Solihull Council’s magazine for residents Autumn 2019 Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group

The new NHS Birmingham and Solihull Health App is your go-to app for accessing your GP surgery. Download it now!

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2 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 Birmingham and Solihull Welcome to the autumn encourages people to plant traditional page 15 you can find details of things Clinical Commissioning Group edition of Your Solihull native trees. Learn more on page 12. to do over the next three months in our ‘What’s on’ section. I hope you have been able to get out Working in partnership with other and about over the summer and enjoy organisations continues to play a I hope that you enjoy this edition of the beautiful wildflower displays that key role in how we do things at the Your Solihull – please let us know what have bloomed across the borough. Council. Whether it’s with the police you would like us to feature in They are part of our £16.8m three- to make our communities safer or future editions. year Wildlife Ways programme, part- with the NHS to support people funded by the ERDF. Read more about home from hospital, we are working Nick Page this fantastic project on page 10. hard to ensure our collaborative Chief Executive approach achieves better outcomes Continuing with the environmental for residents. Find out more about our theme, we have also been welcoming partnership working in practice on applications from residents to apply for pages 8 and 9. funding to create hedgerows or small woodlands on their land. The Arden There are plenty of events to enjoy this Free Tree Scheme is in partnership autumn so read more about what’s with Birmingham Airport and happening on page 14. As always on

Contents

The new NHS Birmingham and Solihull Health App is your go-to app for accessing your GP surgery. 4-7 8-9 10 11 12 13 14 News Partnership Wildlife Ways Register to Free tree Three Trees Events Download it now! working vote scheme day service

Follow Solihull Council on birminghamandsolihullhealthapp.com Facebook Twitter Snapchat Instagram

Email [email protected]

Cover image: Conservation Volunteers Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 3 Free advice at community hubs News

Increasing numbers of residents a disability claim or don’t know where Visit the Community Advice Hubs are getting free advice and support to go for support for family or friends, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm (early from the two Community Advice come and speak to us. We are here to closing on Wednesday) or email Hubs in Solihull and Chelmsley make a real difference to the lives of [email protected] Wood. Following Solihull Council’s Solihull residents.” or call 0121 709 7590. introduction of ‘Solihull First’ arrangements in April the Hubs are seeing an increase in demand.

Kate Turrall, who manages the Hubs for Age UK Solihull, said:

“We have been busier than ever since April, which could be down to the fact it is now much easier for our advisors to make sure people are getting the help and support they need.

“Working with our Solihull First partners we are helping people with everything from disability claims to debt and benefit counselling, all for free.

“The nine organisations that make up Solihull First have the expertise to help local residents solve their problems. If anyone is struggling with debt, housing problems or worrying about Visit Kate at the Community Advice Hub

Apply now for a secondary Things are heating up for town Got questions about the EU school place centre energy network plans Settlement Scheme?

Parents who have children living in Plans to bring a new source of The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Solihull who were born between 1 affordable, low carbon energy to town enables EEA and Swiss citizens living September 2008 and 31 August 2009 centre buildings using a district heat in the UK, and their family members, can now apply for a secondary network have moved a step forward to obtain the UK immigration status school place. with the completion of a test borehole they will require to live, work and study at Tudor Grange Park. in the UK after 30 June 2021 (or after Apply online before the closing date 31 December 2020 if there is a no on 31 October 2019 at www.solihull. Work to drill and case the borehole deal exit). gov.uk/pp has now been successfully completed and water testing work is underway. The EU Settlement Resolution Centre For more information about the is available for any applicants who process, the schools and their open Find out more about this exciting have questions about the Scheme or events visit www.solihull.gov.uk/ project and sign up to receive regular who might need help applying. Call admissions updates here: www.solihull.gov.uk/ 0300 123 7379. heatnetwork The EU Settlement Scheme is open. Go to www.gov.uk and search ‘EU Settlement Scheme’ for more details.

4 Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 MMR vaccine update News

young people are protected, whether they are starting school, college or university. The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of guarding against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.

