Community News

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has launched the Drink Free Days are not Just for January campaign.

Evidence from the Drinkaware Monitor 2018 has revealed that whilst men are more likely than women to be drinking over the low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units a week and to have attempted to cut down on their drinking, they are less likely to be doing so by using moderation techniques, like having more Drink Free Days.

In the light of these findings, the charity is urging people to consider moderating across the year by taking more drink free days as a way of reducing the risks to their health from alcohol. The charity is particularly targeting those who may have taken part in this year’s Dry January and encouraging them to avoid reverting to their former drinking habits once their month of abstinence is over.

The facts about alcohol are simple - the more alcohol people drink, the greater their risk of developing several serious potentially life limiting health conditions, including high blood pressure, liver and heart disease, as well as seven types of cancer.

Regular drinking also increases the amount of calories being consumed, which contributes to weight gain and obesity.

But these risks can be reduced through moderation and something as simple as taking more drink free days each week can have a real and lasting impact on health and wellbeing.

Former Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Benidorm and Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson, who has often spoken about her own drinking is supporting the campaign.  She said:

“Many of us enjoy a drink, but it can be very easy for our drinking to creep up on us.  A glass of wine here and a pint of beer there all adds up.

“It’s great that so many people take part in Dry January every year, but it can be really easy to go back to the old bad habits in February.

“Taking more drink free days throughout the week can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.

“I can’t be the only person who wants to make a change to their drinking habits. If you are wanting to make a change or have successfully done so, then please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to share your story.”

Commenting, Dr Sarah Jarvis GP , Medical Adviser to Drinkaware said:

“Drinkaware is here to help people who want to make changes to their drinking that last beyond Dry January.

“The fact is that the more alcohol we drink, the greater the risks to our health and wellbeing.

“Taking several drink free days each week helps reduce these risks and is simple and easy to do.”

The 2020 British Basketball Cup Finals are set to take place at Arena Birmingham on Sunday 26 January 2020. With this year’s incredible near capacity event still fresh in the memory, tickets are expected to be snapped up quickly. As such fans are being urged to grab their tickets early and get closer to the action.

It promises to be once again an exhilarating day of hoops action, with a line-up featuring a pair of showpiece games and the 2020 BBL Dunk Contest. Add in to the mix the incredible courtside fun and entertainment and you will have a day that will live in the memory forever.

BBL Cup Final 2020

26 January 2020, Arena Birmingham

City of Wolverhampton’s new railway station building will start coming out of the ground next month.

Contractors Galliford Try are close to completing the foundation works and the mobile crane has arrived to start lifting the construction steels into place.

It follows the demolition of the former British Transport Police building, and a small section of the current station building next to Platform 1.

It is the next stage in delivering a £150 million transport hub to provide an attractive commercial gateway to those entering the city by national rail, bus or tram.

As there will be no changes to the platform areas as part of the scheme, this has allowed it to be cleverly designed in two phases to ensure train services from City of Wolverhampton continue to operate as normal throughout.

The first section of the new station building is expected to become operational to customers in autumn 2019, when phase 2 of the programme – bringing down the remainder of the current station building and completing the new build - will also start.

The new state-of-the-art railway station building to serve the city will be fully open in summer 2020.

Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership consists of City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC), Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Trains, Virgin Trains, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The arrival of the crane on site means we are entering into an exciting phase of this project.

“Works are progressing well on the first phase of the railway station programme and people will soon be able to see the new building taking shape as the steels quickly go up.

“It has been a long-held vision for the council to deliver a new railway station befitting of our great city and it sits within a total £3.7 billion of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.

“As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced – the new state-of-the-art station building we are developing will deliver that.”

Once work on the new station building is completed it will pave the way for the Midland Metro Alliance to begin the final link of the new city centre tram extension. The Midland Metro Alliance are currently delivering the Pipers Row and Railway Drive phases of the extension to the railway station.

Chris Jones, Associate Director, Ion, said: “The arrival of the crane is a significant milestone and brings the project one step closer to providing enhanced facilities for customers of Wolverhampton Railway Station”.

