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…

Ferrari North Europe is celebrating another successful National Apprenticeship Week after more than 200 young people visited Official Ferrari Dealerships across the UK to gain insight into careers with the Prancing Horse. Throughout the week, Ferrari Dealers opened their doors to showcase the opportunities available through the Ferrari Apprenticeship Programme, now in its 15th year. Attendees were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Ferrari workshops and showrooms, where they discovered what it takes to work with one of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands. Guests had the chance to meet both current apprentices and graduates of the programme, who shared their…

Veolia, in partnership with Solihull Council, is launching a third round of funding through the Solihull Community Environment Fund on 17 February with £20,000 available to support local eco-projects, clubs and communities. The Solihull Community Environment Fund, previously known as the Community Improvement Fund, has supported 13 projects since 2023, and is now back with its largest pot yet. The fund is open to community groups, parks groups and clubs that are looking to improve their local areas. Constituted groups and clubs in Solihull can apply for up to £2,000 to support projects that benefit the local community and the…

The Safer Walsall Partnership (SWP) has launched a five-week consultation from Monday 17 February, which will remain open until midnight on Sunday 23 March 2025. Respondents of the survey are asked to share their thoughts on key topics such as anti-social behaviour, crime, serious violence and environmental crimes in Walsall. Findings of the survey will be an integral part of the partnerships next three-year community safety strategy and will help shape the priorities of the partnership. Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, Chair of Safer Walsall Partnership, said: “Working closely alongside our partners, we have been concentrating on our local priorities to…

The Birmingham and Solihull Tobacco Control Alliance (BSol TCA) has launched a campaign to help you light up your life, by giving up smoking. Throughout February and March, the “Light Up Your Life” campaign will feature across social media, radio, buses, and outdoor spaces to raise awareness of the stop smoking services available across Birmingham and Solihull. Ruth Tennant, Chair of the Birmingham and Solihull Tobacco Control Alliance and Director of Public Health at Solihull Council, said: “Smokers keen to start their smokefree journey should know that we’re here to help. “Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do…

Due to essential works to enable the continued development of the HS2 High-speed rail line, it is unfortunately necessary to close public access to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (tip) at Bickenhill for seven days. The site will be closed from 6am on Monday 24 February and will re-open at 6am on Monday 3 March. Unfortunately the council cannot allow access to the site during the closure, but residents can book bulky items via the chargeable bulky waste collection service. There is also a free, bookable collection service for small electrical items, paint and textiles . For more information see…

Walsall Council and its partners are taking decisive action to locate and seize a vehicle caught fly-tipping in Darlaston. On Thursday, 6 February 2025, a white van was recorded whilst disposing of numerous household items on Walsall Street, Darlaston. The discarded items included refrigerators, a child’s booster seat, and sofa cushions. The individuals involved reportedly returned to the same location twice within the same hour to deposit additional rubbish onto the existing pile. A vigilant resident documented the incident and promptly reported it to the council. “ I am shocked and appalled by the brazenness of these fly-tippers. It is…

Work to create more ‘bee beaches’ and restore historic heathland habitats is being carried out across the West Midlands. This conservation effort is part of the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project, led by Natural England. The work involves using diggers to remove vegetation and create bare ground areas – known as ‘bee beaches’ – which are crucial habitats for many threatened pollinators. This project, now in its second year, has created even more bee-friendly habitats across seven sites: Shire Oak Park, Barr Beacon, Pelsall North Common, Chasewater Country Park, Brownhills Common, Wharf Lane and Muckley Corner.  The work is being…

Wolverhampton residents are being urged to remain vigilant and follow some important guidance when considering aesthetic procedures available on the High Street. Environmental Health officers at City of Wolverhampton Council are concerned that people are not always aware of the safety risks and potential complications involved. Officers want to encourage residents to ask questions and report any concerns before undergoing aesthetic procedures such as Botox, anti wrinkle injections, cosmetic or dermal fillers, chemical peels or skin boosters. They recommend the following: Make sure you have a pre-consultation before undergoing any procedure. This should look at your medical history and give…

Interactive water feature at Darlaston swimming and fitness centre Various sessions are being held between Monday 17 February and Sunday 23 February, including public swimming sessions at Bloxwich and Oak Park Active Living Centres and Walsall Gala and Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centres. Ever-popular Big Bounce events will be held on Tuesday 18 February at Bloxwich Active Living and Friday 21 February at Oak Park, pre-booking online for these sessions is recommended. There will even be roller-skating sessions on offer, firstly at Oak Park on Wednesday 19 February from 1.30pm to 3:00pm, Followed by session at Bloxwich Active Living on…