Community News

The founder of Cadbury, actress Dame Julie Walters and activist Malala Yousafzai have been voted as some of the most inspirational Brummies, following a public vote in celebration of Birmingham City University’s 175 years at the heart of Birmingham life.

After more than 1,500 votes from the public, an initial long-list of 175 ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ has been whittled down to ten, with musicians Ozzy Osbourne and Duran Duran’s John Taylor making the final list alongside ‘Lord of the Rings’ author J. R. R. Tolkien.

Completing the list of ten are Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis OBE, philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah and historian Carl Chinn.

The ten ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ will be announced at a special concert tonight (Thursday 15 November) at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where some of the most iconic pieces of music created by Birmingham artists will be performed.

One of the ‘Brummies Who Inspire’, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah, said: “When I hear the word Birmingham I feel pride, when I hear the Brummie accent I hear music, and when I see the people of Birmingham I see my family.”

Birmingham City University’s roots date back 175 years to the foundation of Birmingham Government School of Design in 1843, the forerunner to the present day schools of Art and Visual Communication.

In 1884 the School evolved into Birmingham College of Art, moving to a purpose-built Venetian Gothic building on Margaret Street designed by John Chamberlain. Today, Margaret Street still houses the University’s School of Art and is a Grade I Listed Building.

Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “It has been great to see the passion and the debate that this vote has inspired.

“These ten inspirational Birmingham figures come from a variety of professions and walks of life, but are united by their contribution to this astonishing and vibrant city.

“Their creativity, dedication and ingenuity epitomises the spirit of our great city.

“At this special concert we are celebrating both the 175-year history of this university as an institution at the heart of our city and those who have made a positive impact on Birmingham life.”

The celebratory evening of entertainment will be hosted by newsreader and television and radio presenter John Suchet.

Households in the West Midlands need to be more vigilant against the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as a survey reveals two thirds of people have not installed a CO alarm to protect themselves, suggesting the very real threat is not being taken seriously.

The warning comes as part of this year’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month (November 2018), a national campaign highlighting the risks of CO poisoning which kills more than 50 people and hospitalises over 4,000 every year.

CO is produced when carbon fuels don’t burn properly and any type of heating system where combustion takes place can potentially give off the odourless, colourless gas. CO poisoning can result in severe long-term health problems, or even death, with younger and older people most at risk. Key symptoms to watch out for are tiredness, dizziness and headaches.

In support of the campaign, OFTEC, the UK trade association for the oil heating industry, is promoting the simple ABC safety checklist which advises households in the West Midlands of the key steps they should take to reduce the risk:

• Alarm – purchase a CO alarm (usually around £20) for every room which has a fuel burning appliance e.g. boiler, woodburner, open fire etc. It is mandatory for private landlords to provide an alarm in rented properties with a solid fuel appliance
• Batteries – regularly ensure all the alarms are functional by holding the ‘test’ button
• Check – have your boiler serviced at least one a year by an OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) or GasSafe (for mains gas) registered technician to check it is working correctly

If the event of a CO alarm going off, the advice is to open the windows and leave the room immediately. You should then contact OFTEC or GasSafe and, if you experience any symptoms of CO poisoning, call 999.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC said: “Carbon monoxide poisoning can have a devasting impact on the lives of the people it affects so the lack of awareness is particularly worrying with many households still oblivious to the dangers. We wouldn’t think twice about having smoke alarms installed and we should take the same approach with CO alarms.

“By supporting Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month we hope to bring more attention to this issue which for too long has been ignored. I would also urge others to get involved and help spread the important safety messages.”

Cats Protection has launched a major new campaign to help more people living in rented housing own a pet cat.

The UK’s largest cat charity is offering free guidance to landlords and letting agents to help ensure that tenancy agreements reflect modern day living.

