Community News

A memorial stone to a “fearless” World War One hero from Wolverhampton will be unveiled on Monday – exactly 100 years to the day that he performed a remarkable act of bravery on the battlefield.

Cpl Roland Elcock, of the Royal Scots Regiment, ran alone towards firing enemy machine-guns in Capelle-St. Catherine, France, in 1918.

He got to within 10 yards of the enemy guns, which had been causing heavy casualties, put them out of action, captured five prisoners and saved the British advance from being held up.

Later that day, near the River Lys, he again attacked an enemy machine-gun and captured the crew.

In recognition of his bravery, Elcock was awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest award for gallantry – and the official citation described him as “absolutely fearless”.

All 469 British soliders who was awarded a VC during the First World War are having a memorial stone laid in the town of their birth as part of the national centenary commemorations of the conflict.

Elcock, who was born in the Heath Town, Wolverhampton, in 1889, will have his stone unveiled at the cenotaph in St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton City Centre, on Monday at a ceremony attended by his grandchildren and civic and military dignitaries.

Councillor Phil Page, Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, said: “Roland Elcock is a true war hero, his bravery on the battlefield 100 years ago was nothing short of astonishing.

“He was rightly awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry and this memorial stone will ensure his memory lives on.”

Councillor Linda Leach, chairwoman of the City of Wolverhampton Remembrance Committee, said: “In this centenary year of the end of the First World War, it is fitting that we will gather on Monday to remember Roland Elcock VC, a Wulfrunian who demonstrated such amazing gallantry on the field of battle.

“Elcock returned to Wolverhampton to a heroes’ welcome and newspaper stories from the time describe thousands of cheering citizens and a civic reception in his honour. Elcock sounds like a typically modest Wolverhampton chap, he did not boast about his actions and felt he had done no more than duty to king and country required.”

After the war, Elcock worked at Wolverhampton Corporation Electricity Department and later moved to India finding employment in the post and telegraph service. He was promoted to the Director-General of Posts and Telegraphs on the North-West Frontier.

During World War Two he achieved the rank of Major in the British Indian Army. He died of ill health at Dehra Dun, India, on 6th October 1944 where he is buried.

The plaque will be unveiled during a public memorial service at 11am at the Cenotaph in St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton on Monday.

In August this year, a memorial stone was unveiled in honour of Wolverhampton’s only other First World War VC holder, George Onions, at Oxford Street in Bilston.

Two retired military dogs have become the face of Pets at Home’s new Remembrance poppy range developed exclusively with The Royal British Legion.

Billie, 8, a Labrador, and Buster, 7, a German Shepherd, who both recently retired from serving in the military returned to the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray to take part in an exclusive photoshoot.

The two hero dogs were given the chance to proudly model a new range of poppy-themed pet accessories, created to support the Armed Forces charity, in the Centenary year of the end of the First World War.

Billie, who retired three days before Christmas last year, served as a vehicle search dog and Buster trained as an RAF Police dog. This week, however, they turned their paws to modelling the three new pet accessories, of which 100% of the profits* go to The Royal British Legion.

The range features a Poppy Collar Charm that fits seamlessly on to any dog or cat collar or horse harness, a Poppy Bandana, featuring a poppy print that also fits on to any collar and a Poppy Bowtie, perfect for an official engagement.

Billie and Buster’s owner Claire Martin, 33, who served in the Veterinary Corp until 2010 before becoming a Senior Instructional Officer was on hand to see her two dogs strut their stuff in the photoshoot. She said: “I’m so proud of both Billie and Buster, they definitely weren’t camera shy and they looked honoured to be wearing their Remembrance poppy accessories.

“Remembrance Day is chance for us to remember those who lost their lives securing our freedom and it’s fantastic that pet owners can now get involved whilst also raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Peter Pritchard, Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland to help the UK’s pets support such fantastic charities.

“Heroes Billie and Buster both looked sensational in their poppy attire and we are so proud to have them model our range.

“We are already absolutely staggered by the response of our customers and their pets to our poppy range – all three products are flying off the shelves faster than we could ever have hoped so we are thrilled.  We’ve now ordered more stock of the accessories to cope with demand and urge customers to get their hands on them before they sell out again."  

The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community - serving men and women, veterans, and their families. Their diverse range of services covers employment, finance, independent living, respite, recovery and care. They either offer services directly, or work with partners to direct support wherever and whenever it’s needed.