Finland may be the happiest country on earth*, but Bristol, home of controversial artist Banksy, is the happiest city in the UK, according to a study** by the UK’s number one bingo site, GalaBingo.com.

Now that the excitement of Christmas has died down, most people have reluctantly gone back to work, and as we are rapidly approaching Blue Monday (21st January), which many consider to be the saddest day of the year, spirits can run low.

To combat the gloomy period, GalaBingo.com has studied how Brits rate their happiness, and more importantly, what can help to improve our moods.

Polling more than 2,000 people, the research revealed that residents in Bristol are the happiest in the UK, while those in other cities may be in need of a pick-me-up.

The happiest places in the UK (based on average happiness rating out of 10) are:

1. Bristol - 7.3
2. Birmingham - 7.2
3. Liverpool - 7.2
4. Leeds - 7.0
5. Glasgow - 7.0

However, while Bristol takes the crown for most happy on average, it is home of the Beatles, Liverpool that has the most people in the highest levels of joy, with over a quarter (27%) of Liverpudlians rating themselves a 9 or a 10!

In contrast, lending weight to the stereotype of grumpy, busy Londoners, England’s capital city trails behind with an average happiness rating of 6.7, but Manchester takes the bottom spot with just 6.6.

Overall, 65% of those polled rated their happiness at 7/10 or above on a typical day, with one in ten declaring they were a staggering 10/10 on the happy scale.

But it is the older folk, who really bring the numbers up, with Brits aged 65 and above rating themselves 7.4 on average, compared to the 6.8 average happiness of baby boomers (aged 45-64)

So, just what makes the nation tick? According to the study, the perfect day includes spending time with family or friends, eating favourite foods, and getting some much-deserved rest and relaxation!

Top 10 things that make us feel happy are:

1. Spending time with family (46%)
2. Going on holiday (34%)
3. Eating your favourite foods (25%)
4. Socialising with friends (24%)
5. Getting peace and quiet/relaxing (23%)
6. Watching your favourite TV show or film (22%)
7. A good sleep (22%)
8. Shopping (16%)
9. Reading (15%)
10. Getting outdoors (14%)

The cost of a four-week West Midlands Metro tram ticket is being cut by £4 to celebrate the launch of the Swift on Mobile smartphone app.

Android smartphone users with Google Pay can now buy and save their tickets using the Swift on Mobile app. They simply tap their phone on the tram conductor’s ticket machine and therefore no longer have to carry a separate Swift card.

As an incentive to use Swift on Mobile, customers that buy four-week Metro tickets will only pay £70, instead of the usual £74 price. Those using Swift on Mobile to buy Metro day tickets will also save 10p per day.

West Midlands Metro is the first public transport service in the UK to allow passengers to save an ITSO-enabled ticket on Google Pay. This is now available to all travellers following a limited trial in the autumn.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has worked with Google Pay and smart ticketing specialist ITSO Transit Hub on the new service.

TfWM is also working with technology partners and bus and rail operators to bring Swift on Mobile to more forms of public transport. The ultimate aim is to provide seamless tap and go ticketing across the region’s public transport network.

Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan have today announced that actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden will star in their brand-new production of the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which will visit Birmingham Hippodrome for the very first time from 13-18 April 2020. Tickets will be go on sale this spring with an exclusive early booking period for Birmingham Hippodrome Friends.

The tour marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. The producing team is completed by Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale.

Joe McFadden’s theatre credits include: House on Cold Hill (UK tour); The Missing (National Theatre of Scotland); Rainbow Kiss (Royal Court); Torch Song Trilogy (Menier Chocolate Factory); Rent (West End); Haunting Julia (Colchester Mercury/ UK Tour); She Loves Me (Chichester Festival Theatre); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (The Edinburgh Playhouse); A Life In The Theatre (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh); How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; (Chichester Festival Theatre); 15 Seconds (Traverse Theatre ); Aladdin (The Old Vic); Entertaining Mr Sloane (Theatre Clwyd). Television credits include:  Holby City (BBC); Casualty (BBC); Heartbeat (ITV/YTV); Cranford (BBC); Sparkhouse (BBC/Red Productions); A Mortal God (BBC); Reverse Psychology (BBC); Judge John Deed (BBC/One Eyed Dog); The Glass (ITV1/Granada); The Law (ITV1/Pearson); Sex, Chips & Rock n' Roll (BBC); The Crow Road (BBC/Union Pictures). Film includes:  Small Faces; Dad Savage; Zig Zag Love; The Trouble with Men and Women; Bumping The Odds.

