Walsall Council is joining communities in marking Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, raising awareness of the challenges faced by people living with sickle cell disease, celebrating resilience and building understanding of the disease. Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited health conditions that affect the red blood cells. It is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background. It causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to painful crises, anaemia and increased vulnerability to infections. In Walsall, Plasma of Hope is at the forefront of community-based support for individuals…

To support residents on their journey to quit smoking, Be Well Walsall, the wellbeing service commissioned by Walsall Council’s Public Health team is now offering access to Varenicline, a prescription-only medication that helps reduce cravings and eases withdrawal symptoms. Available through Be Well Walsall for eligible residents, Varenicline offers a new route to quitting. Combined with one-to-one support and tailored advice, this option strengthens Walsall’s commitment to helping more people quit for good. Regulated vapes were also introduced by the service in March as an additional aid to quit, alongside other nicotine products such as patches and gum (also known…

A new framework has been launched which will bring a unified, robust approach to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) in Wolverhampton. The SEND and Inclusion Quality Assurance Framework has been approved by the city’s SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board and is now being implemented across all partner services. Spanning education, health, and social care, the framework will ensure services are safe, inclusive and high quality, and meet both national and local standards. It has been built on collaboration, shaped by feedback from families, Special Educational Needs Coordinators, school leaders, health teams,…

Bordesley Green, Birmingham — 5th September A powerful new chapter has begun in Bordesley Green with the official launch of Community Plaza, a centre designed to tackle inequality, reduce crime, and bring people together. The launch night drew a crowd of more than 250 local residents, families, and community leaders. The atmosphere was filled with energy and optimism as people gathered to show their support. Among the guests were the Crime Commissioner Simon Foster who also presented Mohammed Zafran 50th Golden Achievement Award on behalf of Asian World Newspaper, Alan Edwards regional manager for West Midlands Crimestoppers, who joined the…

The initiative aims to support creative and impactful projects that increase awareness of dementia, its symptoms, causes and associated risks. Projects should provide access to resources and support for individuals and families affected by dementia, challenge stigma and misinformation about dementia and promote inclusive and accessible events for all Walsall residents. Funding is available for up to 80% of the total project cost, up to a maximum of £1,000. “ Community groups play an important role to support residents to live healthy and well. This funding opportunity is about helping local organisations raise awareness of dementia and provide accessible support.…

Residents are being invited to help shape the future of dementia care as part of the development of the Wolverhampton Integrated Dementia Strategy 2025–2029. The ambitious strategy aims to improve the lives of people living with dementia, their families, and carers by creating more joined up, compassionate, and effective services. It brings together organisations including the City of Wolverhampton Council, the Black Country Integrated Care Board, OneWolverhampton, the Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust and the Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance. Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “Dementia affects nearly a million people in the UK, including approximately 3,600…

Losing weight is challenging. But as anyone who has ever successfully lost weight knows, it’s avoiding weight re-gain that’s the real challenge. This is true no matter what method you follow to lose weight. For example, studies show that people who follow very low calorie diets (between 800-1,200 calories per day) regain between 26% and 121% of their lost weight five years after treatment. People who follow behavioural weight management programmes (such as WW, formerly Weight Watchers) regain between 30-35% of their lost weight after one year. Even people who use weight loss medications, such as Wegovy, are…

As the summer holidays arrive, the City of Wolverhampton Council is encouraging residents to prioritise their health and wellbeing while travelling, whether they are heading abroad or enjoying a break closer to home. Travel can expose people to unfamiliar environments, climates and health risks, so simple preparations can make a significant difference. The council is advising travellers to ensure they and their families are in good health before departure, to pack necessary medications and first aid supplies, and to check the latest travel guidance for the area they are visiting, including local risks, weather conditions, and any recommended precautions. For…

A growing number of community based physical activity sessions are now available across Wolverhampton as part of the city’s Active Ageing Programme, designed to promote healthier, happier lives for older residents. The initiative, delivered by the City of Wolverhampton Council with the support of the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board’s Health Inequalities Fund, offers a range of tailored activities that support mobility, strength and wellbeing among older adults. Sessions currently on offer include a Grandparents and Tots stay and play session at WV Active Bilston–Bert Williams on Tuesdays from 10am to 11am (£3), and a multi sports class for…

The rollout of the free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine to selected local pharmacies has been welcomed by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community. Councillor Obaida Ahmed said it would make it even easier for eligible groups to get protected. RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation. People aged…