A care leaver from Wolverhampton has received a top award after being an inspiration to others. Sanjay Walters was given the High Sheriff's Inspiring Others Award in recognition of his services to the community - despite his own personal circumstances. Sanjay, aged 18, left care last year and has devoted his spare time to supporting other people. He volunteers at his local youth club, inspiring members to take an interest in their own health and well-being by sharing his expertise in basketball and personal training.

Walsall College was again selected to train the second intake of budding interior designers from the Homebase Design and Decorating Academy, and help them brush up on their painting and decorating skills. Homebase’s pioneering programme sees design enthusiasts from across the UK join the home improvement store for a year of training where they learn tricks of the trade from industry experts, including Homebase suppliers - Dulux, Harris, and Graham & Brown.

Two West London venues are working together to help children who've overcome difficult challenges to learn new skills. Leiths School of Food and Wine has joined forces with Kite Studios, a creative space founded by local artist Auriol Herford, to offer four sponsored places on their Kids' Kitchen summer course. These places have been awarded to four local children who have overcome some very difficult obstacles.

A creative schoolchild has put his artistic skills to good use by designing a sign to warn motorists of the need to slow down in Kings Heath High Street. Harry James Lee, a Year 1 pupil at Colmore Infant and Nursery School, in Kings Heath, designed the winning sign in a competition for schoolchildren organised by Birmingham City Council. His design now adorns a ‘Welcome to Kings Heath – SLOW DOWN’ sign in the High Street which will warn motorists to reduce their speed when 20mph limits come into force in various locations across the city.

Walsall College’s Foundation Art and Design course has been used as a case study to showcase best practice in the sector by awarding body, Pearson on its website. Pearson Art, Design and Media Subject Advisor, Susan Young, recently visited the college and commented: “I was very impressed with the way in which the course was delivered and Walsall's deep understanding of the ethos of this course. I had no hesitation in commissioning the tutors to write a case study to help other centres looking at running this course.” 

City of Wolverhampton Council has teamed up with Tettenhall Wood School to launch a new project to encourage and support employability skills for people with learning disabilities. Pupils have established their own coffee shop called ‘The Tree Room’, and were also very involved in developing and designing the logo.   The project will provide real life work experience to help shape the futures of young people who have the desire and drive to work.