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 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…

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…

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,…

In Sandwell – and across the UK – hundreds of foster carers open their homes to provide love, stability and care to children and young people in need of safety, stability and love. But many more foster carers are urgently needed to ensure every child can be matched with the right home for their individual needs. That’s why, from this week until 24 May, Sandwell Children’s Trust is backing the nationwide Foster Care Fortnight campaign, as Emma Taylor, Chief Executive of Sandwell Children’s Trust, explains: “Foster Care Fortnight is really important because it shines a light on the…