The prestigious BP Portrait Award will open at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Saturday (October 13).

It is free to attend the exhibition during the Lichfield Street’s normal gallery opening hours of Monday to Saturday (10.30am – 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am – 4pm).

Now in its 39th year, the BP Portrait Award showcases the most outstanding and innovative new portraits from around the world. From informal and personal studies of friends and family to revealing paintings of famous faces, the exhibition features a variety of styles and approaches to the contemporary painted portrait.

This year, 2,667 entries were received from artists in 88 countries. Each was judged anonymously by a panel of judges (the artists’ name, nationality, gender and age were withheld) and the list was gradually reduced to just 48 exceptional portraits for the exhibition.

Each member of the judging panel addressed what makes an outstanding portrait, weighing up the likeness, narrative, structure and overall impact of the work.

Highlights of the exhibition include portraits by the shortlisted artists, Felicia Forte and Zhu Tongyao, as well as the First Prize winner, Miriam Escofet, whose enigmatic work An Angel At My Table shows the artist’s elderly mother sitting at her kitchen table surrounded by tea crockery. Escofet says she was conscious of wanting to ‘transmit an idea of the Universal Mother, who is at the centre of our psyche and emotional world.’

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy said: “It is great to see BP Portrait Award back in the City of Wolverhampton and I am very happy that we have the opportunity to exhibit it again.

“The works on display are exquisite and the skills of these artists are extraordinary. I urge everyone to take the time to come and see the exhibition before it moves to Scotland in December.”

Ms Des Violaris, Director UK Arts and Culture BP, says: “The BP Portrait Award has established itself as one of the most important platforms for portraiture in the world. BP is a major supporter of UK arts and culture, and we are extremely proud of the continued success of this award programme and its touring exhibition which will bring the 2018 Award to Wolverhampton, Edinburgh and Winchester.”

The BP Portrait Award 2018 exhibition was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in June. It launches at Wolverhampton Art Gallery with a special evening viewing on Friday 12 October and opens fully to the public on Saturday 13, running until 30 November.

City of Wolverhampton Council and partners have successfully put in place three new workers to help tackle homelessness in the city.

Their roles will be funded from part of an initial £138,000 grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in June.

The news came on World Homeless Day (October 10), helping to highlight the work and role of the Rough Sleeping Operational Group, which includes council partners P3, Wolverhampton Homes, St George’s Hub, the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC), and Good Shepherd Ministry.

Two Outreach workers have been appointed who will work with individuals on the street, getting them into accommodation, into treatment, claiming benefits and supporting them to engage with additional services.

An Inreach support worker will help former rough sleepers in their own home - offering tenancy sustainment to reduce the risk of them losing their accommodation. This work will be carried out across 20 properties.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “The council continues to actively work with its partner agencies to find longer-term solutions for preventing rough sleeping in the city.

"We particularly focus our efforts on preventing someone from becoming homeless in the first place and work closely with our partner agencies such as P3, Housing Outreach teams and colleagues providing money advice, to find solutions for people threatened with homelessness, and ensure support is available for those who are unable to maintain their tenancy for whatever reason.

"We have also developed a new ‘Rent with Confidence’ framework and approach which gives people information about the standard of and management of the private accommodation they move into and helps the council to identify suitable properties which help to end or prevent individuals' homelessness in the future.

“The extra funding is enabling us to broaden this work and make even more of a real difference to reducing homelessness in the city.”

As part of the ceremony Hannah Townson, who won Apprentice of the Year for Retail received her apprenticeship certificate after being awarded the role of Deputy Store Manager having successfully graduated from the programme.

Aldi Transport Apprentice, Lee Congrave, who won Apprentice of the Year for Logistics said: “I’m really proud to have completed my apprenticeship. The last year has flown by, and I’ve achieved my HGV licences. I’m really excited about my future with Aldi and look forward to continuing my career with Aldi as a Driver.”

Aldi Store Apprentices are trained in all aspects of Retail Management during their three-year course, which features a mixture of in-store and theory work. Apprentices on the programme also receive a Level 3 Retail Team Leader. By the end of the programme, successful Store Apprentices have the opportunity to become Deputy Store Managers if they have exceeded expectations, or become Assistant Store Managers if they have particularly excelled.

