The fight against loan sharks comes to the Black Country this month (SEPT) as Operation Sharknet hits the streets of Sandwell. The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is working with Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police to bring its campaign to the area next week to raise awareness about the dangers of loan sharks and keep residents safe. The IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, is a national organisation hosted by Birmingham City Council. It was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers across England. The visit to Sandwell, which runs…

The construction of Walsall’s new £32 million Household Waste Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station is now complete. The site, situated on Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, will provide easy-to-use facilities helping residents to recycle a wider range of items. This will enable the delivery of a new waste strategy, to be launched this year, which will emphasise a shift towards a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled. The facilities will play a crucial role in meeting local and national waste management objectives by reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling rates. “ This project is a huge development for Walsall.…

An innovative approach to adult social care in Wolverhampton has earned national recognition with the project shortlisted for a prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Award. The WM5G Technology Enabled Care (TEC) trial has been put into action helping people across the city by OneWolverhampton – a partnership between the City of Wolverhampton Council, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and others. The trial – funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) under the 5G Innovation Region scheme – has been highlighted for its transformative impact on residents, carers, and frontline staff in Wolverhampton demonstrating how locally led, joined…

There’s still time for people to share their views as the City of Wolverhampton Council recommissions local specialist domestic abuse support services. The council wants to hear from local residents, people affected by domestic abuse, and professionals from across Wolverhampton to help shape priorities and intentions for the new services to ensure they are effective, accessible and respond to local need. Domestic abuse specialist support services provide victims of domestic abuse with practical help, advice, and guidance. In Wolverhampton, support is available to women, men, and children who are either living in the community or in accommodation such as a…

design drawing showing the potential layout of units at Six Mile Green Public consultation is underway on joint City of Wolverhampton Council and University of Wolverhampton proposals for the first phase of the city’s pioneering Green Innovation Corridor (GIC). The GIC will connect key assets at the University of Wolverhampton’s Springfield Campus, Science Park, and the i54 advanced manufacturing business park – the country’s most successful Enterprise Zone. It will introduce new commercial and business opportunities for development, incubation space, grow on space for SMEs and space for larger use. The scheme has already secured £27million funding from UK…

Solihull Family Hubs are launching a new outreach hub located in Meriden. Whilst not a dedicated Family Hub building, the outreach hub based at Meriden Church of England Primary School will provide yet another support and activity site for children and families in Solihull. Meriden CofE Primary School is the second Family Hub outreach location in Solihull, with the first outreach hub being situated at Shirley Heath Junior School since November 2024. Leader of Solihull Council, Councillor Karen Grinsell, welcomed the news: “I’m delighted to see the Family Hubs continuing to grow and expand their presence to help more and…

Three new youth clubs have been launched in Smith’s Wood at a celebration event on Tuesday 17 June. The youth clubs provide new opportunities for young people in the area, and include the Solihull Youth Bus, part of a new mobile youth outreach programme. Jointly funded by Solihull Council and the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), the youth clubs aim to provide support and guidance to improve the lives of young people in the area aged 8-17. The youth clubs are run by three local organisations with experience in providing youth support across Solihull, led by Urban Heard and supported by…

With temperatures rising this week, Walsall residents are being reminded to take steps to stay safe and well during the hot weather, as 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 until 23 June 2025 at 9am. “ While many enjoy warm, sunny weather and time outdoors, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be challenging for some, especially older adults, young children and those with long-term health conditions. Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains on sun-facing rooms and check…

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…

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…