Community News

Coventry entrepreneur Nyasha Pitt brings beautiful, brave, brilliant Black performers back to the stage for IDENT2020 – the UK’s only annual arts festival which ONLY platforms Black performers.

Last year’s event, which was also funded by the City of Culture Trust, took place at Warwick Arts Centre. This year, the event will be streamed via YouTube on 21.12.20 – the shortest day of the year and the night upon which the Christmas Star (or the ‘Great Conjunction’ of

Saturn and Jupiter) will be visible for the first time in 800 years.

The digital festival will feature dance, photography, spoken word, gospel music, opera, comedy and more. The aim of the festival remains the same: the celebration, rather than appropriation, of Black talent, for the benefit and enjoyment of all.

Commenting on this year’s event, Nyasha said: “I cannot wait to share this event with everyone. 

"Last year was awesome; this year, we may have to create new words just to describe the incredible talent shared with us all, at a time when we all need inspiration. Black creativity is magical. And for far too long, we have been disenfranchised from even acknowledging our power.

"Other races can be applauded for their skills… however, when it comes to Black peoples, our talent only holds value when it is appropriated. Or worse, when we are only supported to deliver projects which reinforce racial stereotypes and negative biases. That has to stop.

IDENT is a small contribution towards the massive change needed.”

IDENT2020 will feature some emergent and established Black UK & US talent:

• Birmingham’s Poet Laureate Casey Bailey
• Coventry poet Kassandra Gordon
• Coventry-based visual artist melissandre varin
• Birmingham Comedian Smash Entertainz
• Birmingham jazz musician Romarna Campbell
• Birmingham composer & musician Ray Prince
  (Gospel Revisited Project)
• Birmingham wordsmith KSSence

The CEO of www.Just-Tickets.com  - the UKs fasting growing self-service events ticketing website – Dr Paul Lawrence MA launched the ticket-booking site in 2018. It was just one in a line of benevolent-led creations from his myriad worldly achievements, before it was announced that he had passed away.

With over 35-years of experience as an IT professional, he previously worked throughout Europe delivering work-class solutions to a wide variety of customers, the Jamaica-native

was a founding member of the multiple award-winning charity 100 Black Men of London and a trustee of the youth mentoring charity Youth Synergy, Jamaica-born Dr Paul Lawrence, who moved to England in1989,  was also an author, newspaper columnist, coach and philanthropist, he was widely respected for his work in creating positive platforms for children and young people.

A community-based charity led by Black men delivering programmes and activities focused on mentoring, education, economic empowerment, plus health & wellness, 100 Black Men of London has been serving its community since 2001, as it impacts thousands of lives through the work that they continue to do.

On his death – a week before the launch of the Jamaica Floods Fundraising Concert, in which he was to be very much part of – his brother, Hubert, said: “As a very brother, he (Paul) was always a loyal, passionate and dedicated man whose open-door policy on life meant that he would always be ready, willing and able to help others.

“The family was proud of his achievements in the UK, and were looking forward to him returning to Jamaica.”

On social media a message by Brenda McLeod of Jamaicans From Around The Globe read;

‘Condolences to Hubert Lawrence in London.

‘Condolences to all the Lawrence family.

‘May his soul rise in power.’

He recently launched his own YouTube talk show - People Talk – which covers issues from domestic violence, to child abuse and much more relative topics.

A visionaries and leader, the entrepreneur led the concept of the UK-based organisation, which was Britain’s answer to the America-based 100 Black Men Inc., which was founded by Dr William H. Hayling – who, himself, also passed very recently.

Dr Paul died after reportedly experiencing breathing difficulties.

He was 56.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to keep Christmas celebrations "short" and "small" to reduce the risk of spreading Covid over the festive period. Restrictions will still be relaxed between 23 and 27 December - but the PM said people should "think hard" before meeting friends and family.

In Wales only two households - plus an additional single person who lives alone - will be allowed to meet by law. And in Scotland people are being asked to only meet on one of the five days.

The PM said the law was remaining the same in England but "a smaller Christmas is going to be a safer Christmas and a shorter Christmas is a safer Christmas.

“When we say three households can meet on five days, I want to stress, these are maximums, not targets to aim for, and it's always going to be safest to minimise the number of people you meet," he told a Downing Street press conference.

"If that means you're visiting others, we're asking you, for the five days beforehand, as early as Friday, to reduce the number of people you're in contact with to the lowest possible." He also advised people to avoid travelling from "high prevalence" areas to those with lower rates of coronavirus and not to stay away from home overnight if possible.

The PM urged caution over seeing elderly or vulnerable relatives. "Remember, the vaccine is on the way and our aim is to inoculate everyone who's extremely vulnerable, or elderly, by the early months of next year," he said. "If you have an elderly relative, you might want to delay seeing them until they've been vaccinated."

