Community News

The harm caused by rising knife crime has prompted Crimestoppers to launch a campaign aimed at protecting young people.

Later this week the independent charity will, for the first time, use pavement advertising in key areas of Birmingham to promote their service and ensure more young people know that they can safely pass on information about knife crime 100% anonymously. The campaign lasts for four weeks and is predominantly aimed at those aged 25 or younger.

There have been nine knife incidents reported this year in the West Midlands.

Pauline Hadley, West Midlands Regional Manager for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Knife crime leaves families devastated and communities traumatised. Sadly too many young people believe that carrying a knife will help protect them from danger. This is simply not true. If you carry a knife, you are far more likely to end up being injured, or worse still, losing your life.

“We appreciate that some younger people are struggling with this issue. However, if you’re worried about a friend or relative who you understand is resorting to taking a knife with them, you can pass on that information 100% anonymously. Always.”

“In 30 years, our charity has never broken our promise to protect your identity. Please call 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Together, we can help protect your community and the one’s you love from harm.”

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.

City of Wolverhampton Council has welcomed Galliford Try Partnerships as the new developer on two of its major housing regeneration sites in the city.

The move comes after the leading UK construction group acquired the Tower and Fort Works site in Graiseley and the former Tap Works site in Low Hill from Bouygues, who are withdrawing from the low-rise family housing market.

Galliford Try will continue with the delivery of 150 high-quality homes on the Tap Works scheme, which consists of three derelict locations – the former Armitage Shanks Tap Works Factory site, as well as land on Fifth Avenue and Broome Road.

Forty of the units will be council homes for rent, with the remainder to be sold as market housing.

The first council homes are set to be completed within a year. The remaining Council homes as well as market housing for sale is expected to be completed within three years.

The Tower and Fort Works contract will deliver 77 homes at the historic Great Brickkiln Street location. A quarter of the homes on this site will be set aside as affordable council houses.

The remainder is to be sold as market housing, with the development consisting of a mixture of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses, plus five apartments, including two wheelchair accessible flats.

Construction is expected to start towards the end of the summer and should be completed by the end of 2020.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Peter Bilson, said: “We are delighted we have been able to secure a developer of Galliford Try Partnerships’ quality for these two very important housing regeneration schemes in the City of Wolverhampton.

“This is an exciting time for house building in the city with a host of projects springing up to benefit everyone.

“Work on these two sites supports the house building programme and will deliver quality homes for all."

Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive of Galliford Try Partnerships, added: “We are really pleased to step in and work with City of Wolverhampton Council to progress the proposals at Tap Works and Tower and Fort Works. Our intervention ensures these significant projects are delivered as originally agreed.

“We are renowned for our regeneration expertise and our ability to work with partners to unlock the true value of many challenging sites. Thanks to our strong regional presence, we can bring forward both of these important developments without the need to change the proposed tenures or delivery timescales.”

A 17-year-old refugee from Sudan has decided to take up volunteering to return the kindness he was shown by a charity project assisting young refugees and asylum seekers in Birmingham.

Max is among 118 young refugees and people seeking asylum who are being supported in the city through Surviving to Thriving, a partnership between British Red Cross, the Refugee Council and UpRising. Through support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the project is reaching vulnerable children and teenagers who have fled conflict, persecution and torture and have arrived, alone, in the UK.

In 2013, violence forced Max to leave behind his family and home in Darfur, western Sudan, and endure a two-year journey from Libya to the UK. Speaking at a Refugee Week celebration evening at The Studio centre on Tuesday 19^th June, Max explained how the Surviving to Thriving project helped him understand his rights, develop life and leadership skills, improve his English and settle into his new community in Birmingham.

Max says: “When I arrived in the UK I didn’t feel confident. I didn’t speak English and I didn’t understand anything when someone spoke to me. I was so frustrated that I couldn’t talk to anyone, but now I feel good. I pushed myself and the Surviving to Thriving project helped a lot with that. I’ve learned so much.

“Now I’m a volunteer with Surviving to Thriving and I help other refugees like me. I talk to them and give them advice, and I’m there to help them if they have a problem in their heart.”

In honour of Refugee Week, the event was an opportunity for Max and other 16-25 year olds from the project to showcase short films they made to highlight challenges faced by young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, including homelessness, isolation and a lack of education. The issue of child homelessness is of particular significance to Max, who slept in New Street train station when he first arrived.

