Loneliness impacts people of all ages. The week serves as a timely reminder to connect with family, friends, neighbours and the wider community, particularly those who may be feeling isolated or alone. “ The theme of this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week focuses on tackling loneliness by creating supportive communities where people can have open, honest conversations. Loneliness can affect anyone, at any age or stage in life. We want to ensure that no one in Walsall feels they have to face things alone. This week is a reminder that help is always available and that a simple conversation can make…

(L-R): Morro Operations Director, Gavin Ward, and City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, in front of one of the new council houses on Ettingshall Road Eleven new build council homes have been completed in under 9 months on a vacant site in Bilston. Developer Morro Partnerships Limited started construction on the City of Wolverhampton Council development of 7, 2 bedroom houses, 2, 3 bedroom houses and 2, 4 bedroom houses on Ettingshall Road, in September. The council’s housing development team led on the project and the homes – built using sustainable building methods and modern timber frame construction…

Two Sandwell councillors are taking on a walking challenge to raise awareness of men’s mental health. Councillor Jackie Taylor, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health and Wellbeing, and Old Warley Councillor Luke Cotterill are taking on a six-park, three-day walking challenge in June during Men’s Health Week. The challenge involves them walking between six parks across Sandwell over three days, with a one hour community walk at each park, culminating in a community event on Father’s Day (Sunday 15 June) at West Smethwick Park. Councillor Taylor said: “We’re standing shoulder to shoulder and walking for men’s mental health in…

l-r Contracts Manager, Seddon Construction Ltd, Cllr Hughes, Cllr Smith, Cllr Uppal Eight new family homes have been built on a vacant brownfield site in West Bromwich. Working on behalf of Sandwell Council, Seddon has built eight new two-, three- and four-bedroom council homes at St Vincent Crescent in West Bromwich that received grant funding from Homes England. The site had previously been a small parade of shops, which was demolished 10 years ago. The vacant site provided a great opportunity to build new homes, promote greater social mobility, and significantly improve the life chances for existing residents and for…

The project has been funded by Walsall Council and supported by a £60,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects, through the Landfill Communities Fund. A new children’s play area and an outdoor gym have been installed at the park and are now open to the public. The play area features a range of equipment, including toddler and junior swings, a roundabout, a wheelchair accessible roundabout, two castle climbing frames, sensory play panels and more. The project has also seen the old play area repurposed into a dog-friendly user area.…

Councillor Louise Harrison is Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26 A new Mayor for the borough has been appointed following the annual Mayor Making ceremony in the Council Chamber in Walsall on Monday 19 May 2025. The ceremony is one of the highlights in Walsall’s civic calendar, with the new Mayor receiving the robes and chains of office and naming the charities that will benefit from fundraising activities during their time in office. Councillor Louise Harrison was elected as Mayor of Walsall for 2025-26 and Councillor Chris Bott was elected as Deputy Mayor for 2025-26. The new Mayor takes over…

The Bostin’ Black Country Bash will include live music all day. The event marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geopark network, with the Black Country recognised as one of its prestigious members. The designation highlights the region’s geological significance in shaping the Industrial Revolution and its enduring impact on the world. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Walsall Arboretum, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, the festival promises a lively mix of entertainment for all ages including all day live music as well as mouth-watering local cuisine. King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys King Pleasure & The…

City of Wolverhampton Council is offering local groups and organisations the opportunity to manage Portobello Community Centre. The council owned centre on Hill Road, Willenhall, has been vacant since the previous community association left in December 2023. The council remains committed to exploring all options to ensure the building is retained for community use. Expressions of interest are being invited to either take on the centre through a community asset transfer of the building or to lease it as a community association. Interested parties are advised it is a big commitment to take on a community building and requires…

Adult Education Wolverhampton will be hosting a Higher Education Fair aimed at current students and members of the public who want to find out more about going to university. Visitors will be able to learn more about different university courses and their entrance requirements, how to apply for courses and get information on costs, and get details of grants, bursaries and financial support available for travel and childcare. There will also be information about Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Level 3 Access to Higher Education courses to help people prepare for university, and specific schemes, programmes and tester events to ease the…

Artworks by Francis Xavier as part of the Walsall Makes strand Over the last year thousands of Walsall residents have been inspired and engaged through a dynamic cultural programme delivered as part of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund (CWGLEF), celebrating creativity, community and local heritage. Funded by the CWGLEF’s Cultural Pillar and delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with Creative Black Country, the Creative Commissioning strand of the programme has brought art into public spaces, empowered local makers, inspired the future of making in Walsall, and supported vibrant cultural activity throughout the borough. With more than 21,500 attendees…