Community News

The ‘squeezed middle’ in their 50s, 60s and 70s – who are often supporting children and grandchildren as well as elderly parents – are having to dip into pensions and savings to fund care.

In a survey of over 1000 friends and family adopting caring duties - conducted by Benenden Health - almost one quarter (24%) have used their savings and/or pension to fund the cost of care.

Across all carers surveyed, one in six said the cost burden of care had left them struggling for money and a third said they expected to have to raid their savings within the next five years.

There were 1.31 million new requests for care and support from people aged 65+ in 2015/16, yet less than half were awarded it (46.5%).

More than four in ten people caring for an elderly family member spend up to £1,000 of their own money on them each year, while three in ten pay between £1,000 and £10,000, according to a report by Benenden Health.

Altogether in 2017, friends and family spent up to £1.7 billion from their own pockets supporting elderly loved ones. This figure could increase to £2.8 billion by 2050 based on the growth of the UK’s ageing population.

This population growth will place 2020 as the point at which the 65+ population will outweigh under 15s, putting significant additional pressure on ‘the squeezed middle’.

On average, the carers surveyed already spend 168 hours per year caring for ageing loved ones - equivalent to 118 million hours across the country.

As a result, one third of those surveyed said caring responsibilities have an impact on their working lives including reduced working hours, shift changes and and/or frequently must leave work unexpectedly.

Bob Andrews, CEO at Benenden Health said, “Whilst we are so lucky that so many people are dedicating their time and money to support our ageing population, it’s a shocking statistic that people have to put their own financial security at risk because adequate support is not available.

“It’s also important that as people are living longer than ever, we ensure they have a respectable quality of life, which is why we’re trying to help carers recognise signals of deteriorating health in their loved ones, and prepare them for the care conversation through our series of helpful guides.”

West Midlands Combined Authority is one of only 37 UK organisations to achieve the National Centre for Diversity’s prestigious Leaders in Diversity award. Here, staff explain how the organisation has risen to the challenge…

“I was used to be being told what I couldn’t do, not what I could do,” says Lyndsey Roberts, the new scrutiny officer at West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Lyndsey, 38, has been in post for a month – but it’s a job she almost didn’t apply for.

“Basically, I didn’t have the confidence,” she said. “I didn’t think I had the right experience, and I was used to getting on with my work in the background, staying in the shadows.”

Lyndsey’s story is not unique. WMCA’s Leadership Commission, set up by Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, spent nine months investigating why so few senior positions in organisations across the West Midlands were held by women, or people from the black and ethnic minority and LGBT communities.

It found employees from under-represented parts of society avoided applying for promotions due to a lack of confidence and ingrained business cultures which left them feeling excluded.

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In June, the Commission produced a detailed report, Leaders Like You, with various recommendations to improve equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the region – and a challenge for WMCA to lead the way.

Now the authority’s commitment to EDI has been underlined by a national award – the National Centre for Diversity’s Leaders in Diversity accreditation. WMCA is one of only 37 organisations in the UK to achieve this status, and its approach is already benefitting staff like Lyndsey.

It was WMCA chief executive, Deborah Cadman OBE, who first approached Lyndsey about a project management role with the Leadership Commission – a job Lyndsey says she would never have considered herself.

Sensing Lyndsey’s lack of confidence, Deborah provided one-to-one coaching and mock interviews to help her prepare.

Lyndsey explained: “I remember going into Deborah’s office for a chat about the job, and she said: ‘Don’t be scared. Embrace it.’

“That’s where my journey started, really. When the scrutiny officer advert was posted, I didn’t think I could do it because I didn’t have the confidence to speak up and challenge people.

“But when I went through the job specification with Deborah, she helped me see I’d already gained many relevant skills in my job, or in previous jobs.

“It was a lightbulb moment.”

Lyndsey nailed the interview, and was offered the job full-time. The scrutiny officer has to challenge the Mayor, and the combined authority, to ensure money is being spent properly. A month on, and she’s already made her mark.

Cllr Peter Hughes, chair of the WMCA scrutiny committee and Sandwell councillor, said: “When you see Lyndsey in action, it’s strange to think she almost didn’t apply due to a lack of confidence. I’m pleased she was given the support she needed to really go for it.”

Mayor Andy Street, said: “The Leadership Commission’s recommendations threw down the gauntlet for WMCA, and we’ve been quick to respond to that challenge.