Issues over finding cat-friendly housing have been one of the top five reasons recorded by Cats Protection for cats being handed into the charity’s adoption centres over the past 12 months. Cats Protection’s research shows that less than half (42%) of private rented housing allows cats in the UK.

In the West Midlands, 43% of private landlords state their tenancy agreements would allow tenants to keep a cat.

Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, said: “More and more people are renting their homes either by choice or necessity, yet very few rented properties accept cats. This means tenants are missing out on being able to own a cat, while landlords may be losing out on attracting responsible and settled tenants.”

The charity has launched a new website full of guidance for landlords and tenants about allowing cats into their properties and addressing any concerns. The website, at www.cats.org.uk/purrfectlandlords includes free, downloadable legal wording for landlords and letting agents to add to their own tenancy agreements, setting out simple conditions on cat ownership to protect and benefit both landlords and tenants.

Jacqui added: “We hear from renters who tell us most adverts state ‘no pets’. Often, the reason for not allowing cats is simply habit, with a third of UK landlords who don’t accept cats saying they didn’t proactively choose to ban cats, but instead followed a standard template or advice from a letting agent.

“The aim of Cats Protection’s Purrfect Landlords campaign is to transform renting so that responsible cat ownership benefits both landlords and tenants - happy landlords, happy tenants, happy cats.

“Becoming a cat-friendly landlord means advertising properties as ‘pets considered’ which ensures landlords stay in control and can make a decision once they’ve met their potential tenant.

“Our downloadable example cat clauses can then be simply added to existing tenancy agreements and they include tenancy conditions to require cats to be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. This helps to ensure that cats are in the best of health and unlikely to cause any issues.

“We’re also offering advice to help tenants speak to their landlords to ask for permission to own a cat.  Landlords are often willing to be flexible, especially as tenants with pets are likely to stay for longer.”

Private tenants who are able to own cats benefit immensely. Of those that own a cat, 94% report that their cat has a positive effect on their life such as making them happy, providing company and affection, or improving mental health.

Jacqui added: “The reality is that cats very rarely cause problems for landlords. In actual fact, many cat owners tell us that having a cat is what makes their house a home and helps them put down roots and value the home they’re living in.”

Broadcaster, writer and Cats Protection supporter Andrew Collins is backing the Purrfect Landlords campaign.

He said: “Cats are more than just much-loved pets, they’re part of the family and the heart of the home. For me, a home without a cat isn’t a home at all! They’ve got an important role to play in the lives of many people – from helping children understand about caring for others to providing a lifeline to pensioners who may otherwise feel isolated and lonely.

“It’s heart-breaking that so many renters are not able to own a cat but this needn’t be the case. Cats Protection’s Purrfect Landlords campaign is a major step forward in modernising how cat ownership is viewed in a rental market many people now rely on. By helping landlords see the benefits of happy, settled tenants, we can help more tenants experience the joy of sharing their lives with a feline friend.”

People who struggle to get to sleep in the West Midlands say they are drugging themselves just to drop off – and nearly a fifth say they have had to see their doctor about the problem.

A third (31%) of people in the West Midlands say they have used medication or alcohol to get to sleep and 90% say they struggle to drop off for at least three nights a week.

Nine per cent of those surveyed said they had taken antidepressants and a further four per cent said they had taken anxiety medication just to get to sleep, according to a survey for Gravity Blankets by Atomik Research.

Nine per cent of people in the West Midlands say they take sleeping tablets, while five per cent admit to using narcotics such as codeine, morphine or other opiate painkillers just to get to sleep.

Two-thirds (64%) of all adults in the West Midlands say their worries keep them up at night, tossing and turning over their health, family and money.

Nearly a fifth (17%) of those surveyed in the region said they had been to the doctor about their sleep problems.

The research showed that anxiety and depression play a major part in people’s inability to get some shut-eye.

Two-fifths (33%) of those surveyed said they suffered from anxiety and 28% said they had suffered from depression.

And 29% described themselves as ‘TATT’ – or Tired All The Time.