He said: “It was good making the film because if you’re a homeless child you don’t know what to do. Coming to this country for the first time, you don’t know anything, you don’t know anyone and you need to know how to get support.”

Max has been involved in making six films through Surviving to Thriving and, as a volunteer, he now helps guide other young people in similar situations through the film-making process.

He added: “It’s important for me to keep busy or I feel I’m losing my time. I want to be a police officer like my grandfather in Sudan. He died many years ago so I didn’t meet him but I have a picture of him in his uniform I keep with me. People helped me when I came here so I want to give some help back.”

UpRising’s Chief Executive, Lucy Caldicott, said: “We are so proud of Max and all of the amazing young people that Surviving to Thriving works with who have been so open about the challenges and traumas they've faced to raise awareness of the day-to-day reality of refugee experiences.

“It’s fantastic to see how the power of kindness has inspired Max to change his harrowing story into a force for good and give other vulnerable young refugees and asylum seekers a listening ear, a helping hand and a friendly face.”

Max added:  “My future looks good now. I know what way I can go and I feel there’s something in my future. My mum always said to me if you work hard you fly high. Now anything I do, I think about that. I want to volunteer all my life and any time someone needs something I want to be there to help them. I know I have something more to give in life.”

The National Literacy Trust has revealed impressive improvements to the literacy skills and attitudes of children in Middlesbrough as the charity celebrates five years since the launch of its Hub in the town.

The National Literacy Trust Hub in Middlesbrough, known locally as Middlesbrough Reads, was established in 2013 in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Public Health. The charity has brought together local businesses, schools, health professionals, sport and cultural partners to deliver a range of bespoke programmes and initiatives that have significantly improved literacy levels in the town.

More pupils enjoying reading and writing

As part of Middlesbrough Reads, a number of projects have been delivered to promote reading and writing, and a public campaign has encouraged parents to make reading a part of family life.

The National Literacy Trust’s Annual Literacy Pupil Survey shows improvements in both reading and writing attitudes for pupils in Middlesbrough aged between 8 and 14 since the Hub launch:

• A 19.8% increase (or 10 percentage point increase) in the number of pupils who enjoy writing (50.4% to 60.4%)
• An 8.2% increase (or 4.8 percentage point increase) in the number of pupils who read for enjoyment (58.2% to 63%)

A key focus for Middlesbrough Reads has been the early years, with activity aiming to increase the number of children reaching the expected level at age five.

Hundreds of families took part in the National Literacy Trust’s Early Words Together programme, with local volunteers giving parents the tools they need to support their children’s literacy at home. The programme has had a significant impact:

• Between 2013 and 2015, 43% more children from participating settings reached the expected communication and language levels at age five; three times more than the national percentage increase.
• From 2016 to 2017, 13% more children in participating primary schools achieved an overall good level of development at age five; more than double the increase seen among children from other Middlesbrough schools.

Since the National Literacy Trust Hub in Middlesbrough launched, there have also been notable improvements to children’s literacy attainment across the town more widely.

There’s been a 31% increase in the percentage of Middlesbrough children achieving the expected level in communication and language at age five (from 55.4% in 2013 to 72.7% in 2017); double the rate of national improvement. This indicates that the Hub, along with local government, school and other partner initiatives, is having a real impact.

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust said:

“The National Literacy Trust Hub in Middlesbrough has spearheaded our pioneering place-based approach to improving literacy levels in the UK. It has inspired a further six Hubs across the country and we’ve seen local initiatives rolled out both nationally and internationally. We have committed to working in the town for at least 10 years and we’re looking forward to building on the fantastic partnerships we’ve made with local organisations to drive more improvements to literacy across Middlesbrough, which will change the lives of children and families.”

It’s business as usual for the 125 year-old-church of St Paul Hamstead, following the appointment of Rev. Smitha Prasadam to St. Alban’s, Copenhagen.

Reverend Smitha, who was vicar at St. Paul’s for eleven years, was licensed as Chaplain in her new parish, on Saturday 16 June.

Parishioners are a hardy bunch and solider on with it’s Summer Events programme which is open to the public.

On Saturday 23 June from 12 noon – 2pm, the church has its annual Summer Fair in the vicarage garden and church.  There will be games, stalls, refreshments, and fun!

On Saturday 7 July at 10am, there is a free Men’s Breakfast followed by a conversation about prostate cancer presented by Desmond Jaddoo.  To book, visit https://stpaulhamstead.eventbrite.co.uk  or telephone 0121 369 0611.

