This time last year, 6,339 people in the West Midlands spent the colder months homeless. In an effort to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness during winter – and the Christmas season - the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has joined forces with property industry charity, LandAid to launch a campaign to deliver more bed spaces for young homeless people in the region.

As part of RICS’s 150th anniversary in 2018, the campaign known as Pledge150 will see RICS - alongside those working in the region’s built environment - raise £2.25 million by December 2018 for LandAid. This money will be used to fund the creation of at least 150 bed spaces for young people at risk of homelessness.

Matthew Howell, RICS Managing Director, UK & Ireland commented: “The winter months are often the most difficult for young people who are homeless, and sadly, as temperatures plummet those who are forced to sleep rough are at an even greater risk of harm, and even death. It is our hope with this campaign that we can make a real positive change to young vulnerable people’s lives by providing them with a safe, secure and affordable place to live.”

Over the last five years, LandAid has raised over £7million to fund accommodation projects for young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, giving them the chance to rebuild their lives after gaining safe and secure accommodation.

One such person is Chaleka who despite working could not afford local rent. The lack of affordable housing in Birmingham means that many young people, like Chaleka, simply can’t find anywhere suitable to live. Local Charity, St Basils is working to change this situation with their Live and Work Scheme.

The scheme, aimed at young people like Chaleka, looks to help young people who are homeless even when they are in work or education. Now living in a shared flat with other people just like her Chaleka has been given the support network she needs, help to learn valuable life skills and because the rent is affordable the opportunity to save for a deposit for her own home.

Chaleka commented: I’ve lived in St Basils Live and Work for over a year and think this scheme has really worked for me. There is always honest support if and when I need it and the staff her are amazing. I share my flat with other young professionals so we all have similar goals. The Live and Work Scheme is a great scheme for any young professional that has determination and wants to succeed.”

Paul Morrish, CEO LandAid adds: “There are thousands of young people living in overcrowded accommodation or sofa surfing – just like Chaleka, but no one counts them, or keeps records of how many people are suffering as they were. Homelessness is a much bigger issue than rough sleeping – especially for young people. We aim to get as many young people without a safe place to call home, in to secure, affordable accommodation. So, we are delighted to be teaming up with RICS in what is our biggest ever fundraising campaign to end youth homelessness.”

RICS plans to raise funds for the Pledge150 campaign at a variety of corporate events and challenges in the West Midlands, and through staff and partner university initiatives in the region. Those working in the West Midlands’ land, property and construction sectors are also being encouraged to join in and think big, in terms of their fundraising activities and in helping to publicise the campaign.

Matthew Howell of RICS commented: “Individuals as well as companies can get involved with fundraising, or even make Pledge150 their ‘giving something back’ initiative. As part of this campaign, property professionals are also being encouraged to consider providing pro bono property advice to help local charities supporting disadvantaged people, including those experiencing homelessness.”

Wolverhampton has been officially been recognised as a Dementia Friendly Community – meaning organisations across the City are working towards making people living with the condition feel better understood, respected and supported.

The Alzheimer's Society granted Wolverhampton Dementia Friendly Community Status for 2017-18 after recognising the work taking place in the City to improve services for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

It defines a Dementia Friendly Community as one where people living with dementia feel included and involved, have choice and control over their daily lives and are supported to contribute to the local community. It is also a place where other people are aware of dementia and understand the needs of people living with the condition.

The Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, a partnership of dozens of local organisations which are working to become more dementia friendly, submitted the application for Dementia Friendly Community status earlier this month, and it was formally approved last week.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Dementia is a debilitating condition which affects nearly a million people in the UK, including around 3,400 residents in Wolverhampton.

"The council, together with ours partners, are determined to do all we can to improve the lives of people living with dementia, and the lives of their families and carers, by making Wolverhampton as dementia-friendly as possible, and so it is very pleasing that the Alzheimer's Society has recognised us as a Dementia Friendly Community.

"We have only been able to achieve this thanks to the hard work and help and support of a wide range of local organisations, including retailers, businesses, health and the emergency services, charities, religious groups and education providers.

“I would encourage other organisations who wish to improve the help and support they can offer to people living with dementia to become a member of the Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance and help us become even more dementia friendly.”

Joe Edwards, Dementia Friendly Communities Officer for the West Midlands, said: "The Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance has put in a great amount of work to achieve Dementia Friendly Community status. The dementia-friendly action of member organisations will make a real difference to the lives of people affected by dementia in the City."

Dr Cheryl Etches, Chief Nurse at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, part of the Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, said: “Being granted this status is a brilliant achievement for everyone in Wolverhampton.

“The fact that we have got so many organisations working together to make Wolverhampton a place where people with dementia can feel included and understood, wherever they go, is great for the community.

“We have been working towards being a dementia-friendly Trust since 2010 as this is an area we are very passionate about.”

