Community News

Nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year.

Thousands of people are expected to come together for prayers and to celebrate Eid at an event taking place across the weekend.

Caerphilly Youth Service continues to make a difference for young people throughout the borough.

A recent report presented to Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Education and Social Services Scrutiny Committee shines a light on how, as the service gears up for an Estyn inspection, it’s adapting to changes in funding and governance while continuing to support over 10,000 young people.

Key outcomes delivered by the service include:

• Youth Empowerment:The Caerphilly Youth Forum has given young people aged 11-25 a platform to voice their concerns and influence decisions. This has led to real changes in areas like school facilities, personal safety, mental health, environmental awareness, and employment support.

Following a ballot of young people in the borough, the Forum has identified access to school toilets as a priority issue for them to focus on in the coming year.

• Educational Support:Alternative educational options for students who need extra help, ensuring they stay engaged and succeed academically.
• Community Safety:Initiatives implemented by the Youth Service to improve personal safety, making young people feel more secure in their communities and on public transport.
• Health and Wellbeing:Its programs have educated young people about positive body image, nutrition, and mental health resources, helping them lead healthier lives.
• Environmental Impact:The promotion of environmental awareness, leading to increased recycling and reduced littering in the community.
• Employment and Skills Development:Supported young people in finding jobs, setting up businesses, or becoming self-employed, including guidance on work experience and financial support.

Councillor Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities at Caerphilly Council, said “This report demonstrates that despite some challenges, Caerphilly’s Youth Service continues to deliver a wide range of educational and pastoral support which really makes a difference for many young people. 

“We look forward to continuing developing the service in partnership with young people.” The full report can be found here: Education Social Services Scrutiny committee. Youth Service Update Jun2025.pdf

Severn Trent’s ‘NeighbourGOOD’ scheme is back as the water company looks to find community projects that could benefit from grants of up to £2,500 – plus hands-on help from its own team of volunteers.

Birmingham's global influence in jewellery making has been recognised by being granted World Craft City Status.

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A free family fun day will be held in Wolverhampton to mark Armed Forces Day 2025.

For an entire generation growing up the 1980s and 1990s, Rik Mayall was one of the most familiar - and fascinating - faces on television.

In a vibrant showcase of faith, culture, and unity, West Midlands Police hosted its inaugural Vaisakhi celebration on Saturday, May 24, at the force’s Tally Ho! training centre in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police chief constable has joined other senior officers and MI5 in calling for the Government to give them enough funding amid pressures from the latest plans to release prisoners early.

The Midlands-based charity zoo is pleased to announce the successful arrival of two Humboldt penguin chicks and a baby De Brazza’s monkey, both species which are part of important European conservation programmes.

There’s a novel idea turning pages in a new Leicestershire community this May and it’s bound to bring the community together.

Dr King G Mall BEM and MLSS (Midland Langar Seva Society) organised a special fundraising event for all the family to take part in.

New care home marks a vibrant first month with dancing, duck-feeding, and disco fever!

The school run has been made safer for more pupils following the introduction of traffic calming measures by City of Wolverhampton Council.