Then on the same day at 2pm, there will be an afternoon Tea Dance in the Community Centre.   Only £5 admission which includes tea and cakes.

Church Warden, June Perks, said: “We had a lovely celebration which was a fitting ‘fare thee well’ to Smitha as she and the family leave St. Paul’s after eleven years of ministry here.  The church and the community are still very active, and things continue as normal.”

Two war memorials are set to be restored to their former glory as Wolverhampton marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The memorials, in Church Road, Pennfields, and at St Michael and All Angels Church in Tettenhall, were erected in memory of those who fought and died in the First World War.

Over the years they have suffered from wear and tear – with the Tettenhall memorial also sadly subjected to vandalism – and members of the Bradmore War Memorial Fund and the Tettenhall War Memorial Committee are now planning their restoration.

The Pennfields, Bradmore and Merry Hill war memorial, situated within ornamental gardens opposite St Philips Church, features a granite soldier holding a rifle mounted on a plinth.

Movement within the plinth over the years has resulted in damage to the stone work, while a bayonet and the barrel of the rifle are missing. The proposed remedial work will see the plinth stabilised, missing parts of the rifle replaced, stonework repaired and the names of the fallen repainted.

The Tettenhall war memorial, erected in 1920, is a red sandstone cross and shaft mounted on a plinth, with the names of the fallen from both the First and Second World Wars recorded on panels around it. The sandstone has eroded  over the years, as well as being attacked by vandals, resulting in damage to both the cross and shaft.

The repair work will see these replaced and the stonework within the plinth repaired. At the same time, the Tettenhall War Memorial Committee also plans to clean the memorial and replace the stone paving around it, as well as adding the names of any local residents who fought and died in conflicts from 1945 onwards.

The City of Wolverhampton Council is working with both groups to secure funding which will enable the restoration work to take place, and will make applications on their behalf to the War Memorial Trust for a grant for up to 75% of the cost of the work. The two groups have been carrying out fundraising activities to secure a 25% contribution towards the repairs.

As the War Memorials Trust will only pay grants on the satisfactory completion of the restoration work, members of the council’s Cabinet (Resources) Panel agreed yesterday (Tuesday 19 June) that the council should act as the accountable body on behalf of the two groups, establishing £20,000 capital grants to fund each repair in advance and receiving the grants when it has been finished.

Councillor Linda Leach, Chair of Wolverhampton's Remembrance Committee, said: "We are delighted to be working closely with the people of Tettenhall, Pennfields, Bradmore and Merry Hill and helping them to restore these important memorials to their former glory."

Graiseley Councillor Jacqui Sweetman said: "The fundraisers have done a tremendous job and I am delighted the Pennfields, Bradmore and Merry Hill memorial is to be repaired.

"Looking at the names on the plaque you realise commemorative stones are not about the glorification of war. They are an acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by ordinary working people for their country rather than the rich and powerful. There are probably many families in the area who will see the names of their own soldier.”

Audrey Boliver, chair of Tettenhall War Memorial Committee, said: “It is wonderful that the memorial will be restored; it is the focal point of Tettenhall’s remembrance activities and there is a very special commemoration planned on 11 November this year to mark the 100^th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“We have had a superb response from the local community to our appeal, with donations from the general public local firms, and families whose ancestors are represented on the memorial, and we also held a very successful fundraiser at Light House.”

The projects at Pennfields and Tettenhall are part of an ongoing programme of restoration and repair of Wolverhampton's war memorials. Over the last few years, the memorials in Heath Town and Wednesfield, as well as the Harris memorial in St Peter's Gardens, Wolverhampton, have been restored to their former glory, while the Bilston war memorial is due to be restored this year and the cenotaph at St Peter's Square will be cleaned.

Schools, community groups and businesses from across the UK took part in Ronald McDonald House Charities’ annual PJ Day campaign to raise money for the independent charity which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with sick children in hospitals across the UK.

Various groups took part by wearing their favourite pyjamas to work or school to raise money, with many holding fundraising activities including holding cake sales, film nights and even a charity step class. Illusion Dance in Oldbury took part by doing their dance classes in their pyjamas. Overall, the PJ Day campaign in Birmingham has raised around £900 so far which will enable the Charity to continue to provide families a place to stay.