Most (90%) of people in the West Midlands say they struggle to get to sleep at least three nights a week, with some of the biggest factors being unable to switch off, restlessness and thinking over to-do lists.

Eighty-seven per cent of those surveyed say they drink an average of at least four cups of tea or coffee when they are tired, although six per cent say they have seven cups or more.

People in the West Midlands also say they tuck into more calories when they are feeling tired, with 18% saying they eat extra cakes or sweets, 17% saying they eat extra biscuits and 13% saying they neck more fizzy drinks.

Therapist and Gravity Blankets co-founder Joanna Goliszek said: “Britain’s inability to get a good night’s sleep is a huge cause for concern. Sleep is essential for healing the body and the mind but the demands of modern life mean that we are on the go from dawn till dusk.

“Many of us feel compelled to check work emails before bed or we find ourselves worrying about our families, our health or our money problems in the small hours.

“All of this weighs heavily on our minds and, as our survey shows, this accumulated anxiety or depression affects our ability to get to sleep.

“It is particularly worrying that young people are turning to medication to get off to sleep and, while it is understandable, we would encourage anyone who is having trouble sleeping search out more natural alternatives.”

City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolves FC are teaming up to host a free festive fan park ahead of the club’s home game with Huddersfield on Sunday, November 25.

St Peter’s car park off Wulfruna Street, behind the Civic Centre, will be transformed to provide a host of entertainment for all the family, from noon up to kick-off at 4pm.

There will be face painting, the chance to have your photo taken with the Championship trophy and Wolves mascots Wolfie and Wendy, as well as penalty shoot-outs, free fairground rides and a Wolves Santa’s grotto.

There will also be street food, a bar, undercover seating, music provided by the Signal 107 roadshow, the chance to watch Villa take on Blues in the derby (kick-off noon) on the big screen.

Access to the park will be granted on a first come, first served basis.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The summer fan parks were a big hit and we are delighted to have teamed up with the club again to put this family event on ahead of the game with Huddersfield.

“I would urge people to also make the most of the city centre before heading to the fan park for the big-game build up to what will hopefully be a Wolves win.”

The summer fan parks held on the Civic Centre piazza ahead of the games with Villarreal and Everton were attended by hundreds of people.

Wolves Head of Marketing, Russell Jones, added: “The fan park follows the Christmas Lights switch on the day before and the city will be full of festive spirit.

“The fan park is another great way for the Wolves family to come together as we build up the excitement to our Barclays Premier League fixture with Huddersfield.”

This is just one of a host of family friendly events taking place in the city in the countdown to Christmas. Discover more events, activities, special offers, late night shopping hours and parking offers at www.enjoywolverhampton.com.

A daredevil accountant jumped 10,000ft out of a plane despite her fear of heights - all to raise money for a healthcare charity.

Jasmeet Dhaliwal, raised an impressive £540 for Your Trust Charity, which is run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, by undertaking the skydive.

She said: “Initially I was apprehensive as I have a big fear of heights. The parachute doesn’t open until you reach 5,000ft and you’re travelling at speeds of up to 120mph.

“However I overcame this fear as I wanted to raise money for Your Trust Charity. I work at the hospital as a Senior Management Accountant, and had heard about the amazing work the charity does for our patients.”

Brave Jasmeet said of the stunt which took place in Whitchurch, Shropshire: “It was a thrilling experience and it means that the money raised will enhance the journey of our patients, their loved ones, and staff. It was definitely worthwhile.”

“It’s been an amazing. I believe you only live life once and it’s made me realise that you shouldn’t be fearful of anything.

“You can do everything and anything as long as you believe in yourself.”

Seventy nine per cent of people from Birmingham believe school teachers are very or quite influential on the lives of others, second only to parents and friends, according to new research released today.

The research shows that more than a third (34%) of people from Birmingham feel school or university has been one of the biggest influences on their life – tipped only by family life (57%) and equal to work life (34%).

