Community News

Princess Cruises has revealed its second round of celebrities who will speak on Southampton-based ship Sapphire Princess this year. The 2,670-guest vessel will head to northern Europe and the Mediterranean from May to October.

Further to the first round of celebrities who were announced in late 2017, the second group comprises:

· William Roache (actor, Ken Barlow in Coronation Street) on a 14-night Baltic Heritage cruise, departs June 2. His son, Linus Roache (actor, Michael Cutter in Law & Order), will also be onboard and fill a separate speaker slot

· Valerie Singleton (radio and TV presenter, Blue Peter, BBC Radio 4) on a 12-night Canary Island cruise, departs October 9

· Ann Widdecombe (former Conservative Party politician, Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing) on a 12-night Canary Island cruise, departs October 9

· Terry Butcher (former football manager and England footballer) on a 14-night Baltic Heritage cruise, departs July 7

· Rosemary Shrager (chef, This Morning, The Real Marigold Hotel, Ladette to Lady, Soapstar Superchef) on a 14-night Mediterranean Interlude cruise, departs September 22

· Denny Seiwell (drummer and founding member of Wings) on a 14-night Land of the Midnight Sun cruise, departs August 18

· Allan Dennis Rich (songwriter, former Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nominee) on a 14-night Mediterranean Adventurer cruise, departs May 12

The addition of these speakers to the existing line up means at least one celebrity will appear on each Sapphire Princess sailing during the UK season, aside from a three-day Channel Islands voyage in October. They will host a 45-minute talk with questions and answers, as well as a meet and greet session including photographs and book signings.

Each voyage will also feature educational speakers who will discuss specialist subjects including history and culture, criminology, wellbeing and pop culture.

The Sarojin, Thailand's luxurious 56-roomed boutique residence, is helping couples celebrate Valentine's Day in the most romantic of settings. With a beach-front dinner and spirit lantern release, on the white sands of The Sarojin's pristine beach, couples will find the ultimate 'Just for Two' experience in Khao Lak this February.

Before rising for an all-day A la Carte breakfast with sparkling wine, couples can enjoy the intimacy of their luxury residence, which comes complete with a couple's bath and private outdoor sun terrace. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy the serene beauty of the resort, relaxing by the pool, taking in the tranquillity of the resort's beach, enjoying the impeccable service or indulging in a spa treatment at the wonderful Pathways Spa.

For those wanting to really up the ante to impress their loved one, The Sarojin offers a range of romantic 'Just for Two'experiences, from private cooking and wine classes to private charters aboard The Lady Sarojin yacht and vow renewals under The Sarojin's very own enchanting waterfall.

To end the day in true romantic style, The Sarojin is offering a beach-front four-course Valentine's Day Dinner, which will see chefs delight diners with gourmet treasures from both land and sea. Starting with beautifully pan seared foie gras, smoked salmon and fresh strawberry avocado and feta dishes, diners will savour every dish from the start.

Following this, the resort will be delivering a range of sumptuous dishes, including Thai spiced calamari, traditional wok dishes and a selection of barbecue and carving dishes, from clams, red snapper and Andaman lobster, to tender roasted leg of lamb and pork loin.

For those that still have room; there will be a choice of 10 delightful desserts, including homemade rose ice-cream, amaretto brûlée, crepe suzette and chocolate heart cake. Throughout the meal a jazz trio band will play music to bring this secluded setting to the epitome of romance.

The romance doesn't end at desert though, each dining couple will receive a spirit lantern to release into the sky, making a wish as the glimmering light flickers across the sky.

Guests wanting to add a spot of pampering to their stay can enjoy one hour's Pathway Spa credit per room for each night's stay in a Spa Suite, which can be redeemed against daily massages or accrued for ultimate relaxation with the four-hour Nature's Midday Haven package for two people.