“A truly inclusive economy removes barriers and obstacles and offers real career opportunities for everyone to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background.

“Lyndsey’s success, and the Leaders in Diversity award, are just the beginning for us in the region. Next, we’ll be speaking to business leaders across the region to encourage them to recruit and promote more diversely.”

Deborah Cadman believes businesses have a lot to gain by focussing on good EDI practices.

She said: “Lyndsey is a great candidate, but we almost missed out because she lacked confidence.

“Businesses can play a really important role in helping people in the West Midlands to reach their full potential by providing mentoring and support. Otherwise, employers could be missing out on the perfect candidates sitting right under their noses.”

The National Centre for Diversity accreditation was awarded after a lengthy review process, which saw inspectors visit the organisation, survey 245 staff members and rate the authority’s efforts on EDI.

The inspector’s report stated: “WMCA is developing into an exemplary organisation in terms of EDI. I was impressed by the staff, the environment and the overall feel I got from the organisation, and by the value it placed on EDI and the investment undertaken to make WMCA a progressive and inclusive organisation.”

Cllr Steve Eling, WMCA portfolio holder for cohesion and integration, and leader of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “The help and support WMCA gives to its staff provides a great example for other organisations which could be overlooking ideal candidates for promotion within their existing staff.”

There’s no doubt summer is the height of wedding season in the UK, but just how much does the nation know about one of the biggest legal contracts they will ever enter?

The University of Law, the UK's longest-established specialist provider of legal education and training, has reviewed some of the world’s strangest marriage laws, and polled 2,000 UK residents¹ to see if the nation can spot which laws are real, and which are fake.

When it comes to UK weddings, three-quarters of the nation (75%) thought the law that “couples in England and Wales must specify a room within a building for the ceremony to take place – not in the open air or under a marquee” was untrue, when it is in fact a condition to gain approval of premises for civil marriage and partnership. Couples wishing for a garden wedding must have the legal ceremony separately before or after the big day.

Another UK law that the nation struggled to identify as real, was about the requirements for a legally granted divorce. This law has recently been under fire thanks to a selection of high profile cases, but as it stands, the only way to successfully achieve a divorce is if one party takes the blame for the marriage falling apart – a fact over half (58%) thought was false.

On the other side of the spectrum, for those successful marriages racking up 65 years together, more than one in ten (12%) believed a marriage license renewal was required in the eyes of the law – a statement which is not true in the UK.

It’s not just strange UK marriage laws that confused the nation though, the survey also included several real and fake marriage laws from around the world to test the nation’s knowledge. Probably the most baffling being the law which states women in Saudi Arabia have legal grounds for divorce if their husband fails to bring them a fresh cup of joe in the morning, a fact that more than four in five (86%) didn’t know.

Others that stumped the nation include the Russian law which makes it illegal for the groom’s family to contribute to the wedding costs, a law two thirds (65%) of those asked weren’t familiar with, and Austria’s legal requirement for couples to court a minimum of five years before they’re allowed to tie the knot - something three quarters (75%) failed to know.

Probably the strangest of marriage laws in the United States is one surprisingly known by 44% of Brits - married couples in Massachusetts are not legally allowed to sleep nude in a rented room. Similarly, 44% knew that in Kansas, the mistreatment of mothers-in-law can be used as grounds for divorce.

When it comes to who American citizens choose to marry, California residents are legally allowed to marry their first cousins, a fact Brits couldn’t get there heads around. When asked, 49% said they thought this was true if they’re both single by the age of 35, with the remaining 61% failing to believe this is permitted at all.

Commenting on the results, Lysette Gauna, Head of Brand & Content Marketing at The University of the Law, said: “It’s interesting to see some of the weird and wonderful laws that exist both here at home and all over the world, some of which sound as though they should be completely fictional.

“A lot of us like to think we know our facts when it comes to the law, so we wanted to build this quiz to test any potential legal experts out there on some of the more obscure laws that exist across the globe.”

Readers are being encouraged to play Book Bingo at Wolverhampton's libraries this summer.

To take part, library members simply need to pick up a game card from their local library, get borrowing and cross off the corresponding square when they have read the relevant book.

Each of the 16 squares on the game card has a description of the type of book which should be read. For instance, readers could complete a bingo line by reading four books, including a children's book, a classic, a title by an author they have not read before and an eBook or eAudiobook downloaded through the free BorrowBox app.