Aldi demonstrated its commitment to employing young people even before the Apprentice Levy was introduced in April 2017 – having made a significant investment in the development and training of apprentices since it first launched its Stores Apprenticeship Programme in 2012. The UK’s 5^th largest supermarket then went on to launch its Logistics Apprenticeship in 2013 and further extended its apprenticeship offering with the launch of its Driver Apprenticeship in 2016. The three available Apprenticeship programmes have created more than 1,000 jobs for young people since the initiatives began.

Marius Manolescu, Regional Managing Director at Aldi, comments: “Our apprentices are a vital part of our company and it essential that we invest in each and every one of them so they can develop with the business to become successful retail managers of the future.

“We’re extremely proud of our graduating apprentices, as we know how much hard work and commitment it takes to succeed on the course. We hope that these are just the first steps in long and successful careers for our apprentices.”

The Store Apprenticeship Programme offers Store Assistant training in year one, and Store Management training in years two and three, with a fantastic salary of £6 per hour which rises to £7.50 per hour in year two, and £8.90 in year three. This equates to £225 per week at first, and £267 per week in year three; significantly higher than the national minimum wage for apprenticeships.

The Logistics Apprenticeship is a one year programme, during which candidates work towards achieving their Level 2 Supply Chain Operative Following this, there is the opportunity to join the team on a permanent basis with progression opportunities a real possibility in the future.

The Aldi Driver Apprenticeship programme provides full training, funding and support to candidates wanting to become fully licenced LGV Drivers. Apprentices start on £10.17 per hour (which is £305 per week) and are supported and mentored throughout the programme at the Atherstone Regional Distribution Centre to achieve a Level 2 LGV qualification.

Researchers at Birmingham City University are set to host the institution’s first ‘Menopause Café’ this month, in celebration of World Menopause Day on Thursday 18 October.

‘Menopause Café’  was founded by Rachel Weiss in Perth, Scotland, with the goal of increasing awareness about the impact of the menopause on those experiencing it, their friends, colleagues and families.

‘Menopause Café’ events are free to attend and open to all genders and ages. The events provide opportunities for people to come together over cake and coffee to talk about the menopause or to just listen.

Birmingham City University will host two ‘Menopause Café’ events on Thursday 18 October at its City Centre and City South campuses.

The events have been organised through a special collaboration between two Birmingham City University-based initiatives: ‘The VQ’, a women’s sexual health impact network co-led by Dr Annalise Weckesser and Dr Keeley Abbott, and ‘Athena SWAN’, led by Dr Kate Carruthers Thomas.

“We’re really excited about holding ‘Menopause Café’ events at Birmingham City University and to be part of a larger movement of addressing the stigma around the menopause”, said Dr Annalise Weckesser.

“The cafés create a space that open up conversations about the menopause.  We’re especially keen to talk about how the menopause impacts upon women in a work context, where women often are made to feel that they must hide their symptoms and cope in silence.”

The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman's oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.

Commons symptoms of the menopause include hot flushes, night sweats and difficulty sleeping.

The Birmingham City University ‘Menopause Café’ events take place between 12pm and 2pm on Thursday 18 October, with cake and coffee provided. The events are free to attend but attendees must register in advance.

Following trials earlier this year, Severn Trent is working with US-based WatchTower Robotics on creating and trialling a UK-specific leak-finding robot in the company’s pipes.

Created by Dr You Wu, who got his PhD from MIT this year, the robot, called Lighthouse, has now been named as a national winner of the James Dyson Award, which celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers.

The robot looks a little like a badminton shuttlecock, is very flexible and ‘fills’ pipes, allowing it to travel with the flow of the water, logging its position and leak information as it goes. The data can be retrieved wirelessly and a ‘map’ of leaks can be produced before the robot is fished out using a net or flushed out of a hydrant.

Bob Stear, Deputy Chief Engineer at Severn Trent, said: “We hosted You and his robot earlier this year and we were very excited about its potential so we’re now looking at the best way forward.

“We’re working closely with him on a number of initiatives, including looking at a UK-specific model, and seeing whether we can partner with other, overseas, water companies in a much-extended trial.

“Our initial aim is to get a dozen or so trial robots that we can hand out to our engineers in real world situations to see how they perform. It’s incredibly exciting and could be a real game changer when it comes to tackling leakage.”

Dr Wu said: “Severn Trent offered a valuable opportunity to pilot the new leak detection robot in the UK earlier this year. WatchTower is looking forward to expanding the pilot programme with Severn Trent and to together implement this more effective leak finding and prevention solution in the UK. Eventually, we want to make water distribution systems in the UK more efficient and sustainable.”

