Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Yvonne Mosquito

Air Vice-Marshal Mozumder's Speech & Armed Forces Covenant Signing

Jamaican Deputy High Commissioner Angella Rose-Howell

Johnson JohnRose of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation

Keith Stokes-Smith, Chairman of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association and President of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce

Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh OBE KSG

Andy Street CBE, Mayor of the West Midlands

Designs for the new £60m state-of-the-art Sandwell Aquatics Centre have been unveiled and are out for public consultation.

A pioneering University of Wolverhampton programme dedicated to tackling the issue of suicide and self-harm has been highlighted in a national campaign.

Three Minutes to Save a Life, which aims to support students who may experience suicidal thoughts, is featured in the #MadeAtUni campaign which highlights the ways universities have improved everyday life.

More than 800 University staff and students – including security, caretaking and academics – have been trained to recognise early warning signs in at-risk students and how they can escalate concerns proportionately and compassionately.

The programme is a collaboration with Connecting With People and is led by Clare Dickens, a nurse and Senior Lecturer in Mental Health at the University, who is a recognised expert in the field of mental health and suicide prevention.

She said: “I’m delighted that Three Minutes to Save a Life is featured in the national #MadeAtUni campaign. We are incredibly proud of the programme at the University, which aims to equip staff with an awareness and ability to respond with compassion to those students who require help.

“Three Minutes advocates that everyone should have a Safety Plan, much like we have breakdown cover for our car - we don’t hope it breaks but we do have a plan for if it does. As part of the training, participants create their own Safety Plans, which explore a person’s individual needs and strengths, contacts for support as well as professional help.

“Our programme has made a real difference to our student community, but also the staff members who want to help but may not have felt confident to do so, or afraid of saying the ‘wrong’ thing, before completing Three Minutes.”

#MadeAtUni is a new campaign to bring to life the impact of universities up and down the country on people, lives and communities.

As part of the MadeAtUni campaign, universities around the country were invited to nominate the one thing from their institution which they believe has had the biggest impact on people, lives or communities.

Over 100 universities submitted a nomination and the entries cover health, technology, environment, family, community and culture & sport.

A ground breaking partnership between the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and NHS England West Midlands is helping to save lives, after identifying more than 100 people who have a life-threatening inherited condition.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic condition that causes abnormally high cholesterol, which leads to coronary heart disease and can cause a potentially fatal heart attack at a young age. If someone carries a faulty gene – and therefore has FH – then there is a 50:50 chance that they will pass it on to each of their children.

The BHF estimates that up to 260,000 people in the UK have FH, but as many as 94% remain undiagnosed. It is believed that around 23,000 people are living with the condition in the West Midlands region alone.

In order to identify those with the condition, NHS England (West Midlands) and the BHF joined forces with the region’s Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to launch the West Midlands Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Service (WMFHS).

It now means that if someone living in the West Midlands has unusually high cholesterol and a family history of early onset coronary heart disease, their DNA can be tested for faulty genes known to cause FH. If one is found, then their immediate family can be contacted to see if they want to be tested. Likewise, those who are unfortunate enough to have developed coronary heart disease at a young age can be screened for FH where appropriate.

Since its launch last year, the team have received in excess of 1,500¹ referrals from GP practices and consultants and have carried out 720¹ genetic tests, leading to 131¹ patients being diagnosed with FH, including some children.

By identifying those who have FH, the service has been able to check for the condition in relatives too, with 37¹ positive family cascades.

Amie Burden, from Willenhall in Wolverhampton, was the first person in the Black Country to be diagnosed with FH through the new screening service. She was 12-years-old when her father Philip, now aged 61, suffered two heart attacks and required a quadruple heart bypass. Later that year, a blood test picked up that Amie’s cholesterol levels were abnormally high.