The recognition is officially defined as "working to become" a Dementia Friendly Community by the Alzheimer's Society, in recognition that there is always more that can be done to improve a community for people affected by dementia. To retain the status in 2018-19, organisations in Wolverhampton must demonstrate further improvement upon this year’s achievements.

Meanwhile, people living with dementia, their families and carers and professionals are being invited to help shape health, wellbeing and social care services in Wolverhampton.

The City of Wolverhampton Council is carrying out a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which looks at the current and future health needs of the local population and which will inform and guide service provision.

As part of the assessment, the council is carrying out a survey about the support available for people living with dementia, to understand what services are currently being used and what people think of them, and to identify any unmet needs of people with the condition.

Stephanie Bloxham, 34, has spoken of the kindness her family received from Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice as she backs an appeal to fund care services on Christmas Day.

The Gift a Christmas campaign hopes to raise £15,000 – enough to fund hospice running costs on 25 December. Stephanie, from Sutton Coldfield, is lending her support to the festive fundraising appeal to say thank you for the comfort John Taylor staff brought to her father Peter.

Stephanie was only 16 years old when her father, Peter Bloxham, was diagnosed with lung cancer after discovering a lump in his neck. Following the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes Peter, a registrar at Birmingham Register Office, was referred to John Taylor Hospice in Erdington for palliative care and practical support.

Stephanie explains: “He received hospice care at home and was also an in-patient several times including at Christmas in 1999. The hospice staff were incredible and they made a very difficult time as bearable as possible.”

Dad-of-three Peter died at John Taylor Hospice surrounded by his family in April 2000, aged 42. “Dad was an amazing man, so lovely, friendly, kind and caring,” said Stephanie, a Development Worker with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC). “He was always cheerful and fun. We shared many special memories and our Christmases together were always wonderful. He was devoted to his family and had a really big heart.

“We’ll always be grateful to John Taylor Hospice as they were fantastic, especially in the last few days. They were so understanding, very supportive and caring. They always ensured Dad was looked after and made as comfortable as possible. Nothing was ever too much trouble – they’re fantastic people and that’s why I’m supporting the Gift a Christmas campaign.”

Earlier this year, Stephanie and her brothers Mark, 39, and Andrew, 36, raised an impressive £2,536 for the hospice by hosting a fundraising birthday party to commemorate what would have been their dad’s 60^th birthday.

“We’ll continue to support the hospice as much as possible,” added Stephanie. “We want to make sure other families, just like ours, are able to receive this excellent care and emotional support at a time when they need it most. I really hope in sharing our story people can see what an incredible difference the hospice makes in our community and choose to get behind the Gift a Christmas appeal.”

Kerry McGrath, Community Fundraising Manager at John Taylor, said: “Christmas is a special time for many people and, just like we do every day of the year, we help make every moment matter for families. Our care is free to people who need it but it costs £15,000 a day to provide these services. That’s why we rely so much upon the kindness and generosity of wonderful supporters like Stephanie and her family.

“We’ve set up a Gift a Christmas JustGiving page where people can make a donation and leave a message. We understand that the festive season is an expensive time but any amount people can afford to donate will make a lasting difference to those living with a terminal illness and their families.”

Dear Editor,

Christmas is a precious time for many families, but even more so for many of your readers who may be cherishing every moment they get to spend with a beloved family member living with a terminal illness.

In fact this year, more than one million people in the UK are expected to be supporting a loved one who has a terminal illness over Christmas, while facing the possibility that this could be their last together.

Caring for someone at home can be a very rewarding but also an isolating experience. For some, it will be the first Christmas without their Mum, Dad, husband, wife or partner, which can also be a very difficult time.

People often say that they don’t know where to turn to and don’t know what help is available to them, which is why I am writing to tell you about our free, confidential Support Line – 0800 090 2309, which offers practical information and emotional support about any aspect of terminal illness, as well as offering bereavement support too.

To help everyone who may need us during the festive period, our Support Line will be open from Sunday 24th December – Tuesday 2nd January.

Support Line open hours:

24 December (10am-4pm)

25-26 December (10am-2pm)

27-29 December (8am-6pm)

30 December (11am-5pm)

31 December (10am -4pm)

1 January (10am-2pm)

2 January (8am-6pm)

If you are in need of support, or have any questions about any aspect of terminal illness, the Marie Curie Information & Support Line – 0800 090 2309 - is here for you and can help you make the most of Christmas with your loved ones.

Additionally, our trained Support Line Officers are also on hand to offer support via our online chat service at mariecurie.org.uk/support.

With best wishes,

Joanna Stradling

General Manager for the Midlands at  Marie Curie

Christmas has come early for a Birmingham-based hospice, after a local ‘Santa’ dropped by to deliver gifts.