The first MMR vaccine is given when the child is one year old, with a pre-school booster at three years four months of age. Both doses are required to achieve maximum protection. If children or young adults Young person having their MMR vaccine have missed these vaccinations, it’s not too late. Solihull parents are being encouraged In Solihull, almost 5,500 children to ensure their children are vaccinated have either had no MMR vaccine or Parents should check their child’s Red against measles, mumps and have been under-vaccinated because Book to see if they’ve had the MMR rubella (MMR). they have only had one of the two vaccinations or speak to their GP recommended doses, meaning that surgery if they are unsure. The call comes from Solihull’s Health these children remain vulnerable to and Wellbeing Board which brings serious or even fatal infections. For more information about the MMR together representatives from the vaccine visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/ NHS, Council and local community to As the new academic year starts it’s vaccinations/mmr-vaccine oversee the health of the borough. important to check that children and

Next stop Solihull

Currently operating at capacity, Solihull In July, passengers were asked to take most weekends to go shopping or train station serves around 2,500 part in an online questionnaire about meet friends. passengers every day. However, the current facilities and their use of with demand set to increase Council the station. “I really like the new walkway linking planners want to start looking at how the station to the town centre but the the station and surrounding area can One local resident who took part was station itself does feel a bit tired. be improved and developed into a college student, Eleanor. She said: “I new integrated transport hub. don’t use the station on a daily basis, “The platform can get really crowded but I do catch a train into Birmingham so it would be great if there was more space up there and more seating. Personally I’d love to see something a bit more modern.”

Feedback from the recent questionnaire is now being reviewed and will form the basis for the first step towards developing an improvement plan for the station.

Sign up to receive regular updates on this exciting project at www.solihull. gov.uk/stayconnected Eleanor outside Solihull train station Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 5 A supportive hand News

Solihull Integrated Addiction Service (SIAS) is a partnership of organisations working together to support people struggling with alcohol, drugs or gambling achieve positive change.

Volunteers play an important part in this support and SIAS is encouraging more volunteers to come forward.

Gemma has been a peer mentor volunteer for nine months and is now employed by SIAS as a recovery coach. She explains: “I have received help from SIAS for my addiction so I know what it is like to be in that dark place. Becoming a volunteer was my chance to give back and be there for new people coming through. Be a volunteer like Gemma

“To see people who have been broken the service, serving tea and coffee, Anyone interested in volunteering start to flourish and get their life back and office admin. should complete an application form on track is very rewarding. You really at www.sias-solihull.org.uk feel part of the team and the training Anybody is welcome to apply. on offer is great.” Volunteering can take place during People concerned about their own or the day, evening or weekend. No someone else’s addiction, including Volunteers do a variety of tasks experience is required as full training that of a young person, should contact including helping to deliver group is provided. A criminal background the SIAS helpline on 0121 301 4141. sessions, befriending people who use check is required.

Searching for school governors

Schools across Solihull are searching Jon has a financial background and for school governors. became a school governor at Shirley Heath Junior School in 2018. He This valuable and rewarding role says: “I live locally and was keen to do gives people the chance to make a something that makes a difference to real difference to children and young young people in the area, but where people, while giving something back I could use the skills and experience to the local community. from my work.

All that’s required is to be over “It’s been a really interesting and 18, complete a DBS and other rewarding role and I would definitely background checks and contribute encourage others to be a school some time. On average this is around governor too.” 10-15 hours per year which includes meetings, background reading and Anyone interested in becoming a school visits. Free ‘new governor’ school governor can contact Governor training is available through Services on governorservices@ the Council. solihull.gov.uk or 0121 704 6403. School governor, Jon

6 Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 Remove waste responsibly News

More and more people are using Before requesting a collection please Top tips: the Council’s bulky waste collection read the list of unacceptable items and service to dispose of large unwanted terms & conditions at www.solihull. Don’t be afraid to ask questions household items like old furniture gov.uk/wasteandrecycling about what is going to happen to or fridges. the waste Anyone who uses a private waste For a small charge (ranging from £15 carrier (man with a van) to dispose of Ask for details of their waste for one item to £30.50 for 6-10 items) unwanted items must make sure the carrier registration - search the the Council will collect the items from carrier is registered and provides a Environment Agency’s public the kerbside. Collections can be proper invoice and receipt for register of waste carriers or call shared with neighbours or friends to the items. Please read the 03708 506 506 make it even more cost effective. following advice. Record the registration numbers of any vehicle used by a private waste carrier to take the waste away

Never accept unsolicited offers to have waste taken away

Get more than one quote and expect to pay a reasonable fee

For more information and advice visit the Council website.

