Walsall Council’s Public Health team has been named Team of the Year for Walsall at the Black Country Integrated Care Board Cancer Workforce Awards, held on 13 May 2026. Colleagues from Walsall Public Health at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust winning their awards at the Black Country Cancer Workforce Awards. Colleagues from Walsall Council and the NHS were recognised at awards, which celebrate the collective efforts of partners across health, local authority and the voluntary and community sector to improve cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis for residents. The Public Health team was recognised for its strong commitment, expertise and…

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…

Three female entrepreneurs have launched the UK’s first of a kind clinic dedicated to weight loss will officially open its doors this month, setting a new benchmark for personalised care, an important step forward for the future of integrated health. Reports suggest that more than 1.6 million people in the UK are now using GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. The latest from the BBC shares that a pill format of weight loss drugs could be used to help people coming off weight-loss jabs to avoid regaining weight – a known risk when coming off GLP-1 injections. This…

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,…

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…

An NHS double decker bus will be coming to Wolverhampton from 6 May, 2026 to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, and the importance of early detection. Organised by the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, in partnership with local NHS organisations and councils, the cancer bus offers local people the opportunity to speak directly with healthcare professionals. Visitors can learn how to recognise potential cancer symptoms, get advice on what to do if they are concerned, and find out about local support services. They can also get information…

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…

Three people have been taken to court after being caughtNone of the three offenders reside in Walsall. The cases were taken to court after Fixed Penalty Notices issued for depositing and leaving litter were left unpaid. The hearings took place on 13 March 2026 at Birmingham & Solihull Magistrates’ Court. Mr Javen Simms, of Ashfield Avenue, Birmingham, was convicted for depositing litter on 24 July 2025 in Garden Street, Walsall. He was ordered to pay a £220 fine, £88 victim surcharge and £276.72 in costs, totalling £584.72. Mr Naveed Hussain, of Mafeking Road, Hadley, Telford, was convicted…