glasses. The Council aims to identify and contact eligible residents, raise awareness of available benefits, and provide direct support…

*Eligible families in Walsall will benefit from more activities during the school holidays as the council’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme has been extended. Walsall Council has received an additional £1.8million from the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver another 12 months of the well-established programme. Since launching in 2021, approximately seven thousand children and young people in Walsall have benefitted from the HAF programme, attending fun activities and receiving healthy and nutritious meals. The council works closely with 75 providers in the borough to put on activities for two weeks over the Easter break, four weeks during the…

1.Cayenne Pepper/Capsaicin (Chilli peppers): A promising spice with anticancer properties, an overdose of chilli peppers, however, should be restrained. Capsaicin induces the process of apoptosis that destroys potential cancer cells and reduces the size of leukaemia tumour cells considerably. It can be concluded that apart from setting our tongues on fire, chilli peppers can scare cancer pathogens off too. 2. Ginger: This humble spice boasts of medicinal qualities that help lowering cholesterol, boost metabolism and kill cancer cells. Easily added to vegetable dishes, fish preparations and salads, ginger enhances the flavour in cooking. Chew on fresh parsley if the odour…

Pupils in Smith’s Wood were joined by the Mayor of Solihull last week to help plant new hedgerows, as part of the Council’s ambitious Planting Our Future campaign. Solihull Council has committed to planting 250,000 trees by 2030. With the help of schools, businesses and community groups across the borough, the Council are on target with over 125,000 trees planted since the programme started five years ago. This latest event was organised by Planting Our Future who have partnered with Forest Oak School, Merstone School, and Smiths Wood Academy to plant new hedgerows around their school boundaries. During the week,…

Preparations are well underway for the holy month of Ramadan and those observing the fasts know just how quick paced it can be, but when used correctly, Ramadan can present the perfect opportunity to show reverence to Allah and escape from the pace of everyday life. The month is of huge importance across the Islamic world and involves Muslims focusing on spiritual gains by guarding their hunger, thirst, frustration, irritation and sexual attraction. Tips for a healthier Ramadan Eat Suhur The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, highly recommend eating this pre-dawn meal before a day of fasting.…

Henna or most commonly known as Mehndi, is a herb which has various medicinal benefits which range from headaches to liver disorder and other skin disorders. Henna is most commonly used at occasions so with Eid coming up it is the perfect time to explore its health benefits. Some of the health benefits henna includes are: -Cooling Agent: Henna can be applied to burns and scrapes as it acts as an excellent cooling agent. It can also be applied over the body if suffering from high fevers or heat exhaustion. -Headaches: Henna is seen as an effective remedy against headaches…

To some extend the habit of smoking is a product of socialization. Socialization is simply the tendency to repeat patterns of behaviour one sees other persons in the society exhibit. Socialisation is one major way children and young people learn social skills. Children and teenagers learn skills necessary to live and work in the society by a socialisation process. Unfortunately also bad habits and bad ways of thinking are learned the same way. If one lives or works together with other smoking individuals, one will more or less automatic adopt these individuals’ smoking habits. If one then tries to break…

The Big Community Switch is a community group buying scheme run by iChoosr in collaboration with councils across the UK. Solihull residents can now register to take part in the latest round of a scheme which has already helped thousands of residents go green and save money on their energy bills. Known as the Big Community Switch, the collective energy switching scheme is designed to secure better energy deals for households, helping them switch energy suppliers, move to a 100% renewable electricity tariff, and potentially save money on their energy bills.  It uses the bargaining power of a large group…

“Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made. It has been created in the image of our boldest and most audacious clients, with meticulous attention to detail. From the beginning of Black Badge Spectre’s journey, the clients who requested this extraordinary motor car dared us to share their fearless spirit. In response, our engineers combined data science, qualitative feedback, and their own deep knowledge of the brand’s alter ego to craft an intense and uncompromising character, and the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history. Reflecting the Black Badge character, our designers and…

Deputy Mayor of Walsall Cllr Louise Harrison with members of the Bloxwich Launchpad On Wednesday 19 February, Bloxwich Library and Theatre hosted the Bloxwich Launchpad Expo event, where residents were invited to speak to service providers and find out more about what will be on offer when the new centre opens in Spring.  Bloxwich Launchpad, which is currently being constructed on the site of the former Post Office in the centre of Bloxwich, will provide digital skills training and support, as well as business support for entrepreneurs. Walsall Council is delivering Bloxwich Launchpad as part of the Bloxwich Town…