"Whatever your plans for Christmas, please think carefully about avoiding crowds in the Boxing Day sales, and no one should be gathering in large groups to see in the new year," he added. And England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned: "Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's sensible in any way."

"Any kind of period where people come together in groups that otherwise wouldn't meet leads to an increase in risks and that will lead to an increase in hospitalisations and deaths," he said. He urged people to keep their Christmas celebrations small, short and local to reduce these risks.

UK leaders had come under pressure to review the guidance for Christmas amid rising infections.

Wales has announced it will head back into a stay-at-home lockdown as soon as the Christmas period is over. Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said her "strong recommendation" was to "spend Christmas in your own home with your own household", and if people do mix with others they should only do so for one of the five days.

She added: "We will set out advice if you are living in any of the nations in one of the highest level of protection - which in England and London is tier three - then we don't think you should be travelling to other parts of the UK."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster said she would wait to hear from her health minister before announcing changes, but added people must take "all and every precaution" over the festive period. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she recognised governments needed to provide "flexibility" over Christmas and that people needed to take personal responsibility for their actions.

The four UK nations previously agreed a set of rules for the festive period, which has been set down in legislation and is not expected to change in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland - even though the guidance has been updated.

·         Between 23 and 27 December, you can form a "Christmas bubble" comprised of people from three households

·         You can travel between tiers and between UK nations to meet your bubble

·         You can only meet in homes, places of worship or public outdoor spaces - not pubs or restaurants

·         You can meet people outside your bubble according to your local rules

But in Wales new guidance on households mixing will be put into law, meaning only two households - plus an additional single person who lives alone - will be able to form a Christmas bubble.

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said Labour would support tougher restrictions over Christmas.

"We would have liked to have seen a toughening up today from the prime minister - perhaps something like what we've seen in Wales, reducing households," he said. "I think he's going to have to go further in the coming days."

An information campaign is expected to be launched in the days running up to Christmas, with people being urged to think carefully before bubbling with elderly or at-risk relatives.

People from the UK’s Black community are being encouraged to accept a Covid-19 vaccine amid concerns that they are less likely to take it up.

District nurse Genevieve Palmer was given the jab at Kingswood Health Centre in Bristol on Tuesday. She asked communities to take the vaccine "to protect yourself, protect your family and protect everybody."

A Royal Society for Public Health survey found that BAME groups, in general, were less likely to want the Covid vaccine. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showing that Black people are almost twice as likely to die from Covid-19 as white people, with those of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnicity about 1.7 times as likely. Ms Palmer said she was "very happy" to receive the inoculation but admitted there was scepticism in the Black community, even among her friends.

"When I was coming here, I ran into some friends from my background and when I said I'm going to get my Covid vaccine it wasn't well accepted, people were asking 'are you sure?'

"I just want to tell them, everyone in my ethnic minority, it's very safe, go and have it to protect yourself, protect your family and protect everybody. I want to encourage them to get out there and have it. Do your research, stop believing what you see on Youtube, it doesn't help."

Dr Neil Kerfoot is leading the vaccination programme at Kingswood Health Centre.He said that first in line were people aged over 80 and they had taken into account patients' other illnesses, vulnerability and ethnicity when planning the order of vaccinations for the community.

"I think it rates as one of the most complicated and challenging, but also one of the most exciting things we've done," said the GP.

Christina Marriott, chief executive of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), said "anti-vaccination messages have been specifically targeted" at some ethnic and religious communities through mediums such as messaging service WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, Bristol City Council said working with Somali, Sudanese and Pakistani communities in schools, cafes and housing estates has helped to bring the city's coronavirus case numbers down. The council and its health partners focused on areas including Barton Hill, Lawrence Hill, Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston.

Deputy Mayor for communities Asher Craig said they had seen numbers "plummet" particularly in areas where there are significant BAME communities.

It has been said that advice around celebrating Christmas safely across the UK is expected to be significantly strengthened in the coming days. People are likely to be urged to think carefully about travelling and to stay local where possible. However, it is unlikely the agreed rules - allowing up to three households to mix for five days - will change.

Officials from all four nations had just held talks - with more scheduled to take place today.

It comes amid concern that relaxing the restrictions will fuel a further surge in Covid-19 case numbers with two leading medical journals describing the current rules as "rash".

It was said that no final decisions had been taken but people are likely to be told that the relaxations are limits not targets and that they should be cautious when forming household bubbles. It is still hoped a common approach can be agreed across the four nations.

Under the agreed Christmas rules, travel restrictions will be eased from 23 to 27 December to allow up to three households to form a bubble and stay overnight at each other's homes.

A spokeswoman for Northern Ireland's government said scientific advisers would be consulted ahead of any decision, while a Welsh government spokesman said talks there would "confirm the position".