Young people from Wolverhampton shared their experiences of mental health and wellbeing issues with Royalty at the first national HeadStart Learning conference last week.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge made a visit to the conference in London to learn about HeadStart, a five-year National Lottery funded programme set up by the Big Lottery Fund to give young people, aged 10 to 16, the tools they need to overcome life’s challenges and prevent the development of serious mental health issues.

The conference – ‘Improving Young People’s Mental Resilience and Wellbeing: Learning from HeadStart’ – was organised by the Big Lottery Fund and the Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families, of which Her Royal Highness is a patron.

Her attendance reflects her interest in early intervention in children's mental health to help young people get the support they need.

The conference brought together representatives from all six HeadStart areas, Wolverhampton, Blackpool, Cornwall, Hull, Newham and Kent.

Her Royal Highness met HeadStart Wolverhampton Ambassadors Cristina Wilde and Hannah Rooney, Assistant Young Person Engagement Coordinator Francesca Turner, and HeadStart Marketing and Communications Apprentice Emerson Morris, who discussed with her their involvement with HeadStart and the work they are doing to support the mental health of their peers.

Emerson said: “It was wonderful to meet Her Royal Highness and I found her passion for supporting mental health really inspiring. She’s a role model for young people across the country, encouraging people to talk openly about mental health.”

Head of Service Kevin Pace and Senior Young Person Engagement Coordinator Sunita Pallan-Jhalli also presented Her Royal Highness with a framed copy of the poem ‘Bright’, written by HeadStart Wolverhampton Ambassador Megan Williams, and discussed the good work HeadStart Wolverhampton is doing to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of young people in the City.

The conference featured presentations from academics working in child mental health, psychology and education, and keynote speeches from leaders from Wolverhampton and the other five HeadStart areas.

Young people from HeadStart Wolverhampton took to the stage to share their experiences and insights with delegates. Francesca Turner co-compèred the conference, and Cristina and Hannah participated in a young person panel discussion, ‘Young people in the lead: What does it really mean?’.

Head of Service Kevin Pace said: “It was wonderful to see so many staff and young people from all six HeadStart areas come together for this conference. Our Wolverhampton team were heavily involved throughout the day, participating in panels, leading discussions and sharing our local work.”

During the conference, keynote speaker Dr Jessica Deighton, an associate professor from University College London, shared important findings from the first national HeadStart survey of 30,000 Year 7 and Year 9 pupils from the six Big-Lottery funded HeadStart areas, including Wolverhampton.

It revealed that one in five young people have experienced mental health problems, much higher than the typically reported statistic of one in 10. Girls were more than twice as likely than boys to report experiencing emotional problems, with boys 50% more likely to experience behavioural problems.

Dr Deighton concluded that high rates of mental health problems among young people “highlight the importance of finding the best means to promote positive wellbeing, and to prevent and address mental health problems”.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This survey shows just how vital the help and support given through our ground-breaking HeadStart Wolverhampton programme is in helping our children and young people deal with the mental health and wellbeing issues they face.

“It was great that the team from HeadStart Wolverhampton were able to share their learning on a national stage at this conference and had the wonderful opportunity to meet and share their experiences with the Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.”

HeadStart Wolverhampton runs a number of specific programmes in its four target areas where need is known to be greatest, including Low Hill, The Scotlands and Bushbury South; Springfield, Heath Town, Park Village and Eastfield; All Saints, Blakenhall, Parkfields and Ettingshall; and Bilston East.

It also offers city-wide support through a Support and Guidance Directory at support.headstartonline.co.uk which provides a range of selected well-being and mental health resources from different organisations, with information targeted at young people, parents and carers, and professionals.

A newly-merged alcohol and drug service for Sandwell will launch on 1 February.

The service, which is funded by Sandwell Council’s public health department, will be run by Cranstoun Sandwell.

The service will offer treatment and recovery services.

A key focus of the new service will be to prevent alcohol and drug misuse through promoting a self-help approach.

Cranstoun has merged with Swanswell to run the service – both Cranstoun and Swanswell have been supporting people in Sandwell for some time.

