Community News

A West Midlands charity working to tackle youth violence and build mental health resilience has moved into its first office location.

First Class Foundation has taken 274 sq ft of serviced office accommodation at the former Carillion House building in Salop Street, Wolverhampton.

The charity, which delivers services on behalf of West Midlands Combined Authority, Sandwell Youth Offending Service and the Youth Justice Board, has been home-based since its inception in 2019.

Chief executive, Sabrina Dennis, said that the move will provide enhanced facilities for the charity’s seven employees and facilitate its future growth.

She said: “We’re thrilled to have moved into a new home in the heart of Wolverhampton. It means that we have a shared space for meeting and collaboration, rather than exclusively operating remotely, which will be even more important as we bring new people into our team.

“Although we have proved that virtual working can be successful, our practitioners are increasingly undertaking sensitive work involving issues of youth violence and mental health. The new office space provides sound proof booths and private meeting space to guarantee client confidentiality.”

First Class Foundation is best known for its delivery of Kitchen Table Talks, a six-month self-funded community pilot programme for the parents of young people aged 13-25 in Sandwell. The project has since expanded to become a successful and established vehicle for tackling issues including youth violence, knife crime and county lines.

Last year the charity was awarded a new regional ‘pathfinder’ project, focused on reducing serious youth violence in the West Midlands by engaging with the parents of young people involved in the youth justice system. The pathfinder is being delivered collaboratively between seven Youth Offending Teams in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton in conjunction with their local Violence Reduction Unit.

“We’re very proud that what started off as an idea to support parents in Sandwell, is now a regional service giving people a strategic voice about youth offending services in their area,” said Sabrina.  

“It will encourage parents to know that they are not alone and that with access to support, education and mentoring from relatable role models, they can overcome the many challenges that arise during a parenting journey.”

First Class Foundation also delivers the Dear Youngers project, a mental health and resilience programme for young African Caribbean males. It was profiled in the National Lottery Community Fund’s Voices from the Pandemic publication and featured on ITV News during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

As part of its delivery of the project, First Class Foundation was consulted by Dr Justin Varney, head of public health at Birmingham City Council, regarding the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black and Ethnic Minority communities (BAME).

City of Wolverhampton Council’s new housing allocations policy will come into force on September 28, 2021. Prior to the new policy going live, all applicants will have to re-apply to determine their eligibility to join the Housing Register.

The council has started the process of contacting all current applicants over the coming months to provide them with instructions on how to reapply so that their circumstances can be reassessed under the new policy. Until then all current applications are still valid, and no action is required.

The Council consulted with customers about changes to its housing allocations policy. The changes are designed to ensure that council homes in Wolverhampton are let to those in the greatest housing need. All current housing applications will be closed after September 2021.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “This is a crucial piece of work focusing on how we allocate our limited council housing stock.

“The consultation enabled people to have their say and addressed the challenges being experienced by residents, which is reflected in the new housing allocations policy. The Council remains committed to the objective of giving people in the greatest housing need the greatest opportunity to access suitable housing that best meets their needs.”

Marking the anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush ship in Tilbury Docks in Essex, in 1948, today, June 22nd, celebrates the contribution of the ‘Windrush Generation’ – the moniker used for the ship which brought the first group of people from countries in the Caribbean to live and work in the rebuilding of the UK, following the Second World War.

Introduced in 2018 - the 70th anniversary of the Windrush migration - today is the fourth national Windrush Day. It was brought in following a campaign by Patrick Vernon, an activist and a former Labour councillor in the London Borough of Hackney, who called for a celebration of the contribution of people from the Windrush Generation and migrant communities to UK society.

The day that the Empire Windrush discharged its passengers at Tilbury was not the first-time black people arrived to live in Britain.  Black people were here before 1948. The Empire Windrush ship is the first to be given such publicity and is more widely known because it was the first visible mass migration of black people to Britain; this noteworthy occurrence changed Britain forever.

The new arrivals were met with unease by some. It prompted complaints from some Members of Parliament. One MP remarked the new immigrants would be on the first boat home once the British winter sets in. The Empire Windrush ship was followed by other ships such as the SS Auriga, the SS Orbita, the SS Reina del Pacifico, the SS Castle Verde and the SS Georgic.

One of the Windrush projects is the Back to Eden Community Allotment Project which is based at the Heath Town Allotments, situated on the New Park Village estate in Wolverhampton.

The project initiated by Churches 4 Positive Change will focus on using horticulture and gardening activities, encouraging all age participation to grow fruit and vegetable crops, adopting healthier lifestyles, improving physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, whilst providing community social interaction for seniors and others to share Windrush stories in a relaxed natural environment.   To get involved in the project email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit them at 2343ec78a04c6ea9d80806345d31fd78-gdprlock/C4PCWolverhampton.

