A shocking 4,828 children in the West Midlands will wake up homeless and in temporary accommodation this Christmas, a new report by Shelter reveals today.

Across Britain, one in every 111 children is currently homeless, and with the country still at the mercy of a worsening housing crisis, 2017 has seen the highest numbers of homeless children in a decade.

In the last year alone, 61% of the families helped by Shelter’s frontline services were homeless or on the brink of losing their home. With at least 16 families becoming homeless every day in the West Midlands, the charity is calling on the public to support its urgent Christmas appeal.

To expose the devastating reality of homelessness, Shelter carried out in-depth interviews with children and their parents living in emergency B&Bs and hostels. This is widely considered the worst type of temporary accommodation. In the unique investigation:

• Every family lived in a single room which significantly disrupts the children’s ability to play, do homework and carry out any kind of daily routine
• A quarter of families had no access to a kitchen at all, and the rest had to make do with shared facilities. Struggling to cook meals, more than half of parents said they rely on expensive and unhealthy takeaways. And two-thirds had to eat family meals on the bed or floor of their room
• Half of families had to share toilet and bathroom facilities with other households, often with filthy conditions and unlockable doors, meaning strangers could walk in at any moment
• More than a third of parents had to share a bed with their children. Three quarters say bedtimes have become difficult and half say their children are more tired

• Three quarters of parents felt their children’s mental health had been badly affected. One parent said her daughter had become suicidal since living in the hostel
• Half of parents reported that their children’s physical health had also worsened, with incidents of bed bug infestations, and broken heating causing children to fall ill
• Children spoke about feeling anxious, afraid and ashamed. Several children described school as a respite. For one it was the only place he felt happy, another felt stressed at the thought of returning to her accommodation at the end of the school day
• Children also talked about their school work suffering because of long journeys to school each day, poor and broken sleep, and having no space or quiet-time to do their homework

“Many of us will spend Christmas day enjoying all of the festive traditions we cherish, but sadly it’ll be a different story for those children hidden away in cramped B&Bs or hostel rooms. Imagine living in a noisy strange place full of people you don’t know, and waking up exhausted from having no choice but to share a bed with your siblings or parents.

“That’s why our frontline advisers will continue to work tirelessly to help more families fighting homelessness. But we can’t do this alone. We’re asking people to help a homeless family and make giving to Shelter their new Christmas tradition.”

As the cold spell sets in and weather conditions become increasingly unpleasant, Royal Voluntary Service in partnership with SGN is launching advice to help the many older people who are left feeling isolated and vulnerable.

The charity has teamed up with SGN, one of the UK’s largest gas network companies, to produce a free leaflet offering tips on staying physically and emotionally well whatever the weather.

Tips on staying safe and well this winter include:

·        Keep an eye on weather forecasts, particularly severe weather warnings from the Met Office

·        Don’t take any risks in bad weather. If you have to go out, make sure you wear shoes with a good grip to avoid unnecessary falls

·        Wear warm clothes in layers and, if you can, get up and move around. If your mobility is more limited do some chair exercises to help you stay warm and active

·        Make sure gas appliances have a regular service and a gas safety check every 12 months

·        Keep torches, a battery powered radio and spare batteries easy to find in case there is an unexpected power cut

·        Look out for any warning signs that your gas appliances aren’t working correctly e.g. lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room.

Royal Voluntary Service Chief Executive, Catherine Johnstone CBE, said: “As the colder weather sets in, some older people need to start thinking about how they can keep well and preparation plays an important part in that. The Stay Safe, Warm and Well leaflet provides a prompt or reminder for people to find out how to stay well and safe in winter and to flag more about what services are available to them.”

“Royal Voluntary Service volunteers can help with things like transport after a stint in hospital or to medical appointments, picking up prescriptions or getting some shopping in if the icy temperatures mean it’s harder than usual for an older person to get out and about. We are also encouraging anyone who has an older neighbour or relative to check on them regularly to make sure they have everything they need to stay happy and healthy during the winter months.”