Joe McFadden said: “I’m over the moon to be taking on this new and exciting challenge in a musical that I have been a massive fan of for such a long time. I’m looking forward to working with this wonderful production team, including Jason whose guidance I feel especially lucky to have given his previous experience with the production.  I can’t wait to take the Priscilla bus on the road and have a bonzer time making the role my own!”

Mark Goucher said: “Joe is great casting for Priscilla. He is a very strong musical theatre performer and will bring great charm and integrity to this new production of a great musical.”

Jason Donovan said: “So pleased to announce Joe be starring in our production. He’s a down to earth, talented guy who will bring enormous warmth to the role of Mitzi. I can’t wait to see him in heels doing those dance routines.... Awesome.”

The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison.

Published author Chukie Morsi continues to use his experiences as a Christian, a Bible teacher and pastor to delve into religious subjects to instill a deeper knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and the Christian faith.

His latest publication, ‘The Realm of Revelation: Living Beyond Doctrines & Man-Made Traditions’ (published by AuthorHouse UK), gives a biblical perspective on the Christian’s way of life.

Morsi shares; “I found that there were misconceptions and wrong beliefs about Biblical doctrines and traditions that were happening in the body of Christ. I was inspired to set out a way to inform, guide and encourage people to know what the Bible said about doctrine and traditions of man.”

‘The Realm of Revelation’ is a practical handbook that aims to serve Christ’s believers in their knowledge against denominational church, man-made beliefs, creed, dogmas and traditions. It is an instructional manual based on the Bible, sharing how the individual and the church ought to live in the light of God’s word as revealed through the Holy Spirit.

Giving a clear reference to the Scripture, Morsi encourages the reader to seek to know, understand and have wisdom in the things of God. “And more importantly, to be safe from man-made make-beliefs, traditional rudiments, falsehood and counterfeit religion, in our present church community and society,” the author adds.

He - Chukie – is a pastor and leader who has a heart after people knowing who they are in Christ and how they can be effective in and for the body of Christ.

If 2018 felt like a noteworthy twelve months for North Shields musician Sam Fender, in truth, those first few chapters of his story have barely been written. With a debut album in the works for later this year, his opening bow in the US currently being rubber-stamped, and a handful of sold-out UK shows already long-since in the diary, 2019 is surely when it starts getting serious.

Following a hectic year of touring, signing a record deal, and becoming one of the hottest new names in the industry and beyond, Sam concluded 2018 being awarded his first BRIT Award, as the Critics’ Choice for the year ahead. It was a fantastic and humbling nod for an artist who spent very few days off the road, and is determined to repay the faith with a supersonic 2019.

Kicking off this month with a new single, Play God is one of the songs that first set him out on his journey. Originally released independently to ensure any new fans he made had something to hear online when discovering Sam live, it encompasses everything that makes him such a fascinating young prospect; angular, sharp and ambitious guitar-led melodies coupled with Sam’s observational, questioning and socially engaged lyrics.

Play God was recorded in North Shields, and produced by long-standing friend and collaborator Bramwell Bronte.

Sam says of the song: “Play God is set in an alternate dystopian reality that shares similarities with our own world. I wrote it a couple of years ago where there were a lot of big changes happening in both the UK and the States, I had just entered my twenties, I was anxious about the future of the world and its leaders, and it didn't help that I'd just read George Orwell's 1984 at the time. As you can imagine I was pretty paranoid!

Following a pair of long since sold-out shows in Manchester and London next month, Sam will now play six more headline dates in May.

The dates kick off on the 2^nd May at the Ritz in Manchester, and conclude at Bristol’s SWX on the 13^thMay. He plays Shepherds Bush Empire on the 6^th May.

Birmingham Hippodrome have released a selection of stunning, rarely seen backstage images taken during a performance of this year’s high-flying pantomime, Peter Pan.