Consider using the Council’s bulky waste service

Turn change into action

This summer sees the launch of Solihull has very few people who already working with homeless people Change into Action – an alternative regularly sleep rough, however there in Solihull. Supporting Change into giving scheme supporting local are more people who are homeless Action helps to get people off the specialist charities and street teams and at risk of sleeping rough. streets and back into the community. working to change the circumstances Money donated will be used to help of rough sleepers and those at risk of Change into Action gathers donations people with everything from overnight rough sleeping. to support the specialist organisations temporary accommodation to new clothing and training.

Donations can be made online at changeintoaction.org.uk/solihull or by visiting one of the collection points - Sporting Barbers and Specsavers on Solihull High Street, William Hill on Station Road, Solihull and Asda, Parkgate shopping centre, Shirley.

For more information visit changeintoaction.org.uk/solihull

Representatives from Solihull BID and Specsavers supporting Change into Action Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 7 Partnership working in progress

This is the first in a series of articles Staff from the various organisations, West areas based on evidence like exploring how public sector along with representatives of local health and social care needs, areas of organisations work together for the groups, meet once a month in each of anti-social behaviour or communities benefit of people living in Solihull. the borough’s three locality areas (see where a lot of people live alone and map) to address issues that cannot be are potentially isolated. Locality Working is an approach resolved by a single organisation and which brings together Solihull Council, need everyone working together to Partners are working with the Solihull Community Housing, West find solutions. communities in each area to find Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire, innovative solutions to these issues the NHS and voluntary and community Locality plans and priorities have been and challenges. By using local sector groups. drawn up for the North, East and knowledge and getting in early, staff can prevent situations getting more serious and reduce demand on services. The aim is to see local KEY communities thriving. CASTLE NORTH SMITH’S WOOD BROMWICH

EAST

WEST CHELMSLEY WOOD KINGSHURST & FORDBRIDGE

LYNDON

ELMDON BICKENHILL

OLTON

SHIRLEY EAST SILHILL

SHIRLEY WEST

ST. ALPHEGE

MERIDEN SHIRLEY SOUTH

KNOWLE

BLYTHE

DORRIDGE & HOCKLEY HEATH

SOLIHULL MBC LICENSE N° 100023139

8 Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 Special

Christina, John, Jay and Brenda

Case study recent volunteer, explain how things “We’ve got Active Citizens funding have changed since the group started from the West Midlands Police and Earlier this year residents from Trinity about eight months ago. Crime Commissioner so we’re going Close in Lyndon were being targeted to start talking to residents about by distraction burglars. Knowing that “Numbers were small to begin with,” getting security lights and the area has a high number of older says John, who has lived on Trinity window locks.” and vulnerable residents, with many Close for about two years. “At the first living on their own, the West Locality meeting only six people turned up, Brenda, who moved to the Close Group wanted to address this issue. but for our recent afternoon garden about a year ago, continues: “There’s party we had 30 or 40 local residents. always someone keeping an eye out They helped to establish a residents’ We’ve organised other events like a and noticing anyone unfamiliar coming group which allows older and cards and curry night as well as three into the Close. They’ll go and ask what vulnerable residents to support each fish and chips and bingo nights. they’re doing here, just to make sure. other, make friends and reduce the Or give Dawn a call. risk of social isolation. He continues: “Residents are taking a lot more interest. I can’t go down the “I think things have improved since we Diane Heaven and John Wilkinson street without people stopping me to started the group. People are starting were founding members of the group, ask when we’re doing the next event to mix and talk more. It’s a lovely area along with John’s wife Dawn. John, or ‘can we sort out the trees because and we want to keep it like that.” along with Brenda Cooke, a more they need cutting down’.

Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 9 Be inspired by Wildlife Ways

After years of planning, Wildlife Ways Alongside planting, work has also A selection will be posted on the is making Solihull even greener. been going apace with the creation of website - www.wildlifeways.co.uk - thousands of metres of new shared and there will be some prizes for those The £16.8 million three year project - paths. It’s hoped they will encourage judged the best when the competition part-funded by the European Regional more people to ditch their cars and closes on 14 September. The team Development Fund - sets out to make enjoy walking and cycling around welcomes work inspired by the project the borough a more beautiful and the borough. throughout the year and will continue greener place to live, work and study to post a selection on the website in, while also giving a massive boost The biggest hit with residents though once the competition closes. to wildlife. has been the wildflowers - there is still time to catch them this season and Children’s entries should be sent to Since February, hundreds of trees be inspired. [email protected] stating and thousands of square metres of the child’s name (full name or first wildflowers have been planted and in Wildlife Ways invited youngsters aged name only), age, email address and the autumn thousands of bulbs will 16 and under at the beginning of the the location of the wildflowers that be planted too. Planting on this scale summer holidays to send in drawings, have inspired the entry. Please do will support a far greater range of poems, photos and records of bugs not include close ups of people in the bugs and pollinating insects, which in they’ve seen in the new wildflower photos. Records of bugs should detail turn will support more birds and small verges and meadows at Elmdon Park, which bugs, how many, and where mammals. As well as increasing the Malvern Park, Hall Road in Castle and when they were seen. borough’s biodiversity, the planting will Bromwich and the green opposite improve air quality and create a wildlife Solihull train station. network more capable of adapting to climate change.

| Autumn 2019 10 Your Solihull Theo, Nikos and Louka take part in the Wildlife Ways drawing competition Get ready to vote

Hannah looks forward to voting for the first time

Solihull Council’s annual canvass properties that have not replied to the Hannah Aldred is a 17 year-old Solihull has now commenced and residents original letter. Residents are reminded resident who is getting ready to are urged to keep a lookout for their that it is a legal requirement to register to vote in the local elections electoral registration forms to make respond to the canvass even if there in 2020 (by which time she will have sure they are eligible to vote in the are no changes to be made. turned 18). local elections in May 2020. For those who are 17 but turning 18 She said: “I am looking forward to Forms were recently sent out to all before the next elections, they are having the opportunity to have my say homes in the borough and residents eligible to register to vote and doing so because I love living in Solihull and are encouraged to respond online is now easier than ever. having the chance to make it even to the canvass by going to www. better is exciting. householdresponse.com/solihull To register, simply go to www.gov. uk/register-to-vote, where it takes “I think that if all young people like If there are no changes to be made just a few minutes on a laptop, me register to vote, we have a good to electors at the property, residents tablet or phone. Once registered, a chance of making a true impact within can call 0800 197 9871 to confirm this polling card will be sent out before our community and making Solihull a or text NOCHANGE followed by both an election, which will provide details better place to live parts of their security code on the of the local polling station. If people for everyone.” form they have received to 80212. require help then please contact the Council’s electoral services team at From 30 September, canvassers will [email protected] or be out making door-to-door visits to on 0121 704 6042.

Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 11 Tree scheme branching out

Rachel pleased with her free trees

A ‘free tree’ initiative aimed at of three or four trees right the way up “All the trees, planting stakes and protecting and enhancing the rural to 3,000 trees, depending on what tree guards were delivered straight character of Solihull is back. is required. to us. Adam from the Ecology team at the Council came to assess the Run by Solihull Council in partnership Proposed projects will be considered site beforehand and offer advice on with Birmingham Airport, The Arden in October, and successful applicants planting. We now have the makings of Free Tree Scheme promotes the will then receive free trees in time for a beautiful hedgerow and would like to planting of traditional native trees in the planting season thank all those involved.” the borough, restoring features typical (November - February). of the wider local landscape whilst also reducing carbon in Rachel, who lives in Hampton-in- There’s still time to apply! the atmosphere. Arden, applied for the scheme in summer 2017, and has received Applications must be submitted by The scheme is open to any individuals around 2,500 trees, providing over the end of September and proposed or groups wishing to create 500 metres of new hedgerow. projects will be assessed in October. hedgerows or small woodlands on their own land, within Solihull. “When I heard about the scheme For further details and to discuss I knew it was a great opportunity I the scheme please contact the Landowners in the borough who wish couldn’t pass up on. Landscape Architecture, Ecology and to plant new hedgerows and trees can Urban Design Team on apply by sending in a location map, “I recognised the potential benefits it 0121 704 6391. sketched plan and list of species. A has to the local ecosystem in the area. Solihull Council Ecologist will then visit the site to discuss the plan in person, “The application process was really and adapt it if necessary. The scheme straightforward and I was told in the can cater for the small scale planting autumn that I’d been successful.