Ahead of the talks, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon argued there was a "case" for tightening the planned freedoms to combat a rise in infections and indicated she could break with the four-nations approach.

Meanwhile, government figures just out show another 18,450 cases and 506 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported in the UK.

The UK Home Secretary Priti Patel announced that the government will be give up to £100,000 to victims of the Windrush scandal, which saw thousands of people wrongly threatened with deportation. She declcared that the minimum payment will rise from £250 to £10,000, and the maximum from £10,000 to £100,000.

The figure will be higher in exceptional circumstances, with money coming through quicker than before.

The Windrush scandal mainly affected UK citizens, originally from the Caribbean, who were granted indefinite leave to remain in 1971, but thousands were children who had travelled on their parents' passports. Because of this, many were unable to prove they had the right to live in the country when "hostile environment" immigration policies - demanding the showing of documentation - began in 2012, under then Home Secretary Theresa May.

The scandal broke in 2018, including the revelation that many of those affected had lost homes and jobs and had been denied access to healthcare and benefits.

A large number of people died while awaiting payments under the compensation scheme set up for victims.

Campaigners for the Windrush victims will be asking why the announcement by Home Secretary Patel didn't come sooner. The government set up the Windrush Compensation Scheme when the scandal became public in 2018, but that scheme has long been criticised for being too slow and resulting in offers some say are too low. The speed at which claims are processed and money is offered is seen as being particularly crucial, given that many of those affected are elderly.

The additional announcement that the compensation process for loss of earnings will also change could potentially lead to even larger payouts for victims. Early responses from claimants suggest a sense of cautious optimism at the latest announcement, with one person telling me they won't believe it until a cheque is in the post.

The Windrush Compensation Scheme will be updated following consultation with the Windrush Working Group, chaired by Bishop Derek Webley.

The Home Secretary told the House of Commons there would be "substantial changes", adding that these would "make a real difference to people's lives". She added: "I've always promised to listen and act to ensure that the victims of Windrush receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve.

"It's my mission to correct the wrongs of the past and I will continue to work with the Windrush Working Group to do exactly that."

The changes to the scheme will apply retrospectively, meaning those previously given less than £10,000 will receive top-up payments. The Home Office is also removing the 12 months' salary limit on compensation for earnings lost by people forced out of their jobs.

It will start letting those affected by the changes know from next week.

Bishop Webley said: "Many will benefit from the relief that these new payments will provide, and begin to move forward with their lives with hope and determination."

An estimated 500,000 people living in the UK make up the surviving members of the Windrush generation.

An Equality and Human Rights Commission report last month said government action taken to "record and respond to negative equality impacts" of hostile environment immigration policies had been "perfunctory and therefore insufficient".

It called for a plan" of "specific actions" to "avoid a future breach", with the commission's interim chair, Caroline Waters, describing the treatment of the Windrush generation as "a shameful stain on British history".

The Windrush compensation scheme came into force last year, with £2m being paid out so far and a further £1m offered.

Christmas this year is going to be very different for everyone and there are many people that are going to need support. This year, Prezzo has teamed up with Global’s Make Some Noise, the official charity of Global, the Media and Entertainment group, to support small and local charities across the UK, helping those hit hardest by coronavirus.

Whilst the doors might be currently closed for dining across England, Prezzo has launched its Christmas menu and fundraising campaign nationwide to take-away customers in England, until restaurants can open again. 

Prezzo is calling on its customers to help spread smiles and happiness for those who need it most this Christmas. There are two ways to support:

Secret Sprouts

Prezzo is launching a “new dish” on this year’s Christmas menu; Secret Sprouts. This dish is invisible (no sprouts will arrive at the table!). The £2 cost of the dish will be donated to Global’s Make Some Noise, to support small charities up and down the country, helping people affected by coronavirus in the communities of Prezzo’s restaurants. This includes Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid which provides vital support for unpaid carers who live in East Dunbartonshire.

Christmas cards 

There will also be a Christmas card for children to colour in this year. Prezzo and Global’s Make Some Noise will distribute the cards to older people, many who are going to be on their own this Christmas, to spread some smiles and festive cheer. The cards will also be available digitally to download for any families that want to take part.

Global’s Make Some Noise supports small charities up and down the country that are helping those experiencing homelessness and hunger, grief, domestic abuse, loneliness, illness and mental health problems, as well as carers and care workers.

Karen Jones, Prezzo Chairman said: “This year has been tough on everyone, so we really want Prezzo to be a welcoming, covid-secure escape this Christmas. We also want to do our bit to make a difference. Global’s Make Some Noise is supporting community charities up and down the country, working with those most affected by the pandemic. One of our core values is ‘community’, so this partnership is a perfect fit. Here's to selling lots of secret sprouts!”