Peter Glass, director of operations for Cranstoun, said: “Cranstoun are very excited to continue to deliver the substance misuse services in Sandwell. We will keep developing our partnership approach and build on the already excellent relationships we have in Sandwell.”

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “This will make sure we continue giving excellent levels of support to help people recover from alcohol and drug dependence.

“It will also help prevent people developing habits that can affect their health and wellbeing.”

Leading student property company Purple Frog is looking to leap across to Worcester, after signing a contract with PFHD Worcester, which has set in motion plans for a 149-bedroom Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme. Due to complete in the summer of 2020, the project will see the reinvigoration of a Grade II listed building on Henwick Road, preserving the historic Gothic-façade, while revamping and extending the interior to include a gym, study facilities, communal spaces, en-suite rooms and studio flats, perfect for the city’s growing student community.

The project will add to Purple Frog’s impressive portfolio, extending its presence beyond Birmingham, Nottingham, and Bristol, where it already manages properties for over 2,500 students nationally.

The decision by Purple Frog to look to Worcester as its next site location was an easy one: in the past ten years, the number of people applying to the University of Worcester has grown at a much higher rate than the national average, and it currently has over 10,000 students, contributing to the West Midlands’ higher education institutions total of £2.2billion to the regional GVA.

What’s more, the percentage of students studying at the university who come from outside Worcester is growing, meaning it’s more important than ever for quality, affordable student housing to be established close to the university. As it stands, the University of Worcester currently subcontracts 500 bed spaces in the private sector, as it does not have enough accommodation to supply its students. This latest development will tackle this problem head on, providing self-contained university accommodation, which in turn equally reduces the strain on local residential properties.

Speaking about Purple Frog’s expansion into Worcester, Managing Director Patrick Garratt, commented:

“This is an incredibly exciting time for us at Purple Frog, as Worcester is a city we’ve had our eye on for a while now: its prominent student population and its growing recognition as one of the region’s leading higher-education institutions means that there has never been a more exciting time to get involved with the university. There is clearly demand for high quality student accommodation and we’re looking forward to meeting that demand and providing a proper level of service to the tenants, the landlords, the investors and being good neighbours within the local community.”

The site being renovated has a rich history, as a former orphanage and more recently, the site of the YMCA. Both PFHD Worcester and Purple Frog are working closely with the Planning and Conservation Officer for Worcester City Council, as well as the planning consultants Malcolm Scott Consultants Ltd and DJD Architects, to ensure that the history of the building is kept alive, preserving its significance to the city in the process. Should the planning permission be approved, a handover period has been agreed with the current occupants to ensure that they are fully relocated to their new site before works begin, with both parties actively working together to ensure no loss of provision or service to its users occurs.

In order to ensure that both the historical significance and the future functionality of the building is upheld, both the planning consultants and the architects involved have been paramount. James Pugh from DJD Architects has been at the forefront of this part of the project, and stated:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to secure the future of one of Worcester’s most notable Victorian buildings while at the same time contributing to the growing success of the university.  The investment in the historic fabric made possible by the contribution of additional new accommodation will put the building in good shape for many years to come.  It will be rewarding to see the building continue to help shape the lives of the young people who pass through its doors, as it has done for more than 150 years already.”

Tracy Hubbard from Malcolm Scott Consultants added:

'This is an exciting opportunity for the City of Worcester, which continues to flourish as a University City.  The project will ensure a long-term viable use for this important historic building, whilst providing much needed purpose built student accommodation in a highly sustainable location’.

The sale of the building has been facilitated by Andrew Grant Estate Agents. Commenting on the process, Andrew Grant said:

“Purple Frog have provided a great opportunity for the YMCA site to be put to very good use providing dedicated student rental accommodation for the University of Worcester. I am so pleased that the Grade II YMCA building is being given an extended life to support Worcestershire and the county. Purple Frog were a very professional firm to be involved with and to hopefully bring things to a satisfactory conclusion”.

