pilot scheme to recycle unwanted furniture to some of the most vulnerable people in Birmingham who are facing homelessness, has helped several households for the past six months. The scheme identifies surplus furniture that council tenants are happy to donate when they leave their accommodation, stores them, and then uses a network of partners to find the furniture a new home. Previously, surplus furniture left behind by tenants would have to be thrown away by the council as there was no means to store or redistribute it. The scheme recycles furniture for rough sleepers, those in temporary accommodation and new…

Cllr Jayne Francis has said that the council is on track to ensure that all its residents can live in warm, safe, sustainable homes. Cabinet has approved proposals to unlock £1.6bn of investment over the next seven years into council homes. The council’s investment program began in April 2024 and has enabled just over £240m of investment over in its first year, improving the physical condition of just over 4000 homes. The investment programme for the second year will continue to accelerate this program, ensuring £1.6bn investment is geared towards making sure our homes meet decent home standards. The council…

The Alpkit Foundation, a not-for-profit independent charity, was set up by the British outdoor retailer Alpkit in 2015. It makes small awards that support grass roots, direct action projects where a positive difference can be made to remove the barriers in getting outdoors and experience the benefits of time spent outdoors.Community groups, schools and organisations based and working within the UK can apply for grants of between £50 and £500 to support:Diversity and inclusion projects that engage individual and groups from a diverse range of backgrounds.Environmental projects that seek to support, conserve, or generate understanding of our environment and wild…

Small Grants to Help People Get Outdoors and Experience the Natural World The Alpkit Foundation, a not-for-profit independent charity, was set up by the British outdoor retailer Alpkit in 2015. It makes small awards that support grass roots, direct action projects where a positive difference can be made to remove the barriers in getting outdoors and experience the benefits of time spent outdoors. Community groups, schools and organisations based and working within the UK can apply for grants of between £50 and £500 to support: There is particular interest in projects that encourage responsible outdoor activity, have long lasting benefits,…

Aston Martin, the iconic ultra-luxury British brand, is delighted to announce its new role as the Official Car Partner of Guards Polo Club for the 2025 season. This exciting partnership unites two of the most prestigious names in the world of luxury and sport, promising both unrivalled horsepower and uncompromising performance to polo enthusiasts and Aston Martin fans alike.Guards Polo Club, one of the world’s leading polo venues, is synonymous with excellence, tradition, and world-class competition. Located in the stunning grounds of Windsor Great Park, the Club hosts some of the most celebrated tournaments on the international polo calendar, including…

As Blue Monday approaches – often considered “the gloomiest of days”² – new research from Warrantywise reveals the frustrations many UK motorists face on the road, with nearly 40 per cent admitting to experiencing road rage over the past year. This equates to potentially 20 million1 drivers venting their frustrations behind the wheel, a reflection of the heightened stress that can accompany daily commutes and challenging road conditions. Warrantywise, the UK’s leading provider of extended used car warranties, is highlighting how these pressures impact both driver wellbeing and vehicle health.The darker mornings and evenings of January, coupled with congestion on…

A series of works are planned that will create a more attractive, greener and more open and inviting space around Gallery Square and Park Street, and the plans have now been revealed. “ The plans for Walsall Town Centre look great and are much needed. We’ve worked with consultants and architects to create a plan that will open up Park Street, introduce more greenery and create a more inviting and attractive space. We hope that a more accessible, attractive town centre will drive footfall and create more opportunities for leisure and business. “ Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader Walsall…

Thomas McGeever, from Market Drayton, Telford, was among 26 exceptional individuals honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster. This recognition celebrates their outstanding contributions to society. The Medal Presentation, held on Thursday 23rd January, saw Thomas receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Service to Community (BCAc). Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominals to commemorate their achievements. Tom has committed his time, knowledge and passion into countless community projects within the West Midlands for the past 12 years. Always striving to make an impact and generate meaningful change to community groups, most…

Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Kerry Murphy, Portfolio Holder for Street Pride, Councillor Gaz Ali and Councillor Tina Jukes joined volunteers on Sunday 19 January 2025. Volunteers included members of the Pleck Picking Posse and Bloxwich Blox Busters. The team worked for three hours to remove 40 bags of rubbish from Old Birchills, Reedswood Lane, Reedswood Gardens, Bentley Lane Edward Street, Pargeter Street, Cairns Street and Dalkeith Street. The amount of rubbish removed reflects continuous issues faced in the area, which Walsall Council has committed significant resources to in recent years. “ This area…

launched The Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub, formerly known as Brickkiln Community Centre, formally launched on Tuesday (14 January). The Hub will be a purposeful space for our city’s families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) where they can access a range of support from education, health and social care services under one roof. Over the past 8 months, partners have worked together to create a SEND Centre of Excellence at the Brickkiln Centre where services can be collocated to deliver specialist support to children, young people and families with special educational needs…