Emma Bradley, Director of Global Goodness, said: “We’re so grateful to Prezzo for choosing to support our appeal with their very special menu item, Secret Sprouts. This feel good campaign will help to raise vital funds for small, local charities doing essential work in our communities. On top of this, the Christmas cards that we’ll be helping to deliver will provide some comfort and cheer for those who might be experiencing loneliness or isolation this winter. The pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on our communities, but thanks to Prezzo and the generosity of the public, we’re able to support those in need by helping small charities continue their critical work.”

The Prezzo Christmas menu is available from Tuesday 17th November via Click & Collect, Deliveroo and Just Eat. The Secret Sprouts is only available via Click & Collect.

Guests in Scotland and Wales can enjoy the Christmas set menu of two courses for £15 and three courses for £19 in their local restaurant. As for England available, those in lockdown can get the same set menu with 20% off Click & Collect to enjoy on their sofas.

A Codsall dad and his colleagues grew moustaches this month to help raise £50,000 for surgery and aftercare for his three-year-old son.

Nick England, 41, and nine of his colleagues at Trailfinders in Birmingham grew their facial hair for the fund for three-year-old James for the third year in a row. Chairman and founder of Trailfinders Mike Gooley agreed to match the amount of any funds raised – meaning that this year the event raised over £10,000, including the matchfunding.

James was born ten weeks early and spent the first five weeks of his life in intensive care. Aged 15 months he was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. He has spasticity in both his legs and arms which can be uncomfortable and restricts his movements. He cannot sit unaided or walk, but he can bunny-hop crawl and almost catch his big brother Edward, aged 5.

James is currently on the waiting list for selective dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool and the family need to raise the funds for this as well as specialist equipment and physiotherapy. It will not be covered by the NHS, but his neurosurgeon believes that the procedure will improve James’ quality of life and reduce his pain. It may also help him to walk.

Nick said: ‘It’s great that my colleagues have got behind me again. Obviously this year was very different – we are all working from home and some of us are furloughed, so there was none of the usual comparing hair growth in the office! But we kept things going on social media, Zoom and the like so it was a fun event even so.’

‘I am of course very grateful to Trailfinders for agreeing to the match funding again.’

The England family are being supported by Tonbridge-based Tree of Hope, a charity which helps families fundraise for children like James with healthcare needs.

People across the West Midlands are being urged to ‘put Alzheimer’s Society on their Christmas list’ as the charity seeks to ensure no one affected by dementia goes without the support they need over the festive season. The charity has led the way in highlighting the devastating impact lockdown has had on those with the condition and their loved ones. And it’s at the forefront of a campaign to end restrictions that have prevented family members from hugging, or even holding hands with, loved ones living with dementia in care homes.

Alzheimer’s Society is calling for designated family members to be given ‘key worker status’ which includes access to PPE and rapid, regular testing. This acknowledges the vital role families often play in caring for loved ones in care homes, from assisting them with tasks such as eating and drinking, to helping them articulate their needs, which can prove critical.

The charity’s dedicated army of expert Dementia Advisers are preparing for what could be their busiest ever festive period as people continue to struggle with isolation and loneliness, due to the current restrictions. Dementia Advisers offer a personalised support service for people affected by dementia and provide advice, information and can connect people to other local services.

Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society’s Chief Executive, said: “Since lockdown began in March, Alzheimer’s Society’s vital support services have been used more than 2.7 million times and are proving to be a lifeline for thousands of people.

“More than a quarter of all coronavirus deaths have been people living with dementia, making them the worst-hit by the pandemic. Many more are isolated from social contact, essential health and care support which is why we need people to donate to our Christmas Appeal so anyone struggling will have a Dementia Adviser on hand when they need them.

“Your support could help make sure no one faces dementia alone. Donating is easy – simply visit alzheimers.org.uk”

Michael Renenhan from Birmingham, who is just one of 70,000 people living with dementia in the West Midlands, said: “I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six years ago and I usually go to Alzheimer’s Society’s support groups, but I can’t go because of coronavirus – I haven’t been out in a fortnight. But knowing someone is there at the end of a phone line is very reassuring and Alzheimer’s Society and their wonderful Dementia Advisers have been a great support. Physically I feel okay and I’ve been out in the garden with the dog, but I miss socialising and seeing friends and family. It’s really nice to get to speak to someone for a bit on the phone.”

The charity’s next major fundraising activity will be a star-studded virtual ‘Carols at Christmas’ event on Thursday 17 December, hosted by Oscar-nominated actress Carey Mulligan and featuring readings from actor Jonathan Pryce, actress Lesley Manville and Sir Trevor McDonald. Pop group Scouting for Girls will sing their version of Wham’s Last Christmas. Also performing will be 80-year-old musician Paul Harvey, who is living with dementia.