Despite the rise of celebrity influence, well-known faces from popular culture – celebrities (61%) and social media influencers (58%) – are deemed by the general public to have less effect than parents, friends and school teachers.

The national survey of over 3,000 people¹, for the national Get Into Teaching campaign, looks at the public’s perception of influence and influencers, and how this could and should be harnessed.

Spending around 35 hours at school each week, students spend a significant amount of time in the company of their teachers. Fifty nine per cent (59%) said that it was between one and five teachers that helped to influence and shape them into the person they are today, and 44% felt 13-15 years was the age during school life that teachers influenced them most.

More than half (58%) of people from Birmingham said they remembered the name of their favourite teacher and almost two thirds (64%) said they were grateful to a teacher or teachers for the influence they had in shaping the person they are today – demonstrating the lasting impact that a teacher can have.

People from Birmingham feel that the most rewarding kinds of influence are seeing the difference they have made (49%) and inspiring someone to learn more or take action (49%). More than half (52%) felt that being an influencer or influencing people can have a positive impact, and 52% of people feel influencing people can be rewarding.

Craig Smith, a PE teacher at Ark Kings Academy in Birmingham, said:

“As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to guide pupils into the future and be a positive influence on the adult they will become. It takes enthusiasm, dedication and hard work to teach students and keep them interested, but you do this in the knowledge that your positive influence will play a part - however small or large - in their lives forever. As a head of year and PE teacher, there are so many ways that I can make an impact through positivity and believing that every child can and will be successful - this motivates me every day.”

Dr Anna Colton, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, said:

“Good teachers are invaluable. The role of a good teacher is to engage, inspire and nurture their students and the impact they can have on their lives is profound and irreplaceable. Increasingly we live in a society where we are subject to a myriad of influencers – many of whom we have never met and in whom we place trust. Teachers have a significant role in providing a positive, thoughtful and inspiring influence in and amongst this. Teachers spend a huge amount of time with young people, understanding their world view and helping them to fit into it and this is hugely important and meaningful. Teachers with a passion for a subject, endless encouragement for their students and those who instil confidence and curiosity in young people have always been and will continue to be some of the most important influencers of our time.”

When it comes to teachers leaving a positive and lasting influence, almost three quarters (71%) said teachers played a part in their experience and influence from school and over half of people from Birmingham agree that teachers helped to push them further (57%) or believe in their talents (55%).

On the power of influence and how it should be most utilised, almost half (47%) of the respondents in Birmingham said it should be to help others achieve and succeed, 39% said to have a positive impact on society and 42% said in order to nurture and support other people.

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader or Education, said: “Our research underlines how teachers have stood the test of time when it comes to shaping the lives of others. In a world where modern-day social media and celebrity influencers are often in the limelight, it is interesting to see how the public recognise the real and lasting impact teachers have as influencers in their own right. Teachers are essentially the ‘original influencers’ in that they are the individuals, aside from loved ones, that people spend a significant amount of time with, giving people from a young age the confidence and courage to achieve.

“The research also highlights the kind of things people want from individuals influencing others, and this matches up with what teachers do in abundance. Teaching should be a consideration for anyone looking for an opportunity to make this kind of positive and lasting impact as it genuinely is a career that few others can compete with.”

Applications to start teacher training in September 2019 are open. Individuals could get a £26,000 tax-free bursary to train as a teacher in selected subjects including science, computing, geography and languages.

New research released by the mental health anti-stigma campaign, Time to Change, reveals that when asked, over three quarters (80%) 16-24-year-olds in Birmingham would tell friends and family they are ‘fine’, even if struggling with a mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety.

When asked why, responses suggest young people in Birmingham doubt whether those around them really want to hear the honest answer.