Amie, now aged 30, said: “I was told that I had probably inherited this but at the time, it couldn’t be confirmed it was FH. It was hard to cope with, because back then no-one knew what was wrong with me and I didn’t know of anyone else who was my age and had the same condition. For years, I was monitored and was also placed on a low-cholesterol diet.

“I was referred to the WMFHS and was tested for FH just before Christmas last year. In the back of my mind, I knew that the test would come back positive. When I got the phone call in January, I wasn’t shocked at all. I was relieved I had been diagnosed, but was also concerned as I was told that my family would also need to be tested for it too.”

Amie’s parents were tested through the service in the summer and it was her father’s test that came back positive. When the paediatric arm of the WMFHS service was launched, Amie’s son, Coby (8) was also tested for the condition.²

Amie, who works as a pharmacy dispenser, added: “I was so worried that Coby had inherited the condition from me. Four weeks after his test, I received a phone call with the results and was told that he didn’t carry the faulty gene. I was so relieved.

“I started treatment for FH in March. Living with FH is tough as I live with the anxiety that I will have a heart attack at a young age. However, thanks to the WMFHS, I have now been given the best treatment I could get and my cholesterol is at the lowest it has ever been.”

The BHF awarded a grant of £375,000, which funds five nurses to provide testing across the region for two years. The region’s CCGs have committed to then continue to fund this much-needed service. The collaborative service accepts referrals from all 700 GP surgeries in the West Midlands.

Paul Stern, BHF’s Health Service Engagement Lead for the West Midlands, said: “FH is commonly known as a hidden killer, as the majority of people with the condition are undiagnosed and at risk of a potentially deadly heart attack.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way, as treatment to prevent heart attacks is straightforward once the condition has been identified. FH is a manageable condition, and those with it can be prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs and are advised to lead a healthy lifestyle to keep their cholesterol as low as possible.

“We are committed to finding people with FH so that they receive the right treatment to achieve a normal life expectancy. Thanks to a collaborative effort between multiple partners, the WMFHS has been instrumental in doing that.”

Professor Kiran Patel, Medical Director at NHS England West Midlands, said: “NHS England in the West Midlands is thrilled to see the impact this trailblazing service is having on patients and families. It has been a real collaborative effort, working to improve care for those with or at risk of cardiovascular disease.

“It’s going from strength to strength, and with the launch of the new paediatric arm, we hope it will have a real impact on preventing heart disease and heart attacks for future generations too.”

Elaine George, BHF’s Clinical Programme Manager for the WMFHS, added: “We have received very positive feedback from patients and their families who have used the service to date. The FH family cascade and paediatric screening means that FH can be diagnosed across the generations, with all able to live normal lives once they receive the right treatment.”

The WMFHS team is based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), but operates in GP practices across the region.

Research funded by the BHF helped develop the science used to detect the genes that cause high cholesterol, and the treatments we now use to control cholesterol levels. The charity has funded further programmes to introduce cascade testing for FH into the NHS to identify more people at risk.

If you have a family history of premature heart disease or sudden death in the family, and suspect that you might be at risk of having an inherited heart condition, please contact the BHF’s Genetic Information Service on 0300 456 8383.

Over £24,000 has been raised by generous donors for Birmingham Hippodrome to expand their Relaxed Performances. A challenging £20,000 target was beaten in record time so that the popular theatre can stage 10 relaxed performances over the next 12 months.  These specially adapted performances ensure disabled audiences and those with Autism, Asperger’s and other complex learning needs can enjoy shows with their families in a relaxed and friendly way, so everyone feels welcome at the Hippodrome.

Individual supporters and local businesses were equally generous, including gifts from Darwin Escapes and IMI plc Charitable Trust.  Donations were doubled through The Big Give Christmas Challenge and, having beaten the target, the Hippodrome is now in the running for a further boost from organisers The Reed Foundation.

