Month: February 2026

Family Hubs across Walsall have continued to expand their programme of activities in early 2026, offering support to parents, carers and young children.

The hubs provide a range of services designed to support early years development, parenting and family wellbeing. Activities include stay-and-play sessions, parenting programmes, health advice and opportunities for social interaction.

Sessions are delivered at multiple locations across the borough, ensuring families can access support close to home. The programme is part of a wider effort to give children the best possible start in life and provide early support where needed.

Family Hubs also offer access to professional advice, including health visitors and early years specialists, helping parents access guidance and support in a familiar and welcoming environment.

In addition to structured sessions, the hubs provide informal opportunities for families to meet, share experiences and build support networks.

The council has said the continued development of Family Hub services reflects the importance of early intervention and community-based support in improving outcomes for children and families.

Residents with young children are encouraged to explore the activities available and register for sessions through the hub network.

Walsall Council has continued its winter road maintenance programme throughout January and February, focusing on keeping roads safe during colder conditions.

The work includes gritting routes during periods of low temperatures, as well as carrying out repairs to address damage caused by winter weather.

Cold conditions can lead to issues such as potholes and surface deterioration, with council teams monitoring road conditions and responding to reports from residents.

Maintenance work is prioritised based on need, with key routes and high-traffic areas receiving attention first.

The council has said that ongoing maintenance is essential to ensuring road safety and preventing further damage to infrastructure.

Residents are encouraged to report issues such as potholes or hazardous conditions, helping the council respond quickly and prioritise repairs.

The winter maintenance programme will continue until conditions improve, with further work planned as part of the council’s wider infrastructure strategy.

More than £70,000 worth of illegal tobacco, cigarettes and disposable vapes have been seized during a major enforcement operation across Walsall.

The coordinated action took place on Monday 9 February, with Walsall Trading Standards working alongside West Midlands Police and a specialist sniffer dog team to target six retail premises across the borough.

During the operation, officers seized over 65,000 illegal cigarettes, 13kg of hand-rolling tobacco and around 700 disposable vapes. The premises were selected based on intelligence suggesting the sale of illicit goods, with illegal products discovered in three of the shops visited, as well as in two associated vehicles.

In one case, a hidden storeroom was uncovered after Griff, a trained sniffer dog, detected the presence of tobacco products. The concealed space, which contained large quantities of illegal cigarettes, tobacco and banned single-use vapes, was not visible to officers and could only be identified using specialist detection.

Officers also found illegal tobacco stored in a number of unusual locations, including inside a toilet cistern and a wastepaper bin, highlighting the lengths some traders go to in order to hide illicit goods.

The operation forms part of Operation Fearless, an ongoing multi-agency initiative involving Trading Standards, police and public health teams, aimed at disrupting the illegal tobacco trade across Walsall.

Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities, said:

“ Allowing this sort of crime to go on in Walsall is simply not an option. I want to thank the Trading Standards team, West Midlands Police, and of course Griff, Bran and Cooper for their hard work in sniffing out these products and getting them off our streets.

“Tobacco bought illegally is often linked to organised crime, including human trafficking, drugs and even terrorism.

“Trading Standards have taken a strong approach to this issue and will continue to use every enforcement technique available to disrupt it. I commend them for their tenacity.

“Products like these can lead to anti-social behaviour and damage our community, so removing them is vital. “

The council has warned that illegal tobacco products pose serious health risks, as they are unregulated and may contain higher levels of harmful substances. Tackling the trade also forms part of Walsall’s wider Tobacco Control Plan, which aims to reduce smoking rates, strengthen enforcement and support residents to quit.

Investigations into the supply of illegal tobacco in the borough are ongoing.

Nearly 4,000 pupils across Walsall are taking part in a large-scale singing project designed to support children’s mental health and wellbeing during Children’s Mental Health Week (9–15 February 2026).

The initiative, known as Harmony in Walsall, is being delivered through a partnership between Walsall Council’s Public Health team and the Music Education Service. It forms part of a wider Black Country programme involving around 40,000 pupils from 120 schools across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Harmony is a creative health project that uses music to promote connection, emotional wellbeing and positive mental health among children. Originally developed in Dudley, the programme has now been expanded across the region through the Black Country Music Hub.

As part of the week’s activities, pupils and school staff will take part in a shared singing experience on Thursday 12 February, following a pre-recorded live-stream session. The video will bring together contributions from schools across the region and guide participants through a mass singing event, alongside activities focused on the “8 Steps to Wellbeing”.