Paul, who was born in Stoke on Trent and studied at the Guildhall School of Music, made headlines around the world when a video of his composition, ‘Four Notes’, was viewed millions of times. The song has since been released with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra as a charity single.

Taking part in the virtual event, which begins at 6:30pm, is free. However, Alzheimer’s Society is asking audience members to consider making a donation to support its vital work. To register or for further information, visit alzheimers.org.uk

A West Midlands Metro extension linking Digbeth with the city centre has moved a step forward with the much-anticipated light rail route now in the preliminary construction stage following approval by the Department of Transport earlier this year. The £227m Birmingham Eastside extension will help transform and support the regeneration of Digbeth through improving connectivity and making the most out of HS2. The 1.7km extension will run from Bull Street, in the city centre, to Digbeth, adding four new tram stops to the Metro network.

More than half of the route is planned to be free of overhead wires, similar to the recently opened extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square, and construction for the project includes urban realm upgrades for Digbeth High Street ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The extension was made possible following confirmation of funding from the Department for Transport, which has been topped up with prudential borrowing and a £15 million grant from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) to fund improvements to Digbeth High Street.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street joined representatives from Birmingham City Council, Midland Metro Alliance and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) at New Bartholomew Street in Digbeth to witness the work taking place first hand as an existing water main beneath the city’s streets is upgraded and future-proofed ahead, benefiting both Metro and HS2 main works. He said: “Major transport infrastructure projects are critical to helping our economy bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. Guaranteeing significant work for the construction sector helps to both create and protect local jobs for local people, and I am therefore delighted that we’ve been able to press ahead with the Eastside extension with residents now starting to see work become more visible around the route.

"This scheme would not have been possible without significant funding coming from the Government earlier this year, and I want to thank both the Department for Transport and the Treasury for backing the West Midlands and our plans to make major changes to our public transport network after decades of under investment.

"This extension will not only connect the east and west of Birmingham by tram, but also provide a direct route for many across the Black Country to travel directly to the new Curzon Station for HS2. This is just one of three metro extensions that are currently underway, along with the re-opening of old railway lines and stations, a re-design of our cycling network, and the introduction of electric buses.”

Beginning earlier in the autumn, the Midland Metro Alliance, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) have been busy assessing, upgrading and diverting existing utilities along Lower Bull Street, Digbeth High Street and High Street Deritend. The activities, most of which have been taking place overnight to limit disruption to pedestrians and the travelling public, are underway alongside detailed design work for the landmark light rail scheme.

Councillor Ian Ward, West Midlands Combined Authority portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s exciting to see this work become more noticeable in recent weeks. Those working and living in the city have benefited from the extension of the West Midlands Metro to the west of Birmingham and now those who travel to and from Digbeth will be delighted to see that this massive project is well underway bringing these same benefits to the east.”

Matthew Rhodes, board director for GBSLEP said: ‘’GBSLEP has committed funds to help Birmingham City Council develop the business cases for Digbeth High Street public realm. Realigning the Metro on the High Street and investing in the public realm is vital to ensure we not only create a space that focuses on pedestrians but also provide a world class corridor for public transport, including buses and new Sprint vehicles. As a key development catalyst, it’s important we look at every aspect of growth in Digbeth to ensure the area is better connected to the city and to the HS2 and Curzon Street development. All this work will help increase investment alongside the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension.  GBSLEP is committed to enabling inclusive economic growth and we see this area as a great opportunity to create jobs as well as a sense of place as we strive to make our city region the best to live in and work in.

The Midland Metro Alliance, the organisation planning, designing and constructing the tramway, has been keeping those in the local area informed of these recent activities via their dedicated Engagement Team. Further information for stakeholders and the travelling public will be shared in coming weeks as these key preliminary works ramp-up across the city centre and the east of Birmingham.

Martin Gallacher, project director for the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension, said: “Although many colleagues have been working remotely in recent months, activities for this extension project have continued on schedule along with important discussions with Transport for West Midlands and our construction team regarding scheduling further preliminary activities. Ultimately our aim is to develop the best tramway, in the most efficient way, for the city and people of Birmingham.”

Due to the complexity of the parallel work at the HS2 Curzon Street Station, discussions are currently underway to determine a suitable opening date that would benefit all parties. Transport for West Midlands will continue to work with HS2 and partners to complete the line as soon as possible. The project forms the first part of the proposed East Birmingham to Solihull extension which will take the line further east through Bordesley Green and Chelmsley Wood to Birmingham Airport, the NEC and the HS2 interchange station.

Six new roads forming part of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme have been officially named through a contest in which members of the public were invited to submit their suggestions and ideas.