For a full house they would need to complete a further 12 challenges, including reading an award-winning book, a title which has been made into a film, a book set in the summer, a biography or memoir, a book by a celebrity author, a title with an eye-catching cover, a book with a one-word title, a book which has been recommended by a friend, an historical book, a humorous book, their favourite author's debut title and, last but not least, an old favourite which they have read before.

The closing date for entries is 14 September and prizes are up for grabs for three lucky winners; one for completing a line, one for completing the four corners of the game card and finally a prize for a full house.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Book Bingo is a great reason to not only get reading this summer, but also to choose titles from a wide variety of genres."

The City of Wolverhampton Council has been given a prestigious award by the Ministry of Defence in recognition of the support it offers to the military community.

The council is just one of a handful of local authorities nationwide to receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award – the highest recognition for employer support to the Armed Forces.

The City of Wolverhampton Council ensures that the military community – including serving personnel, veterans, their families and cadets – get a fair deal in employment and the services the council provides.

This includes the development of positive recruitment policies for service leavers, veterans and their families. It also offers reservists employed by the council an additional 24 days paid leave to fulfil their duties if and when they are mobilised.

Councillor John Reynolds, who chairs the Wolverhampton Armed Forces Covenant Board, a partnership of organisations committed to tackling the disadvantages that members of the military community may face, said: “The City of Wolverhampton Council is extremely proud to have received this award in recognition of our work in this area and our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces community.

“Since signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant six years ago, we have been on a journey to better support our military community.

“We have raised the profile of the Armed Forces and the issues they face through a highly successful social media campaign and developed a new website at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/armedforces which acts as a first port of call for anyone needing help and support.

“We are supporting veterans into employment, helping homeless veterans into accommodation and delivering fantastic events such as Armed Forces Day. We have also supported businesses and local organisations to sign an Armed Forces Community Covenant of their own.

“We are delighted to receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence and hope to use this as a springboard for further action.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said: “We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is a setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.

"Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation."

The award will be presented to the City of Wolverhampton Council at a special ceremony later this year.

For more information about the Armed Forces Community Covenant, a pledge of mutual support between the city and its Armed Forces community, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/armedforces.

Ever wondered what life was really like growing up inside a military fort?

Well now you can find out by becoming a 'Barrack Rat' at Newhaven Fort this summer.

Follow in the footsteps of Lucy, Tom and Mary, three children who grew up in Newhaven Fort during the 19th century. The Fort was their home and playground and they spent their days exploring its arches and tunnels.

They knew the best routes and shortcuts making them the perfect people to help the soldiers who also lived here. Their job was to run errands around the Fort, being careful not to upset the Sergeant Major!

Using one of the new adventure trail booklets, follow in their footsteps to discover the Fort's hidden secrets. Dress up in the Victorian clothes from the dressing up box – take a selfie for Mum & Dad. Will you collect enough points to become a Barrack Rat too?

This summer there's also an ever-changing programme of events and activities; from open-air cinema and music hall to new First World War exhibitions and ghost walks.

Venture on to the ramparts and gun emplacements to soak up the stunning views, or journey underground to explore the tunnels buried beneath the impressive Victorian fortifications.

The Fort incorporates 10 acres of beautiful surroundings with plenty of room for your little ones to run around. Younger visitors can also enjoy the outdoor adventure playground. Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome.

Each visit to Newhaven Fort offers something new and exciting – Don't miss the realistic air-raid recreation in the Blitz Bomb Shelter, take your picture beside the huge on-site guns and enjoy an afternoon tea in the 1940s themed Tea Room.

All of the Fort's exhibitions, the Tea Room and Shop are accessible. However, some of the tunnels and ramparts are not accessible due to the nature of the architecture and building structure.

An illuminated winter wonderland for all the family

Discover a fantastic new Christmas light trail in the heart of Kent at the Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest from 30 November – 30 December 2018.

For the very first time, the National Pinetum will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a magical after-dark illuminated trail. This unique opportunity to see Bedgebury in a whole new light is brought to you by leading events producers Raymond Gubbay.

Inspired by the landscape itself, visitors will explore a festive adventure in a world of trees, dramatically drenched with stunning lights.

