Despite advances in technology or perhaps maybe because of them, many in the world today suffer from stress and stress-related illnesses. There is so much noise, information and distraction coming from every direction. Now more than ever it is important to find a way to relieve some of this stress. However, there is wonderful news! There are tons of ways to relieve stress. Do you wonder “do hobbies relieve stress?” If you do, I have an answer for you. Though hobbies as a form of stress relief is nothing new, it is important to choose a hobby that is right…

The City of Wolverhampton Council is teaming up with experienced and accredited trainer Amanda Kenny to offer personal safety sessions to mark International Women’s Day next month. The sessions are designed to encourage women to believe they are entitled to defend themselves, to help women feel safer by having strategies which make them more able to deal with threatening and intimidating situations, and to build women’s confidence in their own skills and resources. There are 2 sessions taking place on Tuesday 25 March, 2025 – one at the Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall from 10am to 12pm, and a…

The government has released the annual rough sleeping figures for the country and despite supporting more people who are sleeping rough into safe and secure housing than the previous year, Solihull’s official figure for rough sleeping is 12 people, double last year’s figure of six. The national rough sleeping figures are produced annually as a snapshot by every local authority in the country on a single night in autumn. It is recorded annually in this way in order to monitor rough sleeping patterns year on year and region by region. Alongside this snapshot, Solihull Council tracks patterns and numbers of…

Walsall Council, together with the Walsall Community Network, is hosting a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 7 March 2025. The event hosted at the Brownhills Community Association, WS8 7JE, from 12:30am to 2:30 pm, will focus on promoting inclusivity, women’s resilience, and the diverse career journeys of women. Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Accelerate Action,” the event aims to foster collective efforts to drive meaningful change and promote inclusivity. Over 20 leads from voluntary organisations and community groups across the borough are expected to attend. Among the inspirational speakers will be two speakers from the…

ABB Robotics’ third Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey, in partnership with the leading publication Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, has highlighted how moving to the “Smart Factory” is viewed as a critical next step by global manufacturers and major suppliers. “Automotive manufacturers are acutely aware that advanced robotics, Artificial Intelligence and digital twinning technology are positive drivers of change,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. “Together, these technologies are forming the building blocks of ‘Smart Factories’ which will help carmakers introduce new models more quickly and cost-effectively, while greatly reducing energy consumption and costs and meeting sustainability targets.”…

BYD UK and Arval UK are pleased to announce the arrival of BYD Lease providing UK customers with nearly 50 years of vehicle leasing expertise for the UK’s fastest growing car brand of 2024. The BYD model range has grown to four new models in 18 months – with the SEALION 7 arriving soon – all of which are now available via BYD Lease. Steve Beattie, Sales & Marketing Director, BYD UK, commented: “The introduction of BYD Lease is a big step for our growth in the UK. As one of the top leasing companies in the UK, we’re very…

Sandwell Council’s 2025/2026 budget has been approved by full council. At a meeting on Tuesday (25 February), councillors approved: £366million of spending on services that serve 344,000 residents, plus £140million of investment on capital projects, and a further £78million of investment in the council’s housing stock. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance Councillor Paul Moore told the meeting: “Almost 60 per cent of our budget is spent on Adult Social Care and Children’s Services and Education – supporting the elderly, the vulnerable, the disabled and our children and young people. “This is a budget that makes sure we are…

ERIC PLATFORD: 25 FEBRUARY 1883 – 20 NOVEMBER 1938 A brief overview of the life and career of Eric Platford, born 25 February 1883 Played a fundamental role in testing and developing early Rolls-Royce models Racing success strengthened Rolls-Royce’s status as ‘the best car in the world’ Aero-engine expertise made him a key figure in the first successful transatlantic flight Greatly respected by Royce, and the first holder of the official title of Chief Tester “Having played a role which was central and fundamental to the marque’s early successes, Eric Platford earned the right to be recognised amongst his better…

A new Family Helpline was launched on Monday 3rd of March to support families in Solihull. Families and people working with parents and children in the borough are encouraged to call 0121 788 4327 to access support. The phone line will be available between Monday-Thursday 09:00-16:30, and Friday 09:00-16:00. A dedicated team of experts will be able to provide advice on key Early Help topics, ranging from parenting guidance and child development to school attendance and support in coordinating Early Help assessments and plans. Support also involves signposting to local services such as the Solihull Family Hubs, managing child behavioural issues, ensuring…

Nathan and his manager for Supported Internship, Gary. More than 700 residents received support from Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team in 2024 with more than a third of them age 16-24. Nathan was one of them. Nathan signed up for the Supported Internship programme which aims to help young people aged 16 and over with an Education, Health and Care Plan to gain essential skills for work. He enjoyed his placement in a Council’s warehouse building equipment such as wheelchairs which can make someone’s everyday life easier. Nathan said: “Unlike my previous work experience, the placement felt like a…