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Walsall’s Food Partnership is continuing its work to make healthy, affordable and sustainable food more accessible for residents across the borough.

The partnership brings together organisations from across the public, private, health, housing, education and voluntary sectors, with a shared aim of improving the local food environment and reducing inequalities. The work builds on the launch of the Walsall Food Plan in December 2025, which set out a long-term vision for creating a healthier and more sustainable food system.

Recent national changes restricting the advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) are expected to support local efforts. The measures aim to reduce children’s exposure to less healthy food options and contribute to tackling childhood obesity. Locally, these changes align with the partnership’s focus on making healthier choices more visible and easier to access.

A range of initiatives are already in place across Walsall. These include promoting the NHS Healthy Start scheme, supporting community shops that offer affordable food, sharing simple recipes to help families cook at home and encouraging residents to grow their own food.

Education also plays a key role, with programmes such as the Food for Life Children and Families Healthy Eating Programme, delivered by the Soil Association and commissioned by Walsall Council Public Health. The programme currently supports more than 19,000 children across early years and school settings, helping embed healthy eating and cooking into everyday life.

The Walsall Food Plan focuses on several key priorities, including improving access to healthier food choices, supporting healthier food environments, promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening leadership across services. Work is also underway with planning teams to ensure healthier food options are considered in local development decisions.

The strategy aligns with wider council priorities set out in the Council Plan 2025–2029 and the We Are Walsall 2040 vision, which aims to create a healthier, greener and more inclusive borough.

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

“ The Walsall Food Partnership is a fantastic example of how we can work together to create a healthier, greener borough. By making nutritious, affordable food the easy choice, we’re tackling inequalities and helping families live healthier lives. This is about giving every resident the opportunity to thrive and ensuring that healthy eating becomes the norm in Walsall. “

Adam Carter, Chair of the Walsall Food Partnership, added:

“ Our partnership brings together a range of organisations with one shared goal: to make healthy, sustainable food accessible for everyone. We want to take a whole-system approach. From community shops to growing and cooking initiatives, we’re empowering residents to make positive choices and building a food system that works for Walsall today and for future generations.” “

Residents can find out more about the initiative and access support through the following links:
Walsall Food Plan: https://go.walsall.gov.uk
Community shops and support: https://go.walsall.gov.uk
Healthy Start and cost of living support: https://go.walsall.gov.uk
HFSS advertising regulations: https://www.gov.uk

The partnership will continue to develop projects aimed at improving access to healthy food and supporting long-term wellbeing across the borough.

A new community support group is launching in Walsall to provide dedicated support for parents and carers of neurodivergent children.

Diverse Minds Community is introducing a regular group designed to offer a safe and supportive space where parents can share experiences, access practical advice and focus on their own mental health and wellbeing. The launch event will take place on Friday 30 January 2026 at Bentley Community Centre, running from 10:00am to 11:30am.

The sessions are structured around themes identified by parents and carers themselves, ensuring the support provided reflects real experiences and challenges. The aim is to help reduce isolation, build resilience and encourage open conversations around the pressures of caring for neurodivergent children.

The group has been developed as part of a wider network of support available across Walsall. It complements existing community-based projects delivered by organisations such as Mosaic CIC and Bread4Life, alongside other initiatives funded through the council’s Public Health mental wellbeing programme.

The launch also coincides with Parent Mental Health Day on 30 January, which highlights the importance of supporting parents’ wellbeing as a key factor in maintaining strong family relationships and positive outcomes for children.

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

“ Parents and carers play an essential role in supporting their children and it is vital that they have support for their own wellbeing too. The Diverse Minds Community group strengthens the range of support already available across Walsall, giving safe space to connect, share and feel understood. We want every parent to know they are not alone, and help is always within reach in our borough. “

A range of additional support services is available locally. The DadPad app offers guidance for fathers and can be accessed at: https://www.thedadpad.co.uk

Black Country CAMHS provides specialist mental health support for children and young people aged 0–18 with complex needs. More information is available via the NHS website: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk

Young people can also access free, confidential online support through Kooth at: https://www.kooth.com

Wider wellbeing support includes the Let’s Chat mobile wellbeing service and the Sanctuary Hub in Bloxwich, which offers out-of-hours mental health support. Free counselling is also available through organisations such as Mustard Seed CIC and Walsall Bereavement Support Service.