The family-friendly festive trail features dancing fountains and shimmering reflections that cast light into hidden places. Highlights include a spectacular towering Tunnel of Light festooned by over 100,000 pea-lights as well as a scented Fire Garden, a Mistletoe Moment and much more.

There are hidden surprises too – watch out for frosty snowflakes, shimmering stars and gigantic baubles where you least expect them. At the Boardwalk, the giant redwoods are surrounded by a carpet of glowing colour-changing globes. The iconic trees, rising high into the night sky, are brightly illuminated by twinkling lights that dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Toast marshmallows at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel*, and spy Father Christmas and his elf along the way.

Both men and women invest time and money into their appearance, but new research has revealed that men are indeed the vainer of the sexes.

A survey of 1,021 UK adults carried out by interiors etailer, Furniture123.co.uk, found that men are the vainer sex, as men confess to admiring their reflection 28 times each day, whilst women did so 21 times each day.

Despite men looking in the mirror more often, the research data found it was women who look in the mirror for longer on each occasion, as they confess to spend an average 42 minutes each day, which equates to more than 10 days (10.65) per year.

In comparison to women, men spend an average of 31 minutes per day gazing in the mirror which equates to almost eight days (7.79) per year.

The survey also quizzed respondents on their selfie habits, the research found that Brits take on average 8 selfies before posting them on social media.

The data revealed that men take on average five selfies before settling on the perfect picture, while women capture 11 before they are happy to share with the world.

Despite spending so long primping and preening in front of the mirror, 80% of Brits said they edit and filter images of themselves to improve their appearance before sharing with friends and family on social media.

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at Furniture123.co.uk said: “From the research it’s clear to see that both men and women take pride in their appearance on a daily basis and it’s also surprising to see how many days this equates to each year.

“The ever-growing selfie trend on social media has undoubtedly made Britons more aware of their appearance. However, despite spending so long looking at their reflection a large number of British adults still feel the need to tweak and edit their images to meet certain standards before choosing to share them on social media.”

Liverpool locals were found to be the vainest city in the UK spending an average of 45 minutes gazing at their reflection, a whole eight and a half minutes longer than the national average.

Nottingham residents were found to be the least vain city in the UK, spending an average of 29 minutes admiring their reflection each day.

The Institute of Cast Metal Engineers (ICME) has moved its headquarters to the new National Foundry Training Centre in Dudley Port, Tipton.

The ICME is a membership organisation and professional body for people involved in the casting, foundry pattern-making and associated industries. Members include senior management, owners and directors, design engineers, metallurgists, moulders, patternmakers, CAD technicians, methods engineers, researchers, university professors, students and suppliers to the industry.

The National Foundry Training Centre is one of the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) spokes which has recently opened adjacent to one of the Thomas Dudley foundry sites.

The ECMS is a new employer-led training facility for the Black Country, designed to enhance productivity in the region’s high value manufacturing sector by providing specialist training and helping to close skills gaps identified by employers.

The project is a £12 million collaboration between the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), University of Wolverhampton, Dudley College, Cast Metals Federation, Confederation of British Metalforming and the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers.  The ECMS Hub will be based at the University’s £100 million Springfield Campus and will deliver skills training through short courses and apprenticeships at three spoke locations in the Midlands – Tipton, Aldridge and Dudley.

Trevor Ayre, National President of ICME, said: “It has been more than 25 years since the UK foundry patternmaking and cast metals industry had a dedicated, purpose-built training facility.  It is an ideal base for ICME to be located - we now have a facility that feels like the centre of the UK foundry industry and a place where members and students can have access to specialised training facilities.

“We are really excited to be part of this project.  The ECMS Hub and Spokes will provide world-class training facilities, supporting the delivery of knowledge and skills transfer via training courses and apprenticeships from level 2, right through to Degree Apprenticeships, supported by the University.  The focus will be on upskilling to support and help business growth, providing transferrable skills for a range of sectors across the UK and internationally.

“Our aim at the Institute is to bring together people from all sectors and levels, to offer help and advice, technical support and professional development opportunities, helping our Members make the most of their careers in the castings industry, and now we are strategically placed to do exactly that.”

Ian Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive at the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, added: “We are delighted to welcome ICME to its new home at the National Foundry Training Centre.

“Manufacturing requires highly specialised skills but has an ageing workforce and is suffering from a significant skills gap. Following extensive consultation with businesses across the Black Country, it’s clear that the region is lacking the technical skills that underpin HVM performance, productivity and growth.  The foundry industry is an important part of the advanced manufacturing supply chain and having the new training centre as well as the professional body for the sector together will really enable us to ensure we deliver what the sector needs.