Everyone has their own special connection toStar Wars, and that's what makes it a truly legendary saga - whether it's the intergalactic battles, the lightsabers or the iconic music.

From 12 January to 17 March 2019, guests can celebrate their heroes and epic Star Wars moments with the new season, Legends of the Force – A Celebration ofStar Wars at Disneyland Paris.

Relive the greatest moments of the Star Wars saga Legends of the Force – A Celebration of Star Wars is the perfect opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the heart of the Star Wars galaxy, following in the footsteps of iconic characters such as Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO… whilst having to confront the dark side of theforce with Darth Vader and Kylo Ren.

Star Wars: A Galactic Celebration At dusk, Walt Disney Studios Park will pay spectacular homage to the Star Wars galaxy with an amazing sound and light show. Image projections, special effects and, of course, the Star Wars Characters. Sequences inspired by the film Star Wars: The Last Jedi are also on the programme, including new characters, such as faithful Resistance droid BB-8, who will be making a first appearance. But be careful, the dark side is never far away, with special scenes featuring the Empire and the First Order. It's a totally unmissable experience.

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away This show, which will be taking place several times a day in Production Courtyard, gives guests a chance to relive the greatest moments of the Star Wars saga, as they listen to its epic musical themes. Look out for Kylo Ren, Rey and Darth Maul during the show, and for the first time, that fearsome bounty hunter, Boba Fett.

The First Order March Each day will also feature a marching procession of First Order stormtroopers led by the menacing Captain Phasma.

Have fun meeting your favourite Star Wars Characters For the first time, guests will be able to meet Star Wars favourite, Chewbacca, a true Legend of the Resistance, at Walt Disney Studios Park. A rare encounter with the Wookiee that's sure to be an epic experience.

Meanwhile, squads of stormtroopers will patrol Production Courtyard in search of allies of the Resistance.

The Star Wars legend will also take place at Disneyland Park, where the more adventurous will be able to confront Darth Vader and brave the power of the dark side at Starport, just near the attraction Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

Head straight to the heart of the intergalactic Star Wars battles!

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Fearless voyagers will be able to experience an intergalactic adventure aboard StarSpeeder 1000, as they head for some of the most iconic planets featured in theStar Wars saga. One thing is certain - this 3D experience will delight the galaxy's most passionate fans.

Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain For guests who love thrills, they can jump on board an X-wing and join the Resistance on an epic expedition packed with excitement, as they find themselves at the very heart of the famous battle of Jakku, fighting the Galactic Empire. An unforgettable experience to the sound of the epic saga's legendary music.

Young African Caribbean men across Birmingham will benefit from National Lottery funding totalling almost £750,000, thanks to a life-changing scheme initiated by Birmingham Repertory Theatre, First Class Legacy, Centre for Mental Health and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Together the four partners will receive £746,112 over three years to run a scheme, Shifting The Dial, which aims to develop a Birmingham-based brotherhood of 300 young African Caribbean Men who feel mentally stronger and healthier. The money, raised by National Lottery players for good causes, was granted by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Shifting The Dial has been developed in response to statistics that show that young African Caribbean men in the UK are much more likely than their white counterparts to develop serious mental illness, and three times more likely to be at risk of suicide as referenced in the Centre For Mental Health report Against The Odds (July 2017). The three year project has been developed as a result of a successful pilot scheme, Up My Street – an initiative which ran in Birmingham between September 2015 and July 2017.

Shifting The Dial will engage groups of young African Caribbean men in cultural activities run by First Class Legacy and The REP at a range of places within Birmingham and Solihull, working alongside artists and facilitators who they can relate to, trust and can inspire them for their futures. The scheme will strengthen the mental health resilience and wellbeing of the men involved, improve their self-esteem and self-belief; assist their personal development and life skills, increase economic opportunities, raise mental health awareness and encourage inclusion. It will address the weathering effects of racism, discrimination, negative self-image and invisibility.

Additionally, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust will play a vital role in supporting pathways and opportunities for young people including apprenticeships, volunteering and work experience.

Over the three years, Shifting The Dial will also identify and promote a set of 30 ambassadors who will impact and influence a generation of young African Caribbean men that need new and strong leadership. With the help of peer-led research and respected evaluation from Centre for Mental Health, these advocates will reach out into communities to foster a network of less formal mental health support for the young men and their families.  The findings will be shared with established health, education and justice institutions around the region, and eventually nationally, to signpost a more effective, grassroots solution to building mental resilience, and subsequently help shift the dial in the Mental Health sector at policy, board and every strategic level possible.