Residents can explore the full range of services through the Walsall Wellbeing Directory: https://go.walsall.gov.uk

Those interested in attending the Diverse Minds Community group or finding out more can email: support@diversemindscommunity.co.uk

For urgent mental health support, residents can call 111

Demolition work has begun in Willenhall as part of a major regeneration scheme that will see more than 100 new homes built on former industrial land.

The first phase of works is underway on Moat Street, where a disused industrial unit is being cleared to make way for new housing. The site is one of six brownfield locations identified for redevelopment as part of Walsall Council’s long-term Willenhall Framework plan.

Several of the sites had been left derelict for years and were acquired by the council in 2025 through a Compulsory Purchase Order. Preparatory work, including surveys, asbestos removal and site clearance, began in October 2025. Demolition is now progressing, led by contractor AR Demolition in partnership with Keepmoat Homes.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, said:

“ It’s great to see these derelict eyesores start to come down in Willenhall, they’ve been a blight on the community for too long and this is a major step forward in laying the groundwork for a future that Willenhall truly deserves.

It’s been a complex process to bring these challenging sites forward for development and there have been a lot of hurdles to overcome. Our strong partnership with Keepmoat is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating homes, spaces, and possibilities that reflect the spirit of Willenhall and support a thriving community for generations to come, whilst honouring Willenhall’s rich history “

The redevelopment will deliver a mix of homes for both open market sale and affordable tenures, with a focus on energy-efficient and accessible design. The scheme is being delivered by Keepmoat Homes, which specialises in brownfield regeneration projects.

Many of the buildings being demolished have been linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour, including reports of fires and vandalism. Their removal is expected to improve safety in the area while paving the way for new housing and community investment.

Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat West Midlands, said:

“ We’re pleased to be strengthening our partnership with Walsall Council by delivering new homes at this high-profile site. The scheme will see the clearance of derelict buildings and the building of much-needed, high-quality housing for new and existing residents.

At Keepmoat, we pride ourselves on being experts in brownfield regeneration and unlocking this site and addressing the complex remediation issues, collaboratively with WMBC is testament to this “

The wider regeneration of Willenhall is being supported by funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and the West Midlands Combined Authority, with further updates expected as the project progresses.

Walsall Council has reaffirmed its commitment to improving adult social care services following the publication of a new report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The independent regulator assessed the council’s adult social care provision and issued an overall rating of “Requires Improvement”. The assessment, which took place in August 2025, reviewed how the council supports residents across a range of areas, including service delivery, safety, leadership and partnership working.

The CQC evaluation was based on feedback from people who use adult social care services, their families and carers, as well as providers, staff and other professionals. Inspectors also examined council policies, procedures and performance across nine quality statements.

Councillor Keir Pedley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health at Walsall Council, said:

“ We are committed to providing our residents with the best possible adult social care services.

“We welcome this report from the CQC. Whilst we don’t recognise everything in the report and the resulting score of this assessment is disappointing, it highlights many areas of positive practice and performance across the service and provides us with valuable reassurance that our current areas of focus for improvement are the right ones.

“We take the results of this report very seriously, and I’d like to reassure our residents that we have a clear vision for change. An improvement action plan is already in place, and I’m confident the service will deliver improvements quickly and efficiently for those areas which need focus, as well as strengthening areas of good practice

“Our dedicated workforce remains our greatest asset, and we value their commitment, professionalism and compassion. We are committed to supporting, developing and investing in our workforce, and we will continue to build on our strengths, tackle challenges and drive continuous improvement in the outcomes we deliver for people who draw on our services.

“These are challenging times, and like other local authorities Walsall is under pressure due to rising demand for adult social care services. This is an important step in our journey of continuous improvement, and I am proud of the improvements we have already made since the assessment took place. I would like to thank all the staff, providers, partners and residents who took part in this CQC assessment and who are working with us to help us improve and fulfil our ambition to deliver the best possible services we possibly can for the borough. “

The council has confirmed that an improvement action plan is already in place, focusing on strengthening areas identified in the report while building on existing good practice.

Residents can read the full CQC assessment report here:
http://cqc.org.uk/care-services/local-authority-assessment-reports/walsall-0126

Further details are also available via the CQC press release:
https://cqc-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/embargoed-cqc-rates-walsall-councils-adult-social-care-provision-as-requires-improvement

For more information about adult social care services in Walsall, visit:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care

The Mayor of the West Midlands visited Bloxwich Launchpad this week, recognising the centre’s early success in supporting local residents, entrepreneurs and businesses.

