Month: January 2025

Redwood trees have been planted in Red House Park, in Great Barr – and now borough residents are being encouraged to get involved elsewhere and make Sandwell greener and leafier.

Nature lovers in Sandwell are being urged to think green and nominate potential locations where they would like to see as sites for future tree planting.

The local authority is asking borough folk to get involved and engaged in an ambitious project to plant more than 1,000 trees in 2024/25.

Sandwell Council has a challenging target to plant 1,400 trees in that short period and it has already planted more than 400 trees in various locations, including Kendrick Park and Red House Park in Great Barr.

The number of trees will be “sharply increased” says the local authority as it is the best time to plant out.

It is hoped the scheme will add greenery to local communities, will help towards the Council’s climate change targets and create new habitats for wildlife.

A dozen redwood trees have already been planted in Red House Park and, under the project, Kendrick Park saw a woodland mix of 220 Rowan, oak, and hawthorn tree being planted out.

Councillor Keith Allcock, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, praised the green drive.

He commented: “We are determined to create a leafier, more attractive borough and we want to hear from you.

“If you know of a location that you think would benefit from having trees planted then get in touch.”

The local authority says all residents’ proposals and ideas will be investigated, although may not be chosen if the location is “deemed” unsuitable.

Local residents can get involved in the consultation by logging on to tree_planting@sandwell.co.uk

 

Local allotments in Walsall are seeing much-needed improvements with funding secured through the Government’s Towns Fund. The investment is aimed at enhancing community spaces and ensuring they are accessible for all.

Walsall Council has allocated part of the funding to upgrade various allotments across the area, making them more accessible and comfortable for local residents. Among the improvements are resurfaced driveways and paths that ensure safer, easier access to the allotments, as well as the installation of accessible toilet facilities.

“These small improvements will make a big difference,” said Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council. “It’s great that the Towns Fund has given us the opportunity to listen to the needs of communities and put some funding behind projects that matter to local people.”

At Grenfell Road Allotments, a new accessible toilet was installed at the end of 2024. The new facility provides ample space for users, including those who may need to change clothes while on-site. “We are so pleased with our new accessible toilets recently installed on Grenfell allotments,” a member of the allotment committee shared. “It now means we can welcome all groups onto our site, who will be able to use our facilities and have somewhere to change if needed. The new facility has exceeded my expectations.”

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, added, “It’s great to see improvements being made to our allotments. Having access to green spaces is key for wellbeing, and our allotments are a lifeline for many local people who may not have access to a garden of their own. Making them accessible and comfortable for people to use will make a huge difference.”

Over 40 local organisations are opening their doors to Walsall residents from now until March 2025, offering a warm and welcoming environment during the colder months.

The initiative, called ‘Warm Walsall,’ is funded by Walsall Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is delivered in partnership with Walsall Community Network. This project aims to support residents throughout the winter and provide a network of warm venues across the Borough.

Originally launched in late 2022 in response to the cost of living crisis, Warm Walsall provides a safe, welcoming space where people can enjoy a hot drink and connect with others in a warm setting. Many of the participating organisations will also host a variety of social and wellbeing activities to help residents stay healthy and well this winter.

“I am incredibly proud of the work being done by our communities to open up their spaces across Walsall during winter. Not only do they provide a warm welcome, but also a crucial lifeline for those experiencing the cost of living crisis. Staff and volunteers running the sessions will be there to give you a warm welcome, whatever the weather,” said Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council.

Jan Davies, Chair of Walsall Community Network, added, “Our groups and organisations are at the heart of our communities, stepping up and supporting residents with their needs. We’re delighted that we are able to continue the Warm Walsall project and help local organisations open their doors and provide a warm space. The activities of each venue will vary, but a warm welcome awaits you.”

For more details about the Warm Walsall initiative, including dates, times, and locations, visit the Walsall Community Network website.

If you need support with the cost of living, further help and advice are available on Walsall Council’s web portal.

Walsall residents looking to stick to their New Year’s resolutions are being urged to take advantage of local services designed to help them quit smoking and make 2025 the year they quit for good.

New research from University College London has highlighted the serious impact of smoking on health. Smokers who quit for just one week could save an entire day of their life. The study also reveals that every cigarette reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes. That means smoking an average pack of 20 cigarettes could result in almost seven hours of life lost.