Birmingham Museum Trust West Midlands is commemorating the Windrush Generation through 4 short films and interviews, including a schools learning resource supported by the digitisation of The Birmingham Black Oral History Project, and an online lecture as part of the Museums on Demand programme, whilst the Equality and Inclusion Partnership (Equip) West Midlands, is set to have a series of workshops to gather creative materials that celebrate, share & illustrate the journey of the Windrush generation to the UK, culminating in an exhibition and event.

Citizens for Change West Midlands, a community allotment project to enable the Windrush Generation to pass on knowledge and skills about plants, cultivation and cooking, are marking the Day with their own celebratory events whilst wider afield organisations throughout the UK, including the Leicester Caribbean Cricket Club East Midlands, who will be documenting stories from the local community there who established cricket activities and developed resources for local schools and youth clubs from those stories. Open Doors Forum East Midlands is capturing Windrush stories via a podcast and videos/short films to produce a ‘mixtape’ alongside music and photographs for publication online, with a magazine, school resource packs and community outreach events.

Telford African & Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre is producing specially designed thank you cards to Windrush elders, a Windrush Day celebration, a Windrush themed art competition and school workshops documenting Windrush oral histories whilst the Vine Community Centre East Midlands will be documenting Windrush stories through film & photography, a church service on Windrush Day, costume workshops for Nottingham Carnival and other creative workshops with a legacy day in October.

Leeds City College Yorkshire and Humber, ESOL and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) learners interacting with the Leeds Caribbean community through creative workshops, a letter-writing campaign and creation of life storybooks, who will be presented to the Windrush Generation at a celebratory event and shared digitally as an educational resource. Hull Council Yorkshire and Humber are partnering with Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum to print the online book ‘70 Objeks and Tings’ for distribution to schools, libraries and community venues; producing a new book on Caribbean culture in Hull with an online version and an interactive trail, and a Caribbean cultural exhibition to tour community venues.

At Ipswich Borough Council East of England, an Ipswich Community Radio programme and a town centre event will include interviews with key Windrush Generation leaders, which will become archived for use beyond the event.

Leading a host of events in the capital, the National Maritime Museum London, presents the Windrush Generation’s histories in video and music to complement digitised photographic collection; creation of reminiscence packs for Windrush people experiencing dementia; school workshops and a webinar to share learning.

The 492 Korna Klub London are presenting a virtual project of 4 online events, accessed either 1:1 or in groups, at which 30 Windrush volunteers will appear as an interactive ‘human library.’ The Blackfriars Settlement presents a creation of a digital archive & soundscape exploring the experiences of and contributions by immigrants from the smaller Caribbean islands, and then touring local schools with the product, Evewright Arts Foundation South East, has a production of monographs as a legacy resource to preserve Tilbury Bridge Walkway of Memories, an art & sound installation to commemorate the Windrush Generation, whilst the Bernie Grant Arts Centre presents their 3rd Windrush Festival with 25 creative events championing a wide range of Caribbean diaspora artists, including an ‘An Evening With Lovers Rock.’

Harmony Youth Project North West has a 3-month creative exhibition focussing on Windrush with smaller creative projects leading to a final event with a Caribbean church choir, a performance at residential homes by school pupils, live Caribbean music, a seminar on the history of Windrush, and a disco for young people.

The UK Government has backed the day with the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, with grants for projects commemorating the unique day in history. Highlight all of the events and activities that will be happening across the UK to celebrate and educate the day, the events have been largely funded by the government’s Windrush Grant Scheme to get wider recognition and understanding not just from the Caribbean community but all communities in the UK about the Windrush Generation and their contribution to our country.

In 2018 Kingsway Project commissioned the Royal Mail Windrush 70 Stamps. The group continues to produce informative booklets, calendars and short films to inform people about Windrush. For information visit windrush70.com.

Oldbury and West Bromwich are the latest towns to be added to the growing West Midlands Cycle Hire (WMCH) network following the launch in Sandwell today.

More than 60 of the distinctive grey and green bikes are now available across ten docking stations at popular destinations around the area including Sandwell Hospital, Dartmouth Park, Sandwell College and Sandwell and Dudley Railway Station. This follows successful launches earlier this year across the West Midlands which have seen tens of thousands of riders clock up more than 150,000 km on the bikes.

Now the people of Sandwell will be able to try the bikes for fun or for their daily commute simply by downloading the West Midlands Cycle Hire app and following the instructions to find and unlock their nearest bike. First time riders can enjoy their first 30 minutes free of charge. Among those keen to give them a go this morning was Cllr Jackie Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable transport at Sandwell Council.

She said: “It’s incredibly exciting to launch the new cycle hire scheme in Sandwell. The scheme has been popular in other areas and I know Sandwell residents will welcome this new mode of transport to help them get around the borough.

“There will be cycling docks across the six towns in Sandwell and I encourage people to take this opportunity to reap the benefits of the cycle hire scheme. Cycling is also one way of staying fit and healthy and will also help lower carbon emissions by reducing the number of cars on our roads.