The visit marked an important milestone for the hub, which opened in September 2025 as part of the £21.3 million Bloxwich Town Deal investment. Designed as a digital skills and business incubation space, the Launchpad provides access to training, resources and flexible working facilities for the local community.

During the visit, the Mayor met with users, local entrepreneurs and partners to hear how the facility is helping to develop skills, support enterprise and create new opportunities across Bloxwich and the wider borough.

Since opening, the centre has recorded more than 1,100 visits in its first 16 weeks and has provided ongoing support to over 400 residents. Its business space is currently used by 37 local entrepreneurs as a regular base, while a further 99 individuals have received business support through the hub.

The Launchpad offers a range of services, including free access to digital equipment, training sessions and collaborative workspaces aimed at encouraging innovation and growth.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, said:

“ It’s been inspiring to see the West Midlands Mayor engage with the success of Bloxwich launchpad. Since opening in September, the centre has become a real community asset, welcoming hundreds of people through its doors and providing vital support to help them build skills and grow their ideas. This visit underlines our commitment to investing in facilities that deliver real outcomes for local people and businesses right here in Bloxwich. “

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker added:

“ It’s been great to see first-hand the real difference this hub is making. Speaking with users, entrepreneurs and business owners who are supported by the launchpad gives me a great sense of pride in the work being done here. Places like Launchpad are vital for helping people gain skills, start and grow businesses, and drive opportunity right across our region. “

Bloxwich Launchpad forms part of a wider programme of regeneration across Walsall, which has included investment in community facilities, green spaces and enterprise initiatives aimed at boosting local growth and wellbeing.

The centre is located on Market Place in Bloxwich town centre and is open to the public Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

More information, including details of upcoming courses and sessions, can be found on the Launchpad website.

Walsall Council has issued hundreds of fines for littering over the past year, as part of its continued efforts to tackle environmental crime across the borough.

A total of 588 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were paid during 2025, with a further 22 cases progressing to court after fines were not settled within the required timeframe.

The council’s enforcement activity has remained consistent throughout the year, targeting individuals who continue to drop litter and negatively impact local streets, parks and neighbourhoods.

Officers have encountered a wide range of responses from those issued with fines. Among the more unusual explanations this year were claims that littering occurred due to a wasp inside a vehicle, suggestions that street cleaning was someone else’s responsibility, and assertions from individuals unfamiliar with local rules.

“ This has been a significant year for tackling those who continue to disrespect Walsall by littering, and the message is clear: if you litter in Walsall, you can expect enforcement action.

“Our investment in extra CCTV and additional legal capacity will only see our enforcement get stronger. We are absolutely committed to holding offenders to account and keeping Walsall clean for everyone. “

Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities

All income generated from fines is reinvested into enforcement work, supporting the expansion of CCTV coverage, monitoring, evidence gathering and further action to deter environmental offences.

Residents are reminded that there are a range of services available to help dispose of waste responsibly. Walsall operates two free Household Waste Recycling Centres at Fryers Road in Bloxwich and Merchants Way in Aldridge. A bulky waste collection service is also available for those unable to transport larger items.

Households with additional needs, such as larger families or medical requirements, can apply for a bigger bin through the council’s website.

Environmental crime, including fly-tipping, can be reported online at:
👉 https://go.walsall.gov.uk/apply/myaccount-online-services/report-fly-tip
or by calling 01922 653355.

A key milestone has been reached in the York’s Bridge project in Pelsall, with traffic set to return to the route following the partial opening of a newly constructed bridge.

From 6pm on Tuesday 16 December, the existing road closure will be lifted, allowing vehicles to travel across the new bridge for the first time since works began earlier in the year.

The new structure has been built alongside the historic York’s Bridge and is designed to improve safety, access and long-term resilience along this important local route. By diverting traffic onto the new bridge, the original structure will be preserved while still maintaining connectivity for residents and road users.

Full completion of the project is expected by March 2026, with some final works still to be carried out. These include completing footways, installing lighting and signage, adding safety fencing, and finishing surfacing and landscaping.

“ I am very pleased we are now in a position to lift this road closure and get traffic moving again.

“I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding around the disruption. We are now in the home stretch of this project, which will bring long-term benefits for local communities and everyone who uses this key route. “

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council

The road has been closed since 29 September to allow construction to take place safely, protecting both workers and the public throughout the build.