Louise Kilbride of Handsworth Wood impressed a panel of judges drawn from members of the local community, councillors and project officials with her submission - based on the theme of cohesion and shared values for Perry Barr and surrounding areas.

The names suggested for the six streets that will serve 1,400 much-needed homes are:

1.    Diversity Grove

2.    Equality Road

3.    Destiny Road

4.    Inspire Avenue

5.    Respect Way

6.    Humanity Close

Louise, who lives approximately one mile away from the new streets, said: “I came across the street naming competition in the council's e-newsletter.

“It got me thinking about street names that could in some way reflect the diversity of the Perry Barr area – names that would have a positive meaning for local people and echo my belief that everyone deserves decent housing. That's when I thought of these names and I feel honoured that these have been picked.”

Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council, chaired the naming selection panel which unanimously agreed the winning entry.

He said: “We were delighted with the standard of the entries that people put forward to name these streets in the largest regeneration scheme we have seen in the north west of Birmingham for many decades. I want to thank everyone who took some time to get involved with this contest. But it was clear one entry stood out in a very strong field. The names put forward by Louise struck a chord with everyone on the panel and the chosen values captured the essence of Perry Barr and indeed the city of Birmingham as a whole.”

Given the eyes of the sporting world will be on this part of Birmingham in less than two years when the Alexander Stadium hosts athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the fact the winning entry utilised the Commonwealth Sport movement’s values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny was felt by the judging panel to give these names a reinforced local relevance.

The use of the values of was also applauded by Dame Louise Martin DBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

She added: “On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement and our 72 nations and territories, I am delighted to see that these new Perry Barr streets incorporate our values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny. This is important as the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme will be one of the great legacies of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Due to Birmingham hosting the Games, this much-needed residential scheme has been significantly accelerated. The additional investment from central government, which has come as part of the Bid commitment, has made this possible.

“It is a clear example of partners working together across Birmingham and the West Midlands to deliver the best possible legacy from the Games. Congratulations to Louise for her successful entry to name six new roads and she is a worthy winner.”

Work is well underway on homes that will use the street names, situated on the site of the former Birmingham City University Campus. Topping out (completion of the highest point of a structure) was recently achieved on one of the site plots with others following soon.

Lendlease is the principal contractor for the 1,400 homes, part of the wider Perry Barr regeneration programme - which includes improved leisure and community facilities, upgraded transport infrastructure and 5,000 new homes. And it was Lendlease that devised the concept of the street naming contest as part of its effort to engage with the local community whilst it delivers the project.

Anna Evans, Lendlease’s Project Director at Perry Barr, said: “These are wonderful street names for the vibrant new neighbourhood we are creating. Congratulations to Louise, who has helped play an important role in the future history of Perry Barr.”

All members of the judging panel said they were impressed with the creativity and thinking that went into all the entries.

Panellist and local resident Aisha Masood, who is also the Young (WM) Combined Authority Co-chair, said: “It was an absolute honour to be part of the selection panel. There was an impressive submission of entries that epitomised not just the core values and culture of Perry Barr but encompassed what the area is all about.”

It is expected the homes using the new street names will be ready for occupation in 2023.

People who pride themselves on being caring and compassionate are being offered the ultimate lockdown job opportunity - getting paid to look after someone in their own home.

Camphill Village Trust, based in Walsall, is a care provider that promotes supported shared living. The charity is looking for  40 people across Birmingham and the Black Country region to open up their homes and hearts to people who need support – for mental health, dementia, or a learning disability , and earn up to £570 a week in return. The opportunity, which is supported by Walsall Council and Birmingham City Council, comes as more people are seeking safer caring roles amid the ongoing pandemic, and it is hoped people of all ages, abilities, histories and experiences will apply for the exciting new roles.

Samantha 31 and Adam Barlow 38 are Shared Lives carers based in Sedgley. They said: “Being a Shared Lives carer is a job that sounds a little too good to be true – but it isn’t. It’s great being paid to support someone in our home, or out in the community. Our lives fit together it’s great to be able to enrich someone else’s life whilst also enriching our own.

Most important of all, you are providing a loving and supportive home for someone who needs it. 

“Before becoming shared lives carers, we both worked in catering and hospitality, with a brief time working in community-based care. We found that these skills and our life experiences, could all be used in a Shared Lives carer role. We wanted a career that would fit round our commitments and a way we could give back to others with the comfort of being in our own home.  

“The great thing is you don’t need any experience at all – just a caring nature and eagerness to support someone, and a spare room!”

Across the UK more than 6,000 Shared Lives carers support more than 14,000 social care users, with 150 new opportunities currently available nationally. Carers can provide day care, over-night care or a permanent home for a diverse range of people who need support in everyday life. This could be anyone from young people leaving care, those with mental or physical disabilities, to older people or those needing short term support following hospital treatment.  95% of all Shared Lives schemes rated as Good or Outstanding.