The Worcester site is still awaiting planning permission, and a drop-in public consultation has already been scheduled to take place at the YMCA, on Thursday 21 December 2017 between 3pm and 6pm. Local residents and businesses will be welcome to pop in to discuss the scheme. If the project receives the green light in 2018, the next stage will be to finalise the YMCA’s relocation plans to ensure no service is lost to those benefiting from the YMCA’s great work.

“Here at YMCA Worcestershire we believe that all young people should have a safe place to live, and we are delighted that the sale of Henwick Road will enable us to diversify and work with a wider range of young people,”  concluded, Duncan Berry, CEO of YMCA Worcestershire.

To have your say on the project, please feel free to attend the public consultation and present your views.

This half term at World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent, there's plenty going on from themed creative activities where children can make a unique gift ready for Mother's Day to Factory Tours where you can learn about the processes behind production, and our children's Museum trail with a prize for every child! Plus, free Museum entry for everyone and free Factory Tours for under 12's!

Explore the Factory Tour and Museum Trail

The award-winning Factory Tour is available Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm with last entry at 3pm and is free for under 12's! Take a guided or self-guided tour to discover how Wedgwood is made.

The Wedgwood Museum; free entry, every day 10am to 5pm. Discover the history of over 250 years of ground-breaking design and production. Younger visitors can take the Pottery Spotters trail which will guide them through the UNESCO recognised V&A collection, with a prize for every completed activity sheet.

Create: Pot Throwing, Pottery Painting and Ceramic Design

Three creative activities for Children (and adults!) to choose from, available every day from 10am. Come and make a unique Mother's Day gift that will be treasured forever.

Throw a pot on the potter's wheel in our Master Craft studio, with help from our skilled team choose from 7 different styles to produce your own pottery masterpiece!

Get creative and draw your own design to be transferred onto a piece of Wedgwood, choose from plates, mugs, cups and saucers. Using pencils, crayons and felt tips you can let your imagination go wild, using inspiration from Wedgwood designs, to create a piece of art to be treasured forever.

Younger visitors especially will love our Pottery Painting activities, choose from clay cut out shapes including hearts, flowers and stars; and plant pots, vases and tealight holders to paint and give to your mum on Mother's Day.

The UNESCO International Memory of the World programme has recognised the immense significance to world culture of the ‘Shakespeare Documents’ – the key archival sources for William Shakespeare’s biography. This material now has equivalent status in the documentary sphere as the pyramids have for the world’s built heritage.

The successful nomination was led by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in partnership with The National Archives, Worcestershire Archives and Archaeology Service, the College of Arms, the British Library and London Metropolitan Archives in the UK, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C, USA. Together these specialist archive and library repositories care for the precious ‘Shakespeare Documents’.

Their inclusion on the International Memory of the World register recognises the universal cultural and historical value of 90 documents relating to Shakespeare’s baptism, burial, family matters, property records, legal actions and business dealings.

Amy Hurst, Collections Archivist at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said, “The documentary trail left by Shakespeare during his life time provides a rich narrative of his life, giving unique insights into his personal circumstances and how these may have influenced his creative work. We hold 31 of the hand-written documents from Shakespeare’s lifetime that mention him by name and provide a vivid insight into his life as an Elizabethan gentleman and businessman. This material allows audiences to connect with Shakespeare, getting closer to the world’s most celebrated poet and playwright.”

The international registration follows the successful collaboration between the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and The National Archives, since their ‘Shakespeare Documents’ entered the UK UNESCO Memory of the World programme in 2014. This led to a special exhibition to mark the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016, and the return of Shakespeare’s will - loaned by The National Archives - to Stratford-upon-Avon for the first time since it was written. “The attention and excitement this generated demonstrated the vibrancy and draw that documentary heritage can have,” said Amy Hurst. “Our mission as a charity is to promote the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life and times. It is tremendously exciting to be working with our international registration partners to open up even more opportunities to promote these documentary treasures and engage with international networks and audiences.”