“But important as cycling and this scheme are, this is only one part of a truly sustainable transport system for Sandwell. That’s why I am committed to ensuring that people with physical disabilities and women who are survivors of female genital mutilation have access to cycling. I will be working closely with our partners at WMCA to ensure that everyone has access to the transport links we all need.”

The cycle hire scheme has been developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with local councils. The scheme is run by Serco – the operator of London’s famous Santander Cycles – using bikes, docks and locks manufactured in the West Midlands - part of the locking mechanism is made by West Bromwich engineering firm PHA Europe.

Investment in cycling facilities is a key part of the region’s plan to provide more alternatives to the car for shorter journeys around busy towns and cities with a view to reducing congestion, improving air quality and helping the region achieve its #WM2041 net zero-carbon target. Next month the region hosts the UK100 International Net Zero Local Leadership Conference meeting of city leaders to share best practice on climate change.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “With the addition of Sandwell today, we now have our cycle hire scheme up and running across all seven boroughs of the urban West Midlands.

“Our bikes have proven to be very popular across so far, with more than 150,000 kilometres already clocked up by riders across the region. I am delighted we’ve now launched in Sandwell where I am sure they will prove just as popular.

“Not only is cycling good for people’s health and wellbeing, but it also helps us reduce the number of cars on the road as we look to tackle air pollution and the climate change emergency. So, if you haven’t already then please do give our bikes a go – and remember your first 30-minute ride is free!”

Sam Jones, Serco’s micromobility director, said: “We are delighted to be working with TfWM to introduce the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme for the residents and visitors to Sandwell.

“Serco is using its experience managing the successful cycle hire schemes in London and Edinburgh to bring the new cycle hire scheme to the West Midlands and we have successfully launched the scheme in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Solihull, Stourbridge and Walsall. The new cycle network is already becoming part of the transport infrastructure in the West Midlands and we look forward to working with our partners Pashley and Beryl as well as TfWM to ensure that the scheme goes from strength to strength.”

When fully rolled-out later this year there will be 170 fixed docks and 1,500 bikes for hire across the region, of which 150 will be powered e-bikes. The pedal cycles have three gears to cope with hills and are fitted with high quality laser safety lights.

As an introductory offer everyone who signs up will get their first 30 minute bike ride for free. The normal cost of unlocking a bike is £1 with a 5p per minute charge after that, which means a 20 minute cycle will cost £2 and an hour £4.

With sizzling hot summer days already upon us and pandemic restrictions on travel abroad still a concern, most of us will be planning to spend a lot more time in our gardens over the coming weeks.

With this in mind, Rob Smith – allotment gardener and regular on Channel 4’s Packed Lunch – has shared his Top Ten Tips on how to get the most out of your garden this summer:

1.      Get ready for summer by decluttering the shed, tidying the garage or sprucing up the garden and finally getting rid of all those broken or cracked plant pots, old bricks and other bits of garden waste.  HIPPOBAGs are the responsible way of getting rid of garden rubbish with over 95% of your waste diverted from landfill; and don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll fill your HIPPOBAG straight away as you have up to 6 months to fill it!

2.      Make sure you keep your potted plants and baskets well-watered in the warmer weather.  Placing a large saucer under each pot will help reduce the need for watering and you can add water retaining crystals to baskets and troughs, saving you time and money, leaving you to enjoy the garden.

3.      Sow tasty salad leaves little and often to keep you cropping home grown veg all summer; perfect for BBQ’s and alfresco dining.  Try sprinkling mixed lettuce seeds into old buckets every 2-3 weeks, then within a month or so you’ll be harvesting sweet cut-and-come again leaves; it really is that easy!

4.      If you’re growing veggies in a greenhouse, make sure to keep the doors and windows open as the temperatures rise, after all it can get hot in there and you don’t want your plants to scorch.  Consider using shade netting to give your plants some protection from the sun in the height of summer.

5.      If you’re growing tomatoes inside or outside, remember its best to water the soil at the base of the plant rather than watering over the leaves as this can encourage blight, which in turn will ruin your plants and your harvest.  Removing leaves which cover the fruit will also encourage your toms to ripen and taste super sweet.

6.      Any plant that fruits or flowers will benefit from a feed during summer.  You don’t need to buy lots of specialist plant feeds; using a good quality tomato food will work on anything from tomatoes to cucumbers, through to strawberries and raspberries.

7.      If you are growing flowers in the garden, be it dahlias, begonias, cosmos or anything in between, the more you dead-head (remove the old wilted flowers), the more they will flower!  By doing this you are encouraging the plants to put energy into producing beautiful blooms rather than setting seed.

8.      All gardeners end up with lots of old plastic plant pots after they have planted out their flowers or veg in the garden, so why not wash them, save them and re-use them next year when you sow your seeds?  Instead of piles of pots, why not store them in a HIPPOBAG Midi Bag, it's the perfect size to put behind the shed or garage and its only £12.49, plus it folds up flat when not in use; this makes it great for storing stuff on the allotment too!

