In a world where second chances are often hard to come by, Jamil Ahmed is proving that real change is possible. Once known for living the dangerous life of a gangster, James has turned his back on crime and dedicated his life to helping some of the most vulnerable people in his community. Today, instead of fear and violence, his name is becoming associated with compassion, generosity, and hope across the Sparkhill area and surrounding communities. Every single week, Jamil and his team distribute tonnes of food to homeless people, struggling families, and individuals facing hardship. From hot meals to…

Bloxwich Launchpad, a new digital skills and business support hub in the heart of Bloxwich, Walsall, has been shortlisted in three categories of this year’s Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) regional awards. Following its formal opening in October 2025, Bloxwich Launchpad has been shortlisted in the Community Benefit, Public Sector and Refurbishment/Revitalisation categories of the West Midlands RICS awards recognised for its positive community impact, creative reuse of an existing space and the partnership work between public and private sectors to deliver the new service. “ I’m incredibly proud that Bloxwich Launchpad has been shortlisted in the RICS…

About the Book What if the next great fantasy universe didn’t come from Norse legend or Celtic myth, but from the rich storytelling tradition of rural India? Gurd Chahal’s debut book ‘Cha’nir and the Light of Nam’ has hit #1 on Amazon, making history for UK South Asian literature. The eBook is available now, with the Paperback releasing on Monday 25th May ’26 and the Hardback on Tuesday 2nd June ’26. Inspired by Indian philosophies, mythology, and folklore, ‘Cha’nir and the Light of Nam’ is a sweeping tale of warrior gods, dark warlords and the eternal conflict between good and…

A planning application has been submitted by the council to develop a new and improved Bilston High Street Link for the community. The link sits between Pinfold Street and the High Street, connecting WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams Leisure Centre and the wider Urban Village development to Bilston town centre. The application comes following consultation with the local community and groups during the autumn on the designs for the re-imagined open space. The scheme forms part of the transformative Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme (HaRP), supported by funding secured from UK Government. Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton…

England’s largest community led festival of history and culture is set to return to Wolverhampton for the first time in over a decade. Heritage Open Days will return to the city in September, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore historic places, discover hidden stories and take part in new experiences – all free of charge. The Friends of Wolverhampton Archives and City of Wolverhampton Council are teaming up to deliver a programme of events across the city as part of the festival which will take place between 11 to 20 September. Heritage Open Days rely on thousands of…

People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to have their say in a national Government consultation on proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) system. The consultation sets out plans to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND from birth to age 25, with a focus on earlier help, fairer access to support, and shared accountability between local partners. The Government is seeking views from anyone with an interest in the SEND system, including children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, school leaders, multi‑academy trusts, and professionals working across education, health and social care. The…

Wolverhampton city centre Wolverhampton is a step closer to getting an exciting new destination for food, drink and socialising, after the council confirmed it was set to start the search for an operator to deliver a major new ‘box space’ venue in the heart of the city. The move brings forward a long held ambition to create a bold, modern space where residents, students and visitors can eat, drink, meet friends and enjoy a buzzing atmosphere – adding something completely new to what the city already offers. City of Wolverhampton Council has set aside up to £5.5 million from…

Solihull Council has entered an agreement with the award-winning Heartwood Inns to transform the former Missoula and Luna unit on Solihull High Street. The development – which is part of a wider strategy to invest in Solihull – will provide a contemporary ‘pub with rooms’, breathing a new lease of life into the prominent listed building. In a nod to the area’s natural heritage, Heartwood has announced that the site will be renamed The Muddy Fox. With the name ‘Solihull’ said to derive from the ‘soily hill’ on which St Alphege church stands, the name pays tribute to the pub’s…

Further focused care and attention is set to be given to city streets and communities thanks to the introduction of a second Love Your Community: Neighbourhood Team. City of Wolverhampton Council launched its Love Your Community: Neighbourhood Team initiative in January, a dedicated taskforce to improve the cleanliness, safety and appearance of local areas. The original team will now be boosted by a second which will start work over the coming weeks. This team will focus on the cleansing and improvement of the main arterial routes into Wolverhampton, making sure residents and visitors experience a sense of pride across…

WV Active Aldersley is celebrating this year’s World Cup with an indoor 5 a side football tournament, and teams are invited to sign up now. Taking place on Saturday 30 May, the tournament is open to everyone aged 16 or over. The first game will kick off at 9.30am, with the final taking place at 3.45pm. Teams will be guaranteed 75 minutes of indoor football, and even more if they qualify for the knockouts. The winning team will also receive 3, free indoor 5 a side sessions. Entry is £30 per team; to sign up, please visit Indoor…