People in the West Midlands who volunteer say it makes them feel happier and helps them contribute to their local community. These are the findings of new research about volunteering by sight loss charity RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People). The survey also found that 56 per cent of respondents in the region who do not volunteer said they want to in the future, with nearly a quarter most keen to share their technology skills.

A vision for the sustainable transformation of the area between the City Hospital and Edgbaston Reservoir has been approved. The Greater Icknield Masterplan provides guidance on how over 60 hectares bordering the west side of the city centre can be developed. It is the largest brownfield housing-led redevelopment proposal in Birmingham, with the potential to provide around 3,000 new homes and 1,000 job opportunities.

Birmingham City Council has joined forces with two city charities to help improve the lives of hundreds of homeless people. From 22 February Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) has been offering a hot meal service for homeless people from the Digbeth headquarters of SIFA Fireside. The service, from 6.30-8pm, will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sikh charity MLSS has been providing free hot food every weekday evening in Birmingham City Centre for almost two years.

Every taxi driver in Wolverhampton is to be offered training to help in the fight against child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the Black Country. The City of Wolverhampton Council is encouraging its licenced taxi drivers to act as "eyes and ears" in the fight against CSE, a crime in which perpetrators groom youngsters and emotionally and sexually abuse them.

A one-off sponsored reading of Bishop Francis Asbury’s journals is being staged to mark the 200 anniversary of his death – and Sandwell people are invited to join in the fun event. The affectionate tribute – which will last several hours – will give a wonderful insight into Asbury’s character. The non-stop reading, inspired by Asbury’s extensive writing, will help raise awareness of his amazing rise from humble origins in Hamstead to becoming one of America’s founding fathers.

People across the city are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote in May’s local elections. Individuals who fail to register to vote will be unable to have their say at in the local and police and crime commissioner elections, which will be held on 5 May 2016.Also, residents of Sutton Coldfield could miss their chance to vote for their new town councillors.