This week, the Mayor met with members of Shall We Talk, a Solihull community group established four years ago to support members of the Hong Kong community and help new residents settle into life in the borough.
The group meets every Monday at Solihull Methodist Church, providing a welcoming space for people to build friendships, practise conversational English and learn more about local services and opportunities. These sessions regularly attract more than 100 attendees, playing an important role in helping people feel connected to their local community.
During the visit, members discussed their plans to support the 2026 Poppy Appeal. Volunteers from Shall We Talk will be helping to sell poppies on Remembrance Sunday at St Alphege Church, joining thousands of volunteers across the country who help make the appeal a success each year.
The Poppy Appeal raises vital funds to support serving personnel, veterans and their families through the work of the Royal British Legion. Poppies will be available from Thursday 22 October at supermarkets, high street shops and train stations, as well as online through the Royal British Legion's Poppy Shop. In 2025, £56.6 million was raised by the Poppy Appeal.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Sardul Marwa MBE JP, said:
"The Poppy Appeal is one of the most important opportunities we have each year to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community, while also raising vital funds to support veterans and their families. I am delighted that members of Shall We Talk are supporting the 2026 Poppy Appeal in Solihull.
Their involvement demonstrates the strength of our borough's community spirit and the valuable contribution that local groups make to civic life. By working together with organisations such as Shall We Talk, we can ensure that remembrance remains meaningful, inclusive and supported by people from all backgrounds across Solihull."
For more information about Shall We Talk, visit here. Details of the 2026 Poppy Appeal, including fundraising opportunities and volunteering information, can be found on the Royal British Legion website: Poppy Appeal 2026 - Key Dates, Purpose & FAQs | Royal British Legion