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Birmingham Mind, in collaboration with Walsall Council, is offering free Mental Health and Suicide Prevention training sessions tailored for Walsall residents and professionals.

The online introduction lasts 3.5 hours, with four individual sessions planned over the coming months.

Course Highlights:

• Gain insights into mental health and suicide dynamics in Walsall.
• Enhance your skills and confidence in addressing mental health and suicide discussions.
• Explore opportunities to connect with local services and networks.
• Limited to 16 participants per session, ensuring personalized attention.
• Additional online and in-person sessions scheduled throughout the year.

These sessions are conducted by Birmingham Mind, a trusted provider offering mental health training to over 2,000 individuals annually across the West Midlands.

Key Details:

• Date and Time: September 14th, Thursday, from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm (with a break). Other available dates include: October 26, November 6 and December 4, 2024.
• Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 18 and above residing or working in Walsall, including professionals from businesses, community organizations, and more.
• Course Content: A comprehensive 3.5-hour curriculum covering mental health awareness, personal wellbeing, and crucial suicide prevention approaches.
• Registration: Confirm your spot and receive a welcome email before the event. The course is fully funded by Walsall Council and thus comes at no cost to you.
• Venue: The course will be hosted online, and the session link will be sent to you in advance. In-person sessions will be offered in the future as well.

For more details about Birmingham Mind.

Former Sex Pistols front-man John Lydon is coming to Walsall Arena with his latest spoken word tour.

The “I could be wrong, I could be right” show is part of a world tour, which will see John travel across Australia, Europe and the UK.

The controversial celebrity, who is also known by his former stage name Johnny Rotten, will be touring across the UK from May 1, 2024 and will arrive at Walsall Arena for his show on May 25.

Tickets are now on sale with VIP meet and greet packages will also be available.

Walsall Arena is located on Hawbush Road, Bloxwich and plays host to numerous live music, comedy and entertainment shows.

The new Hatherton Medical Centre in Walsall is nearing competition and will be ready to welcome its first patients in a matter of weeks.

The state-of-the-art healthcare facility on Hatherton Street, which was previously the Challenge building, is now a three-story structure accommodating four distinct medical practices.

Referred to as “limes-doctors,” the building will serve as the home for Sycamore House Medical Centre, Lichfield Street Surgery, Saddlers Surgery, and The Limes Medical Centre.

Comprising a total of 54 well-equipped consultation rooms, an on-site optician, a pharmacy, and even a convenient café, the facility is poised to cater to a substantial patient base exceeding 25,000 individuals.

The construction cost of the building is said to be £12.6 million.

Aslef Walkout: Friday Service Disruption

Members of the Aslef union, including train drivers, will be staging a walkout on Friday, impacting West Midlands Railway (WMR) services. To ensure a smoother travel experience, WMR strongly advises passengers to plan their journeys ahead of time.

On Friday, there will be no services operating on any WMR route.

RMT Union Industrial Action: Saturday Timetable Adjustments

Further disruptions are expected on Saturday due to industrial action by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union. A reduced timetable will be in effect from 7 am to 7 pm, and some routes may not be serviced during this time.

Limited Services and Engineering Work: Saturday Travel Considerations

In addition to the ongoing industrial action, planned engineering work near Northampton will impact WMR’s sister company, London Northwestern Railway. There will be no direct services between Birmingham and London from Saturday until Sunday, September 10.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR’s customer experience director, expressed his disappointment regarding the inconvenience faced by passengers due to these circumstances. He urges passengers to meticulously check their travel plans and, if feasible, opt for an alternate travel date to minimize disruptions.

He emphasized, “No trains will be running on Friday, and a limited timetable will be in operation on Saturday, with some routes not served. Trains that are operational are likely to experience high demand.”

Wiseman also advises passengers to be mindful of the concurrent major engineering work on the West Coast Main Line, particularly between Birmingham and London. Considering the significant disruption on this route, he strongly recommends avoiding travel unless it is absolutely necessary.

Passengers holding tickets for travel on strike days have the option to use their tickets on a different day or claim a full refund.

Football Season Impact: Altered Services

For those commuting for football matches, please note that services will not be calling at Bordesley or Coventry Arena on Saturday due to safety precautions. Similarly, services will not stop at The Hawthorns, Jewellery Quarter, or Bescot Stadium two hours before and after matches at West Bromwich and Walsall.

Cross City Line Disruptions: Saturday Rail Replacement

As a result of planned engineering works, the south side of the Cross City Line, between Birmingham New Street and Redditch/Bromsgrove, will have no train services on Saturday. Rail replacement transport will be available to mitigate inconveniences.

Stay updated on the latest information regarding the impact of industrial action by visiting wmr.uk/industrialaction. Your understanding and careful planning during these disruptions are greatly appreciated.

In a proactive move during June, Walsall’s Trading Standards officers collaborated with a dedicated 16-year-old volunteer to assess the age verification protocols of 11 local salons.

Understanding the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act

Since its implementation in October 2021, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act has made it explicitly illegal for establishments to facilitate arrangements for individuals under 18 to undergo such treatments. Businesses found in violation of this regulation could face legal consequences.