9.      Annual weeds should be removed from your garden by hoeing or digging them up and adding them to your compost heap.  However, if you have lots of problem weeds like nettles, dandelions or dock, why not put them in a HIPPOBAG to dry out so they won’t spread, then at the end of the summer you can add the desiccated weeds to the compost or simply book HIPPO to come and take the bag away, weeds and all! (Try the handy new HIPPO app for a really easy way to buy HIPPOBAGs and book collections.)

10.   Courgettes are a great veg for hardened gardeners or newbies to have a go at. They’re quick and easy to grow, they crop by the bucketful and it can be griddled on the BBQ, made into courgette spaghetti, added to curries and pasta sauce and even made into chutneys and jams.  Just remember to keep picking the fruit every couple of days or you’ll end up with a giant marrow; then again at least you’ll be ready for the village show if you grow a whopper!

From June 17 applications have gone live for Birmingham 2022 Creative City Grants – an extraordinary opportunity for community groups in Birmingham to apply for a grant of up to £20,000 to deliver creative projects that impact positively on their community.

Thanks to funding from Birmingham City Council, the projects will be a part of the upcoming the six-month festival of culture accompanying the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Up to 150 individual community groups will benefit from grants, with the goal to ensure that every ward in the city benefits from the £2m fund. To submit an application, or to find out more about Creative City Grants, visit: birmingham2022.com/culture/creativecitygrants.

A full breadth of community groups based in Birmingham are encouraged to apply, from local sporting teams and youth groups through to disability groups and LGBTQI+ networks who want to create arts as part of the six-month festival of culture accompanying the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Those who have never applied for grants of this kind before are welcomed and the Birmingham 2022 Culture Programme are ready to provide support and advice.

Encouraging artists and communities to work in partnership, the programme aims to be fully representative of the people of Birmingham with a panel of community leaders involved in the selection process. Thanks to generous investment from Birmingham City Council, the grants will provide an opportunity for Birmingham residents to come together to co-create artworks, creative works and performances to occupy the high streets, neighbourhoods, parks, waterways, venues and civic spaces of the city.

Lydia Harrington, Grants Programme Manager (Cultural Programme), said: “We want to build a programme of creative projects that showcase the people that make Birmingham so special. We’re a diverse and young city so we want to see that in the people who lead and participate in the projects. Successful applicants will also be offered training to increase their confidence in applying for further sources of funding in the future.”

Councillor Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “We always said the Games are more than 11 days of fantastic sporting competition. These grants will enable groups and organisations with their roots in Birmingham to showcase the very best of the city’s creativity to an international audience, and prove what we have always known – Birmingham is a great place in which to live, work or visit.”

Martin Green CBE, Chief Creative Officer of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games said: “Birmingham City Council’s significant commitment to the Games culture programme will see the work of residents and organisations from across the city standing proudly and equally next to that of major cultural and artistic institutions from across the region.”

To submit an application or to find out more about Creative City Grants visit birmingham2022.com/culture/creativecitygrants. Applications close at noon on Thursday 1 July 2021.

A group of art students have created a striking new mural to welcome back thousands of returning passengers to London Euston station. The public artwork was officially unveiled yesterday (Friday June 18) after a team of 16 painters spent 392 hours* brightening up Euston's entrance.

Local artists ‘Artmongers’ from the Lewisham School of Muralism were posed the question ‘how far can your ticket take you?’ as a starting point for the piece of art. Their response: a painted mural of iconic orange rail tickets folded into origami shapes.

Their canvas: hoardings at the main entrance to the major London transport hub. The artistic concept is that each ticket each has its own different story, but once folded a new space is made creating another dimension where 'anything is possible'.

The work was commissioned by Network Rail to brighten up the station with increasing passenger numbers returning to rail travel after Covid-19 lockdowns.

Gareth Parry, Station Manager for London Euston, said: “We’re blown away by the Artmongers mural and we hope that passengers are as impressed as we are.

“We’ve been working really hard during the pandemic to get the station in the best possible shape for passengers. This mural is another example of how the rail industry is committed to building back better from the pandemic so people can travel in confidence on the railway.”

Director of Artmongers, Patricio Forrester, said: “It’s been a real pleasure for our artists to work at Euston. Our work is a provocative space for everyone who wants to find inspiration by being on the move.

“The students have worked together, inspiring each other, pinching from each other and elevating each other’s games – and in this way, we came up with the reversible orange ticket idea. Each ticket has a different story and a wider meaning – we hope passengers will be inspired by our work and will enjoy working out the meanings behind the tickets”.

Meanwhile passengers are urged to keep following government advice around the use of public transport. People should wear face coverings on trains and in stations unless exempt for medical reasons and make space for others where possible to maintain a safe distance while travelling.

Carers enjoyed a socially distanced stroll around West Park and a cake and cuppa in the Tea Rooms to mark the culmination of Carers Week on Friday.

They were joined on the ‘walk and talk’ by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Councillor Linda Leach, who paid tribute to their incredible efforts in providing care and support for their loved ones.