The top concerns were:

• I don’t want to burden people(50%)
• Just because people ask how you are, doesn’t mean they really want to know (55%)
• I’d only talk if I was confident my friend or family member really wanted to listen (40%)

The national survey highlights that young people seek permission to talk about their mental health, beyond the questions ‘How are you?’ or ‘Are you ok?’ To tackle this, Time to Change is urging people to ‘Ask Twice’ if they think a friend or family member might be struggling with their mental health. The campaign says the simple act of asking again, with interest, shows a genuine willingness to talk and listen.

‘Ask Twice’ is the latest campaign from Time to Change which encourages young people to be more supportive of friends who might be experiencing a mental health problem.

While there has been a positive shift in the way mental health problems are viewed in England, insight shows that in practical terms many people are still unsure of how to be more supportive.

Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, said “When we consider that 75% of all mental health problems are established by the age of 24, it’s all the more important that young people feel supported. Our research shows that asking ‘Are you ok?’ is often not enough. Asking twice is a simple, effective way to show that you’re asking for real and ready to talk and listen.

Boston Wyatt, 18, has a diagnosis of OCD and experienced panic attacks “When I was diagnosed I found it extremely difficult to talk about my mental health. Sometimes it feels like just too much effort to explain to someone how you feel. As a teen I hate the repetitive, 'how was your day' small talk and so sometimes it is just easier to reply with 'fine', even when there's something really wrong.

“I feel older generations seem to think mental health problems are a myth and it wasn't until my Dad himself had a panic attack that he really understood. While we can't be expected to completely understand everyone else’s situations – sitting and listening to someone or having someone do that for you can, not only be a major relief, but a life saver too. When I did talk I quickly found out I was not alone.”

Georgie Kelly, 21, said “There are times when I am surrounded by people, yet I still feel completely alone. I suffered with bulimia for years, yet I didn’t know because I thought it was normal. I was eight when I started hating my body – in my mind, my body had ballooned, and I let self-hatred take over me, and more importantly, my childhood and teen years. Maybe if I had spoken about it with my friends and family as openly as I do now, I would have saved years of battling my mental illness.”

Adam Howard, 18, said “During sixth form, I experienced intense social anxiety, to the point where I was frightened of walking past groups of people. I was very reluctant to tell my teachers and friends due to the fear of being judged. Many of my peers were quite loud and boisterous and I think that influenced my decision in not talking.

“More recently I have met so many supportive people and become more able to open up. Rather than saying ‘I’m fine’, I am now more honest about my feelings and people are happy to listen. It can still be very hard to say I’m struggling, however when someone checks in, it makes me feel less alone and that people genuinely care about how I’m feeling.”

Time to Change has compiled some tips on how to support a friend who is experiencing a mental health problem:

• Reach out – get in touch by text, call, or face-to-face
• Take it seriously, listen and don’t judge
• Do something you love together – you don’t need to change your behaviour

• 10am-11am: Baker Street junction of Davis Avenue
• 11.05am-12.05pm: Hall Street (car park of Dragon restaurant)
• 12.10pm-1.10pm: Waterloo Street (car park of Tipton Christian Church)

Cadbury World is inviting families to step into a winter wonderland with a chocolatey twist this Christmas as it opens its doors for a memorable day out that’s choc-full of festive fun.

On weekends from 17^th November – 23^rd December, Father Christmas will take centre stage in the deer-lightful Santa Show and provide a gift for every little helper in attendance. Family favourite pantomime Jack and the Cocoa Beanstalk will also make a spectacular return with seven shows per day.

The celebrations don’t stop there at the attraction with additional pantomime performances from 27^th – 30^th December giving visitors plenty of opportunities to join in with the chorus of boos and cheers before the year is through.

What’s more, the Cadbury Café will be serving a selection of delicious yuletide treats, and guests can stock up on souvenirs and gifts for the whole family at The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop.

Diane Mitchell, Marketing Manager at Cadbury World said: “Our interactive festive pantomimes have been hugely popular with families across the UK over the years, and we know Jack and the Cocoa Beanstalk will be no different.

