The HAF programme brings together a four-week programme of holiday fun for children and young people aged 5-16 during the summer holidays, plus some additional sessions for the whole family to enjoy. To bring the programme to life, the council works in partnership with over 75 local providers to host activities where children can have fun, meet new people, and develop new hobbies and skills. The programme will run for four weeks over the school holidays, starting on Monday 3 August and finishing on Friday 28 August 2026. “ Our successful HAF programme has supported thousands of local families over…

Walsall Council Public Health is encouraging women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check if they are due to attend their cervical screening appointment this Cervical Screening Awareness Week (15–21 June 2026). Cervical screening saves lives by detecting changes early, before cancer can develop. Cervical screening is a test for human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can sometimes cause cancer. It is one of the most preventable cancers and attending screening when invited is the best way to protect health. Around 3,300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year, but most…

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…

Councillor Ray Nock has been formally confirmed as the new Leader of the Council at Sandwell’s annual meeting. Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Nock, said: “I was born in Sandwell, and have lived and worked here all my life, so it is an honour and privilege to be elected the new Leader of Sandwell Council. “There is a lot to be proud of in Sandwell, and alongside my new Cabinet we’re totally committed to making our borough an even better place to live and work. “We are going to be working hard for all our residents and 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…

Councillor Margaret Sutton (Great Barr, Tamebridge and Yew Tree ward) is the new Mayor of the Borough following a ceremony in the Council Chamber at Sandwell Council House on Tuesday (26 May). The Mayoress is Mrs Zoe Gallagher. The Deputy Mayor was named as Councillor Nathan Williams (Cradley Heath and Old Hill). At the ceremony, votes of thanks were passed to the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor Steve Melia and Councillor Elaine Giles. Councillor Sutton confirmed that the charities she will be raising money for are the Midlands Air Ambulance and Sandwell Victim Support. Midlands Air Ambulance Midlands Air Ambulance…

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…

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…