The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Reach Leaving Care team is appealing to driving instructors to help put local care leavers on the road to a bright future. Launching during National Care Leavers Month in November, its new pilot programme, Keys to Success, is designed to give care leavers aged 17 to 25 in Wolverhampton the skills, confidence and independence that come with learning to drive. And as part of this, they are appealing for help and support from driving instructors who can provide driving lessons, free taster sessions, discounted rates or flexible packages, and a commitment to safe, approved, and…

Walsall Council’s business growth team recently supported Polish Bakery Mazowsze Ltd to access a £70k UKSPF ‘SME Competitiveness grant’, delivered through Business Growth West Midlands. The grant has helped towards the cost of a large batch processor to make sourdough. On a recent visit to their factory, based near Junction 10 of the M6 in Walsall, Deputy Leader of the council Councillor Adrian Andrew was given a tour of the site, and discussed how the council can continue to support the business to grow. “ It’s fantastic to see another brilliant Walsall-based business expanding their operations and thriving with help…

Wolverhampton’s libraries are hosting a packed programme of free activities this autumn. They include history talks, poetry readings, art workshops, storytelling and craft sessions, coffee mornings, digital skills support, book clubs, and themed events for Black History Month, World Mental Health Day, and Green Libraries Week. A special exhibition will be unveiled at Low Hill Library on Wednesday (1 October) to celebrate 100 years of the Low Hill estate. A launch event will run from 2pm to 6pm, with the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives presenting a talk on the estate’s history at 3pm, followed by a reading by local poet…

A three-year plan outlining Walsall’s approach to providing better support for children and young people in the youth justice system will be presented to Cabinet this week. Councillors will be asked to endorse the Walsall Youth Justice Partnership’s strategic plan brought forward by the council and other agencies such as West Midlands Police, the Probation Service, and the NHS. The strategy recognises that serious youth violence, and the perception of associated crimes remain a real concern in Walsall. “ Walsall’s Youth Justice Partnership is absolutely committed to supporting our children and young people in the justice system, and this strategy…

Parents and carers who are applying for secondary school places are being offered some top tips to help guide them through the process. Applications are now being taken for places for students who are due to start Year 7 in 2026, and parents and carers are encouraged to complete theirs online at School admissions as soon as possible. Here are some top tips to guide people through the process: Don’t forget the deadline – applications must be submitted by midnight on Friday 31 October, 2025; ensuring applications are made by then can increase your chance of securing a place at…

Statistics show that around 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it the most common cancer in the UK. It leads to around 11,500 deaths from breast cancer each year – but the NHS breast screening programme is helping to reduce breast cancer mortality by around 20% in women who are regularly screened. Anyone registered with a GP as female should be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. Those over 71 can request screening. People who have not received an invitation…

An estimated 54,000 filled Walsall town centre on Saturday for the return of Walsall MakerFest, a free one-day festival dedicated to celebrating making, creativity and local talent. Visitors and residents alike enjoyed a packed programme spanning live music, dance, hands-on workshops, storytelling, as well as local food and a makers’ market. A person dressed as a fairy holding flowers high in the air surrounded by colourful papier mache sculptures Walsall Creative Factory’s Magical Mythical Garden At the heart of the festival was the bustling Makers’ Market along Park Street, where over 50 local artists, crafters, designers and food artisans showcased…

Residents looking for some free support and guidance on money, health and safety matters can pop along to an open day in Tettenhall next month, organised by City of Wolverhampton Council. Help at the Hub will see a wide variety of city organisations offer advice and information. The event will take place on Monday, 6 October, from 11am to 2pm, in the Hopkins Room, St Michael’s Parish Centre, Upper Street, Tettenhall, WV6 8QF. The venue is next door to Tettenhall Library. The event has been organised by officers at the council’s Public Protection Scams Team who will be handing out…

City of Wolverhampton Council’s latest Safer Routes to School project has been given top marks by pupils. The measures are on Bushbury Lane and Collingwood Road, near Bushbury Nursery School and Northwood Park Primary School. They include a new zebra crossing on Bushbury Lane, a pedestrian refuge in Collingwood Road, upgraded signs and road markings, flashing 20mph limit signs, school zone markings and dragon’s teeth. All existing road markings in the vicinity of the schools have been refreshed and bollards introduced to prevent dangerous parking and improve pedestrian routes and visibility. Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member…

Wolverhampton residents can have their electric blankets tested for free and receive information on energy bills at 2 special advice days in the city. The ‘Get ready for winter’ events, organised by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Trading Standards team, will take place on Wednesday 1 October at Wolverhampton Market, Cleveland Street and Thursday 2 October at Bilston Indoor Market. Both days will run between 9.30am and 4pm. Residents with an electric blanket can bring it along to be tested by experts from Gems Electrical Testing. It is important that all leads, controls and plugs associated with the electric blankets are…