“We’re proud to offer a great value day out for the whole family, allowing our visitors to enjoy a magical entertainment programme as well as a whole host of immersive experiences throughout our assortment of chocolatey zones.”

All entertainment is included in the admission price and pre-booking is essential.

Ian McKellen is to celebrate his 80th birthday in 2019 by raising funds for theatres, with a new solo show which will play on 80 stages across the UK.  Ian McKellen on Stage will visit the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday 21 July. There will be two performances: one in the Swan Theatre at 2.30pm, and one in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at 7.30pm.

Celebrating 80 years, this intimate show is a mixture of anecdotes and acting, including Tolkien, Shakespeare, others...and you the audience.

Ian has a long association with the Royal Shakespeare Company where his work has included title roles in Trevor Nunn’s productions of Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and King Lear.

All proceeds from the performances at the RSC will go towards the Company’s Stitch in Time campaign to restore and redevelop the RSC’s Costume Workshop.

The show will begin its journey around the UK with a tour of London.  Then, across the country, Ian will visit theatres large and small with which he has personal connections and happy memories, including amateur groups he knew as a child and notable playhouses he has played in as a professional actor over the past half-century.

Ian McKellen said “I’m celebrating my 80th birthday by touring a new solo show to theatres I know well and a few that I don’t. The show starts with Gandalf and will probably end with an invitation to act with me on stage. In-between there will be anecdotes and acting. I open at my local arts centre in January and end up by August in Orkney.

“Live theatre has always been thrilling to me, as an actor and in the audience. Growing up in Lancashire, I was grateful to those companies who toured beyond London and I’ve always enjoyed repaying that debt by touring up and down the country myself, with the RSC, the National Theatre, Prospect Theatre, the Actors’ Company, as well as with commercial productions.

“I first came to the old Memorial Theatre in Stratford (now the Royal Shakespeare Theatre) as a schoolboy, camping at Tiddington and queuing through the night for half a crown standing places at the back of the stalls. There I saw the theatre giants of my youth.

“In 1976 for the RSC I was Romeo, Leontes and Macbeth (with Judi Dench). Most recently I was King Lear in The Courtyard Theatre (the RSC’s temporary theatre whilst the Royal Shakespeare Theatre was redeveloped), followed by a world tour. So it’s with gratitude and excitement that I’ll be making my debut in the Swan Theatre, and on the same day be back on the main stage where I last performed with Prince Charles as part of Shakespeare Live! From The RSC - which marked the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death - in 2016.

“In my new solo show I can share memories of Stratford and reprise Shakespeare. There’ll also be a chance for you to get onstage with me. All profits will support the Stitch In Time campaign, restoring and redeveloping the RSC’s costume workshops. See you there, I hope!”

Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director, said: “I am thrilled that Ian will be bringing his one man show to Stratford to play in both the Swan and Royal Shakespeare Theatres.  We are grateful that the proceeds from the performances will go towards Stitch in Time, our public fundraising campaign to restore and redevelop our Costume Workshop, which has £250,000 left to raise.  The RSC has the largest in-house costume-making department of any British theatre, but the current workshops are in urgent need of attention to create modern-day costume-making facilities.”

IAN McKELLEN ON STAGE is presented by Ambassador Theatre Group and directed by Sean Mathias.

Despite schools having a legal duty to tackle bullying and the wealth of interventions to eradicate it, bullying remains a serious problem, entrenched in children’s everyday experiences of school, and associated with anxiety, depression and even suicide.

In my research I’ve found that some pupils are beaten up, hit, spit on and kicked as they walk between lessons; children with learning difficulties are often called ‘thick’.  Some are ostracised to the point that they spend playtimes alone; pupils whipped with sticks and forced into bins; and children who misbehave have spent several days alone in isolation booths unsure of what they have done wrong.