As well as improving transport links, the wider scheme will deliver additional community and environmental benefits. These include new parking bays to enhance access to Pelsall North Common, the creation of two ponds, and the planting of around 540 trees as saplings.

Once complete, the project will represent a significant infrastructure investment for the area, improving connectivity while safeguarding the historic bridge for future generations.

Walsall Council has launched a bold five-year strategy aimed at creating a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system across the borough.

Feeding Walsall’s Future: Walsall’s Food Plan 2025–2030 was officially unveiled at an event held at The Hub, Walsall College on 11 December 2025. The plan sets out a shared vision to ensure all residents have access to nutritious, affordable and sustainable food.

Developed in collaboration with the Walsall Food Partnership, the plan brings together stakeholders from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors. It reflects a collective commitment to building a food environment where healthy choices are accessible and actively promoted.

The strategy has been shaped by extensive engagement with communities, partners and stakeholders, including discussions at the Walsall Food Summit 2024 and insights from the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report 2022. It also aligns with the long-term ambitions of the We Are Walsall 2040 vision.

Four key priorities underpin the plan:

• Supporting healthier food choices
• Promoting a positive food environment
• Building a sustainable, resilient food system
• Improving how food is sourced and served across organisations

The launch event highlighted the importance of partnership working, with speakers sharing local research, best practice and examples of ongoing initiatives tackling food insecurity and improving access to healthy food.

In keeping with the plan’s ethos, attendees were served a vegetarian lunch prepared by Walsall College students using locally sourced ingredients, demonstrating a practical approach to reducing food miles and minimising waste. Guests were also invited to make pledges on how they could contribute to the plan’s vision.

“ Walsall is proud to be a borough that is rich in diversity and we continue to work collectively to ensure that it is a place that our residents are proud to live, work and study in.

Walsall’s Food Plan demonstrates both our approach to collective working as a borough and the launch event highlights the diverse range of partners who are invested in the plan.

Good food is essential for good health and contributes to social and economic wellbeing, cultural expression, community building and social connection.

We acknowledge there are challenges both locally and nationally, making this Food Plan both timely and important. By working together, we can achieve our collective vision. “

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

“ The Food Plan is really important for Walsall. We’ve been working with Walsall since 2017 and we know that there is good food work taking place across the borough. However, this plan enables clear coordination of local efforts and helps partners from across the food system achieve the same goal; the goal of more equitable access to good food for all in Walsall. “

Adam Carter, Senior Programme Manager for Food for Life
Soil Association

The Walsall Food Partnership will play a central role in delivering the plan, working with local organisations to share knowledge, support community food initiatives and shape future food policies.

As part of the programme, Walsall will also work towards achieving Sustainable Food Place status, further strengthening its commitment to long-term change.

To read the full Food Plan, visit the Walsall Council website.

More than 500 families across Walsall received essential support in the lead-up to Christmas, as baby care packs were distributed to help those facing financial pressures.

The initiative, led by charity Care Packs in partnership with volunteers from Cisco, saw 330 free baby care packs delivered to Walsall Council’s four Family Hubs. A further 180 packs were scheduled for distribution through community shops across the borough before Christmas Day.

Each pack contains a range of everyday essentials for babies and young children, including baby wipes, nappy sacks, cotton wool pads, shampoo and body wash, lotion and sponges. Together, these items provide around £8 worth of vital supplies to support families during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

The initiative aims to ease some of the financial burden on households while ensuring that young children continue to have access to basic hygiene essentials.

“ Christmas is a time to spread some festive cheer. At this time, Walsall Council is dedicated to supporting vulnerable families across the borough who are currently experiencing poverty.
We are grateful for the continued support from Care Packs. These baby care packs will make a vital difference to families in our community who are facing financial hardship, and all in time for Christmas. “

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Walsall Council

“ We are delighted to offer our Care Packs to babies and children in Walsall. These packs are filled with essential items for families and people struggling with financial challenges, they will help parents ensure that they can maintain a basic level of hygiene for their children. Through this gesture, we hoped we were able to spread some festive cheer this Christmas and make every child in the borough feel valued. “

Jay Rohman, Chair for Care Packs

The distribution of the packs highlights the ongoing role of partnership working between charities, businesses and the council in supporting local communities.

Families can find out more about support available through Walsall’s Family Hubs by visiting:
👉 www.walsallfamilyhubs.co.uk

Further information about community shops across the borough is available here:
👉 https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/community-shops