UNESCO’s International Memory of the World initiative works specifically with documentary heritage - manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual materials and publications – that have “universal value” which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. While the first principal of the programme is to safeguard material, from neglect, disaster or deliberate destruction, the internationally recognised status also opens up funding opportunities for conservation, digitisation, and use of innovative technologies to widen access.

Dr Katy Mair, Head of Early Modern Records at The National Archives, said, “You often hear it said that we don’t know much about Shakespeare; the personality behind the plays. But it is possible to piece together a substantial amount about his life. The Shakespeare documents held by The National Archives form the largest collection of its kind and feature nearly half of all known contemporary references to his life – including four of his six known signatures.

“Our collection provides a priceless perspective on Shakespeare’s life in London. It shows him appearing as a resident in the Elizabethan city, with the documentary trail then charting his rise in fortune, both professional and financial, reaching the heady heights of success at the court of James I and ending with his famous will. Paper and ink analysis of the three-page manuscript conducted in 2016 has forced scholars to reassess many of the assumptions about Shakespeare’s family life and death. He was a canny businessman who revised his will several times during his lifetime to provide for his family.

“We are pleased to see the global significance of these 400-year-old documents being recognised by the UNESCO International Memory of the World Programme.”

Dr Lisa Snook, User Services Manager, Worcestershire Archives and Archaeology Service, said, “Three documents in our collections at The Hive, Worcester, help to tell the story of Shakespeare's personal life in Stratford rather than his literary life.  The bond for the marriage of William and Anne, and the subsequent recording of the marriage licence in the Bishop of Worcester's register of 1582 are part of the vast Diocese of Worcester collection.  They show the process through which Shakespeare sought to marry, and in turn they reveal much about his circumstances at the time.   The will of Thomas Whittington gives a fascinating insight into his personal networks and connections in Stratford, as well as the connections of his wife and her philanthropic work.  Thomas names Anne Shakespeare and specifically requests that she distributes money to the poor of Stratford.  We are very proud of our Shakespeare connections, and are delighted that the collective documents relating to his work and his life are being recognised in this way.”

Dr Lynsey Darby of the College of Arms said, “Our archives have for centuries preserved official records of grants and confirmations of coats of arms, as well as records of genealogy and state ceremonial. Among the treasures of this archive are records of the grant of arms made to William Shakespeare’s father John of Stratford upon Avon in 1596. This application for a coat of arms on his father’s behalf shows the value the playwright placed on a visible symbol of his family’s gentry status, and the importance of having this status confirmed by the heralds of the College of Arms. We are delighted that these and other vital Shakespeare documents have been granted this special recognition of their significance.”

William Frame, Head of Modern Archives and Manuscripts at the British Library, “The British Library is delighted that UNESCO has chosen to recognise the importance of these documents.  The four British Library documents, which all date from the last 15 years of Shakespeare’s life, shed light on his financial affairs and provide tantalising glimpses of the views that Shakespeare’s contemporaries had of the man and his work.  We have digitised all four documents and hope that registration will bring these documents to a wider audience.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers is urging anyone who has information about those carrying a gun to tell us 100% anonymously what they know. The appeal is part of a 4-week campaign to make Birmingham’s streets safer.

Throughout 2017, the charity’s UK Contact Centre received nearly 500 pieces of information about gun crime from the public in the West Midlands who trusted us to pass on information. They did so in the certainty that they would always remain anonymous.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that gun crimes are up in England and Wales by 27% in the year to June 2017. Last year a surge in gun crime across Birmingham included incidents such as a drive-by shooting.

Pauline Hadley, West Midlands Regional Manager at the Crimestoppers charity, said: “Like all major cities, Birmingham has its fair share of gun crime and last year saw a particularly worrying rise in gun-related incidents. Join those 500 people who are already helping to keep our streets safe from gun crime, by telling us what you know.

