Over the last 18 months, the council has been a key part of the Department for Education’s Families First for Children Pathfinder (FFCP) programme, designed to test ways to reform the children’s social care system, help children to stay with their families in safe and loving homes while protecting vulnerable children where needed and ensuring that families will receive the right support at the right time and be supported by the right professional. Wolverhampton, one of 3 local authorities chosen to take part in the first phase of the Pathfinder, has worked to deliver support to families based on 3…

The school’s eco-committee outside their polytunnel, with Let’s Go Zero’s Kumari Kher (left) and school sustainability lead Jane Newman (right Schools across Solihull are rolling out new climate action plans which could help them save carbon, money and contribute towards a more sustainable borough. The Climate Action Plan will outline how each school or college aims to work towards tackling the climate emergency, in a way that is unique and manageable for them. Solihull Council is hosting free online webinars with national campaign group Let’s Go Zero and the Climate Ambassadors scheme to help shape their plans. This builds on…

Solihull’s links to the Surrealist art movement will be celebrated with the opening of a brand-new exhibition – ‘Surreal Solihull’ – in Solihull town centre on Thursday 6 March. And to get everyone in a sur-really good mood, there’s a packed programme of free performances, tours and workshops for the opening night and weekend on Thursday 6 March and Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 March. ‘Surreal Solihull’ takes as its starting point the work of Solihull’s pioneering Surrealist artist and poet Emmy Bridgwater who founded and worked with the Birmingham Surrealists throughout the 1930s and 40s. As well as featuring…

The Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) has announced funding plans which sees 29 museums across the country receiving a share of almost £25 million to upgrade their buildings. The Fund is part of the UK Government’s long term plan to support local economies, allowing them to grow. It will support capital projects at museums, fund important repairs and improve the visitor experience, with funding awarded ranging from £50,000 to £5 million, to ensure local history has a home for years to come. In the Midlands, more than £5 million has been awarded across 4 museums. Wolverhampton Art Gallery has…

As part of regeneration plans for Tipton town centre, a wide range of improvements are being proposed to public areas. These include creating greener spaces and new public spaces and walkways, as well as safety improvements. You can have your say on plans set to benefit the whole town centre, including Owen Street, the precinct, Union Street and the former Tipton Green Branch Canal walkway. We’re after people’s thoughts, so come along to one of our drop-in sessions to find out more and have your say: Wednesday 26 February, 5pm-7pm St Paul’s Community Centre, Brick Kiln Street, Tipton. Thursday 27…

Subaru UK & Ireland recently celebrated the achievements of its Retailer network at its Annual Conference & Awards, held near Reading. Aird Motors Ltd, a long-standing Subaru dealership based in Beauly, Scottish Highlands, was named the overall Retailer of the Year for 2024, cementing its reputation as a key pillar of the Subaru dealer network. With over 35 years of dedicated service, Aird Motors exemplifies the brand’s commitment to local, personalised automotive excellence. The event recognised outstanding performance across multiple categories, with Proven Motor Company securing the Fleet Dealer of the Year Award, D. M. Keith claiming the Finance Retailer…

Adult Education Wolverhampton provides its students with ‘good quality education and training across the service’ according to Ofsted, which has confirmed that it continues to be a Good provider. Inspectors visited the City of Wolverhampton Council run service last month and, in their report published this week, praised consistently high attendance across all courses. Students ‘enjoy their studies’, ‘learn in a calm and purposeful environment’, ‘develop their confidence and feel well supported by staff’. Students who are looking for employment or higher skilled jobs receive ‘specialist high quality careers advice and guidance’, with a high proportion of students achieving their…

Birmingham City Council is launching a targeted outreach campaign to support vulnerable pension-age residents aged 70-79, ensuring they receive the financial assistance they are entitled to. Many older residents may be missing out on vital support, with Pension Credit not only increasing income to help with living and housing costs but also unlocking additional benefits such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Reduction and free TV licences (for those over 75) and discounts on services like NHS dental costs and glasses. The Council aims to identify and contact eligible residents, raise awareness of available benefits, and provide direct support…

*Eligible families in Walsall will benefit from more activities during the school holidays as the council’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme has been extended. Walsall Council has received an additional £1.8million from the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver another 12 months of the well-established programme. Since launching in 2021, approximately seven thousand children and young people in Walsall have benefitted from the HAF programme, attending fun activities and receiving healthy and nutritious meals. The council works closely with 75 providers in the borough to put on activities for two weeks over the Easter break, four weeks during the…

1.Cayenne Pepper/Capsaicin (Chilli peppers): A promising spice with anticancer properties, an overdose of chilli peppers, however, should be restrained. Capsaicin induces the process of apoptosis that destroys potential cancer cells and reduces the size of leukaemia tumour cells considerably. It can be concluded that apart from setting our tongues on fire, chilli peppers can scare cancer pathogens off too. 2. Ginger: This humble spice boasts of medicinal qualities that help lowering cholesterol, boost metabolism and kill cancer cells. Easily added to vegetable dishes, fish preparations and salads, ginger enhances the flavour in cooking. Chew on fresh parsley if the odour…