She said: "We have over 27,000 unpaid carers in Wolverhampton who look after family members or friends who have a disability, mental or physical illness or simply need extra help as they grow older, and it was a privilege to meet just a few of them on our stroll around West Park and listen to their inspiring stories.

"Each and every one of our unpaid carers is doing an incredible job, often in the most trying of circumstances, and Carers Week was a chance to highlight the help that is available to them through our Carer Support Team.”

Wolverhampton’s Carer Support Team offers a range of help to people who care for a friend, relative or neighbour, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, have access to the services they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

Meanwhile, a weekly social group for carers takes place over Zoom every Friday from 2pm-4pm, and Friday’s event at West Park was so successful that the team hope to launch a regular carers group at the Tea Rooms in the near future.

Councillor Leach added: “If you are an unpaid carer, and you need any help at all, please don't hesistate to get in touch with the Carer Support Team – they are ready and waiting for your call."

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

The theme of this year’s Carers Week was to Make Caring Visible and Valued – recognising the fact that many people have taken on more caring responsibilities for relatives or friends as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the weather starts to warm up, Severn Trent is encouraging customers to put on their metaphorical capes and become water saving heroes this summer.

As part of the campaign, the company is also offering its water saving customers the opportunity to win a day out. All customers need to do is upload a photo, video or drawing/design of their top tip to Facebook or Instagram and explain the idea or top tip in the description – by using the hashtag #STWaterSavingHero they’ll be entered into a free prize draw to win a £200 gift card for use in a variety of restaurants, theme parks and hotels.

Doug Clarke, water resources manager at Severn Trent, said: “We noticed a huge increase in water demand during the hottest period last summer, especially as more people were spending time at home and in the garden. With another summer of staycations ahead of us we’re asking for customers to help by leaving the car and jet washing for another day and just enjoy the good weather.”

The company has revealed that demand increased by a whopping 40% during the hottest period last summer when everyone was at home, and while its reservoirs often remain full of raw water, the challenge is treating and pumping it out fast enough to meet demand - especially when temperatures increase and more people head into their gardens.

Doug added: “We’re really excited to see our customers tips and tricks for saving water, whether it’s swapping from a garden hose to a watering can, jazzing up their water butt to make it a garden feature or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, there are so many easy ways to save water and we cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with.”

Severn Trent’s top water saving tips:

·         Always use a watering can instead of a hosepipe when watering the garden

·         Try switching from a hosepipe to a bucket and sponge when washing the car

·         Be proud of your yellow lawn, it’ll bounce back in no time once it rains

·         Sprinkle Swell Gel in your pots, planters and hanging baskets - these clever granules store water and then slowly release it as your soil dries out, keeping your plants happier for longer

·         Use recycled water wherever you can - collect rainwater in a water butt, empty pets water bowls in the border when you refresh them, you could also use leftover paddling pool water to water your plants

·         Don’t forget that you can also get free water saving devices to help save water in your home too!

Residents, landlords and business owners will have their views heard on how housing conditions can be improved, and anti-social behaviour can be reduced in the borough.

Haringey Council have launched a 12-week public consultation for a new property licensing scheme that will cover properties that are privately rented to single households or two unrelated individuals in parts of Haringey. The consultation runs from 17 May 2021 to 8 August 2021.

Haringey is a vibrant, diverse borough where people want to work and live. 

As a result of this the increased demand for housing has seen a growth in our private rented sector. 

Unfortunately, not all privately rented property is of a good condition or managed effectively by landlords and agents, and this has resulted in various housing issues. 

We are aware of some housing conditions that do not meet our required standards and have led to an increase in anti-social behaviour, but the Haringey community are now being given the chance to address these issues and improve the standards across the borough.

Councillor John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Planning, Licensing and Housing Services said: “We are an inclusive council and continually strive to put community first and work for the best possible outcomes and this is why we a proposing change that will make a difference to people’s everyday lives. 

“Haringey has always worked closely in partnership with landlords and this proposed licensing scheme will provide a much-needed framework to enable us to ensure our high standards of accommodation requirements are applied and met across the privately rented sector in the borough.”

The council is proposing a scheme that will cover 14 wards within the borough and run for a period of five years. All properties in the area that are privately rented to single households (or two sharers) will need to have a licence to be legally let.

Areas proposed may be subject to change as a result of this consultation, as your views matter to us. See the survey link below for a full list of the areas included.

All are welcome to attend one of our online events where you will have the opportunity to find out more about the proposed Additional Licensing Scheme and share your feedback.

•    Workshop 1 – Today (Wednesday 16 June) 2021, 7pm to 8.30pm
•    Workshop 2 - Monday 5 July 2021, 6pm to 7.30pm
•    Workshop 3 - Friday 16 July 2021, 3pm to 4.30pm 

Due to the size of the areas included, approval to have such a scheme will need to be agreed locally by the council’s Cabinet and then by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). If approved, the scheme could be introduced in 2022.