“We urge anyone who has information to come forward and speak to us 100% anonymously. We are a charity giving people the power to speak up to stop crime. We won’t ask your name and we won’t judge. We’ll just listen to what you know. Please speak up and stay safe.”

If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the non-traceable Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Coventry will be welcoming international businesses including Google, Facebook and Barclays to help Midlands firms boost their digital capabilities at the Department for International Trade (DIT)’s Selling Online Conference next month.

The free event is an opportunity for business owners to learn about a variety of digital-based skills - from cyber security to app development and handling international transactions - through a series of interactive workshops and 1:1s with digital experts. These include representatives from Google, Facebook, Push Marketing, Bing, Marks & Clerk, Western Union, PayPal, parcelhero and Barclays.

The DIT’s Director of Export & Investment Midlands Engine, Simon Hall, will deliver the keynote speech along with Google, Barclays and PayPal to businesses on how they can reach new markets overseas through trading online.

One company taking advantage of online exporting is Northampton-based Stephensons Online Ltd. Established in 2010, they recently celebrated reaching £10million turnover with support from DIT to boost its digital skills. The business, which primarily sells beauty products, started by selling items through an eBay account and now operates a 7,500 sq ft warehouse and receives an order every 20 seconds.

Ian Harrison, Director of Exports, at Department for International Trade, comments: “Selling online allows companies of all sizes to extend their reach around the world and tap into new markets, something that would have taken an extraordinary amount of effort and investment without e-commerce.

“Midlands businesses can register for free and meet with inspirational speakers from the digital world, finding out first-hand what it takes to become a global success. It’s also a great chance to browse our digital expo and network with other businesses exploring the opportunities online.”

Grant Barber, Head of Marketing at Push Group, commented: “Push is a proud partner of the Department of International Trade and, alongside Google, will be bringing the latest in digital marketing innovation and thinking to the Midlands. At the event, we’ll be addressing topics from boosting your online sales with Google Shopping to staying ahead of your competitors through online lead generation, to help attendees understand how online advertising techniques can drive international expansion and navigate business in a digital world.”

The Selling Online Conference is one of a number of key upcoming events that will provide British businesses with the tools and platform to showcase their strengths to the worlds. Over the coming months, DIT will lead a delegation to Mobile World Congress (26^th February – 1^st March) and host the GREAT festival of innovation in Hong Kong (21^st – 24^th March).

A nursery school has been praised for setting high expectations for children, parents and staff after it was rated Good by Ofsted.

Inspector Heather Simpson visited Phoenix Nursery School in Blakenhall last month and found that Executive Headteacher Susan Lacey, her leadership team and governors "share a clear and ambitious vision" for their school.

Mrs Lacey managed the federation with Ashmore Park Nursery School "seamlessly and without disruption to children or staff", and has used the successful practice at Ashmore Park Nursery to further develop the quality of teaching and raise outcomes for children at Phoenix.

The steps the leadership team have taken have "made a positive difference", accelerating the pace of development and continuing to build on the school's strengths.

The learning environment has been improved with the refurbishment of the main classroom and the creation of additional space, while the quality of teaching has been improved through high-quality training. The governors are "very supportive" and have "invested heavily in improving facilities and teaching".

Teamwork is a strength and morale is high, with staff "proud to work at Phoenix". Children are "happy, safe and well cared for" and enjoy "excellent relationships" with their key workers.

Activities are "well planned and purposeful", and the "very good" ratio of adults to children ensures that all children receive "high levels of nurture and support", meaning they "thrive and get off to a good start in their education". Parents have very positive views of the school and have a good understanding of how well their children are doing.

Ofsted noted that Phoenix Nursery recognises the importance of "high-quality professional development" and strongly promotes this in a number of ways, including forming an international network between four schools in the West Midlands and five pre-schools in Sweden. The school is also taking part in a research project looking at the use of digital technology by young children, which is having a “strong impact" on their skills.

Inspectors also found a strong safeguarding culture within the nursery, with robust procedures in place.