The eight-day campaign saw cast members from this year’s sparkling Hippodrome pantomime Peter Pan supporting the fundraising efforts.  Birmingham favourite Matt Slack and co-star Jaymi Hensley will be part of the team presenting a Relaxed Performance of Peter Pan at 12 noon on 23 January 2019 which is now almost sold out.

Vicki Darby, who has attended Hippodrome Relaxed Performances said: “I was so impressed with the way Birmingham Hippodrome include all types of disabilities with audio-description, sign-language and captions available. A fantastic show, and it prompted us to look at future Relaxed Performances so we can enjoy another visit very soon.”

Relaxed Performances are designed for theatre-goers on the Autism spectrum, with Asperger’s Syndrome and other special needs, and these inclusive shows give everyone the chance to experience unforgettable theatrical performances. The audience are free to come and go from the auditorium, and if anyone needs a break from the action there are calm spaces and sensory rooms nearby. Theatre staff are trained to serve any special requirements, more wheelchairs spaces are offered, and the staff of several Hippodrome corporate supporters also contribute practical support by welcoming the audiences and showing them to their seats.

Rob Macpherson, Director of Marketing & Development at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “A big thanks to everyone who donated to our Christmas Challenge this year – you’ve helped us smash our target and bring the magic of live theatre to even more people.

“It’s a great result to have raised more than £24,000 from individual and corporate supporters meaning we can go from staging just one Relaxed Performance three years ago to 10 between now and January 2020.”

Visitors to the City of Wolverhampton will again be able to enjoy a Victorian Christmas Market this month.

The festive three-day market will be delivered by the council’s approved market operator LSD Promotions, and will take place on Friday, December 14 (11am-7pm), Saturday 15 (10am-7pm) and Sunday 16 (10am-5pm).

This year it will be located on Queen Square, Dudley Street and Lichfield Street.

More than 100 stalls are expected to fill the streets at the heart of the city with the colours, sounds and irresistible aromas of Christmas.

Set to the backdrop of a Victorian funfair the offer includes a variety of traditional and international street food, local produce, seasonal handcrafted and home-baked goodies, bespoke Christmas decorations and holly wreaths, festive novelties and exclusive gifts, accessories and jewellery.

Entertainment will include street artists, choirs, vocalists, instrumental performances, chimney sweeps, dance displays, and Victorian themed stilt walkers.

On Friday 14, at 5pm, in Queen Square, you can also take time out from shopping to enjoy carols performed by local school children, local choirs and music from Wolverhampton Brass Band.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “Last year’s Victorian Christmas Market was the largest festive market the city has seen.

“There will again be a variety of stalls offering festive goodies, plenty of food and drink, and fun activities for families to enjoy at this special time of year.

“It is also the ideal opportunity to make a day of it and visit Wolverhampton’s attractions, range of independent retailers and High Street names, or take the weight of your feet and relax in one of the city’s cafes, pubs and restaurants.”

People travelling into or out of the city centre are being asked to note the following road closures between 8pm on Thursday, December 13 and midnight on Sunday, December 16 to facilitate the city centre Victorian Christmas Market:

• Queen Square/Lichfield Street closed in both directions between its junctions with North Street/Victoria Street and Princess Street/Princes Square
• Darlington Street closed in an eastern direction between its junctions with Red Lion Street and North Street
• Dudley Street closed between King Street and Queen Square
• Exchange Street closed entire length
• Lich Gates closed entire length

Due to Darlington Street, Victoria Street and Lichfield Street being closed, buses will be diverted between the hours of 8pm on Thursday, December 13 and midnight on Sunday, December 16. Please use alternative stops on Stafford Street or at Wolverhampton Bus Station.

Local families can celebrate the memories of their loved ones this Christmas, with a touching, alternative light switch on at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.

The charity will be hosting its seasonal ‘Light up a Life’ ceremony on Thursday 13 December, creating an evening of music, celebration and remembrance.

Taking place at the Hospice in Selly Park, the event will see BBC WM’s Richard Wilford switch on the charity’s Christmas tree lights, with lights symbolising the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us.