However, residents who seek support are three times more likely to successfully quit smoking than those who attempt it alone.

Those looking to quit in 2025 can access Be Well Walsall, which offers expert, one-on-one support through digital, phone, or in-person sessions with a qualified health and wellbeing coach. Free nicotine replacement therapy is also available.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust offers special support for pregnant women who want to quit smoking, including behaviour change techniques and nicotine replacement therapy.

For those who are inpatients at Walsall Manor Hospital, or who have recently smoked, the Tobacco Dependency Team is available to provide comprehensive support. Trained staff work closely with individuals to help them quit and offer free nicotine replacement therapy.

On Tuesday, 14 January, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust will join Be Well Walsall at Walsall Manor Hospital (opposite Costa Coffee on floor one) to provide stop-smoking advice from 10am to 1pm. The event is open to patients, staff, visitors, and any local residents interested in quitting smoking.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said, “The research showing the significant impact of smoking is a reminder of the urgent need to quit. Every cigarette steals precious minutes, and quitting, even for a short period of time, can improve your health and wellbeing. Quitting for longer and for good brings more health benefits and can save you money.

We’re committed to supporting residents on their journey to a smoke-free life. Getting free expert advice and support from local services is proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully. I encourage anyone considering quitting to reach out to Be Well Walsall or the support offered by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

We want to move closer to the national 2030 Smokefree ambition and achieve our We are Walsall 2040 ambition, where people are healthy and living full and active lives.”

For support from Be Well Walsall, call 01922 444044 or visit https://bww.maximusuk.co.uk/.

For more information on the Trust’s Smoking in Pregnancy service, call 01922 270477.

Parents and carers of children who need to come into Walsall Manor Hospital for an MRI scan or surgery are being reminded they can make use of a new app to calm young patients’ nervousness.

The Little Journey app, funded through Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers, has now been rolled out across all Paediatric teams in the hospital.

Children can by play games and go on a virtual tour ahead of their appointments and it has been a hit with families who were asked for feedback in the immediate weeks following its launch. Staff have also praised the app for how well it explains treatment and procedures and reassures patients.

Little Journey was founded in 2018 by Dr Chris Evans, an anaesthetic Doctor, who had witnessed first-hand how distressed and anxious children and families felt about surgery, along with Sophie Copley, an expert in human-centred product design.

Garry Perry, Associate Director Patient Voice – Experience, at Walsall Healthcare, said: “We were proud to launch Little Journey in the summer and are delighted it is now in use across all of our Paediatric teams.

“Young patients are told about the app at their pre-op appointment, so they have plenty of time to download it before they return to us for an MRI scan, surgery or treatment.

“Hospitals can be scary places – for children and adults alike – and it’s important we do all we can to reduce anxiety and nervousness and reassure parents and carers at the same time.”

Young patients coming in for surgery have used the app the most so far.

Garry added: “We want to remind people the app is a really useful way of explaining MRI scans to children too and encourage families to take a look.”

The app is free to download from Google or Apple stores and contains lots of useful information.

Walsall Council is set to present its new Council Plan for 2025-29 to members at a public meeting on Monday 13 January 2025.

The plan will outline the council’s vision and priorities for the next four years, with a focus on improving services, addressing rising demand, and tackling financial challenges.

The plan is structured around the broader We Are Walsall 2040 vision, which encompasses five core ambitions: Thriving and Happy, Healthy and Well, Prosperous and Innovative, Proud of Our Borough, and Continuously Improving. These priorities will guide the council’s decisions and actions over the coming years.

The Council Plan is also supported by five key principles that underpin all council activities. These include focusing on prevention, ensuring equity, working in partnership with others, being insight-led, and acting sustainably. These principles aim to ensure that the council’s resources are used effectively and responsibly, delivering tangible benefits for the community.

The development of the new Council Plan has involved extensive consultation with the public and key stakeholders. Feedback gathered from residents has been considered and incorporated into the plan, ensuring that the priorities align with the needs and concerns of the local community. As a statutory requirement, the Council Plan also sets out how resources will be allocated over the next four years to meet these priorities.