Performances of Peter Pan conclude in just two weeks’ time. This year’s all-star line-up is led by theatre, TV and recording star Darren Day, comedy-actress Meera Syal, Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack, Union J’s Jaymi Hensley, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Sascha Williams and amazing acrobatic-troupe The Timbuktu Tumblers.

With amazing flying effects, barrels of laughter, magic and fairy dust, be sure to join Peter and the Lost Boys as they set sail in the ultimate pirate Pantomime adventure.

Peter Pan runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sun 27 Jan 2019

Apprentices are thriving at Sirus Automotive Ltd in Wednesbury with support from Sandwell Council.

Sirus offers an innovative approach to converting and adapting vehicles for wheelchair users and people who need mobility assistance. As well as offering a service to adapt standard cars, Sirus specialise in converting vehicles which enable wheelchair users to drive or travel up front as a passenger. Apprentices are studying at college while learning to carry out bespoke work on a range of vehicles.

Sandwell Council has supported Sirus since 2015 with recruiting candidates for their apprenticeship programme and has helped get training as well as providing mentoring support to the young people.

The company has taken on seven apprentices who have either gone on to further study financed by Sirus or full-time employment with the business. At least two more apprentices are due to start in 2019.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services recently visited Sirus Automotive Ltd. He said: “I am very impressed at the work the company is doing – offering life-changing vehicle adaptions and conversions for people with disabilities.

“I am also thrilled they are investing so much in young people through apprenticeships. It’s a real testament to Sirus that all of the apprentices have stayed on once they have completed their apprenticeships.

“I urge young people to get in touch with Sandwell’s Think Sandwell team if they are looking for an apprenticeship. I also encourage businesses to get in touch with us to see what help the council can offer to support apprenticeships.”

Company founder and Managing Director Simon Pearson commented “We are delighted to be able to support our local community through apprentice schemes. Thanks to our partnership with Sandwell Council we have seen many talented individuals remain within our business who will continually develop their industry skills and knowledge.

"This year we celebrate our 15th anniversary, a great accolade for the Sirus team. We are proud to have helped so many disabled people regain independence, and our conversions are now reaching as far afield as New Zealand.

"We look forward to continually designing innovative mobility solutions and our apprentices will play an important part in our future."

Happy New Year to you all from everyone at Cure Leukaemia! We are delighted to share news of the expanded Centre for Clinical Haematology's impact since it reopened exactly a year ago today.

Building on its growing reputation as an international centre of excellence for the treatment of blood cancer, the expanded centre has already had a dramatic impact on the treatment of haematological malignancies regionally and nationally. The £3.4m expansion was possible thanks to funding from The Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and Cure Leukaemia.

In its first 12 months the new centre:

• Now houses two pioneering blood cancer trials acceleration networks which were flagged in HM Government’s recent Life Sciences Industrial Strategy as exemplars of best practice.
• Led the development of four new clinical trials of novel drug and transplant therapies in blood cancer.
• Provided access to more than £10m in free drugs for clinical trial patients.
• Attracted £6m investment from the global pharmaceutical sector.
• Created 25 new jobs in the Life Sciences sector.
• Increased the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s ability to deliver routine care for blood cancer patients and permitted stem cell transplants to be delivered as an outpatient thereby creating vital new NHS capacity.
• Unified clinical facilities for blood cancer under one roof to enhance the patient experience and provided capacity to look at changing some inpatient care to an outpatient setting.

Man the decks and weigh anchor, because Pirate's Quest has a brand new adventure for 2019!

Newquay's piratical walk-through attraction has a refreshed storyline that will allow visitors to 'Join the Pirate Heroes'. Be the first to experience the new adventure when it premieres during February Half Term (16th – 24th) for a Special Preview Event.

Calico Jack's crew of live pirate performers will be tasked with guiding you through the authentic sets and scenes of Pirate's Quest and introducing you to four of history's most scandalous scallywags. It will then be down to each group of visitors to vote which Pirate Hero they will crown as leader of the Republic of Pirates. Will it be Black Bart the Puritan Pirate, Anne Bonny the Princess of Piracy, Henry Every the Pirate King or the notorious Captain Blackbeard?