Overlooked

Unfortunately, many schools I have worked in and researched, misunderstand the nature of bullying and implement strategies which do not stop the bullying; in many cases reporting bullying can cause it to escalate.  Teachers tend to perceive bullying as a binary phenomenon whereby children are either being bullied or they are not.  In doing so they overlook, and are dismissive of, more nuanced experiences of bullying children have, such as bullying between ‘friends.’  If children retaliate to being bullied, they are no longer seen as being victimised and are instead identified as a ‘bully’ and punished for their behaviour.  Children who report bullying have been told by their teacher, ‘you are not being bullied, because if you were, we would deal with it; we take bullying very seriously’.

When schools do attempt to address bullying they usually instil punishment measures such as giving ‘bullies’ detention, putting them in isolation or making them miss their playtime.  The punishment children experience makes them angrier, which they subsequently take out on the individuals who they victimise.  Consequently, children who report bullying are often bullied even more for ‘grassing’ or being a ‘snitch’.

The vicious cycle of bullying continues and children get enmeshed within abusive relationships with their peers and teachers who they feel do not respect them.  Conflict and hostility can thrive in relationships between teachers and certain pupils.  Although some teachers can bully their pupils through humiliating them and unfairly targeting them, some pupils can enjoy victimising their teachers if they have the opportunity to do so.

Understanding bullying

Teachers are not usually encouraged to reflect on how common practices in school can contribute to bullying.  Systems in school, such as streaming, can create hostilities and tensions between those who are in the top and bottom set. Children in the bottom set get teased and tormented because many of them are struggling academically and can take their anger out on ‘swots’ who are succeeding academically and bully them.   Bullying is so prevalent in school that pupils and teachers are coerced into reinforcing it rather than challenging it.

Schools need to improve their understanding of bullying and take into account the nuances involved.  It is helpful to perceive bullying as a spectrum of negative interactions ranging from severe to mild for example, name-calling to being beaten up.  Rather than associating bullying with a minority of pathologized individuals, educators need to consider how all children, to some extent, are involved in bullying and are affected by it.

A mentoring programme for children who persistently engage in bullying would help schools understand and resolve the underlying reasons why they are engaging in bullying.  Mentees meet with a member of staff to talk about what they have done, reflect on the effect their behaviour is having on others and develop more respectful behaviours.  Once mentoring has been provided to pupils who are persistently in conflict with one another, staff can bring these pupils together into a meeting to talk about the problems they are having with each other and agree how to move forwards.

Challenge normalised practice

To challenge normalised practices which enable bullying, teachers can collaborate with pupils to learn about their experiences of bullying.  Ask children about their experiences of bullying, why children bully, how is bullying dealt with in school (is this helpful or unhelpful?) and how should it be dealt with?  Pupils can become researchers who reflect on their own experiences of bullying and who work with their peers and teachers to develop strategies to resolve their bullying.

School staff would also benefit from reflecting on how they can improve their practice and school strategies for tackling bullying through learning about pupils’ experiences of bullying and their recommendations of how it should be dealt with.  Encourage children to develop healthy relationships with their peers and teachers, understand when their relationships have become abusive and how to challenge relationships which have become harmful.

Educators can ensure children learn how to behave respectfully through interacting and speaking respectfully to children all the time.  Teachers also need to feel confident enough to tackle bullying effectively so schools should find out what support staff feel they need to do so.  Establishing support groups for pupils and teachers to meet and discuss bullying and what to do about it can ensure schools are better informed of the bullying their pupils are experiencing.  Furthermore, it can help pupils and staff to become part of a community strengthened with resources to understand and tackle bullying together.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity is jumping for joy after reaching its £230k Out to Play Appeal target.

The appeal, which launched in December last year, raised vital funds for the hospital’s outdoor play area – which after 12 years of constant use is outdated and unfit for purpose.

The final cash boost of £1,800 came from 10-year-old Flo Turner – who also helped launch the appeal last year.