Across the UK, there are 14 Ronald McDonald Houses all situated in or near hospital grounds and enable seriously ill children to have their families close by when they are undergoing treatment and to maintain a degree of normal family life.

Last year Ronald McDonald House Charities supported more than 8,000 families with children in hospital, 1,018 of those stayed here in Birmingham.

Ronald McDonald House Birmingham celebrated the day with staff wearing their pyjamas and holding a PJ film afternoon for families.

Charlotte Smith, the Community Fundraiser in Birmingham said “We are so grateful to everyone who chose to take part in PJ Day. Lots of people went to school or work in their pyjamas to raise money for our cause. This money will help us continue on our mission of helping families get a good nights’ sleep when their child is ill in hospital.”

Peter Bache, director and co-founder of Birmingham-based valuation company European Valuations, has completed an epic week-long walk from Gloucester to London, raising an incredible £61,372 to be split between Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and Prostate Cancer UK.

Peter was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2017 and is now in remission, having received chemotherapy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. After his treatment, Peter decided to turn his attention to fundraising and decided to follow in the footsteps of Dick Whittington, walking from Gloucester to London, accompanied by his friends and family.

The walk was a great success, with many of Peter’s close family and friends taking on various legs of the gruelling walk, which saw the group arrive at Mansion House in London to be met by the Lord Mayor.

Speaking of the challenge that the walk posed, Peter said: “It was incredibly difficult at points, the weather really wasn’t great for much of the week and getting up each day got increasingly harder. The support that I received along the way from my friends and family made it all so much easier, as did knowing that our efforts were going to help raise so much money for such an important cause.”

The money that Peter and his group raised will help QEHB Charity to support the research that is taking place at QEHB into prostate cancer. Peter said: “It was a huge shock when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer because I didn’t have any symptoms at all. The care that I received at QEHB was great, and I really wanted to give something back to this amazing hospital.”

Peter presented the cheque for £61,372 to Professor Nick James, Professor of Clinical Oncology at QEHB who is a key figure within QEHB Charity’s Prostate Cancer appeal. Professor James said: “My heartfelt thanks go to Peter and everyone who took part in the walk for raising such an incredible amount to support patients with prostate cancer at QEHB.

“Prostate cancer is now the most common form of cancer in men, with 47,000 new cases each year.

“Here at QEHB, we have an outreach campaign called ‘It’s a Man Thing’ and are purchasing a ‘Man Van’ to support this work. The Man Van will be piloting with QEHB Mobile Men’s Health walk-in clinics focussing on workplaces with a high risk of poor prostate cancer outcomes.”

Fundraising Manager at QEHB Charity, Cathryn Worth, said: “The Charity is incredibly grateful for Peter’s hard work and fundraising efforts. The prostate cancer appeal will help to change the lives of the thousands of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, helping to improve treatments and increase early diagnosis.”

Peter’s fundraising will also be of great benefit to Prostate Cancer UK, with James Beeby, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, saying: “We’re so grateful to Peter for taking on his epic Dick Whittington walk in order to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. It is an incredible effort, one that will help us make prostate cancer a disease that the next generation of men do not fear.

In the run up to the summer holidays many parents will begin to groan inwardly (and audibly) at the prospect of having to entertain the children for six weeks. What might begin with enthusiastic trips to the cinema and the local pool will inevitably end in wondering what to do next for everyone’s sanity.

But don’t lose heart or creativity; instead of turning the TV on or placing them in front of a tablet, Natural Nurture has created a top five summer holiday activity tips.

Weather the weather

Living in Britain means you can’t rely on brilliant sunshine for all the holidays, however, this shouldn’t dampen any plans for outdoor activities.  Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.  Don the wellies, put on a rain jacket and head outside to jump in puddles, or tree climb in the woods or play Pooh sticks.

Get crafty

Forget the expensive craft kits - there are so many natural resources at our finger tips that children can use to spark their imaginations.  Get the poster paint or chalks out and go hunting for sticks, stones, shells and leaves to decorate.  Once dried, these can be turned into a multitude of things.  Try turning the painted leaves into bunting or gluing the shells to hairclips for original pieces of art.

Build a DIY tent

Don’t have a tent?  Don’t worry, you can raid the airing cupboard and use sheets and blankets and let the children create their own dens.  Clothes pegs are handy tools as well as brooms, umbrellas and kitchen chairs.  This activity not only helps children problem solve but on a sunny day will also create shade that they will want to sit under.