Families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire say they are angry the government has failed to fix thousands of other dangerous buildings four years on from the disaster. An estimated 700,000 people are still living in buildings wrapped in flammable materials.

What started as a small kitchen fire in the early hours of 14 June 2017, engulfed the entire tower in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and killed 72 people. The type of ACM cladding on the 24-storey council block has been blamed for helping to spread the flames.

Safety checks on thousands of other high-rise buildings in the wake of the tragedy revealed not just dangerous cladding but other fire safety faults, including defective insulation, missing fire breaks and flammable balconies. Leaseholders across the UK now face bills of up to £100,000 each.

Last month, there was a fire at a development in east London with the same type of cladding used at Grenfell. Ventilation systems and fire doors did not respond to sensors at the New Providence Wharf building when a blaze broke out on the eighth floor, according to a report by the London Fire Brigade.

"It's really shocking in this day and age in a first world country we have buildings like this - and people living in death traps," warns Mariam Chaudhary, one of 35 people rescued.

"It's the last thing you expect when you are buying a place," adds the accountant, who is originally from Canada. "You expect to be safe. We are coming home and having to be super vigilant. It's so scary."

New Providence Wharf is eligible for money from the government's Building Safety Fund for the removal of dangerous cladding and since the fire, the developers have agreed to pay for the remaining work to make the building safe. The Bishop of Kensington is also backing a campaign, led by leaseholders, for new laws to compel developers to act and not pass on costs to leaseholders.

"We need legislation that will force the hands of developers and those responsible for putting up buildings that we now know not to be safe," Dr Graham Tomlin says. "People in Grenfell needed to feel safe in their homes and they weren't safe, and people around the country are facing mental and financial stress as a result of the cladding scandal. We need urgent action."

Churches across London will be lit up green and toll their bells 72 times later to mark the anniversary of the tragedy. The Prime Minister tweeted his "thoughts are with the survivors, the bereaved and the wider community affected by this devastating fire".

He added: "This government is committed to ensuring this never happens again." Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick echoed those words, saying: "The government will continue to stand with the community to honour those that lost their lives and ensure justice is delivered." The Grenfell United campaign is warning the tragedy will be repeated if the government's efforts to fix the crisis are not better funded and faster.

Mr Daffarn says there is growing frustration that no one has been held accountable for the disaster.

He believes the tower should, for now, stand as a monument.

"The tower must remain there as a symbol of what happened," he adds.

"The lack of progress. If I had my own way I would rip the covering off the tower and expose it in its full horror until we get some form of justice."

The government has allocated £5.1bn to remove dangerous cladding on the highest risk blocks over 18 metres. Those in lower-rise buildings will be able to access a loan to help pay for cladding removal, with repayments capped at a maximum of £50 a month.

Ministers have repeatedly said that building owners have a responsibility to make buildings safe.

The Queen's official birthday was marked with a scaled back celebration for a second year due to Covid.

This year's Trooping the Colour saw a reduced parade in the grounds of Windsor Castle, rather than in central London, led by the Scots Guards. In 2020 the event was cancelled due to the pandemic with a ceremonial tribute performed at Windsor by Welsh Guardsman and a band of the Household Division.

It came ahead of the Queen hosting US President Joe Biden. The monarch's actual birthday is on April 21 but her official birthday is marked on the second Saturday of June each year.

It is traditionally celebrated with a military parade near Buckingham Palace in which the Household Division marches carrying a regimental flag, known as a colour. The Duke of Kent - the Queen's cousin - was also present for the ceremony, which saw the F Company Scots Guards troop the colour of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards through the ranks of guardsmen on parade.

The celebration was a lot smaller than normal and has been dubbed a mini Trooping the Colour. But the military officer in charge of planning the parade said his aim was to create a memorable and uplifting day for the monarch, who has been based at Windsor during the pandemic.

Lt Col Guy Stone said: "Last year we had 85 on parade, this year we've got 274, plus 70 horses, so we're really excited about the event having grown and getting us back to normal for next year we hope.

"It's been very challenging, but we like a challenge. Covid has got a lot to answer for in so many ways, it's made this difficult but what we want to do more than anything is give the Queen a memorable and uplifting day."

May appeared to be the month nominated to focus on mental health issues. So, the many media platforms and outlets has been full of videos, articles and debates that feature the challenges faced by those with mental health issues, carers with the responsibilities of caring for their loved ones, the professionals working to deal with the current crisis levels of need and the politicians grappling with the financial burdens of dealing with the situation.

The month, for me, has only reinforced my view that the Black Communities have been left behind when it comes to dealing with our particular crisis.  Why do I say this?

Well, the diagnosis of mental health illness has been easy to make for black youth, particularly our young men, for decades.  However, dealing with the root cause has not featured highly for those in the position to take action to deal with the disproportionate numbers of black people in mental institutions or on medication.  Given that has been a major challenge in our community, should we be surprised we are faced with the same situation when we look to the mental health of our elders?