Pamela Goee, Head of Community at SGN, said: “We’re supporting Royal Voluntary Service because we want to help improve the safety and well-being of older people who are isolated or more vulnerable. It is vital people are aware of gas safety, especially in winter. We’d recommend everyone has a carbon monoxide alarm. Knowing the simple warning signs to look out for such as ‘lazy’ yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones or black marks on or around the appliance, could save a life. We would also recommend a locking cooker valve which is connected to the existing gas cooker pipework and stops the supply of gas once locked, eliminating the risk of the cooker being unintentionally turned on or left on.”

“If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or is worried that fumes containing carbon monoxide are escaping from a gas appliance, they should call the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999. Lines are open 365 days a year and calls are free.”

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 25,000 volunteers supporting thousands of older people each month in hospitals and 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.

Library customers in the City of Wolverhampton can now access the latest bestselling eBooks and eAudiobooks at their fingertips – and for free.

The City of Wolverhampton Council has signed up to BorrowBox, enabling library members to download over 600 favourite eBooks and 630 eAudiobooks for free via the BorrowBox library on any Apple iOS and Google Android phone, tablet or computer.

Titles can be borrowed for free for a period of three weeks, at which point they can be renewed or will automatically be deleted from people’s devices, meaning customers won’t be fined for forgetting to return books on time.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "At a time when library services in other parts of the country are being cut back, we are continuing to invest in our libraries here in the City of Wolverhampton – and BorrowBox is the latest in a long line of exciting developments which is bringing improved services to our customers.

"BorrowBox offers a great range of titles available including thrillers, drama, romance and suspense from best-selling authors including Ruth Rendell, Bernard Cornwell, James Patterson, Jo Nesbo, Harlan Coben and David Baldacci, as well as children’s titles, non-fiction and biographies.

“These eBooks and eAudiobooks are likely to be particularly popular with busy people who find it hard to make time to go to their local library or who like to listen to books when they are out and about, and also to customers who may have a visual impairment and therefore struggle to read the printed word.

“I would encourage our customers to download the app to enjoy this fantastic new service – and if you are not already a member, BorrowBox is just another great reason to join for free.”

It's free to join Wolverhampton's libraries. To find out more, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries.

BorrowBox is being introduced as part of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s 10-year Transforming Libraries Strategy to create a modern, vibrant and sustainable library service.

The Choreographer and Movement Director of the London 2012 Paralympic Games opening ceremony has been announced as Visiting Professor of Dance at Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Professor Kevin Finnan MBE is known for his dynamic, highly visual productions integrating dance, circus and digital technology. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Leamington Spa-based Motionhouse, he is responsible for the distinctive style that his dance company is renowned for around the world.

This first appointment of its kind will see Kevin Finnan visit the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to host masterclasses for the Acting students, as they seek to be among the next generation of great performers. Kevin will also work alongside academics and artists within the University’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Media to develop exciting research projects that build upon his 30 years in practice and break boundaries with new work.

Kevin Finnan, Visiting Professor of Dance, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University, said:

“I’m thrilled to be taking up the role of Visiting Professor of Dance at Birmingham City University. I’m looking forward to contributing to and supporting the University’s dance activities and exploring the exciting opportunities that the role brings with it.

“The collaboration reflects our commitment to the dance sector in the West Midlands and will help celebrate Birmingham and the wider region as a centre of excellence in dance.”

Kevin has created major productions celebrated globally, including more than 30 theatre and outdoor festival productions, large-scale outdoor spectacles and bespoke performance events to mark cultural capital celebrations.

In September this year he created and directed ‘Watermusic’, a spectacular total experience with advanced light, sound and 3D projections for the Aarhus 2017 European Capital of Culture celebrations in Randers Harbour, Denmark.