Alongside the switch on, there will be live musical performances from local school choir Colmore Juniors as well as the Uptone Girls – a student choir from the University of Birmingham who represented the city in BBC One’s ‘Pitch Battle’.

For the first time this year, there will be an opportunity to honour loved ones before the event, in the Hospice’s online ‘Book of Remembrance’. The online book will be filled with tributes to people and anyone who makes a dedication will be able to share the book with their family and friends. There will also be a physical book displayed at the ceremony.

Richard Wilford, presenter at BBC WM, said: “It’s a real honour to be hosting Light up a Life for the second time at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice. It really is an uplifting and celebratory event and it’s a heart-warming way to bring local people together and honour the memories of their loved ones.

“I’ll be remembering my colleague and much-loved BBC WM presenter Ed Doolan at this year’s event. Ed was a big supporter of the Hospice – and regularly hosted the Light up a Life ceremony – so it feels a fitting tribute to celebrate his legacy this year.”

Birmingham St Mary’s chief executive, Tina Swani, added: “Christmas is a time of celebration and joy but it can also be a really difficult time for anyone who has experienced loss. At Light up a Life, we want to give people an opportunity to remember their special someone in a unique and heartfelt way.”

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provides vital care to people and their families who are living with life-limiting illness. Its Light up a Life is part of the Hospice’s ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign – a festive appeal that aims to increase support for the charity leading up to and over the Christmas period.

It will cost £22,000 to run the Hospice on Christmas Day and so all donations from this event will make a big difference to the local families the Hospice supports over the festive season.

The Hospice will be hosting two remembrance events on Thursday 13 December, with an afternoon event starting at 5.30pm and an evening one at 7.30pm. The Hospice is based at 176 Raddlebarn Road, Selly Park, Birmingham, B29 7DA.

Dozens of carers and the people they care for enjoyed a three-course Christmas dinner arranged by the City of Wolverhampton Council as a thank you for their hard work over the last 12 months.

The council’s Carer Support Team laid on the festive feast at the Claregate pub on Monday, with carers invited to book on a first come, first served basis.

A total of 60 carers and their loved ones savoured a menu of soup, prawn cocktail or pate followed by turkey with all the trimmings, beef pie or cod, and a dessert of Christmas pudding, chocolate tart or orchard pie. They also enjoyed musical entertainment from Maggie O'Hara who performed a range of Christmas songs.

The meal was arranged by the Carer Support Team and among those who took part were Colleen Bernard, who carers for her brother Stephen. She said: "It’s been a great opportunity to talk to other carers and start the festive season off with a lovely meal and entertainment."

Pearl Mettam, who lives with dementia and is cared for by her daughter Shareen, said: "I would like to say thank you so much for the lovely meal. It was good to speak to others; I even met someone that I used to work with 30 years ago."

Michael Degg, who is cared for by his mother June and was celebrating his birthday, added: "Maggie is an amazing singer and it was nice of her to sing happy birthday to me as well."

The group were joined by the council's Community Support Manager Lesley Johnson, Head of Adult Services and Communities Sandra Ashton-Jones, Information Officer Melinder Kaur and Director of Adult Services David Watts.

Mr Watts said: "We were delighted to be able to enable so many well deserving carers and the people they care for to enjoy a special festive lunch. It was our way of saying thank you to them for the hugely important role they play, day in and day out."

The Carer Support Team offers a range of services for people who care for a friend, relative or neighbour in Wolverhampton, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, have access to the help they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

They provide practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and short breaks for carers, and offer a range of other services including carer assessments, the Carers Emergency Card and training in skills such as first aid.

City of Wolverhampton Council hopes to introduce a highway permit scheme to improve the management of roadworks across the city.

Working together with Black Country authorities, the City Council is seeking to introduce a permit to be obtained before specified works are carried out on the public highway network.

