Hajj and Umrah pilgrims reminded of vaccinations needed to travel People travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are being urged to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations in order to travel safely. Hajj and Umrah is expected to fall between 4 and 9 June, 2025, and all travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. In addition, the UK Heath Security Agency is urging travellers to Saudi Arabia to ensure they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease with the MenACWY vaccine, after it…

Sandwell Council and Sandwell Children’s Trust are celebrating the launch of Foster Care Fortnight in Sandwell This is when we join a national campaign to raise awareness of the need for foster carers to help us to improve the lives of Sandwell’s most vulnerable children. Over the next two weeks the FosterSandwell team at Sandwell Children’s Trust will be sharing stories from our foster carers, care experienced young people and members of staff about the relationships we have built through fostering. As Councillor Jalal Uddin, Cabinet Member for Children and Families for Sandwell Council reflects; “The theme of this year’s…

Analysis of data from over 16,700 patients has revealed that ethnic minority patients with heart failure are at much higher risk of death than White patients. According to the study, supported by the British Heart Foundation and presented this week at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester, there are sizable inequalities in heart failure treatment and outcomes. The risk of death in ethnic minority heart failure patients was calculated to be 36 per cent higher than that of White patients after an average of 17 months. The research also showed that the disparity was greater if patients also…

Research reveals many vegans and vegetarians are dissatisfied with product options Almost half of vegans and a quarter of vegetarians are dissatisfied with the choice of food products available to them, new research has revealed. Specialist PR agency Ingredient Communications commissioned market research experts Surveygoo to conduct an online survey of 1,000 consumers (500 each in the UK and US). Overall, 4% said they were vegan, although this figure was higher in the US (6%) and among 18-24-year olds (13%). A further 4% were vegetarian, with 3% describing themselves as pescatarian. The survey also suggests that…

Indulge in this no-bake chocolate cheesecake after a special dinner. Whether it’s for New Year’s Eve or a birthday, it’s sure to impress. Ingredients 75g butter, melted, plus extra for the tin 250g shortbread biscuits 250g mascarpone 300g full-fat soft cheese 50g icing sugar 40g cocoa powder 300ml double cream ½ x 397g can caramel or 200g dulce de leche 50g dark chocolate, chopped star sprinkles or chocolate stars, to decorate Method Butter and line the base of a 20cm springform cake tin. Blitz the biscuits in a food processor into fine crumbs, then add the butter and blitz again.…

From Cash flow to marketing, getting a new business up and running can be a difficult task, but new entrepreneurs will benefit from these 10 start-up tips which ensure you have all the boxes ticked before you start your business. 1. Seek Help There are many issues that you will face while starting up a business so why not seek advice from others who faced the same problems. The business growth service is just one of many organisations which have rich information about problems that start-ups may face. 2. The Structure The ownership options differ from a limited company, a…

Aside from expensive acne scars treatment method which are found to be effective but not in the financial reach of most of the population, it is important to know that there are also some natural and much cheaper remedies in getting rid of acne scars. These are acne scars treatment methods that you can use to treat your acne scars right at the convenience of your home. Natural acne scar treatment is the best solution method especially for those who possess a sensitive skin because natural treatment doesn’t create side effects or rashes that may further destroy your sensitive skin.…

When preparing food, nothing has to be challenging as well as risky. LIn fact, when you make sure you do the very best in terms to preparing food, all you need right away is a confidence boost. Sometimes, there’s you have got kitchen gadgets and all ingredients in place. It just makes sense every now and then. Thus, have you been in the situation when you had relatives and friends popping in on weekends without any notice? How you managed through? Well, what did you do at the same time? Do share your thoughts, and on a sweeter note…

Walsall Council has successfully prosecuted six individuals for littering in the borough. All six perpetrators will now be required to pay substantial fines for improper disposal of waste. These cases were all adjudicated at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 24 March 2025. “ It is appalling to witness both visitors to the borough and local residents showing such disrespect for our communities. Shame on you. My message to perpetrators is clear: you will be caught and subsequently fined. This is the price you pay for your blatant disregard for our borough. I am proud of the consistent success of these prosecutions…

The Belly zone is probably where we put on weight first, and it is one of the most difficult spot areas to lose fat from! To truly tame your trouble spots, you need combine cardio with strength training. Ideally, you should do at least 30 minutes of cardio 4 to 5 days per week. Cardio activities can take form of whichever form of aerobic exercise you’re doing—aerobics, dancing, walking, running, biking, swimming, hiking. The key is to be consistent with your exercise regime and to do the exercises with intensity. Indulging in being active all day, would also help you…