On June 29, 2023, a 16-year-old volunteer, under the guidance of Trading Standards officers, visited 11 salons in Walsall. The volunteer was instructed to request an appointment for lip filler treatment.

Out of the 11 salons visited:

• 3 salons scheduled appointments for the treatment without conducting proper age verification checks.
• 4 salons exchanged contact information for future interactions.
• 3 salons were closed during the visit.
• 1 salon did not offer the requested treatment.

Promoting Safety and Responsibility

Councillor Garry Perry, Portfolio Holder for Resilient Communities at Walsall Council, emphasized, “These initiatives play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of our youth. Businesses must shoulder the responsibility of customer safety by acquainting themselves with their legal obligations, especially when faced with new legislation. Our aim is not to penalize or shut down establishments, but rather collaborate with them to ensure seamless service provision while upholding the law and protecting children.”

Prioritizing Child Safety

The primary objective behind this legislation is to shield minors from the potential health hazards associated with botulinum toxins and cosmetic fillers. These procedures entail risks ranging from infections to severe complications like blindness, not to mention the psychological impact of altering one’s appearance.

The four salons that exchanged contact information with the volunteer received advisory letters outlining the legislation and their corresponding responsibilities. In addition, the three salons that booked appointments were revisited by officers who provided comprehensive guidance and written materials for their reference. Despite the salons’ claims of conducting age verification during consultations, the officers recommended that verification checks be executed prior to confirming any appointments.

Further initiatives are already in the works to ensure continuous support for businesses in adherence to regulations and to maintain the safety of children within the community.

Experience the magic of history and culture this September with Heritage Open Days, the largest community-led festival in England. Delve into the captivating stories behind Walsall Council’s hidden gems and exclusive venues in a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity.

Uncover Walsall’s Leather Legacy at Walsall Leather Museum

On September 9th, the iconic Walsall Leather Museum opens its doors to showcase a captivating collection of historic photographs and trade catalogues, offering a fascinating glimpse into the town’s renowned leather trade. The museum’s reference library, brimming with leather-related books, will be accessible without appointments. Share your own photographs and memories of Walsall’s leather industry with fellow enthusiasts.

Exclusive Collections Store Tour at The New Art Gallery Walsall

Embark on an enchanting journey through art history on September 16th at The New Art Gallery Walsall. Accompanied by Collections Curator Julie Brown, venture into the heart of the gallery’s Collections Store, where numerous artworks find safekeeping. Gain insights into the meticulous process of managing collections and even make special requests to view specific artworks or areas of interest. As spots are limited, make sure to secure your spot in advance.

Step Back in Time at Willenhall Community Library

On the same day, September 16th, the Willenhall Community Library welcomes you to an exclusive peek into history. Ascend to the first floor and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Council Chamber Room, a site opened just once a year. This historic municipal building was once the hub of the Willenhall Urban District Council, preserving its original features, including exquisite stained glass doors. Marvel at captivating displays showcasing the local area and relish a selection of traditional children’s games.

Celebrate Walsall’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Councillor Gary Flint, the Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure, and Public Spaces at Walsall Council, shares, “Heritage Open Days is an extraordinary festival that unveils local treasures and invites you to explore the cultural tapestry surrounding you. This event underscores the wealth of experiences Walsall offers to both residents and visitors.”

Discover the Full Heritage Open Days Programme

Don’t miss out on this captivating festival celebrating the nation’s heritage. Explore the complete Heritage Open Days programme across England by visiting www.heritageopendays.org.uk. Embrace the stories, art, and history that shape our communities.

Walsall Council is seeking feedback from residents to help shape the future of Walsall’s parks and green spaces.

A survey, which runs from 1 August to 30 September 2023, allows residents to share their views on the current provisions to understand what Walsall’s parks and green spaces mean to the community.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces
Walsall Council, said:

“Our parks and green spaces are an essential part of community life. They offer the chance for our residents and community members to connect with nature, with each other and to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

We want our parks and green spaces to serve our communities in the ways that matter to them most. That’s why it’s crucial that as many people as possible complete our new survey, so that the future of our parks and green spaces can help to be shaped by those who will be most impacted by their care and development – our residents.

I would urge all people who care about the future of Walsall’s parks and green spaces to take part in our survey. Your views matter – and we want to hear them. “

The survey can be filled out on the Commonplace website.

A new app is launching in Walsall, giving new dads and fathers-to-be in Walsall parenting tips.

DadPad is available via the Google Play Store and App Store

The DadPad app was created in conjunction with the NHS by Inspire Cornwall CIC (Community Interest Company) based on feedback from dads. It will launch on August 2 with a launch event at the Walsall Connected centre outside the antenatal Clinic at the Manor Hospital.

The app will include advice on topics such as feeding, bathing and changing nappies and ways in which a father can bond with his baby.

Diane McIntosh, Clinical Lead for HiP, said: “Our team will be available on launch day to speak to new dads and dads-to-be about this app which we think will be really helpful for them.

“Support has been traditionally aimed at new mums – and it’s important this continues – but dads need somewhere they can raise any niggles or concerns, ask questions and hear about the experiences of others. Being a new parent is a wonderful thing, but it does come with responsibility and worry, which is completely natural.”

Other topics include perinatal mental health, advice on supporting each other and baby massage.