I’m sure everyone has seen the news about the possible job cuts at JLR. Firstly, my thoughts are with anyone worrying for their job at JLR right now, it’s not a nice position to be in. I would urge JLR to fully consider the impact on our residents and our community. Solihull is proud to be home to JLR and we want to see their business grow here. If job cuts are impossible to avoid due to the challenging market conditions, I would hope that they can be managed through voluntary redundancy.
This is still a developing situation, but Solihull Council has a range of employment and training support available for any residents impacted, whether they’re looking to get a new job, re-train or start their own business. We will also support businesses in the supply chain which may be impacted as a result of these job cuts. JLR is a global icon, and we’re proud to have them based right here in the West Midlands. I welcome the package of support announced by Mayor Richard Parker, and I know that as a region we will do all that we can to support this great business into the future.
Ofsted published their report on our area SEND services at the start of this week, following their inspection a few months ago. It covers the whole system, including council services, schools, and local healthcare services as well as wider provision and support. Many positive examples of multi-agency working were recognised, in particular the Single Panel which brings together leaders across education, health and care.
Early help services are also effectively supporting the prompt identification of SEND, with the borough’s Best Start Family Hubs being integral in this. Inspectors also praised the partnership for working effectively. This has led to a culture of children and young people with SEND and their families shaping support. The inspection included a survey which was filled in by professionals, partners, and the public to give their views, as well as visits to schools, health settings, and to our own staff.
I’m pleased that inspectors could see first and foremost that families are routinely at the heart of our decisions. We acknowledge that there are improvements to be made and we will continue to work closely as a partnership to address these. The government is making a lot of changes to SEND support, and we are currently awaiting approval from them on our SEND Reform Plan, which every council has had to produce as part of this. We’ll keep you updated on this of course.
I’ve just mentioned our Best Start Family Hubs, and one of them has an exciting new addition. The new community garden at Riverside in Chelmsley Wood, funded by a successful bid to the Severn Trent Community Fund, provides a welcoming and modern outdoor space for local families to enjoy. I went along to the opening last week to see the new garden following its makeover. It’s now a safe and secure outdoor space which includes creative, sensory and relaxation areas. Thanks to Severn Trent and to everyone who worked hard to make it a reality.
Finally, yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day, with people encouraged to “start the conversation”. This could mean speaking to someone if you’re feeling a bit low or it could also mean talking to someone who you’re worried about. I know it can sometimes feel a bit daunting to begin those conversations, but the Orange Button scheme is a great way to learn how to have supportive conversations. The free online training takes place twice a month. People who have completed the training wear an orange button, telling anyone they meet that they have the knowledge and skills to help. You can sign up to a training session on Eventbrite.
Anyone experiencing poor mental health can text Space to 85258, 24/7. They’ll get a reply from a qualified mental health professional, who will be able to offer support and guidance.
The council website also has information on a range of suicide prevention support services available in Solihull.
Thanks for reading, have a great weekend.
Karen