Stuart Rogers, Executive Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre said:

“This Big Lottery funding will help make a big difference and a real positive impact in Birmingham.  It will help young African Caribbean men feel mentally stronger and lead happier and healthier lives. Our pilot project demonstrated what can be achieved when a group of organisations work together to tackle the things that really matter to their local community. It’s also a brilliant example of how theatre can work with other sectors to tackle some of the most pressing issues in our society.”

Nathan Dennis, Director of First Class Legacy said: “We’re immensely proud and grateful that the Big Lottery Fund, have recognised the value and importance of our project, Shifting The Dial.  This project has the voices of young African Caribbean men at its heart. Twelve months ago, during the pilot scheme, we asked participants what the future of the project might look like. Their biggest request was that the project wasn’t allowed to just disappear – they’d been used to flash in the pan initiatives that built hope and then vanished.  First Class Legacy are a small organisation and it’s thanks to our partners at The REP, the Centre for Mental Health, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and now the Big Lottery Fund that their voices have been heard.”

James Harcourt, Director of England Grant-Making at the Big Lottery Fund said: “Supporting good mental health is an important issue in the UK today, which is why we’re proud to be funding Shifting the Dial. It’s great to see these four organisations from across different sectors joining together, to take action to help young African Caribbean men build their mental resilience and wellbeing. By building on the initial pilot, and thanks to National Lottery funding, even more men from across Birmingham will be supported.”

Centre For Mental Health Chief Executive, Sarah Hughes said: “We are delighted to be continuing the vital work with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, First Class Legacy and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust with young African and Caribbean men, following the successful pilot scheme that we evaluated and reported on in 2017.

“The programme seeks to continue critical partnership work with young men, building resilience through a range of creative support activities, with mentoring and by providing leadership and employment opportunities.  The Big Lottery Fund has provided important and much valued continuity through their funding to learn from and build on this important programme of work to help young men succeed and thrive.”

Lakhvir Rellon, Head of Community Engagement at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said:  “We are delighted to be working with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, First Class Legacy and the Centre for Mental Health on this exciting new programme of work. While black men are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues than other groups they are underrepresented in our workforce. Shifting the Dial will enable us to take positive action to promote working in mental health as a positive choice. We will do this through our work experience, apprenticeship, volunteering and employment opportunities. In addition, our staff will be invited to take part in theatre style training sessions designed to improve outcomes for service users.”

West Midlands-based carmaker Jaguar Land Rover will escape new EU CO2 emission standards after pressure from Conservative MEPs.

MEPs today approved plans - amid Conservative opposition - that will force carmakers to slash CO2 emissions by 40 percent in 2030 from their 2021 levels.

They also set an EU-wide fleet target of 95 g CO2/km, with manufacturers being fined 95 euros for every gram of CO2 over the limit.

Carmakers will be able offset their overall target if they produce enough zero and low-emission vehicles in their fleet surpasses a benchmark set by the draft law.

However, Conservative MEPs negotiated an exemption for carmakers that sell less than 300,000 vehicles a year.

It means car companies like Jaguar Land Rover will escape paying millions in fines to EU regulators.

Conservative MEP for the West Midlands Daniel Dalton commented: “Securing an exemption from these unrealistic targets lifts an existential threat to jobs and investment at Jaguar Land Rover.”

The UK will incorporate all EU law that comes into effect before Brexit - and during any transition phase - into its own domestic legislation

The draft law on CO2 emissions for cars is set to become law across the EU on January 1st, 2020.

Birmingham Airport joined Flybe in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the popular year-round service between Birmingham and Hamburg. The route increased its frequency from four to six flights a week remaining the only direct service connecting the two cities from Birmingham Airport.

Tom Screen, Acting Aviation Director, Birmingham Airport said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the first anniversary of Flybe’s Birmingham to Hamburg route. The popular route has a strong demand from business and leisure travellers from the Midlands and with six flights a week the airline gives passengers from our region a great product and an extensive route network.”

Roy Kinnear, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, adds: “We are very pleased to mark the first anniversary of flights between Birmingham and Hamburg. In that time, the route has gone from strength to strength and we have increased frequency to match demand. There certainly seems to be a real affinity between the people and businesses of two of the UK and Germany’s biggest cities.”