Mrs Lacey said: "I am very proud of the team at Phoenix Nursery School and how the school has been transformed in the three years since the last inspection, both in terms of the environment and the quality of teaching and learning.

"The school is now involved in a further Erasmus research project which will enable the team to work with schools in Romania, Spain and Sweden which we hope will continue to improve the quality of education on offer at Phoenix Nursery School."

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "I would like to congratulate Susan Lacey and her team on this very positive report which demonstrates the good progress that Phoenix Nursery School is making, and the benefits that its federation with Ashmore Park Nursery is delivering to both schools.

"Good early years’ education is so crucial to the development of our children, and it's fantastic to read that Phoenix Nursery School is providing just that."

More schools in Wolverhampton are now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted than ever before.

The findings of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), carried out by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), indicate that skills shortages throughout the region are reaching critical levels. For Q4 2017, the number of businesses that reported experiencing recruitment difficulties was 82%, which sees an increase of 25% on the previous quarter.

Of the service sector companies hiring, the number reporting recruitment difficulties rose to 74%, amounting to an increase of 19% on Q3 2017 and 31% on Q4 2016. Furthermore, this current figure sees recruitment difficulties for the service sector standing at the highest level since records began. In particular, managerial and professional positions have proven to be difficult to fill.

In the manufacturing sector, the number of those recruiting who reported greater difficulties is at the highest level since Q4 2014, with figures currently standing at 63%. These latest figures highlight that skilled technical positions were the most difficult to fill for manufacturers, with 58% stating that they had experienced problems in filling these roles within their respective organisations.

However, despite the reported difficulties in recruiting, businesses throughout the Black Country have reported an increase in domestic sales of 5% on Q3 2017, whilst levels of business confidence have risen on the previous year.

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “In recent years, both manufacturers and service sector organisations have consistently informed us of the recruitment difficulties they have experienced. Whilst there is positivity relating to increased levels of confidence, this is something that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency if we are to ensure that the business climate is conducive towards growth.

“As a Chamber, we are working to increase the engagement between businesses and education providers, which we hope may help to address the skills gap. In addition, through our Making The Future campaign we aim to work closely with relevant bodies and stakeholders in order to provide clarity for businesses regarding changes to skills policy.”

Stewart Towe, Chair of the Black Country LEP Board, said: “The Black Country economy continues to grow with the total GVA growing by 2.5% from £19.6bn in 2015 to £20.6bn in 2016. Whilst this growth is great news for the Black Country, surveys such as these show us that there is still work to do and in particular with relation to skills.

“The skills shortage is a key area of on-going development for the Black Country and the LEP has been working hard through programmes such as the Black Country Skills Factory to connect schools and businesses to ensure we are addressing skills shortages across key sectors building a skilled labour force as well as providing expert career advice and pathways for young people in the Black Country.

“We will ensure we make the most of the data shared through the Quarterly Economic Survey to continue to drive forward economic growth across the Black Country.”

With Blue Monday having just passed and Help for Heroes, (H4H), having just released new research about mental health, (below), Veteran Ryan Lewis from Colchester is hoping that by sharing his experiences he will encourage others to come forward.

The former Sergeant served for just under 15 years in the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery; touring Iraq and Afghanistan. The 33 year old, who was born in Germany but grew up in Aldershot, left in 2014 after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital earlier in 2012.

“In 2004 my regiment moved and I found myself in Colchester. I felt incredibly isolated as I was away from my family and had a young family of my own. Trying to balance my job in the army and my life at home was becoming too much. I also started having panic attacks in 2009 and wasn’t sleeping because of nightmares from what I’d seen in Iraq. In 2012 I tried to commit suicide but thankfully stopped myself. It was then that I got admitted to a psychiatric hospital. After being discharged I went back to work but people just didn’t know to handle me. It was when I left the army that I felt lost more than ever”.

Ryan decided to get in contact with Help for Heroes and visited the Recovery Centre near his home in Colchester. After signing up as a Band of Brother he now attends the centre regularly.

