The Met Office has announced a yellow heat health alert from 12pm on Wednesday 18 June 2025 until 6pm on Sunday 22 June across the West Midlands. It is very easy to become dehydrated in hot weather as we can soon lose more fluid than we take in, so drink cold non-alcoholic drinks regularly, keep out of the sun during the hottest times of the day, and avoid physical exertion in the heat where possible. People who are very young, the elderly and those with chronic conditions are more at risk, so keep an eye out for friends…

This week is the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, and people who have received an invitation for cervical screening are being encouraged to book their appointment now. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by checking for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that cause nearly all cervical cancers. Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but as the disease progresses, common symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, like after sex, between periods, or after menopause, changes in vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. Advanced cervical cancer may also cause…

People have until Monday (16 June) to have their say about the Shared Lives service. Shared Lives is a unique form of social care based on the simple but transformative power of human relationships. In Shared Lives, a young person or adult who is assessed as needing care and support is matched with a carer by the Shared Lives service, coordinated by Camphill Village Trust. Together, they share home, family, and community life. The service is provided by individuals or families – Shared Lives carers – and enables people to access community facilities, maximise their independence and quality of life,…

Two Sandwell councillors are taking on a walking challenge later this week 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 to mark 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 with lots of family activities on Father’s Day (Sunday 15 June) at West Smethwick Park. Councillor Taylor said: “We’re standing shoulder to shoulder…

Cllr Dicicco with Jennie and Leah from the Community Older People’s team, displaying the banner which will be outside the event venues. The Council is encouraging residents to come to events on 14 or 28 June to help you plan ahead for later life and make good decisions early. The drop in events take place at The Bridge in Shirley and The Onward Club in Chelmsley Wood, where people can talk to local experts including teams from the Council, NHS, Age UK Solihull, and Carers Trust Solihull. Councillor Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, explains…

Families in Walsall are being urged to check they and their children are up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations, especially ahead of the summer holidays. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that outbreaks are continuing, with a sharp increase in cases in the West Midlands. There has also been a global increase in measles cases including Europe over the last year and the Agency is concerned, that with travelling for holidays or to visit family this summer, there is a risk this could lead to another surge of measles cases…

Cllr Dicicco and Cllr Grinsell with the updated Carers Strategy. To mark the start of Carers Week (9-15 June), Solihull Council has published its updated Carers’ Strategy and action plan for the next two years. This sets out how the Council will support the estimated 20,000 adults, young people and children in the borough who have caring responsibilities for a family member or friend. Cllr Karen Grinsell, Leader of the Council and cabinet member for Children’s Services, acknowledges the valuable feedback from Solihull Carers’ Forum which has helped to refresh the strategy and plan. “We understand that carers in Solihull…

Grants of between £5000 and £15,000 are now available for projects in the Walsall borough that promote and increase volunteering opportunities. The Walsall 2040 Volunteer Programme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) and managed by Walsall Council and will offer grants for approximately 8 small charities and not-for-profit voluntary sector organisations who are established, based and providing services in the borough of Walsall. Projects will be required to deliver activities which create new volunteer opportunities and support Walsall residents to access them. “ This is a great opportunity for local organisations to access funding and help…

As of 1 June 2025, the sale and supply of single use (disposable) vapes became illegal across the UK. This ban applies to all disposable vapes (whether or not they contain nicotine) and includes both in-store and online sales. Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team are reminding all local businesses and retailers of their legal obligation to comply with the ban. The ban aims to protect public health, by addressing the rise in youth vaping, protecting the environment, reducing fire and safety risks and limiting access to these products by children. Reusable vapes, which have to be refillable, rechargeable and have…

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…