Community News

It seems that Brits have a much closer bond with their pets than their partner, a survey has revealed. Eighty per cent of the 1000 people surveyed think that their pet is way cuter than their other half, with three-quarters saying that their pet gives better cuddles. Half admit that they would rather spend a free afternoon with their pet, whilst three-quarters prefer a selfie with their beloved animal.

A young disabled campaigner from the West Midlands has hit-out at local transport that he believes is failing a generation of disabled people; as revealed by a hard-hitting report today. Christian Fulton took part in a nine-month undercover investigation and national survey for Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers – a network of 700 young disabled people across the UK. The End of the Line report shares disturbing experiences across buses, trains, taxis and the underground. 

The Salvation Army's work in Athens with asylum seekers and refugees was featured on Paul O'Grady: Sally Army and Me, and it was revealed that a Salvation Army partnership with St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham supporting destitute asylum seekers and refugees gave out 32,199 items of clothing last year to people in need.

The Phoenix Newspaper would like to wish Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II a very Happy 90th Birthday today!

Proposals to reduce the number of face-to-face fundraisers operating in Birmingham by more than 70 per cent are set to be discussed by councillors this week. Birmingham City Council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee will consider an agreement drawn up with the Public Fundraising Association (PFRA) to limit charity fundraisers, also known as ‘chuggers’, activity in the city centre.

Macmillan Cancer Support has announced that for the first time urban obstacle race Adrenaline Rush is coming to Birmingham, taking place at Senneleys Park on Saturday 4^th June. 35% of all entrance fees will go directly to Macmillan to help ensure that no one faces cancer alone. With a minimum of 20 obstacles in each race including a zip wire, a giant ball pit and a gunge tank, entrants are guaranteed to have their strength, stamina and mental resolve put to the test at every turn.

Veterans will lead the commemorations as Wolverhampton marks the 71th anniversary of VE Day next month. They will join civic dignitaries and members of the public to mark 71 years since the anniversary of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies – an event on 8 May 1945 which heralded the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Following extensive consultation, cabinet is set to approve changes to the housing advice service on 19 April which will build on the success of the city’s Youth Hub – a specialist homeless service for single young people under 25 years old.  The council is reducing the number of Housing Advice Centres and pooling resources to create a similar centre of excellence for homelessness and housing advice for the over 25s.

Quite simply put by more than half of dog owners, they make us happy and almost two thirds of British dog owners say the reason they got their pet was as an added member of the family or for companionship, while as the nation strives to become fitter, almost a third of respondents (31 per cent) also said that they got a dog to drive them to do more exercise – there's no excuse when you have to take Rover for a walk.

It's National Gardening Week, and people tempted to grow their own fruit and vegetables are being encouraged to take on an allotment plot. There are currently a small number of vacancies at selected allotment sites around Wolverhampton – and with spring now firmly sprung, there isn’t a better time for people to join the city's growing army of allotment holders.

Recent changes to the law on domestic abuse could have helped Archer’s character Helen Titchener to escape her husband Rob before she reached crisis point and stabbed him, according to a leading family lawyer. The long-running BBC Radio 4 soap opera has caused controversy with its storyline featuring Rob’s coercive behaviour towards Helen, which reached a crisis when she lost control and stabbed him.

Many dog owners in the UK view their four-legged friends as members of the family and the thought of their pets going missing, even for a short time, is enough to cause great panic and worry. Such a turn of events, however, is sadly a common occurrence in Cheshire – which new research by MORE TH>N shows is the missing dog capital of Great Britain.

Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC began her first day in office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations last week. Nominated for the post by Dominica, she is the first woman to hold the post. To the rhythm of a steel band, the sound of a gospel choir, and the flair of Quadrille dancers, hundreds of guests welcomed the new Secretary-General at Commonwealth headquarters in Marlborough House. They included well-known figures from the world of politics, sports and broadcasting.

Midlands Housing Association Nehemiah UCHA is pleased to announce that it has appointed Jimmy Ogunshakin to succeed Kwadwo Owusu Darko as its new Chair. Jimmy is the Director and Founder of Mayflower Solicitors, in Birmingham. The law firm specialises in employment, commercial and corporate law. Jimmy has extensive experience of the Nehemiah UCHA Board.

Future Faces - the young professionals’ arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – is to stage its second annual dinner in September following an outstanding debut event last year. The second Future Faces Dinner and Awards to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of its diverse membership will take place on Friday, September 16, in a return to Edgbaston Stadium following last year’s successful inaugural ceremony.

A new free service is being launched in Haringey to help local people become healthier. Haringey Council is teaming up with the NHS ‘One You’ initiative to provide up to 3,000 Haringey residents every year with a range of health advice and support due to inequalities in well-being in the local area.