Commenting on how the airline’s Hamburg route has benefited the Midlands since it launched, well-known business leader Peter Mathews CMG, Chairman of Black Country Metals, said: “Brexit aside, the world is changing when it comes to trade. Therefore, as a region, we need the ability to communicate with a range of markets both in Europe and globally.  Hamburg has many synergies with the West Midlands and, as such, Flybe’s investment in this important route is one that not only benefits the economy and businesses in the region now but will continue to do so in the longer term.”

One of the many business to have embraced the new route is Market Bosworth-based Savage Lighting. Julie Clark, Operations and Sales Director explains: “This service opened up a vital link into Germany for us, and it’s been great for our staff to be able to travel from A to B with such ease.”

Children and young people in the North East who read and write in their free time have significantly better mental wellbeing than their peers, according to the National Literacy Trust’s Mental wellbeing, reading and writing report. The charity works to raise literacy levels in Middlesbrough through its National Literacy Trust Hub, which is known locally as Middlesbrough Reads.

The report shows that children in the North East who are the most engaged with reading and writing outside school (i.e. those who enjoy it, do it daily and have positive attitudes towards it) have considerably better mental wellbeing than their peers who are the least engaged with reading and writing (Mental Wellbeing Index scores of 7.9 out of 10 vs 6.9 out of 10). What’s more, these children are twice as likely to have high mental wellbeing than their disengaged peers (40.1% vs 17.5%).

All schools in Middlesbrough have access to free wellbeing-inspired teaching resources for primary and secondary schools created by the National Literacy Trust and children’s mental health charity, Place2Be. This includes book lists and assembly plans, which will be available at middlesbroughreads.org.uk.

The charities have also created a series of top tips and activity ideas to help parents use reading and writing to support their child’s mental wellbeing: wordsforlife.org.uk/wellbeing.

The Mental wellbeing, reading and writing report, based on a survey of 49,047 UK school children aged 8 to 18, also found that nationally:

• Children who are the most engaged with reading and writing are much happier with their lives than children who are the least engaged (life satisfaction scores of 7.9/10 vs 4.7/10)
• As children transition from primary to secondary school, their levels of literacy engagement and mental wellbeing both decline and continue on this downward path
• Boys who are the most engaged with reading and writing have higher mental wellbeing than girls who are also very engaged (Mental Wellbeing Index scores of 8.1/10 vs 7.6/10)

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Children and young people today face a multitude of pressures at school, at home and in their social lives. It is imperative that we do everything we can to enable our children to develop the resilience they need to cope with life’s challenges – and our latest research shows that the joys of reading and writing can be hugely beneficial. Not only does a love of reading and writing enable children to flourish at school, but we now also know it can play a vital role in supporting children to lead happy and healthy lives.”

Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be said: “Escaping in a good story is not only a great way to cope when you’re feeling stressed or worried, but can also be a fantastic opportunity for children to explore difficult feelings, understand them, and feel less alone. We often use characters and stories in our group work in schools to encourage children to explore their own feelings and behaviours. Whether you relate to Harry Potter or the Hulk, if we want to help children to build their resilience and cope with life’s inevitable challenges, spending time with your child and encouraging a love of reading and writing is a good place to start.”

Allison Potter, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Middlesbrough said: “For the last five years, we’ve delivered a range of events and activities in Middlesbrough to inspire children to enjoy reading and writing. This exciting new research shows the important link this has to children’s wellbeing, as well as their success at school. We hope that schools across the town will utilise our wellbeing-themed teaching resources, which show pupils how they can look after themselves and feel better by reading.”

An Army physiotherapist working in Birmingham has overcome her own injuries to win a major international triathlon competition which has won her a place in next year’s World Ironman 70.3 Championships. To top that she won the English Championships last month.

Captain Katrina Rye, 27, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, works alongside NHS personnel to help rehabilitate injured military personnel and civilians at the Royal Centre of Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

In the summer of this year she was deployed to Canada for four months where she supported soldiers taking part in British military exercises.

While in Canada, Katrina worked hard to overcome recent acute knee and hip injuries. She had eight weeks to rehabilitate herself from being unable to walk pain-free to reach her goal of competing in her first Ironman 70.3 Calgary where she finished first in a time of four hours 25 minutes.

