In supporting this year’s Black History Month, Prime Minister Teresa May, whilst at the Tory Party Conference in Birmingham, said; “I am so pleased to support Black History Month which recognises, rewards and celebrates the contribution made to our society over many years by the African and Caribbean communities. It is an opportunity for us all to recognise the incredible achievements of successful African and Caribbean men and women across sectors including financial services, retail, media, the arts, science and technology and sport."

Several areas of Birmingham are about to become zero tolerance zones for troublemakers and those intent on causing antisocial behaviour. Officers from Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police have used recent legislation in a bid to prevent individuals and groups acting anti-socially within key locations in the city centre.

Sandwell Council got top marks from the RSPCA, for its work with the safety of pets in homes with the council’s housing team being awarded a Silver Community Animal Welfare Footprint (CAWF) from the animal welfare charity. The award recognises the council’s commitment to protect the welfare pets living in its properties and help given to tenants who are pet owners. The Council has guidance and policies in place encouraging responsible pet ownership and setting out what is and what is not expected of them.

Twelve fundraising friends have raised thousands of pounds for John Taylor Hospice. They first came together over 15 years ago as a fundraising parent-teacher association (PTA) called the Friends of Little Sutton School. Fast forward over a decade and they decided to renew their flair for fundraising by creating Charity Chums.  

More than 30 Midlands children will travel on Dreamflight′s 30th anniversary flight to Orlando Florida on October 16. BA cabin stewardess Patricia Pearce founded Dreamflight in 1987 after seeing a group of children’s amazing reaction to a Disney show.  Since then Pat has worked tirelessly to ensure the trip has happened every year since and 2016 will see the charity’s 30th anniversary.

Organisations and individuals came together to pledge their support to make Wolverhampton a City of Sanctuary. Dozens of organisations large and small attended the event at the Civic Centre to hear more about a rapidly growing national movement which is seeking to build a network of towns and cities which offer hospitality to people seeking sanctuary in the UK.