This month has featured Dementia as the topic for our focussed attention.  So, what does that mean for us a Black Community and what is Dementia?

Dementia, simply put is a collective term for the loss of memory and thinking skills.

According to studies, Black people in the UK are more likely to develop dementia than those from other ethnic groups but are still much less likely to be diagnosed and receive support, warned the authors from University College London and King’s College London who conducted the study.

Dementia affects more than 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK. The population makeup of the UK means that these numbers will only increase with time. In fact in 2017, research findings predicted that by 2051 the number of people suffering from dementia will double, however, in the BME community the numbers will increase by 7 fold!

So, what is it that makes our life and death, and more importantly our health and disease patterns, so different?

One answer lies in what challenges we face in life and the toll it takes on the brain to constantly overcome those challenges. The most immediate environment in which our brain is born and developed, and later interacts with during our adult life, makes all the difference. It impacts how we view the world and react to it, and affects our brain health tremendously. If that environment is full of injustice, discrimination, and racism, our brain experiences huge amounts of stress that dramatically decrease its healthy function.

The question we always have to ask ourselves is,

“Armed with the findings from the many research and studies, what should we be doing to change the landscape of care for our elders?”

I believe we need to learn more and speak more openly about the subject.  Too often we deny these health issues and therefore deny the support that should be demanded for us and our loved ones.

WE need to work together to identify our pressure points and the existing organisation in a position to lead a movement to alleviate those challenges.

So, I ask you to contact me with your thoughts on the way forward and topics for discussion in this column to ensure we change the landscape of care for our elders.

Sherril Donaldson
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The City of Wolverhampton is gearing up for a free event for all the family to mark the national Armed Forces Day celebrations taking place at the end of the month.

Armed Forces Day, which takes place on Saturday 26 June, is a chance for people to show their support for the entire armed forces community – including those currently serving, their families, veterans and cadets. The countdown to Wolverhampton’s celebrations will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 11am on Monday 21 June outside the Civic Centre when the Armed Forces Day flag will be proudly flown.

On Armed Forces Day itself, West Park will be buzzing with activities for people of all ages as it becomes the focus of family celebrations between 12noon and 4.30pm. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people must pre-book their free tickets for the event in order to control the numbers attending.

There will be live music from Chris Westwood, The Bluebird Belles and Helix Acoustic and a military drill and inspection in the event arena at 1pm. This free family fun event, hosted by well-known local radio presenter Dicky Dodd, will also feature a fun fair, street food traders, bars, face painting, an appearance from Wolves FC mascot Wolfie, climbing wall and escape room.  

There will also be the chance to meet and chat with local forces as well as information stands. The finale of the event will be a skydiving display from The Wings Parachute Display Team which takes place at 4.30pm (weather permitting) with four parachutists jumping from a helicopter and landing into the event arena.  

Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Councillor Greg Brackenridge, said: “As a city, we have a special relationship with our armed forces.

“Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to celebrate all that the forces do to defend the nation at home and abroad and as an ex-serviceman myself, this is something that is close to my heart. We have a fantastic event planned to mark Armed Forces Day.

“I would love to see as many people as possible come along and have a great time with their families while showing their support for the forces and thanking them for all they do for our city and country.” Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year the event will be ticketed in order to control numbers attending.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

With temperatures predicted to continue to soar over the weekend, Brits across the country are planning how to make the most of the ongoing warm weather – but a leading UK vet charity has issued a warning for pet owners in this sweltering weather.

According to PDSA Vet, Lynne James, heatstroke can unfortunately be a huge issue for dogs at this time of year, and in severe cases can be fatal. If a dog’s body temperature gets too high above the normal 38.6°C (101.5°F) they can become seriously unwell and need emergency treatment. Signs of heatstroke vary from excessive panting, trouble breathing, stopping suddenly, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, collapse or even seizures. While this is a scary prospect, there are plenty of things we can do to keep our dogs out of harm’s way in the warm weather.

Lynne’s top five tips:

1) Avoid the heat of the day

“One of the biggest heatstroke triggers is too much exercise in hot weather. Though your dog might typically enjoy long walks and frolicking around the garden, it’s best to stay indoors for the hottest part of the day. This is generally around mid-afternoon, so aim for outdoors time in the early mornings or evenings. When you do venture out, avoid strenuous exercise like running or games of fetch. Instead stick to gentle walking and allow your dog plenty of time to sniff, keeping their brain active as well as their legs.

2) Provide access to shade and water

“If you’re planning on heading out of the house, make sure to pack a supply of water for your dog so you can hydrate them throughout the day. Even if you’re just going out for a short time and it doesn’t seem that warm to you, it’s really important to take a drink for your dog in case they get thirsty.

“Whether you’re embarking on a stroll along a coastal trail, country lane or inner-city street, try to find areas of shade and rest more often than you would if you were walking without your pet – imagine how often you’d take a break if you were hiking in a fur coat!