“This is a key strategic project which links employers, further education and higher education in the Black Country and provides another huge step forward in the regeneration of the region, helping to boost the economy and create jobs.”

Older residents in Birmingham are invited to join a new monthly friendship group being held in the café of the M&S store in the city centre.

The new social group, named Tea & Company is being organised by Royal Voluntary Service together with M&S colleagues. The next event will take place in the M&S Café in the Birmingham High Street store on Tuesday 21^st August 2018 from 09.00 to 11.00. Attendees will have an opportunity to come each month to meet others in their community, make friends and find out about local volunteering opportunities and services.  The event is free to attend and attendees can enjoy a £1 discount off hot drinks.

Tea & Company friendship groups are being trialled in seven locations across the UK, as part of M&S’s Plan A 2025 initiative to support communities and deliver positive, measurable change.  The other locations hosting Tea & Company events are Middlesbrough, Bradford, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newham and Merthyr.

Lynn Hensman, commissioned services operations manager at Royal Voluntary Service said “Staying social and connected with our local community is an important driver for better health and wellbeing, particularly in later life. We are working with M&S to create this new group to help bring people together in Birmingham. We hope older residents will join us for what is set to be an informal and fun morning.”

Sarah Ford, Plan A Community Manager at M&S said: “We know that being part of and helping the local community really matters to our customers and colleagues. With a network of stores and cafes at the heart of so many towns and cities across the country, through our Plan A programme, we are ideally placed to help communities deal with challenges such as improving their wellbeing. We are delighted to be working with Royal Voluntary Service to deliver this new friendship group in the Birmingham store and our colleagues look forward to welcoming  customers, old and new, to enjoy a chat and a cuppa.”

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 20,000 volunteers supporting thousands of people each month in hospitals, at home and in the community.  The focus is on building confidence, improving well-being and keeping loneliness at bay through an array of social activities and more structured support.  The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS, with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.

To celebrate World Environment Day, Jetwing Vil Uyana organized a competition for Kimbissa Junior School, Digampathaha Junior School and Udawelayayagama Junior High School. The competition was based on themes surrounding current environmental issues and was categorized into Art, Poetry and Speech. A total of 137 children participated in the competition. The awards ceremony was held recently amidst the presence of Mr. Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels and many other dignitaries.

Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels commenting on this special occasion “We are dependent on the environment for everything, so it is our responsibility to make every effort to protect planet earth. Interactive competitions of this nature encourage the youth to step outdoors and appreciate nature’s beauty and importance. We believe bringing out the natural creativity embedded in these children helps generate new concepts and ideas for preserving the environment. Through them their families would also understand the importance of being responsible so that our footprint as a community is positive. Sustainable tourism has been close to our hearts for over 45 years and apart from being responsible in our own activities we always want to guide the community towards conserving nature.”

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 45 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of our key focus areas.

On 6th August, people across the globe will be meeting up for a game of football, settling in for a movie marathon or popping open a bottle of champagne to celebrate International Friendship day. With the glorious spell of warm weather these past few weeks, it is a great time to show your nearest and dearest pooch how much you care about them.

Often known as man’s best friend, dogs are our companions and considered to be a member of the family. In honour of this bond between man and canine, Lintbells, manufacturers of premium natural pet supplements, have listed a few top things you can do to treat your dog on International Friendship Day:

Treat them to their favourite walk

Canines thrive on routine, so shared experiences such as regular long walks together help to promote wellbeing as well as building trust, communication, and partnership between dog and owner. If there is a route nearby with nice scenery, or a popular dog walking trail where they’ll meet new friends, this is the perfect place to take your dog out for a little adventure that will help to blow off steam both mentally and physically. If your dog loves to play, make sure to bring their favourite ball or toy with you so you can practice some tricks and give them the chance run freely in the open space.

Learn something new together

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but investing some time into teaching your dog a new command is a great way to strengthen the bond with your pet pooch whatever their age, as well as stimulating them with a mental challenge. To do this, show your dog a small treat and voice the command clearly and calmly, while gently guiding the dog into the proper position. Once they have reached the position reward with the treat. Repeat this 10 to 20 times per training session – make sure to stay focused and be patient, and you’ll have mastered that new command in no time at all!