Previously, he collaborated with Australian physical theatre company Legs On The Wall to create ‘The Voyage’ in Birmingham, which launched the London 2012 Festival in the West Midlands and was the largest free open-air spectacle ever seen in the city.

Polly Hudson, Head of Movement, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Kevin Finnan to Birmingham City University as the first visiting Professor of Dance. Here in the University’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Media we have a rich community of artists and scholars that Kevin will be joining, including Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, Professor Stephen Simms and Errollyn Wallen.

“Kevin and Motionhouse have a long history of working in the West Midlands and I am excited about the new possibilities that are currently opening up for dance in the region. Kevin’s appointment will contribute to that development and we look forward to working with him on new and innovative projects.”

Kevin has a PhD in Theatre from Warwick University and MA in Contemporary Performing Arts from University College Bretton Hall. He is Associate Artist of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and in 2013 he was awarded an MBE for his services to dance.

Part of Birmingham City University, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is a unique contemporary building, incorporating five public performance spaces including a new 500 seat concert hall for orchestral training and performance, a purpose-built organ studio and private rehearsal and practice rooms.

Furthermore, as the first purpose built conservatoire in the UK since 1987, the new £57 million music and acting academy is the only one of its kind in the country designed for the demands of the digital age.

Christmas is coming and there is much to look forward to for the whole family – including your pet pooch.

But while your dog may enjoy their own special Christmas meal, or their own gift under the tree, it’s important to remember the busy festive season can be stressful for your pet. Travelling to new places and a busy home can cause anxiety, and that extra cheeky sausage at dinner is not balanced out with an extra-long walk on Boxing Day.

So to lend a helping hand Siobhan Griffin, Learning and Development Executive at Lintbells, manufacturer of natural premium pet supplements has shared some top tips on how to make your dog’s Christmas the best one yet.

• Travelling somewhere new

“If you are travelling in a car make sure your canine companion is safe and secure by using a harness, fixed crate or a partition in the back. You will also need to monitor the temperature, don’t let the car get too hot or too cold, and never leave them in the car alone. To ensure a stress free journey allow your dog to become familiar with the car beforehand, let them have a sniff around and even put a blanket in there with a familiar scent if needed.

• Keep calm it’s Christmas

• Time for presents

• Doggy dinners

“The key foods your furry friends should avoid this Christmas are anything with onions or garlic in including stuffing and gravy, dried fruits which can be found in mince pies and Christmas pudding, along with alcohol, cheese and of course chocolate. Try to stick to lean meats, vegetable scraps (without onions) and boiled potatoes.

• Get moving on Boxing Day

• Seeing the New Year in with a bang

Staff and volunteers at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre were all featured in this year’s Christmas video for the charity.

The tear-jerking video tells the tale of Woody the Christmas pup who is thrown out with the rubbish before being rescued and taken in for care by the RSPCA.

The film features an acoustic cover of the Simply Red song Stars, written by Mick Hucknall. The song was performed by up and coming singer Lucy Ellie.

Manager at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre Deborah Caffull said: “While this video shows the tale of a toy dog -  the sentiment behind the story is very real.

“We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs just like Woody every day, all year round.

“It was lovely to show all the different aspects of the work we do - from the inspector rescuing the dog, to him being treated by vets, looked after by our canine carers and volunteers before being rehomed.

“This time of year is very busy for us as an animal rescue charity and everyone pulls together to help the animals that come into our care - and this video really shows that.”

Broadcast manager at the RSPCA, Alan Laxton, said: “It was great to be able to reflect the work of the staff at the RSPCA and also the story of so many dogs - and other animals that come into our care.

“Staff gave up their own time to help us with the filming and while this story is of a toy dog - with a twist at the end - this story is played out every day across the RSPCA, but for real. We take in the most cruelly treated and neglected animals from across England and Wales and work hard to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome them.”

The RSPCA is braced for 2,000 calls a day this festive season as it launches its Kindness at Christmas Appeal to help care for abused, neglected and sick animals.