“Cooling your dog down with a splash of water can help them maintain a comfortable body temperature – just ensure it’s not freezing cold as this could induce shock. Allowing your dog to paddle in a shallow pool or stream is also a great way to help them stay cool- just make sure the water is safe and clean before they venture in.

3) Be wary of hot spaces

“Whatever the weather, you should never leave your dog in small, unventilated spaces, particularly cars, caravans or sheds. Even humans find it unbearable sitting in a conservatory for too long on a hot day. When you’re at home with your dog, try keeping windows and doors open on the shaded side of the house where it’s safe to do so. This will allow plenty of fresh air to filter into the room. If you’re leaving your dog for a short time at home, make sure they’re in a cool, shaded room – draw the curtains, put a fan on a high shelf out of reach or leave them a pet-safe cool mat to make sure they don’t get too warm while you’re gone.

4) Cut back on the coat

“For dogs with thicker fur, hot weather can be especially uncomfortable. During the warmer seasons, consider having your dog’s coat groomed or clipped short to help prevent them from over-heating. It’s also important to be aware that flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Shih Tzus are at a higher risk of heatstroke, as they can’t cool down as effectively through panting.

5) Watch their weight

“Though this is more of a long-term issue, watching your pet’s weight is crucial as overweight dogs are more at risk of heatstroke. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will not only help to prevent a number of additional health problems, but also stop them getting as hot in warm weather so they can enjoy some fun this summer.”

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps to reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. 

Two local champions of grassroots sport - England’s first hijab-wearing boxing coach and a blind fundraising runner - have been named as Hometown Heroes, inspiring local champions of community sport celebrated by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Haseebah Abdullah coaches at Windmill Boxing Gym in Smethwick. Haseebah has been key in promoting and developing female participation in boxing in her community, having also played a huge role in changing official dress code rules to allow women to wear a headscarf and full-length clothing. Known for making others feel welcome and comfortable, Haseebah has seen the confidence of the club members soar and membership numbers increase.

Haseebah said: “It feels absolutely amazing to have been selected as a Hometown Hero. My aim has always been to provide a service, a home, a safe haven and a platform for equality in my sport and community.

“I’ve fought really hard to earn my place as a boxing coach, challenging stereotypes and overcoming many barriers. Receiving this recognition proves to me that we should always be the change we wish to see! As a coach I will continue to dedicate my time to create positive noise, break down barriers, accommodate different needs and be a driving force for equality and participation.”

Sandwell’s second Hometown Hero is Black Country legend Dave Heeley OBE, or ‘Blind Dave’ as he is more commonly known. Dave lost his sight at a young age but never let this hold him back. One of his greatest achievements was becoming the first blind man to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days, raising staggering amounts of money for charity in 2008. Since then, Dave’s determination to raise money via gruelling challenges has never wavered. In 2011, Dave covered 1,000 miles, conquering 10 marathons and 750 miles of tandem cycling in just 10 days, travelling from John O'Groats to Land's End. In 2015, Dave persevered in the Marathon des Sables - known as the toughest race on the planet, it consists of six days across the Sahara Desert, running over 160 miles. Still a local legend at heart, Dave has inspired hundreds of people, many in similar positions to him, to take up running and fitness, and often giving up his time to help, encourage and support others on their own journeys.

Dave said: “I’m so pleased and proud – I’m a Black Country boy, and to have the Commonwealth Games here is amazing. It’s absolutely brilliant to have the opportunity to represent my home borough and be a part of this little bit of history.”

The Hometown Heroes campaign by Birmingham 2022 celebrates and recognises the diversity of the region by shining a spotlight on those that go above and beyond to develop sport, encourage participation and promote physical and mental wellbeing in their community.

To celebrate their inclusion, each Hometown Hero will be profiled on Birmingham 2022’s website and social media channels over the coming weeks and will each receive a special glass award to mark their achievement.

Sandwell Council deputy leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “I’m so proud of our Hometown Heroes. Haseebah and Dave for me sum up the spirit of Sandwell: that determination to overcome challenges and build on the diversity of our community to create a better place to live.”

Ian Reid, CEO of Birmingham 2022, said: “I’m in awe of our Hometown Heroes. Their generosity, whether that’s giving up their time or just being a listening ear, is inspiring. Birmingham 2022 promises to be the Games for Everyone, and while it’ll be an event that brings together the best athletes in the world, we are also aiming to inspire the next generation. Shining the spotlight on these devoted individuals will no doubt encourage participation in sport and physical activity across the West Midlands.”

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022. The Games is already proving to be a catalyst for transformation across the West Midlands, attracting new investment and funding, creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people and new opportunities for local businesses, as well as accelerating projects that will ensure the region is ready to host a fantastic sports and cultural celebration.   

If you want to be part of history, you can apply to be one of the 13,000 spirited, dedicated and dynamic volunteers required to be the heartbeat of the Commonwealth Games. Volunteering at Birmingham 2022 is an opportunity to give something back, inspire a generation and be a part of something special - like our Hometown Heroes do every day.