The new approach will lead to better co-ordination of all works, and closer monitoring of those who are responsible for installing and maintaining highways' and utilities' infrastructure, and their contractors.

The introduction of a permit scheme will empower highway authorities to impose conditions relating to traffic management, diversions and working hours, and the associated permit fee would provide a mechanism to fund the service. The scheme aims to:

§  Reduce disruption and inconvenience caused by roadworks on the highway

§  Protect the structure of the street and the apparatus belonging to utility companies and other parties

§  Ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and staff working on the highway

§  Help the council provide better information for road users about work on the highway.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “We have exciting future plans for Wolverhampton and it is hugely important to our community, visitors, businesses and transport services that we keep our city moving.

"Through the introduction of a permit scheme, we will have greater control over the works to ensure the network is effectively managed.

“The new scheme will help the council to reduce disruption and improve journey times for all road users as well as being able to keep residents and highway users up to date about any planned works to reduce impact whilst essential works take place."

The City Council is currently consulting with key stakeholders until the consultation ends on 11 January 2019.

Kingswinford-based company Altodigital has announced it will be delivering presents to more than 1000 children at seventeen hospices across the UK this Christmas. Spearheaded by Altodigital CEO James Abrahart and his wife Jacqui, the initiative is now in its fifth year and this year will see 1200-1500 brand new toys sent out to hospices across the country.

In addition to those children in hospices, the local office and technology provider will also be teaming up with Wolverhampton charity Promise Dreams to send out presents directly to the homes of 80 seriously or terminally ill children.

The West Midland’s firm will send each hospice three large boxes full of unwrapped presents to enable staff and parents at the hospices to pick the toys which best suit each child. However, to ensure the hospices have everything they need to make the occasion special without putting a drain on their resources, in addition to the presents, they will also receive wrapping paper, gift tags and Sellotape, as well as a CD of children’s Christmas carols.

Each hospice will receive a large variety of boys, girls and unisex toys and games for all age ranges and developmental needs. This year’s selection ranges from board games and puzzles to building blocks and sensory items.

This year’s chosen hospices cover the breadth of the country, including in the local Midlands area, as well as Wetherby, Essex, Carlisle, The Wirral and London.

James Abrahart, CEO, Altodigital said: “This initiative is something that everyone at Altodigital loves to be involved with - from picking the gifts to choosing the hospices that will receive them, everything is done in-house. The number of hospices we work with has grown over the last few years and this year we’re sending out more presents to more hospices than ever before.

“It’s great to know that we’ll be putting a smile on the faces of some very brave and deserving children this Christmas. Those hospices that receive surplus toys are encouraged to pass these on to visiting siblings so that the whole family can join in with the festivities. The children and their families go through such a tough time, so the least we can do is try to make the festive period as special as possible.”

All presents will be delivered by the first week of December to ensure that the hospices receive them in time for their Christmas parties.

Monstrous family fun is heading to Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio this Christmas as Emily Brown and the Thing plays from Monday 17 December 2018 – Sunday 6 January 2019.

Based on the much-loved book by Cressida Cowell (author of How to Train your Dragon) and Neal Layton, Tall Stories’ (creators of The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale stage shows) highly acclaimed production follows the adventures of Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit, Stanley. This festive family show is suitable for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups, featuring original music, puppetry, physical storytelling and plenty of comedy.

One winter’s night, Emily and Stanley find a Thing crying outside their window. He’s lost his cuddly and absolutely can’t get to sleep without it. Emily and Stanley bravely set off into the Dark and Scary Wood in search of the missing cuddly but on their return they find the Thing can’t sleep without hot milk either – or his tickly cough medicine... The daring duo head into the Whirling Wastes and even into the Whiny Witches’ Cavern in search of the lost things - but nothing seems to help.  The question is: what is really troubling the Thing – and will anyone ever get to sleep?

