Sandwell Council is inviting residents to a series of roadshows across the borough to talk about health and wellbeing. These events are part of a five-year project called Better Research for Better Health, creating a Health Determinants Research Collaboration in Sandwell, which is funded by the National Institute for Health Research. The aim is to improve how the council gathers and uses information to make decisions about local services. By listening to residents, the council can make sure that services truly meet the needs of the community and provide good value for money. The council wants to hear from people…

Richard Parker (left), Mayor of the West Midlands with Abdikadir and Ruqia Ali, their two-month-old son Zakariya and Cllr Jayne Francis, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for housing and homelessness Thousands of families faced with a potential health hazard from living in mouldy homes are breathing easier following a £15m programme to upgrade some of the region’s dampest social housing. The money, given to local councils by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has been used to install damp busting measures in more than 4,400 homes across the region. Around 8,000 individual improvements have been carried out with some homes…

Wolverhampton’s young carers will be in the spotlight at the city marks Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday 12th March, 2025. Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Carer Support Team have organised an information pop up at St Regis School, Tettenhall, to highlight the important role of young carers to teaching staff, and to encourage young carers to get help and support. It is the latest in a series of events organised by the team in conjunction with Amethyst Academies and the Three Spires Trust, which has seen similar pop-ups at St Peter’s, Moreton and Aldersley schools. Councillor Jacqui…

Black Country partners have today been awarded a £1,287,710 development grant from Sport England to help address inequalities that prevent people from being physically active. Walsall, along with Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton are among the 53 places set to benefit from a share of Sport England’s £250 million investment into the heart of communities across England. Active Black Country are the accountable organisation for the funding. Sport England research calculates that active lifestyles save £10.5 billion a year for the health and social care system. This relieves some of the NHS burden, preventing 1.3 million cases of depression, 600,000 of…

The government has released the annual rough sleeping figures for the country and despite supporting more people who are sleeping rough into safe and secure housing than the previous year, Solihull’s official figure for rough sleeping is 12 people, double last year’s figure of six. The national rough sleeping figures are produced annually as a snapshot by every local authority in the country on a single night in autumn. It is recorded annually in this way in order to monitor rough sleeping patterns year on year and region by region. Alongside this snapshot, Solihull Council tracks patterns and numbers of…

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday 28 February 2025, and will conclude on the evening of Sunday 30 March 2025, with the exact dates contingent upon the sighting of the moon. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, liquids, and smoking. It is a month of reflection, generosity, and charity. “ On behalf of Walsall Council, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our residents observing the holy month of Ramadan. May this sacred time bring you peace, reflection, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Mubarak to you and…

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…

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 shown to…

There are two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes termed ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes termed as ‘good cholesterol’. The reality is that we do need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect balance can be harmful. When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. With this in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy cholesterol profile. Increase Fibre Intake Fibre, particularly the type found in porridge oats and wholegrains, known as beta-glucan, helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Go Plant-Based…

A brand-new, purpose-built mental health unit has officially opened at the Dorothy Pattison Hospital in Walsall. “ I’m delighted that the new state-of-the-art mental health unit for older adults at the Dorothy Pattison Hospital in Walsall is now open. This unit will make a real difference and enhance the quality of care provided to patients, their carers and families. Many of these patients will have dementia and this new facility will ensure they receive the dignity, care and support they need. We are committed to working with our partners to provide the best possible care for our residents and…