Prepare their favourite food

Who doesn’t like to be surprised with their favourite dish by that special someone? Our dogs are no exception. To really show your pooch they are loved, why not take the time to prepare healthy, nutritious evening meal as a surprise - a special dinner will go down a treat and leave your dog satisfied, leaving plenty of time for cuddles and belly rubs on the sofa with a movie.

Take a road trip

It’s about the journey, not the destination. You could make a short trip to your local pet shop, a longer journey to their favourite place to play, or even a drive down to the coast to enjoy a full day of sun, sea and splashing at a dog friendly beach. Taking your pet on car journeys regularly is a great way to get them used to travelling, making those trips to the Vet that little bit easier. If your dog is a nervous traveller, make sure to drive safely and carefully and provide plenty of ventilation, as well as some favourite toys or a rug to give your pet a sense of familiarity. It can also help to use a natural calming supplement such as YuCALM Dog help soothe their stress and promote contentment.

Give them extra care

Everyone loves a gift, so why not splash out on your best friend to keep them happy as well as healthy? It could be as simple of treating them with a new toy, or a brush to alleviate summer malting and promote coat health. With all the fun and moving around you’ll be doing with your dog on International Friendship Day, it could be worth investing in some tasty treats that support their health too – YuMOVE Dog maintains joints and bone development as well as aiding recovery after exercise, to help your pooch stay fighting fit and ready for fun.

Works from artists including Donald Rodney, Gillian Wearing, Helen Chadwick, Francis Bacon and Barbara Walker form part of a new experimental exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery which explores underrepresented stories of body image and identity.

Within and Without: Body Image and the Self, open now until 1^st February 2018, examines the questions, anxieties and stereotypes faced when trying to attain the ideal body we see reflected in public spaces.

Including artworks dating from 1825 to present day, with a new photography commission created especially for the exhibition, the display explores how body image impacts on issues such as social status, gender, health, aesthetics, religion, politics and sexuality.

At a time when we are bombarded with images of ‘body perfection’ and idealistic physical forms through social media, advertising and TV, the exhibition uses historical and contemporary images of the human body to uncover bodies and conversations that have historically been missing.

Stand out works in the show include Pygmalion (1997) by Donald Rodney, which is on display for the first time since the artist’s death in 1998. Pygmalion explores the complexities of racial identities, masculinity, perfection and fame through an irreverent depiction of Michael Jackson as a moving automaton. This piece provokes a discussion about one of the exhibition’s key themes of colourism and how racial identities affect lived experiences.

Barbara Walker’s oil painting Seventeen (2012) forms part of the display and is part of the Birmingham-based artist’s Ladybird book series which challenges the gender and racial stereotypes depicted in the original books.

One of the other main themes in the exhibition is the Male Gaze and how women are often presented as sexual objects for a male viewer. This is explored through Helen Chadwick’s Vanity (1986) which asks the observer to consider whether the artist is challenging or playing up to what is typically considered the desirable behaviour and appearance for a woman. As part of the interrogation of the Male Gaze a calendar from the Bengal Palace Balti Restaurant (2001) is on display. This piece looks at the representations of South Asian women in a modern Birmingham context, and asks whose gaze is this calendar is made for.

This is the second prototype exhibition in the ‘Story Lab’ gallery at BMAG, which has been created with the city’s diverse individuals, communities and professionals to help define innovative new ways of understanding Birmingham’s collection of museum objects.

The specially designed ‘Story Lab’ space has been created to test new ideas and radical approaches to provide vital insight and feedback for the plans for the museum re-development. The innovative approach means that visitors have multiple ways of experiencing the exhibition and its content, including personal and academic responses to the artworks, so they can decide what they prefer.

Lynsey Rutter, Community Engagement Team Leader at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We want to hear from visitors about this exhibition and the different ways you can experience the content and engage with the topic of body image and identity. Feedback is vital as we plan for the re-development of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and ensure that the collection is presented in an engaging way for the city’s future audiences. We’d encourage you to visit throughout the summer, when we will be actively looking for feedback.”

The UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, issues urgent safety warning to British citizens at home and abroad, as the hot weather is set to return this week.

It only takes one person to pause for thought before jumping in.

It only takes one person to know what to do in an emergency.

It only takes one person to raise the alarm.

It only takes one person to drown, leaving family and friends heartbroken.

Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, is urging the general public to stay safe around water as recent media reports indicate, that at least five people have lost their lives in drowning incidents, over the last few days.

Figures reveal that up to 50% of primary school aged children in England, leave school without being able to swim the minimum standard of 25 metres. Many more can swim but still lack confidence and an awareness of water safety.

Di Steer, CEO RLSS UK said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends of families of the victims of the recent drownings. We recognise that these tragedies increase in good weather but with the unprecedented heatwave, the figures are heartbreakingly high.

"We understand how tempting it is to cool off in the nearest body of water and we don’t want to stop people having fun. All we ask is that people take some simple, quick precautions to help keep them, their families and their friends safe.

"The ‘Water Safety Code’, has been developed as part of our tireless education work, to try and prevent these avoidable tragedies.

"I’d like to encourage members of the public to be each other’s lifeguards, at home and on holiday.

"It only takes one person, to make a difference and stop good times going bad.”

To coincide with World Breastfeeding Week, the 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend from Public Health England’s programme Start4Life will be available on Google Assistant to provide helpful advice for parents in the West Midlands during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Many mothers can find breastfeeding challenging and often this may cause them to give up. Currently breastfeeding rates in England rank amongst the lowest in the world.

The 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend complements the support provided by health professionals and offers friendly advice to mums who have questions and need support with breastfeeding at any point, day or night. The tool is voice activated on Google Assistant meaning mums in the West Midlands can get NHS-approved advice in the moment and when they may have their hands full. The 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend is also available on Amazon Alexa and Facebook Messenger, allowing mums to access the service across multiple digital platforms.

Evidence shows the right support helps mothers to breastfeed for longer. A recent survey from Start4Life found that 45% of breastfeeding mothers in the region wish they had known that breastfeeding may not come easy at first but getting support and advice can really help. When mums reflected on breastfeeding, the survey also illustrated that 20% wish they had known that asking for help breastfeeding can make a real difference and 27% wish they had known that there is lots of help and support from breastfeeding groups, other parents and online.

Work is being done across the West Midlands to encourage and support new mothers to breastfeed. The Dudley Breastfeeding Buddies are made up of volunteer peer supporters who run breastfeeding groups across the borough. The group is supporting the ‘Big Latch On 2018’, a synchronised breastfeeding event taking place in locations across the world during World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 Aug), including an event at Huntingtree Park in Halesowen, on Friday 3 August from 10am. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton’s Infant Feeding Team and Low Hill Healthy Living Hub is inviting parents to a family fun day on Tuesday 7 August from 1pm to 3pm at the Low Hill Community Centre – so new mothers can meet and share experiences over tea, cake and activities for the children. The Health Visiting and Infant Feeding Team will be offering advice to pregnant women, new parents and families with young children.

David Elliott, programme lead for PHE West Midlands Health and Wellbeing team, said: “The Start4Life ‘Breastfeeding Friend’ is a great tool for mums in the West Midlands who are looking for help and advice about breastfeeding, and now it is available on Google Assistant and Google Home, as well as Amazon Alexa and Facebook Messenger. to provide even more parents with support during that first few weeks.

“Combined with support from midwives, health visitors and peer supporters, the suite of digital support services from Start4Life can make all the difference to help mums get breastfeeding off to a good start and to carry on. Information and support just when you need it is vital; professional help along with a network of people who can share tips and advice or attending local breastfeeding groups can be beneficial for those who might require a little more help. There is also the National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 and NHS Choices webpages which signpost families to wider local support and resources.”

Viv Bennett, Chief Nurse at Public Health England said: “In the UK almost three-quarters of women start breastfeeding when their child is born, however by 6-8 weeks this drops to just 43%. Breastfeeding mothers often need help during hours when health professionals might not be accessible which is why Start4Life has extended the 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend to Google Assistant. Anyone with a smartphone in the West Midlands can now access this tool – all they need to do is download the Google Assistant app and ask to talk to Breastfeeding Friend. It’s so important that local mums have accessible sources of breastfeeding help and advice when they need it and we hope the Breastfeeding Friend can help complement breastfeeding services from healthcare professionals.”

The NHS recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months. As well as boosting a baby’s ability to fight illness and infection, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer and may also reduce the likelihood of ovarian cancer. Babies who are not breastfed are more likely to get diarrhoea and chest infections.