A shocking new report today reveals that 16,100 people are homeless in the West Midlands. For the very first time, housing charity Shelter has revealed the true scale of homelessness in the area by analysing a combination of the most up-to-date government statistics, freedom of information requests, and other published homelessness data.

The University of Wolverhampton will be taking part in #GivingTuesday this year to raise money for its dedicated Neuro-Oncology Research Centre. The Research Centre is leading the way in identifying the genetic causes of brain tumours and the treatments to deal with them. #GivingTuesday is a national day on which encourages people to do something good for charity.

As the long winter months get underway, many home owners, landlords and tenants up and down the country will begin to find themselves affected by a range of problems the cold weather can inflict on a property. One of the most common is mould. It might not sound like a particularly serious issue, but for thousands of landlords and tenants in the UK it is a major headache.

Churches in the West Midlands are inviting their local communities to help bring hope to some of the UK’s most vulnerable children this festive season by supporting their Christingle celebration in aid of The Children’s Society. A number of services are being held at the end of November, throughout December and beyond, and are open to everyone.  All money raised will go towards providing life-changing support for vulnerable children and young people and to make sure their voices are heard.

In the lead up to Christmas, the independent crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is today appealing to the people of the West Midlands for information on those making, buying or selling counterfeit banknotes. Washroom advertising is being placed in various pubs and bars around Birmingham, Coventry and Nuneaton to compliment extensive social media activity, with the addition of a 40” digital screen carrying the campaign artwork at the Walkabout Bar in Broad Street, Birmingham and The Establishment Bar in Bayley Lane, Coventry to help maximise exposure.  

Sandwell safety chiefs are marking White Ribbon Day with a renewed pledge to tackle domestic violence and support victims. White Ribbon Day – also International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – starts 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The White Ribbon Campaign particularly seeks the support of men and boys to take a stand against violence against women and girls in their workplaces, schools, communities and families.