The Full Council meeting to discuss and potentially approve the plan will begin at 6pm on Monday 13 January 2025. As this is a public meeting, local residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the council’s plans for the future.

Further details can be found here > https://cmispublic.walsall.gov.uk/cmis/Meetings/tabid/70/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mid/397/Meeting/3960/Committee/513/SelectedTab/Documents/Default.aspx

A report going to Walsall Council highlights the borough’s strong performance in education, with key areas outperforming national averages.

Councillor Pardeep Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills, will present the findings on Monday 13th January 2025.

The report reviews Walsall’s educational achievements over the past year, including high ratings from Ofsted, with 91% of schools graded ‘Good’ or better, surpassing the national average of 90.4%. Additionally, children in care are performing well, particularly in Key Stage 2 writing.

A focus on timely Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan assessments also demonstrates progress, with 80% of assessments completed within the statutory 20-week timeframe, far above the national average of 50%. Furthermore, Walsall has created 73 new special school places and 10 new Pupil Referral Unit places.

Councillor Kaur expressed her enthusiasm for the report, noting, “The data speaks for itself in terms of the significant impact we’ve had this year, and highlights key areas where Walsall is bucking national trends and outperforming other parts of the country.” She also outlined priorities for the coming year, such as ensuring all children feel a sense of belonging and working with partners to develop a skills strategy for the borough.

The meeting is open to the public and will take place at 6pm on Monday 13th January 2025.

Walsall is welcoming the new year with an exciting range of events and activities, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From theatrical performances to art exhibitions and creative workshops, the town’s venues are bursting with opportunities to engage in culture and community.

A major highlight this month is the “Drag Me To The 80s” event at the Walsall Arena & Arts Centre on Saturday 25th January at 7.30pm. This lively production promises to be a high-energy celebration of 80s music, featuring the spectacular performances of iconic divas like Kylie, Madonna, and Tina Turner. The show will bring the audience on a thrilling journey through the vibrant decade with a full live band, ensuring a nostalgic night of unforgettable hits.

Meanwhile, The New Art Gallery Walsall, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, has an impressive programme of exhibitions throughout January. A key theme of these exhibitions is our connection with the natural world and mental health, with thought-provoking pieces that explore these critical subjects. One exhibition, Theo and Esther Garman: Art & Mental Health, delves into the lives of the Garman siblings, whose artwork and struggles with mental illness provide a poignant backdrop to the gallery’s Equal+Able exhibition. In addition to its collections, the gallery also offers a variety of engaging activities for young people. The Sunday Art Club, for children aged 4+, takes place every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, offering a chance for budding artists to explore different media and techniques.

For parents and carers, the gallery provides the Baby & Me multi-sensory sessions on Wednesday 8th January. These sessions, suitable for babies aged 0-24 months, offer a relaxed environment to enjoy sensory activities, such as colours, textures, and short stories. Additionally, Walk and Draw sessions are held every second Saturday of the month, giving participants the opportunity to sketch the local landscape and gallery exhibitions while soaking in the artistic environment.

Art lovers will also appreciate the current exhibitions at The New Art Gallery Walsall, such as Earthbound (until June 2025), Reflector (until March 2025), and Equal+Able = Not a Label (until May 2025). These exhibitions offer compelling insights into the intersection of art and personal expression.

Over at the Walsall Leather Museum, there are creative opportunities for all. The Stitchers & Skivers craft group meets on Wednesday 8th January, inviting participants to explore textile art in a relaxed, sociable setting. Tea and biscuits are provided, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for both new and returning attendees. For those interested in developing their painting skills, Paint Like a Master with Rob Conway on Saturday 25th January offers a step-by-step guide to creating artwork inspired by Monet’s The Magpie. This fun, hands-on workshop includes all materials and refreshments, making it an ideal way to learn and unwind.

The Walsall Vegan Market on Saturday 11th January will bring the community together for a day celebrating sustainable living. Held at Park Street, this vibrant market will feature a variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, and craft brewers. Visitors will also find eco-friendly products from ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, and local artists. The market provides an excellent opportunity to support local businesses while discovering new sustainable products and foods.

Walsall is truly embracing the spirit of creativity and community this January, with a fantastic lineup of activities to kick off the year. Whether you’re into music, art, or sustainable living, there’s something for everyone in the town’s venues this month.