The Santa along with his festive elves – otherwise known as David Goddard, Nigel Potter and Rachel Brett – visited Birmingham St Mary’s on Thursday 21 December to hand out presents donated by a number of supporters from across the community.

The friends from Yardley delivered a range of thoughtful gifts to individuals staying at the Hospice, as well as people visiting its Day Hospice facilities.

Nigel first decided to deliver gifts to the Hospice in 2015 as he “liked to give back”. He has since visited the Hospice every Christmas and personally delivers gifts to individuals and their loved ones. He said: “I really enjoy doing something for others, which is why I wanted to bring along Santa to the Hospice. I always feel proud after I’ve been to Birmingham St Mary’s and it’s great to be able to brighten up someone’s day.”

Nathan Johnson from Balsall Heath is just one of the individuals to be handed a present from Santa and his helpers. The 31-year-old visits Birmingham St Mary’s Day Hospice, which provides a therapeutic programme of care that empowers people to focus on living well.

He added: “I really wasn’t expecting a visit from Santa today so it’s fantastic to see him and his jolly elves at the Hospice. Everybody’s enjoyed having him here and he has definitely brought a smile to everyone’s face.”

Inside Santa’s sack this year was a range of presents, including care packs that had been specifically designed to support individuals who are receiving end of life care. All gifts were donated to the Hospice by a number of different people and organisations within the local community

Jenny Evitts, sister at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “No-one spreads Christmas cheer quite like Santa himself, so it’s fantastic to see that he’s paid a visit to Birmingham St Mary’s this year. He’s created a real buzz at the Hospice and we hope everyone enjoyed opening their presents.

“Thank you to Nigel and to all the kind people who have donated gifts this year – the presents are incredibly thoughtful and it’s brilliant to have our very own Santa handing them out.”

Birmingham St Mary’s provides vital care and support to individuals and families living with terminal illness. Every day, the Hospice supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell – whether that’s at the Hospice, in people’s own homes or in the local community.

2018 will mark 250 years of the modern circus, with performances, exhibitions and activities set to take place throughout the UK to mark the anniversary.

And it's all down to Philip Astley, who was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, in Staffiordshire, in 1742.

Astley, the son of a Staffordshire cabinetmaker, grew up to become a master equestrian, entrepreneur, war hero, pioneer and showman.  In 1768, having acquired “Ha'Penny Hatch” - a small piece of land on the south bank of the Thames between London Bridge and Westminster Bridge - he opened a riding school, creating performances and then developing the 42-foot diameter circus ring.  This remains the standard-size ring used in circus across the world to this day.

Bringing together acrobats, clowns and trick riders in a 42-foot diameter ring, for over 40 years, Philip Astley entertained both high society and the general public with a series of acts that combined risky and tense displays of skill with comic relief.  Astley himself was at the heart of these performances, simultaneously riding up to three horses while performing ever-more daring tricks.  The 'original' ringmaster, it is believed that the traditional military style wear of the 'ringmaster also stems from Astley.

Astley's Amphitheatre - and his promotional skills - captured the public's imagination.  Building on his success, Astley toured across Europe and had particular success in Paris, performing for Louis XV at Versailles.

The Philip Astley Project has been formed to celebrate the man himself in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and beyond.

Thanks to National Lottery money, and sponsorship from businesses based in North Staffordshire, locals and visitors alike will be able to get involved in workshops, talks, an exhibition, and performances throughout 2018.

Performances, exhibitions and activities will also be taking place throughout the UK to mark this important anniversary.

Newcastle-under-Lyme is one of six key locations identified by the national Circus 250 network. The Philip Astley Project is co-ordinating activities, and is working closely with local and national partners, including the V&A Museum in London and the New Vic Theatre's 'Circus Past, Present and Future' project, supported by Arts Council England.

A local artist will be commissioned to develop a new town centre trail in Newcastle-under-Lyme that includes both historical sites and new art work, illustrating highlights from Astley's incredible life.  Launching in June 2018, it will be possible to pick-up free copies of the trail, be guided by volunteer storytellers, and revel in the circus atmosphere when town centre businesses decorate their windows - taking inspiration from iconic circus posters.

In May 2018, the town will bring an array of circus performers to town centre bars and pubs for drinkers to watch while they enjoy Astley Ale or Tightrope Tequila!

There will also be film-shows; and talks, held from now up to September 2018, and led by Andrew Van Buren and other key figures from the circus industry, will help to illustrate the importance of Astley's ongoing legacy.

From May, visitors to the town's Brampton Museum will be able to discover more about Astley's connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme, learn about his early life, and explore how this might have influenced his later career during a three-month exhibition.

And on Saturday August 4 2018 – the highlight in a year-long calendar of events - there will be an opportunity to celebrate Philip Astley in Lyme Valley Park during the AstleyFest - a free festival, with performances, exhibitions and activities aimed at inspiring everyone to get involved.