On return to the UK Katrina led the Army Ladies’ team to the gold medal in the British Triathlon Relays and, a week later, added to her trophy cabinet by finishing first in the England Middle Distance Triathlon Championships in a time of four hours and 15 minutes, one of the fastest times this year by a British athlete. In doing so, she was crowned Inter-Services (Royal Navy, Army and RAF) Champion.

She said,

“Despite experiencing a tough few months with knee and hip injuries in Canada, I was determined to overcome them and get race-fit. I did this by tapping into the military expertise around me, as well as using my own knowledge, to rehabilitate myself back to fitness.

“Always a ‘soldier first’, my training and rehab had to be completed before and after working hours with the full support of my chain of command in Canada.

“I started the Canada triathlon not knowing if my injuries would prevent me finishing. So I was extremely proud, representing the British Army, to win the Ironman 70.3 Calgary. Winning the national relay title as part of the Army team and then the national individual title was the icing on the cake. I am very excited about racing in next year’s Ironman 70.3 World Championships.”

Katrina grew up in Exmouth, Devon, attending school at The Maynard, Exeter and Colyton Grammar School before completing a physiotherapy degree at Cardiff University where she joined the Wales University Officer Training Corps.

She qualified as a physio in 2013 and commissioned into the Army the following year. Her first full time appointment was at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court near Epsom, Surrey.

Katrina added, “I owe huge thanks to the Army Sports Lottery, my parents - John and Penny in Exmouth - and my coach Damo Littlewood of Tri 1^st Coaching, for all their support.”

She will compete in the World Ironman 70.3 Championship in September 2019 in Nice, France

A Birmingham City University academic is celebrating after her book exploring pain has been recognised with an accolade at the British Medical Association’s Medical Book Awards.

Professor Elaine Denny’s ‘Pain: A Sociological Introduction’ was the winner in the ‘Health and Social Care’ category, with some of the other shortlisted entries focusing on how to cope with anxiety and the perceptions of patients with cancer.

The British Medical Association’s Medical Book Awards promote excellence in medical publishing and seek to demonstrate its importance to medical education and training. Over 650 resources were submitted for the 2018 awards.

‘Pain: A Sociological Introduction’ sees Professor Elaine Denny offering insight into the world of those living with pain and the meaning it has in their lives, whilst providing readers with explanations and details of the various influences on the experience of pain.

“For the BMA to recognise a sociologist in this way is an honour, and shows that the medical profession is acknowledging different ways of viewing pain”, said Elaine Denny, Emeritus Professor of Health Sociology at Birmingham City University.

“This will hopefully benefit patients, who all too often have been dissatisfied with the way their pain has been managed.”

Over 400 brave Brummies jumped, swam and climbed through a giant, chocolate-themed assault course last month, raising £25,000 for a local hospice.

The Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush – which was organised by Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice – saw sweet-enthusiasts tackle 10 giant inflatables and other fun obstacles in pursuit of chocolatey goodies.

Obstacles included the inflatable ‘Pyramid Climb’, ‘Lifeboat Wobble’ and ‘Dive for Victory’ – with the latter involving wriggling or diving through giant blown-up beams.

Taking place at Cofton Park, the event is part of the Hospice’s ‘Chocolate 5k’ series, which recently picked up bronze for best fun run at the national Running Awards.

Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas made a special appearance on the day, handing out goody bags full of tasty treats at the finish line.

Kate Miley, who is a nursing assistant at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, was just one of the daring participants to take on this one-of-a-kind challenge. Part of the ‘Hospice at Home’ team, Kate provides compassionate care and emotional support to people during their illness in their own homes.

She said: “I had so much fun taking on the Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush for Birmingham St Mary’s. Even a bit of rain couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and everyone seemed to have such a laugh as they attempted to jump, climb or dive over the obstacles – and our chocolatey rewards definitely made the hard work worthwhile.

“Working as a nursing assistant at the Hospice, I see first-hand the vital care and support our nurses, doctors, counsellors, volunteers and more provide. I feel incredibly proud to care for people and their loved ones at what can be a difficult time, helping them to feel more comfortable and at peace. That’s why I wanted to take part in this event, so I could help raise funds for the Hospice, ensuring that we can continue to give people crucial support whenever and wherever they need it.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for 400 people living with life-limiting illness across Birmingham and Sandwell. The Hospice helps people to live well with their illness, by offering personalised support in people’s homes, in local communities and at its building in Selly Park.

It costs £8 million each year to run the Hospice, over 60 per cent of which must come from voluntary donations, so it relies local people’s generous support to help fund its vital work.