But before deciding on your favourite rapscallion, you will first have to survive an adventure of your own. Prepare to be transported back 300 years to the height of the Golden Age of Piracy.

Batten down the hatches, because you'll begin your adventure on board the doomed Royal Anne – a real Pirate Hunter's vessel that wrecked off the coast of Cornwall in 1721. Fortunately for you, one of Calico Jack's crewmates will be at hand to rescue you from the sinking ship, lead you through a secret passage, and into the coves of Lizard Point, where Plymouthian Pirate, Henry Every, is rumoured to have hidden his bountiful booty in the early 1700s.

As you navigate your way through the mystical caves and murky streets of Eighteenth Century Cornwall, your live pirate guide will tell tales of the rowdy rogues that ruled the waves, giving all ages the chance to learn something new about the real pirates that sailed the Caribbean, including Anne Bonny, one of the fiercest female pirates to ever sail the seven seas.

Once you've arrived at the docks of Towan Blystra, look out for Black Bart's fleet on the horizon and then venture into Blackbeard's Tavern; a scene originally introduced to Pirate's Quest to mark the 300th Anniversary of the famous Captain's death in 2018.

As well as the heroes of piracy, there's a chance to become better acquainted with Pirate Villains if you decide to brave the optional scare section, the Locker of Davy Jones – a graveyard of lost ships and souls! Finally, you'll board the crew's galleon, ready to set sail to the Spanish Main once you've used your newfound knowledge to elect your favourite Pirate Hero as leader.

The Pirate's Quest Experience also includes a detour through the Cornish Land of Legend, a mythical realm filled with Arthurian knights and gruesome giants. Plus there's a chance to earn yourself some booty if you fill in a treasure map along your journey, with challenges for all ages.

Throughout the attraction, the experience has been enhanced with new costumes, special effects, lighting and sound in addition to the 'Pirate Heroes' storyline new for 2019.

Be the first to Join the Pirate Heroes during February Half Term (16th – 24th) for a Special Preview Event.

A traditional Chinese building, a cinema, and an aircraft are just some of the unusual features found in the middle of Britain’s roundabouts.

Now motoring experts from Leasecar.uk have scoured the length of the country to reveal five weird and wonderful traffic island centre pieces.

While many roundabouts are plain and mundane there are a number of unconventional islands hidden among Britain’s roads.

Tim Alcock from Leasecar.uk said: “Britain’s roads are full of hidden quirks which is why we went in search for some of the most unusual. What we ended up finding were five very unorthodox roundabouts that will cause motorists to do a double take.

“These quirky traffic islands will brighten up any motorist’s dull commute but it’s important not to be distracted by the junctions otherwise you could end up in the middle of the them.”

Here are five of Leasecar.uk quirkiest roundabouts:

The magic roundabout

One of the most complex junctions’ drivers will face in their time on the roads is located in the heart of Swindon. This testing section features one large roundabout filled with five mini islands that can leave drivers confused by this maze-like road junction.

The roundabout has proved so popular that it has become an actual tourist attraction where motoring aficionados can even buy a t-shirt with the slogan “I survived Swindon’s Magic Roundabout”.

Otford duck pond

If motorists ever find themselves passing through the idyllic village of Otford in Kent, they may encounter an award-winning roundabout. That is because Otford features the only known roundabout with a pond in the middle. This traffic island won the prestigious roundabout of the year award in 2014 and hasn’t looked back since.

Spitfire island

One of the finest roundabout designs in Britain can be found on the A47 near Birmingham. Situated near the birthplace of famous fighter aircraft the Spitfire, this roundabout represents and remembers a crucial part of this country’s history.

A large metal sculpture of three Spitfires sits in the middle of the junction to pay homage to the pilots and crews who lost their lives during the war.

The pagoda roundabout

An oriental take on the British roundabout can be found in Birmingham’s city centre. Featuring a 40 ft high granite carving of a traditional Chinese pagoda building this roundabout looks more like an ancient Chinese landmark than a road junction. The tall sculpture is also surrounded by a Feng Shui garden making it one of the more surreal roundabouts in Britain.