Shared Lives carers come from a whole range of careers. As well as former care workers and health professionals, current carers include former brick layers, mortgage advisers, foster carers, butchers and police officers, with young parents also choosing it as a career that works around their own childcare responsibilities.

Kate Morgan, Registered Manager for the Camphill Village Trust scheme said: “Covid-19 has had an unprecedented impact on all aspects of our lives since March, but the 900 plus Shared Lives Carers across the West Midlands region have been providing more support than ever. We have witnessed first-hand how resilient and creative carers have been during these uncertain times and continue to support people to live longer, healthier, happier lives.”

“Whether you’re ready for a career change, want to feel rewarded in your work, are hoping to fill the gap left by your own children moving on, or looking for ways to earn some extra money to help look after your own family, being a Shared Lives carer could be for you. You don’t need any qualifications or former care experience as we provide all the training you need on the job. Your enthusiasm, motivation and commitment are far more important, and we will support you every step of the way”

To apply, applicants should go to https://go.walsall.gov.uk/sharedlives

Laura Bond, an associate and family law expert at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, looks at the rules around Christmas bubbles and what they mean for separated parents.

Separated parents regularly report that they find it particularly difficult to discuss and agree arrangements for their children over the emotional Christmas period.  Even if the basic principles are not disputed, or are contained within a Court Order, the finer details – such as handover times, maintaining household traditions, seeing extended family, the giving of presents and stockings – is fertile territory for argument and dispute, meaning both goodwill and Christmas cheer are often in short supply. 

Inevitably, the looming cloud of COVID-19 this year is going to produce an added layer of tension and logistical difficulty for separated parents, not just in terms of interpreting new rules but also in weighing up the relative risks and benefits of their children moving between homes and trying to find a solution which keeps everyone safe and happy.  Some parents may have been hoping that the Government would help to ease the burden with its announcement on 24 November about the Christmas rules.  Unfortunately, many are likely to be left dissatisfied and disappointed by the guidance which leaves a great deal to individual discretion. 

The ‘Christmas Bubble’ and its impact on existing arrangements

The unified approach of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland permits most people to form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households, between 23 and 27 December.  Children under 18 whose parents do not live together can form a ‘Christmas bubble’ with both parents. 

In theory, it sounds straightforward, but the reality is far from it.  Whilst the guidelines say that children ‘can’ form two Christmas bubbles it does not go as far as saying that they ‘should’ or ‘must’ do so.  The guidance document is peppered with warnings and emotional pleas to keep the bubbles as small as possible and to maintain social distancing to protect family and friends.  It also specifically states that families should consider alternatives such as the use of technology rather than bringing households together or travelling between different parts of the country. 

The reasoning behind the message is understandable, but it is inevitable that some parents are going to use it to justify children not moving between homes this Christmas.  In some cases, this will be agreed by all parties if there is a clear and obvious risk to health.  For other families, any change of existing or planned arrangements will be disputed based on differing tolerances towards risk.  Sadly, there will be some cases where the guidance is used deliberately to prevent contact with another parent. 

Right from the onset of the pandemic and during all periods of restrictions, children of separated parents have been allowed to move between parental households. Despite this, however, thousands of families across the country have had their child arrangements - even if longstanding or contained in a Court Order - suddenly disrupted or even totally disregarded.  For some families the changes, although regrettable, may have been justified and agreed but in many other cases the changes had been imposed by one party without the other’s agreement.  Some parents found themselves disagreeing on the level of risk created by moving between households and whether the benefit outweighed the risk.  Others reported a concerning regularity of the sudden onset of symptoms in the days before a child was supposed to be spending time with the other parent.    

It can be very difficult to determine whether the motivation behind any disruption to existing childcare arrangements is genuine, particularly for someone emotionally involved in the situation.  Some parents may not recognise or accept a different assessment of risk, even if that concern is genuinely held.  In other cases, one parent may be adamant that the other is exaggerating health concerns simply to reduce or prevent contact, perhaps as part of a wider campaign of parental alienation.  If it is the child saying they do not think it safe to see one of their parents, there may need to be an assessment of the reasoning behind this and parents may disagree on the extent to which the child’s views should influence the arrangements. 

What about existing Court Orders?

An issue that parents and legal practitioners alike are having to grapple with is the status of Court Orders in these extraordinary and unprecedented times.  A Court Order will still apply so parties should comply with any existing Order if it is safe to do so.  Any failure to adhere to the terms of an Order is a technical breach.  However, a breach can be justified if there is a ‘reasonable excuse’.  Any application to enforce an Order at this time therefore must be considered very carefully, as genuine concerns about health or risk to a child will very likely fall within the scope of a ‘reasonable excuse’.  The Court’s paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child.  A judge dealing with any application will therefore have to undertake the difficult and subjective exercise of weighing up the likely benefits of the child spending time with both parents against the risks of doing so.     