Pick a picnic

Plan a picnic with the kids, which could even be an indoor picnic if it rains.  Involve the children by taking them to the supermarket with you to choose the foods and then let them help you prepare it.  Children love chopping and spreading, and the enjoyment they’ll get when eating what they picked and prepared will be worth it!

Community spirit

Local councils, shopping centres, libraries and museums often host a range of free activities for the little ones over the summer so check ‘what’s on’ guides and noticeboards for activities that are happening near you.

Tracey Poulton, Founder of Natural Nurture, says: “Entertaining children over summer doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise, it just requires a bit of imagination from both sides.  Children can lead activities so listen to what they might like to do.  It might be as simple as a game of hopscotch, but getting involved as a parent too can make the activity more fun and rewarding for both children and adults.

“Studies have shown that children often just want to spend time with their parents and it can be undertaken easily through simple activities like sitting down and making a daisy chain together.

“Don’t worry about having to amuse them the whole time though, as letting them get bored occasionally is good, teaching them to be more creative in the ways they entertain themselves.”

City of Wolverhampton Council and partners have successfully secured an initial £138,000 of government funding to boost their work in tackling rough sleeping in the city.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government award covers the remainder of the 2018/19 financial year.

The news follows yesterday’s (Thursday) Day of Action and support across the city, highlighting the work and role of the Rough Sleeping Operational Group, which includes council partners P3, Wolverhampton Homes, St George’s Hub, the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC), and Good Shepherd Ministry.

The extra funding will supplement current services and will be used to provide additional outreach provision, accommodation, support and activities to help keep people of the streets.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “We are delighted the MHCLG has recognised the positive work we are doing in the city to tackle the issue of rough sleeping and the extra funding will help support this.

“The council continues to actively work with its partner agencies to find longer-term solutions for preventing rough sleeping in the city.

"We particularly focus our efforts on preventing someone from becoming homeless in the first place, and work closely with our partner agencies such as P3, Housing Outreach teams and colleagues providing money advice, in order to find solutions for, people threatened with homelessness, and ensuring support is available for those who are unable to maintain their tenancy for whatever reason.

"We have also developed a new ‘Rent with Confidence’ framework and approach which gives people information about the standard of and management of the private accommodation they move into, and also helps the council to identify suitable properties which helps to end or prevent individuals' homelessness in the future.

“This funding will enable us to broaden this work and make even more of a real difference to reducing the number of rough sleepers in the city.”

A series of workshops aimed at West Midlands businesses that want to start exporting their goods or services are to begin later this month.

Organised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth Project, the You Can Export series includes four half-day, morning sessions that cover: market research and selection; routes to market; export pricing; and how to internationalise your website. Businesses can attend one or all four.

Andy Smith, International Relationships Manager for the SME International Growth Project, said the free workshops, which will be held at the Hotel Novotel, in Wolverhampton city centre, are ideal for companies that have little or no experience of exporting but are looking to spread their wings globally by learning about the fundamental topics of exporting.

“Many businesses don’t realise how much help and support they can receive, so either put off their export plans or struggle on their own when they start trading outside of the UK for the first time,” he said.

“However, we offer a huge range of assistance to businesses and can guide them, provide advice and help them with everything from the documentation to digital and from financial support for overseas visits to putting them in contact with our Embassy experts.

“SMEs based in the West Midlands can attend these workshops free of charge and are the ideal starting point if they want to dip their toes into the export market. There will also be opportunities to speak to an array of advisers and experts who can support them on their journey.”

The first one, which focuses on market research and selection, takes place on Tuesday, June 26.  It is designed to help companies prioritise overseas markets using market research and will cover topics such as modelling for effective and time-saving desk research using the internet; important factors to consider when visiting an overseas market to conduct research; and how to select and commission professional research.

The second takes place on Wednesday, July 11 and will examine routes to market, covering topics including the different ways that businesses can sell into an overseas market common pitfalls and advice on how to avoid them

The third workshop, on Tuesday, July 24, is about setting and managing export prices for products and services across international markets and will focus on a range of topics, including the importance of local customs with regard to pricing; negotiation; establishing contractual terms; identifying alternative pricing strategies; and increasing the opportunity for export profitability. This workshop will also introduce services offered by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK Export Finance.

The final workshop on Tuesday, August 7, will be run by a DIT digital adviser and will advise businesses on how to develop their websites so that they have international appeal. Participants will learn how to localise an e-commerce website; how to use online tools to gain market insights; and how to use social media with an international audience.