The Turner family were chosen to front the appeal as they are one of hundreds of families at the children’s hospital who have experienced first-hand the positive impact the playground can have on patients, siblings and families.

Flo’s older sister, Millie, is treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for a rare chromosome condition called Potocki Lupski Syndrome.

Last year, Millie had major neurosurgery to remove a build up of fluid on her spine. The operation, which was extremely complicated carried many significant risks and lasted over 10 hours.

In the lead up to the operation, the anxieties felt by Millie’s parents were immense. Mum, Kathryn, 36, remembers: “It was an extremely scary time for us all and although I was incredibly concerned for Millie, I was also worried about the impact on my other two children, Flo and five-year-old Stan.

“The hospital’s playground provided a little bubble of fun and relief for Flo and Stan. It meant our chats could happen outside rather than in a closed clinical room, adding a bit of normality to their lives in what was an unusual and very difficult situation.

“As Millie got stronger the first place she wanted to go to was the playground and Flo took great pride in wheeling her there. The play area also served as a great physiotherapy incentive as once Millie was outside she seemed to relax a little and wanted to get around and move about more than she did on the ward. Which really aided her recovery.”

Millie and her family were so passionate about the appeal; they took part in videos and interviews, fundraised at the hospital and spread the word to their school, local community and beyond. The Out to Play Appeal was even given the nickname ‘Millie’s Mission’, and now 10 incredibly successful months later it is fitting that Millie’s family has raised the final £1,800 which was enough to close the appeal.

To bring the appeal over the line, Flo organised a raffle and a tea party and invited all her family and friends, as well as the local community.

Serena Daw, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “We’re so pleased to announce that thanks to the Turner family’s final boost, we have crossed the line and reached our £230,000 target, meaning our Out to Play Appeal has now closed.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported, fundraised or donated to the appeal as we are now one step closer to offering our patients a vibrant, new outdoor playground. This will allow them to escape from the clinical atmosphere of the wards to get fresh air and exercise as well as much-needed time with their siblings and family.

“A special thank you of course has to go to Millie, Flo and Stanley for sharing their story and supporting the appeal throughout. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to close the appeal as quickly as we have. We can’t wait to welcome the whole family back into the hospital once our new playground is revealed!”

Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Cllr Roger Lawrence, has been named ‘Leader of the Year’ at a prestigious national award ceremony.

Cllr Lawrence was recognised at the Local Government Information Network (LGiU) Councillor Awards at an event attended by more than 200 of his peers from across the country at London’s Guildhall this week.

Judges acknowledged his “inspirational leadership” of the council which has enabled Wolverhampton to go from “strength to strength”.

A statement from the LGiU said: “Not only has Councillor Roger Lawrence shown consistently strong leadership in implementing a long-term vision for Wolverhampton, but has also had an important impact on a regional and national level through his work setting up the West Midlands Combined Authority.

“In addition, he has had an important impact on local employment with the successful Wolves@Work scheme and through the impressive regeneration projects he has overseen.”

Cllr Lawrence said: “I am pleased that the city has been recognised for our collective achievements once again. This award is not for me, but for the people of the city and the wider region who have sought to deliver transformation and deliver services in difficult times.

“I was up against some very worthy competitors. I would like to thank colleagues from across the political spectrum because without their support I would not have been in the running for this award.”

Two other Wolverhampton councillors had also been shortlisted for an award at the ceremony.

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, ward member for Ettingshall, was in the running for ‘Young Councillor of the Year’ and Cllr Celia Hibbert, ward member for Penn, was a finalist in the ‘Community Champion’ category.

The LGiU Councillor Achievement Awards are the only awards celebrating the important work of councillors and elected members.

The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) is a London-based thinktank and registered charity. Established in 1983 as a membership organisation for UK local authorities, the LGiU states that its mission is to strengthen local democracy and put citizens in control of their own lives, communities and services.