How we can help

The issues outlined above demonstrate that attempts to agree arrangements for ‘Covid Christmas’ could be more fraught than ever, even if a party has previously been able to rely on a Court Order.  A dissatisfied parent has various options, so it is not the case that they have to accept any changes imposed by the other parent.   Anyone concerned about child arrangements over the Christmas period, or generally, should therefore seek advice at the earliest opportunity.  Our highly experienced team will be able to advise clients on their position and the options that exist to resolve the issues, which may include mediation or arbitration, as well as a Court application. 

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

Sir Ian McKellen has backed a campaign to buy the house where author JRR Tolkien once lived.

The actor, who played Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings movie franchise, hopes a "fellowship" of fans will come together to raise £4.5m. The crowdfunding campaign, called Project Northmoor, was set up by author Julia Golding to preserve the house for future generations.

It has also been backed by actor Martin Freeman who starred in The Hobbit. They are joined by Annie Lennox, who wrote and performed an Oscar winning song for The Return of the King, Middle Earth illustrator John Howe, as well as actors John Rhys-Davies and Sir Derek Jacobi.

Tolkien, who spent his childhood growing up in Birmingham, is believed to have written The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings at the house, which was home to the writer and his family from 1930 until 1947. The six-bedroom home in Northmoor Road, Oxford, is largely unchanged since it was built in 1924.

McKellen said: "We cannot achieve this without the support of the worldwide community of Tolkien fans, our fellowship of funders."  Ms Golding said purchasing the house was a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

She added: "To raise six million dollars in three months is a huge challenge."However, we need only to look at Frodo and Sam's journey from Rivendell to Mount Doom, which took that same amount of time - and we are inspired that we can do this too."

She said the plan was to "welcome Tolkien enthusiasts from the world" there. Mr Rhys-Davies said: "Unbelievably, considering his importance, there is no centre devoted to Tolkien anywhere in the world." He said it would be a "literary hub that will inspire new generations of writers, artists and filmmakers".

It was bought by a private buyer in 2004 for more than £1.5m and was given Grade II-listed status shortly afterwards. Tolkien died in 1973, but the popularity of his works remains undimmed, with Amazon Studios recently announcing a Lord of the Rings television series. The show is widely tipped to be the most expensive ever made, at a cost of at least $1bn (£801m).

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned People should not get "carried away with over optimism" after the UK approved its first coronavirus vaccine,.

He said it did not mean "our struggle is over", saying parts of the economy still faced tough restrictions.

England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam urged patience over the rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab, which begins early next week.

"It's going to take months, not weeks", he said.

A further 648 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test were recorded in the UK on Wednesday, with another 16,170 cases reported.

Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Mr Johnson said the decision to approve the Pfizer jab by regulator MHRA came amid "immense logistical challenges" in getting doses to vulnerable groups.

The vaccine needs to be stored at around -70C and comes in packs of 975 doses, which cannot yet be split into smaller batches.

Those who receive it will need a a second dose 21 days later to receive full protection.

"It's going to continue to be tough for some sectors - but until the vaccine is deployed our plan relies on all of us making sacrifices to protect the ones we love," Mr Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Labour's leader Sir Keir Starmer said the vaccine roll-out would require the "best of Britain" as he called for cross-party consensus on communications about the effort.

Former NBA star, Shaquille O’Neal, knows a lot about basketball, but he’s also showing the world that he knows a thing or two about athletic footwear. He has proven his success by selling millions and millions of pairs of affordable shoes for kids at Walmart.

Shaq’s line of footwear is attracting a different market niche than the Michael Jordan Nike-Air Jordan lines, which sell for around $200. Shaq is focusing on selling footwear that is affordable — as little as $12.70, or $67.99 for his Reebok Shaq Attaq line. All of them are priced much lower than the Jordan line, offering budget-friendly shoe options for kids.

This isn’t Shaq’s first time at the rodeo, or should we say basketball game. In 2004, he partnered with Payless ShoeSource to sell his Dunkman athletic sneakers for under $40. His lines include his Shaq Zip-Up Basketball and Shaq Retro High-Top models which are sold online and in-store at Walmart locations across the country.

Although some critics are not as enthused about Shaq’s new line of budget-friendly footwear, the 7-foot former NBA basketball star who boasts winning championship titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat is not at all deterred. He has shown that not only can he play basketball, but he has a head for business. So, if the shoe fits, wear it!

O’Neal once posted on his Facebook page: “Laugh all you want, the Shaq brand has sold over 150 millions pairs of affordable shoes for kids @Walmart”