In the lead-up to the event, children have been learning a set of songs linked to themes such as friendship, happiness and connection, supported by the Music Education Service. On the day, performances will also feature Radley Primary School choir, led by one of the service’s educators.

Participating schools in Walsall will receive themed resources, including wellbeing booklets with activities, stickers and certificates to recognise pupils’ involvement.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said:

“ Harmony is a fantastic opportunity for schools to support children’s mental health in a way that feels uplifting, creative and inclusive. By bringing pupils together through singing and shared activities, the project helps children build positive wellbeing habits, strengthen their sense of connection and develop simple tools they can use both in school and beyond. “

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, added:

“ Harmony gives schools a structured and reliable way to support children’s wellbeing as part of everyday learning. By combining music with simple, evidence-informed activities, the project helps teachers create calm, connected classrooms where children feel supported and ready to learn. It is a practical resource that fits naturally into the school day and strengthens the work we are doing to promote positive and better outcomes for children in Walsall. “

A community litter-picking event in Pleck has seen volunteers remove 80 bags of litter from local streets, following a coordinated effort between residents, community groups and Walsall Council.

The clean-up took place on Sunday 25 January 2026, focusing on Southbourne Avenue and surrounding side roads. A total of 37 volunteers took part in the two-hour session, including children and young people.

The event brought together members of the Pleck Picking Posse, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association and council teams, working collectively to improve the local environment. In addition to the large volume of litter collected, volunteers also identified several instances of fly-tipping, which have since been reported for further action.

Councillor Suky Samra, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene at Walsall Council, said:

“ This is community spirit at its very best.

Despite a cold and gloomy morning, residents came together to take pride in their neighbourhood, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave up their time to help.

It was particularly encouraging to see so many children and young people involved. Their enthusiasm and commitment set a brilliant example and show how small actions can make a real difference. Local residents were so appreciative that they even insisted on making a small donation for the youngest volunteers, which was unanimously agreed should be spent on sweets! A well-deserved treat for a fantastic effort. “

Walsall Council continues to support community-led litter-picking efforts, with three organised events scheduled each month. Upcoming sessions are planned across locations including Birchills, Willenhall and Blakenall in February, followed by further clean-ups in Caldmore, Aldridge Road and Moxley during March.

Additional events are also expected to take place as part of the Great British Spring Clean campaign.

To support volunteers, the council provides equipment including high-visibility jackets, litter pickers, gloves and bags. Equipment can be collected or returned at the council’s Environmental Depot in Brownhills, which is open every Wednesday between 10am and 3pm. A delivery and collection service is also available to make participation more accessible.

Residents interested in getting involved can find more information online, including how to join local groups or arrange their own litter-picking events.

Walsall Council has marked Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026, supporting the national campaign to raise awareness and highlight the support available to victims and survivors.

The awareness week, which ran from 2 to 8 February, takes place annually across the UK and focuses on challenging stigma, encouraging conversations and promoting the message that abuse and violence are never acceptable.

Working alongside partners in the Safer Walsall Partnership, the council used the week to reinforce the campaign message #ItsNotOk, while also signposting residents to local and national support services.

Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities at Walsall Council, said:

“ Sexual abuse and violence have no place in our community. Raising awareness is about breaking the silence, challenging harmful attitudes, and making it clear that survivors are believed, supported, and never to blame.

As a council, we are committed to working with partners to ensure help is available and that everyone can feel safe and respected. This commitment cannot be realised without our communities, and we will continue to build stronger partnerships with them over the coming years to challenge this behaviour and support those who are victims “

Walsall Council works with a range of organisations, including NHS services, to provide support for those affected by sexual abuse and violence.

Children and young people can be referred to the West Midlands Regional Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service, which supports individuals from birth up to 17 years old, as well as young adults aged up to 25 with complex needs.

A specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), based at Darlaston Health Centre in Wednesbury, offers 24-hour support, seven days a week. The service provides medical care, practical help and emotional support, delivered by trained professionals including paediatricians, forensic nurse examiners and support workers.

The council has also highlighted some of the potential signs of abuse, which can include changes in behaviour, withdrawal, unexplained injuries, sleep difficulties and reluctance to be alone with certain individuals.

Support is available for both children and adults through a range of services. These include Walsall Council’s children’s and adult social care teams, as well as national organisations such as Childline, NSPCC, Refuge, Rape Crisis and Samaritans.

Further information about local services can be found via Walsall’s Integrated Sexual Health Service website and the Walsall Safeguarding Partnership.

Residents who may be affected, or who are concerned about someone else, are encouraged to seek support and access the services available.