West Midlands Politician Neena Gill MEP joins international entrepreneurs, investors, CEOs, political figures including former Presidents and Prime Ministers, academicians, media giants, sports and film personalities in London for the second edition of Power Brands Global and London International Forum for Equality (LIFE) Summit.

Neena Gill MEP is currently serving her third term as a Labour member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands, having spent over 18 years working in social housing in a variety of inner-city areas across the UK to tackle issues of social deprivation and homelessness. She hit the headlines by setting up the country’s first Asian only sheltered accommodation.

Discussing her career’s story at the event, she said: “Thank you for this honour. I’ve been a campaigner for equality since a young age, ever since I felt that the Indian and Asian communities were discriminated against, particularly in housing. That’s why we set up Asian housing providing Black and Asian people with equal access to housing. Sometimes all it takes to make a difference is a good idea.”

Hosted by sports journalist, author and broadcaster Ian Stafford, and model-actress Ellie Torrez, with India’s leading 24-hour English-language news channel TIMES NOW supporting the event as Media Partner, the evening saw some of the most recognisable brands in the world receive an award including Lamborghini, Pirelli and Best Western. The evening also saw the unveiling of the Global Wage Equality Vision Document based upon a forthcoming book by Dr. Malay Chaudhuri and Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri, launched to fight for a just world which has a 3:1 ratio of wages between the highest paid worker to the lowest paid.

Power Brands Global also provided much attention from 10 global leaders inducted into the Power Brands Hall of Fame. Experts in their respective fields, each awardee was commended for building a brand that has promoted faith, hope and commitment to spreading equality, and were honoured with their induction into the Power Brands - Hall of Fame.

This year’s inductees featured figures from the Charity/ Not for Profit sector, Sports, Politics and Business, including:

• Helen McEachern, CEO Cherie Blair foundation – their work focuses on strengthening the capability, confidence and access to capital of women entrepreneurs in countries where they lack equal opportunities
• Dominique Airey, CEO, Khulisa -  a crime prevention and offender rehabilitation charity based in North London with roots in South Africa
• H.E. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, 5th President of the Maldives - recognised as one of the most influential voices on foreign relations, democracy, and human rights in the Maldives.  With dedicating his life to increasing humanity both at home and abroad, his Excellency has worked in a number of UN agencies. He played a key role in reconstructing Afghanistan and has helped to enroll over 5 million children in schools, vaccinate 6 million and provide health services, water, and vaccination.
• Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson – one of UK’s most successful Paralympian -
• Mr. Zlatko Mateša, PhD - the 6th Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia & current President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce - Croatian Olympic Committee -
• Claude Ajit Moraes MEP - UK (London) - Labour Member of the European Parliament for London and Chair of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE)
• Virendra Kumar Sharma MP - UK (Southall) - vocal humanitarian activist and is a member of the Council of Europe Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights. Chairs the Indo-British All-Party Parliament Group leads APPG for Gurkha Welfare and Co-chairs APPG on Nepal, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis Group
• John Atwal OBE -  His brainchild Premier Decorations started almost 30 years ago from nothing and now employs 250 people at its peak in the year
• Mike Tobin OBE - serial technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the former ‘maverick’ CEO of Telecity Group, the FTSE 250 data centre operator he took from £6million to £3billion, Michael is known across the globe as the leader who created the data centre industry in Europe.
• Bright Simons - Ghanaian social innovator, entrepreneur, writer, recognised by the World Economic Forum as a young Global Leader. President of the mPedigree Network, a system that empowers consumers to instantly verify with a free text message whether their medicines are safe and not counterfeit.

Staff from JD Parties recently visited Ronald McDonald House Charities in Birmingham to unveil their bedroom sponsorship given in recognition for raising over £17,000 for the Charity. A bedroom sponsorship for JD Parties will also be held at the Ronald McDonald House in Manchester.

JD Parties, is part of one of the country’s leading events companies, C & H Catering. They raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities at their shared Christmas parties in Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. Funds were raised at each of their parties through the silent auction and charity fun casino on the night.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation which enables seriously ill children to have their families close by when they are undergoing treatment to maintain a degree of normal family life. The Charity’s dedicated teams of staff and volunteers welcome families to stay for days, weeks and even years, and help them to feel as at home as possible.