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, a UK tour and international engagements at the Sydney Opera House, in Melbourne, Brisbane, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, Emily Brown and the Thing is set to delight Birmingham audiences this Christmas. Following its Birmingham run the production will head to the the New Victory Theater in New York and complete a tour of North America.

He said: "It was tougher than I expected...but I made so many good friends. It's really been an unbelievable experience."

"I'm amazed. They just dragged me through it, every one of them. Without them, I would have never survived."

He beat Emily Atack into second place, despite Emily surviving the final Bushtucker Trial.

This Christmas, Racecourses across the Midlands (Southwell, Market Rasen, Wolverhampton, Leicester and Uttoxeter) are offering a range of festive and fun-filled family days out, with under 18s going completely free of charge, in a campaign fronted by TV personality and author, David Walliams.

Great British Racing’s Under 18s Race Free campaign has been created to highlight the fact that young people can go racing for free at almost every single British racecourse, on almost every single day of the year. Many of the racecourses will also put on a huge variety of free additional family-friendly activities and entertainment, including visits from Father Christmas and his reindeer, story-telling, funfair rides, carol singing and even ice-skating, all of which takes place alongside a brilliant backdrop of horseracing resulting in a day that is both unique and affordable.

Fixtures taking place across the Midlands during the Christmas Holidays include:

• Thursday 20^th December, Southwell Racecourse: Tickets from £11 (online price), accompanied under 18s go free
• Wednesday 26^th December, Market Rasen Racecourse: Tickets from £11.70 (advance price), accompanied under 18s go free
• Wednesday 26^th December, Wolverhampton Racecourse: Tickets from £16 (online price), accompanied under 18s go free
• Thursday 27^th December, Wolverhampton Racecourse: Tickets from £9 (online price), accompanied under 18s go free
• Friday 28^th December, Leicester Racecourse: Tickets are £25, accompanied under 18s go free (includes free music from the world’s No1 Take That tribute band after racing)
• Saturday 29^th December, Southwell Racecourse: Tickets from £15 (online price), accompanied under 18s go free
• Monday 31^st December, Uttoxeter Racecourse: Tickets from £12 (online price), accompanied under 18s go free
• Tuesday 1^st January, Southwell Racecourse: Tickets from £15 (online price), accompanied under 18s go free
• Wednesday 2^nd January, Wolverhampton Racecourse: Information TBC
• Thursday 3^rd January, Southwell Racecourse: Information TBC

David Walliams said: “I had a ball filming Horsing Around and really enjoyed my time at the track. It’s clear that there’s loads for families to enjoy at their local racecourse. The Under 18s Race Free initiative is a brilliant concept that I hope more families will take advantage of.”

Over 600 people took part in the Big Brum Sleepout last weekend, including the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street CBE.

After gathering plastic and cardboard, Andy Street and members of the WMCA set up camp on the grass. With large groups and individuals placed around the Cathedral the atmosphere was amazing.

Later they congregated in the Cathedral to listen to Jean Templeton of St Basil’s Charity talk about their achievements so far and vision for the future. There was prize giving for the best "abode” after which all sang classic Christmas carols. The weather was just right with a reasonable nights sleep.

To date the group have raised £2,064.22 with money still coming in! Thanks to those who took part, and to all who sponsored. Here’s to next year

The next St Basil's sleepout is in Solihull on Friday 5th April 2019

At this free event St Basil's challenged people to build a dwelling out of cardboard and plastic sheeting and then sleep in it overnight in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral in November.

It was a challenge but it's great fun too and they also have a competition for the most 'creative' shelter.

St Basil's house over 1000 young people in Birmingham and over 1500 across the West Midlands in our 34 supported accommodation schemes, plus they help thousands more young people with face to face support and advice, but due to government cuts these services are at risk.

They have to raise £1 million this year. BIG Brum SleepOut was their largest event of the year.

On Friday 30 November braved the evening sleeping outside Birmingham Cathedral to support and raise awareness of youth homelessness. .