“When I first stepped through the doors of Chavasse VC House I didn’t want to mix with anyone. I kept my head down and didn’t want to talk. There was no pressure from anyone though. They just gently let me know that when I was ready they were ready. I started seeing a Psychological Wellbeing Advisor who helped me to see things from a different angle and enabled me to be more proactive when it came to problem solving. I’d had a lot done for me in the army, such as paying bills, so I had to learn how to take responsibility for my own budget”.

He continued: “I immediately saw the benefits and it changed my whole outlook on myself. As I grew stronger I started to talk with other veterans and realised that they had been through similar experiences. It was nice to be able to grab a brew and just be really honest about your feelings. I even took park in the Hero Ride in 2015; a fundraising event which saw 100 injured servicemen and women collectively cover 18,000 miles”.

Although the road to recovery can be long Ryan has come a remarkable way. After responding to a Facebook advert about extras being needed to play soldiers in a TV programme he has now signed up with an agency and has regular extras work. His first job was with Olivia Coleman in the Night Manager but Ryan has also worked on the Netflix Drama The Royals and the Inspector Morse spin-off Endeavour. More recently he has done films with Will Ferrell and Woody Harellson.

“It’s the hardest thing to make that phone call admitting that you need help. You have a fear of rejection or being judged. But nobody does. There is only acceptance. And plenty of others who are going through a similar situation. You feel like you’re the only person in the world feeling like this but you soon realise that’s not the case”.

A popular City of Wolverhampton Council-run centre for people with disabilities has been officially reopened after undergoing a major makeover.

The Brickkiln Centre, on Cherry Street, Graiseley, has been renovated and upgraded to enable it to welcome more service users and community groups.

The centre was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Phil Page and Cabinet Member for Adult Services Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE after being given a light, spacious, modern and welcoming feel.

It now boasts brighter decor, with colour coded and contrasting doors and handles and inclusive signage with braille designed to help people with a visual impairment get around more easily. The garden area has been improved, the domestic kitchen has new equipment and a Changing Place toilet, the third in Wolverhampton, has been installed for people who need support to attend to their personal care.

The venue offers a wide range of facilities, including a large sensory room, a community hall, IT facilities and an outdoor activity area. As well as adults and children with disabilities and the SupportPlus service for adults with a learning disability, the Brickkiln Centre is also used by local residents and associations, with a number of rooms available to hire including the sensory room, a small meeting area and a hall which can cater for up to 50.

The Brickkiln Centre is one of three City of Wolverhampton Council-run facilities for people with disabilities, all of which have recently been or are in the process of being renovated.

Action4Independence, on Albert Road near West Park, was transformed in 2016 and is now a bright, accessible venue offering art, horticultural, catering and Information Technology activities. It hosts a number of community groups, NHS teams and council services and is also home to Enable, a supported employment service for people with disabilities, and the Community Pathways team who help people who are disabled gain greater independence.

Meanwhile the Neil Dougherty Centre, on Pope Road, is currently undergoing modernisation work to bring its facilities up to the standards available at the Brickkiln Centre and Action4Independence and is due to reopen in the near future.

It will act as a base for the City Links service, which offers day opportunities to adults with a disability including football coaching in partnership with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at WV Active Aldersley and drama at the Arena Theatre. It also hosts sessions at the Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall, WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams and The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton.

Approximately £180,000 has been invested across the three sites, with the improvements at Brickkiln costing around £55,000.

Councillor Samuels OBE said: "The support that is available for people with disabilities in Wolverhampton has been transformed for the better over the last few years.

"We've moved away from traditional, more institutionalised forms of support based in large day centres to more inclusive activities designed to help people learn new skills and increase their independence as much as possible.

"I'm delighted to have officially reopened the Brickkiln Centre and look forward to the improvement work being completed at the Neil Dougherty Centre which will give us three fantastic facilities for use by both people with disabilities and the local community at key locations across the City."