Since the start of the year, the choir has united through music and song, and last week they performed for the very first time. Made up of Walsall Council’s foster carers and the staff who support them, the choir has become a vehicle for community and wellbeing, and a way for choir members to use music as an emotional outlet. Sonia Percival is a member of the choir and said, “I was singing before I could talk, although some people might say I still haven’t quite mastered the ‘in tune’ part! The choir has brought me friendships, laughter, connection and…

For more than a quarter of century Ikram Mirza has dedicated his life to community broadcasting, public and media services, and supporting the people of Alum Rock and the wider Birmingham community. Being the founder and leading voice behind Aap Ki Awaaz Community Radio station he has helped create a platform that entertains,performs and unites people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. His journey started inn community radio during the mid-1990s, whem Ikram Mirza became passionate about giving ordinary people a voice , especially communities often overlooked by mainstream media. Through years of hard work, dedication, and voluntary service, he…

With high temperatures forecast over the bank holiday and half-term week, Walsall residents are advised to take steps to stay well during the hot weather. The UK Health Security Agency (in partnership with the Met Office) has issued an amber heat health alert for the West Midlands. The alert is in place from Friday 22 May to Wednesday 27 May 2026. High temperatures can pose a risk to health, particularly for older adults, young children and individuals with long-term health conditions, who may need extra support to stay cool. “ As warmer weather is forecast over the bank…

Foster Care Fortnight is delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network, and is one of the UK’s biggest campaigns to raise awareness of fostering, celebrate foster carers, and encourage more people to consider opening their homes to children and young people who need them. The theme for 2026, “This is Fostering”, shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering, the care, commitment and resilience shown by foster carers, and the life‑changing difference they make for children and young people in Walsall. The campaign also recognises the challenges foster carers can face, while celebrating the strength of…

Families across Sandwell are being invited to celebrate play, creativity and community this half term as Sandwell Council launches its Festival of Free Play, featuring more than 25 free activities. Running from 25 to 31 May, the festival brings together outdoor play sessions, library activities, creative workshops and family-friendly performances in parks, libraries and community spaces across the borough, including Oldbury, Smethwick, Tipton, West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Rowley Regis. The festival is delivered by Sandwell Council’s GoPlay and Library services in partnership with local organisations and is designed with children at its heart, championing children’s right to play, feel safe,…

In Sandwell – and across the UK – hundreds of foster carers open their homes to provide love, stability and care to children and young people in need of safety, stability and love. But many more foster carers are urgently needed to ensure every child can be matched with the right home for their individual needs. That’s why, from this week until 24 May, Sandwell Children’s Trust is backing the nationwide Foster Care Fortnight campaign, as Emma Taylor, Chief Executive of Sandwell Children’s Trust, explains: “Foster Care Fortnight is really important because it shines a light on the…

Adult Education Wolverhampton is inviting prospective students, families, carers and professionals to its SEND Open Event taking place on Wednesday 13th May, 2026. Running from 10am to 3pm, it provides an opportunity to explore the wide range of support, courses and pathways available to people with learning disabilities or autism through Adult Education Wolverhampton. Deputy Head of Service Anna Place said: “At Adult Education Wolverhampton, we are committed to providing inclusive, supportive learning environments where every learner can build confidence, develop skills and achieve their potential. “Whether you are considering learning for yourself, supporting someone else, or working with students…

The City of Wolverhampton Council will be marking Mental Health Awareness Week, beginning on Monday (11 May, 2026) and is encouraging people to talk openly about mental health, challenge stigma, and take positive steps to look after their wellbeing. Led by the Mental Health Foundation, the theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Action’, recognising that, while awareness is important, real change happens when people take simple, practical steps – for themselves, for others, and for their communities. John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Around 1 in 5 adults in the UK experience mental health problems like anxiety or…

Frontline workers, community groups and volunteers across Walsall are encouraged to take up free online training to support everyday conversations with residents about food, nutrition and managing healthier choices. The sessions are aimed at people who regularly speak to individuals, families or communities about food, health, wellbeing or financial resilience. They are delivered by Food for Life, run by the Soil Association, in partnership with Walsall Council Public Health. The training provides practical, evidence‑based information to support discussions around healthier and more affordable food choices. It introduces simple nutrition messages that can be used in everyday interactions and includes…

The Beacon Centre for the Blind has teamed up with Wolverhampton City Archives for an exhibition exploring the history of sight loss in Wolverhampton over the last 150 years. It features personal stories of inspiring individuals and captures moments where Wolverhampton literally paved the way in terms of accessibility – becoming the first city in the UK to install tactile paving near its roads and railways. The exhibition also features artefacts provided by the Beacon Centre such as Braille machines, magnifiers and adapted equipment demonstrating the progression of accessibility throughout the 20th century, including adapted board games and a Rubik’s…