It would be impossible for me not to acknowledge the anniversary this week of the tragic accident at Babbs Mill. It brought back the overwhelming feeling we all have of sadness at the loss of the four young boys. I know from colleagues that the families, and the wider community, are still reeling from the devastating event; there is just nothing worse than the loss of a child, and I am sure I was not alone in reflecting back on that dreadful Sunday.
My heart goes out to the families and I am sure we all want them to know we have not forgotten, that we still stand with them, we join them in mourning their loss and they continue to be in our thoughts. I hope these words are received in the manner that they were meant – as a sincere attempt to acknowledge the pain and suffering this tragic event has caused the families and wider community in and around Kingshurst.
As Christmas approaches, like many people, I think about those amongst us who are less fortunate, including people who sleep rough. Working together, we have prevented almost 400 households from becoming homeless and helped more than 600 into long term housing. As a Council, we remain committed to working with partner organisations, including the West Midlands Combined Authority and their Homelessness Taskforce, to help homeless people.
The Taskforce has launched its yearly Change into Action campaign, and I would urge those of you who can, to take part this year and perhaps make an online donation to support those in need.
Across the West Midlands, the number of rough sleepers is now nearly half of what it was five years ago, but there is still much more to do. You can find out more about how to donate on the change into action website.
During the Christmas period, the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) programme will once again provide funded children’s places for families receiving benefits related Free School Meals, at a wide variety of providers during the upcoming Christmas school holidays.
This provision, funded by the Council via the Department for Education, delivers a wide range of fun and innovative activities and a free nutritious meal to eligible children across our borough.
There are a number of new providers for this holiday period, with activities including computer game design, animation, craft, treasure hunts, sensory dog walking and cooking sessions, as well as a range of multi sports activities. Family activities, where parents and carers can also take part, are operating from 23 December to 7 January at our two leisure centres North Solihull Sports Centre and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, as well as Solihull ice rink.
If you and your family are looking for activities now and over the Christmas break, a full range of these and days out, both free and chargeable, across Solihull and beyond can be found here.
Clean air is important for our health, our wellbeing and for the environment. There’s a wealth of research showing the impact that poor air quality can have on someone’s quality of life, particularly amongst both the young and the old. That’s why our Air Quality Strategy is being refreshed, highlighting the steps we intend to take over the next four years to further improve Solihull’s air quality. If you have a spare five minutes, I’d encourage you to complete a short survey to let us know what you think about our plans. The survey, as well as the draft strategy, are both available to read here.
It only seems like yesterday that I was visiting the Solihull Apprenticeship show, but the next one is fast approaching.
Taking place on February 7th, businesses and organisations across the borough can now register to exhibit using this link. As I’ve said before, I always find it a really encouraging event to attend, to hear from prospective and current apprentices as well as the businesses supporting them. Like many organisations across the borough, the Council have a range of apprenticeship opportunities, and I would encourage any businesses who are unsure to look into the many benefits having apprentices brings.
Take care, and have a good weekend,
Councillor Ian Courts