The sculpture was donated by two Chinese brothers in 1998 who lived in Birmingham. It’s located on the inner-city ring road with around 60,000 motorists using the junction every day.

BFI roundabout

London’s answer to a quirky roundabout can be found in the city’s South Bank district. Here one of the roundabouts is so large that it features its own cinema. Motorists negotiating the traffic island will drive around one of the British Film Institute’s main London cinemas.

As the weather turns colder at the start of the New Year, households in the West Midlands could miss out on significant savings if they forget to adjust their heating system for the change in temperature.

Poor energy use, in particular leaving heating and lights on by mistake for just four hours a week, is estimated to cost on average £250 per home every year*.

In response OFTEC, the trade association for oil heating, has issued advice to households in the West Midlands on how to avoid these expensive mistakes by highlighting some of the most common winter heating myths:

·         Myth 1: Turning the thermostat up high will warm the house more quickly.

o   Fact: When the weather outside gets really cold, you may be tempted to turn your thermostat up to a high temperature – but you shouldn’t need to do this. The house will warm up at the same speed, regardless of what you set it to.

·         Myth 2: It’s cheaper to leave your heating running at a low temperature than constantly turning it off and on when it gets cold.

o   Fact: Having your heating on when it’s not needed will cost you money so turn it off if it’s not being used! Instead, adjust your timers so it comes on only when you want it to.

·         Myth 3: Turning down individual radiators will save you money.

o   Fact: This is not necessarily the case. If your thermostat is on, radiators will keep working until the room reaches the set temperature. If you want to save money, turn off radiators in rooms you aren’t using. However, keep your main rooms heated as living in a cold house can be bad for your health.

·         Myth 4: Your water needs to be constantly heated during the day or it’ll be cold.

o   Fact: If your water tank is well insulated it will stay warm for several hours. Set your timers so the water is heated an hour or so before you need it at two or three different times of the day.

·         Myth 5: Only have a technician look at your boiler if it’s not working correctly.

o   Fact: Have your heating system serviced once a year to check it is working correctly and efficiently – this will help avoid a costly repair bill during winter. Make sure you use a GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for oil) registered technician who will follow strict industry safety standards.

Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC said: “With temperatures beginning to drop rapidly, the temptation is to crank up the heating to the highest setting. However, this can be a costly mistake to make at an already expensive time of year.

“So, we’ve set out the facts to bust some of the biggest winter heating misconceptions and help households in the West Midlands reduce their energy use and save money on their fuel bills.”

Two Sandwell council employees have won a top award for their inspirational work in giving Sandwell young people the opportunities to fulfill their potential in life.

Neesha Patel and Tariq Karim were presented with the Police and Community Inspirational Award from the Black and Asian Police Association for their work over five years in giving young people the chance to engage in positive activities.

Neesha, SHAPE Project Manager and Tariq, Youth Services Manager, were nominated by West Midlands Police for their work in very successfully running the SHAPE Programme for the council and helping thousands of young people to get a better start in life.

The SHAPE Programme is a child’s voice initiative led by Sandwell Council and involves many partner agencies. SHAPE stands for the five things that matter to every child – Staying Safe, Being Healthy, Achieving and Enjoying, Making a Positive Contribution and Economic Wellbeing.

It has been running successfully now for five years making a huge impact to children and young people in Sandwell.

Karen Geddes, chairperson of the West Midlands Black and Asian Police Association, said: “We were very impressed with the work done by Tariq and Neesha on a programme which has at the heart, the young people and helping them to develop, organise and focus on issues relating to them and identify how to tackle them through a variety of means.

“Over the past five years a large number of projects have taken place to encourage young people to engage in positive activities and make a difference

“Neesha and Tariq set high standards and they have inspired so many young people to go and fulfill their potential and go onto bigger and better things.”

It is a unique programme led and developed by young people who form part of SHAPE Youth Forum to develop, organise and coordinate events.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, said: “I was very pleased to hear of this special award being made to Neesha and Tariq because they have done outstanding work in the SHAPE Programme to inspire young people to get involved in activities and to make the most of their talents.”