Hundreds of children across Walsall are set to benefit from free daily breakfasts at school, as nine primary schools join a national breakfast club scheme from April 2026.

The initiative forms part of the government’s Best Start programme, which aims to support families with the cost of living while helping children begin the school day ready to learn.

The schools joining the scheme in Walsall are Abbey Primary School, Blue Coat Church of England Infant School, Blue Coat Church of England Junior School, Caldmore Primary Academy, Edgar Stammers Primary School, Field Road Academy, North Walsall Primary Academy, Pelsall Village School and Pinfold Street Primary School.

These schools will join five others in the borough that have already been delivering the programme following a pilot phase. Goldsmith Primary Academy, King Charles Primary School, Oakwood School, Pool Hayes Primary School and Rivers Primary Academy were early adopters, with the scheme proving popular among pupils and families.

Each of the newly participating schools will receive a £1,000 start-up grant to support the setup of their breakfast clubs, including purchasing equipment and resources needed to run the sessions.

Anthony Orlik, Executive Head at Blue Coat C of E Infant and Junior Schools’ Federation, said:

“We are looking forward to offering the free Breakfast Club service to the Blue Coat children and community. The Club will ensure that the many infant and junior children we anticipate using this provision, are safely cared for from 8:15am whilst benefitting from a great breakfast every day!”

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children’s, Education and Lifelong Learning at Walsall Council, added:

“ We’re really pleased that nine more schools in Walsall are joining this scheme, enabling even more children to start the day with a free, nutritious breakfast so they are ready to learn.

The feedback from the five schools already delivering the scheme over the past year has been extremely positive, and breakfast clubs are helping children focus and make the most of their school day.

We also recognise the financial pressures many of our family’s face. This scheme not only allows parents to drop their children off a little earlier so they can get to work, but also provides reassurance that breakfast is taken care of and their child is starting the day having eaten well – it really is a win-win for all involved “

Field Road Academy, part of the Lighthouse Multi Academy Trust, is also among the new schools taking part. Paul Drew, Chief Executive of the trust, said:

“We are proud to announce that Field Road Academy has been selected to take part in the new Breakfast Club scheme, providing children with access to a nutritious and healthy start to the school day.

This initiative will make a real difference to our families. A nutritious breakfast supports concentration, wellbeing, and attainment, while also helping to ease morning pressures for parents and carers.”

The scheme is expected to expand further, with plans for a wider national rollout. Applications are currently open for an additional 1,500 schools across England to join from September 2026.

More information about the programme is available on the GOV.UK website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/parents-prioritising-primary-schools-with-free-breakfast-clubs

Walsall residents are being encouraged to start conversations about mental health as part of Time to Talk Day on Thursday 5 February 2026.

The national awareness day focuses on breaking down stigma and encouraging people to speak openly about how they are feeling, while also highlighting the support available for those who may need it.

Across Walsall, a range of free and confidential services are available to provide safe and supportive spaces for residents who may feel nervous about opening up. These services aim to help people build confidence, connect with others and access practical support.

One of the key local services is the Thrive Mobile Unit, also known as the Let’s Chat bus, which visits locations across the borough offering advice on a range of issues including mental wellbeing, finances, employment and housing.

For those needing support outside of standard service hours, the Sanctuary Hub in Bloxwich is open seven days a week. The hub operates from 6pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 12pm to 11pm at weekends, providing a space for residents to access help when they need it most.

Additional support is available through local organisations including Mustard Seed CIC and the Walsall Bereavement Support Service, both of which offer free counselling. Residents can also complete a personalised 8 Steps to Wellbeing Plan, designed to help individuals better understand and manage their mental health.

While awareness of mental health has grown in recent years, many people still face barriers such as stigma, fear of judgement and uncertainty about how to start a conversation. Time to Talk Day aims to challenge these barriers and remind people that support is available.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said:

“ Talking about mental health can feel difficult, but it’s one of the kindest things we can do for each other. Time to Talk Day is a reminder that asking how someone is and really listening can make a real difference. You could have a morning catch-up with work colleagues, spend time outdoors with a friend, family member or a local group, send a text message to someone to see how they are doing, or invite someone for a coffee or tea break.

If you or someone you know needs support, there are free, confidential services across Walsall ready to help. “

Residents who need urgent help for their mental wellbeing are advised to call 111 or visit the NHS service online at https://111.nhs.uk, selecting the mental health option to speak to a trained professional. In an emergency, people should call 999 or attend A&E.

For more information about the campaign, visit the Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/.