Natalie Wood, Corporate Fundraiser at Ronald McDonald House Charities, says:

“We are thrilled to be able to commemorate JD Parties support with a room sponsorship. Their donation of £17,000 will make a huge difference to us. In 2017 Ronald McDonald Houses across the UK provided accommodation to over 8,000 families across the UK, supporting them when they needed it most. We simply could not provide our vital service without the wonderful support from companies like JD Parties.”

Andrew Gentles MD of JD Parties added “We are delighted to support such a worthy cause and to see that the money raised will be put to such good use. Having worked closely with Ronald McDonald House for a number of years we appreciate the service they offer to families at what are most difficult times. We are proud to announce that they will also be the beneficiary from our fundraising activities from our Christmas Parties at ICC, Birmingham, Tatton Park & Aintree Racecourse this year!”

31 people from Birmingham and the West Midlands abseiled 200ft down the Holiday Inn Express, Snow Hill in Birmingham, and raised over £6,000 for the charity Parkinson’s UK.

Amanda Cresswell from Walsall did the abseil for her mum, who has Parkinson’s, and has raised £430 so far.

Amanda said: “A few years ago my mum was diagnosed with Parkinson's, but I had no idea how much more there is to this horrible condition and just how debilitating it is. I really want to try and raise more awareness.”

Emma Tromans from Lichfield did the abseil in memory of her dad who sadly passed away in 2016 after living with Parkinson’s for nine years, she has raised over £220 so far.

Emma said: “I had a truly fantastic day.  I felt very emotional on the way down thinking about my dad, but I know how happy and proud he would be.

“When people asked if I was scared about the abseil, all I thought was this is my choice - my dad didn't have a choice, and he lived day to day not knowing how his future was going to be.

“I had a fantastic experience even when I was thinking I was about to plummet to my death!”

The event was sponsored by Recycling Management Ltd, from Aston, Birmingham, with Director Yvonne Hawkeswood joining with staff members and her family to take part, and raising a staggering £3,000 between them.

Yvonne said: “The day was such fun and although I was very nervous there was a great team who made me feel like I could get through the worst bits and make it to the ground safely.  All in all, a brilliant day for a brilliant charity!”

 Gayle Kelly, Regional Fundraiser, Parkinson’s UK, said:

“It was an amazing day - blue skies, sunshine, tears, laughter, an impromptu Zumba session on the roof, and as the last person was abseiling we had the Salvation Army brass band playing below us - fantastic.

“We had a great turnout from family and friends, and community spirit was alive and well as we had 10 volunteers helping us out with the event too.

“Now every penny raised by our brave fundraisers will go towards finding better treatments – and one day a cure - for people living with Parkinson’s.”

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure and Parkinson’s UK estimate that there are more than 40 symptoms.

As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.

Parkinson's UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.

The nation's favourite coffee shop, Costa Coffee, is proudly displaying its true colours with the launch of the first ever limited-edition rainbow coffee cups to celebrate Pride across the UK.

With Costa Coffee a founding partner of GLOW (Gay Lesbian Out at Whitbread) the activity has strong support from staff, with many Costa team members taking part in Pride parades across the country for the third year running.

GLOW is a group of over 1,000 members that champion equality and inclusion in the workplace, ensuring all employees feel strong and supported in the company, no matter their background or personal preferences. This reflects Costa Coffee's commitment as an employer that provides equal opportunities and inclusivity to give colleagues courage and pride in who they are.

The limited-edition Pride cups will be available for a short time in selected stores across the UK* in Edinburgh, Essex, London, Glasgow, Brighton, Leeds, Manchester and Cardiff – with Edinburgh and Chelmsford first to proudly offer them from today. Available a week ahead of and on the day of Pride marches in each location, the cups help to spread the messages of celebration and inclusivity.

The cups will be ordered in place of the red for each store to reduce waste and will be recyclable in the same way.

Jason Cotta, Costa Coffee's Managing Director UK & Ireland commented: “Our all new rainbow cups are a fun way to celebrate Pride and reflect Costa Coffee's values of equality, and diversity. We are passionate about championing team members rights to work in an inclusive, supportive environment.We're so proud of the achievements of the GLOW team and look forward to seeing them marching at the many of the Pride Parades across the UK.”

In previous years, Costa Coffee has shown its support of Pride with the launch of limited edition Rainbow Lattes as well as changing its iconic red sign at key stores to rainbow. This activity all ladders to Whitbread PLC's commitment to being the most inclusive employer in hospitality.