12 Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 Tree scheme branching out Three Trees hits the right note

Music is widely recognised as an Stephen (in the picture below) has Over recent years the Council has effective form of therapeutic support been attending the day service moved away from providing services for people with learning disabilities and since 2015 and thoroughly enjoys based in a traditional day centre and those attending a day service in north musicology. He says: “I love coming to has been developing community Solihull would definitely agree. the Three Trees and especially taking hubs in different areas of the borough. part in the music sessions. It’s great This is to enable services to be more The Three Trees Community Centre to play different instruments and learn community focused and give people in Chelmund’s Cross is home to new songs. the opportunity to socialise while one of Solihull Council’s day service learning new skills and hobbies. community hubs, where attendees “Each day we do something different take part in activities to develop new which is really fun and I can learn new The musicology session at Three skills, increase their independence and skills. Sometimes we do work in our Trees is open to all adults with socialise with others. community garden and other days learning disabilities living in the local we walk down to the local shops. It’s area. To find out more please email Some of the activities are delivered by helped me to be more independent, [email protected] a local community project - Northern make new friends and do things near or call 0121 788 3402. Star Community Arts - including a to where I live.” weekly musicology session. This For more information about day interactive workshop enables people Enabling people to be independent opportunities for people with learning to play with musical instruments and take part in local activities is a disabilities living in north Solihull, and improvise sounds with different priority for Solihull Council, especially please email [email protected] utensils, while having fun at the those living with a disability. same time.

Rachel pleased with her free trees

| Autumn 2019 Musicology session in full swing Your Solihull 13 To conserve and protect Events

Local volunteers Nick, Adrian and Liz

This November the ever popular moves around the borough and has Coppice and bracken control in Oaks & Shires event will be returning previously seen woodlands in Meriden Millisons Wood. Volunteers have also to Solihull. The event showcases Park, Babbs Mill and others benefit been busy installing footpaths and woodland conservation techniques from the work of conservationists, improving the wildflower meadows in and takes place every year. Local whether they walk on four legs or two. Knowle Park and Jobs Close Local schoolchildren will be invited to attend Nature Reserve (pictured). during the week beginning Monday 18 This year, Bill’s Wood Local Nature November with a public open day to Reserve in Shirley (B90 2PD) will play Their work is wide-ranging and also take place on Saturday 23 November. host to the week-long woodland includes the removal of invasive extravaganza, full details of which are species, tree planting, and hedge- Oaks & Shires features a wide range available on the Council website at laying. To find out more about the of activities including willow weaving www.solihull.gov.uk/events work of the Conservation Volunteers, and pole lathing but the highlight for or maybe even join in, go to many visitors is the titular heavy horse, Conservation work on Solihull www.solihullcv.org.uk or call who will demonstrate the heritage Borough’s woodlands, wetlands and 0121 704 6636. woodland management technique other wild spaces is not limited to of horse logging. This involves the showpiece events, but takes place To keep up to date with events in removal of heavy pieces of wood in throughout the year with the able Solihull, sign up to receive bulletins at a way that minimises damage to the assistance of the local www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected surrounding environment. Conservation Volunteers. or visit the events page on the Council website. Visitors in previous years have also In recent months they have witnessed other traditional crafts undertaken woodland wildflower including besom broom making and planting in Brueton Park, traditional flower making. The event rhododendron control work in Elmdon

14 Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 What’s On Dates for the diary

September October November

Shirley and Solihull The Sound of Music Early Christmas Craft Fair Dining Clubs Tuesday 15 - Sunday 20 October, Saturday 2 and Saturday 9 Sunday 1 September, 11am - 6pm, 7.30pm (matinees on Saturday 19 November, 9am - 5.30pm, Mell Shirley Park and Sunday 20 at 2.30pm) Square, High Street and Mill Lane Sunday 15 September, 11am - 6pm, The Core Theatre, Solihull Handmade decorations and craft Malvern Park Peterbrook Players celebrate their items will be available along with Sample the best street food from local 50th anniversary year with The Sound festive gourmet treats from around the suppliers with global influences. For of Music, dedicated to the memory of world. More info at www.sketts.co.uk more info and to book, visit Stephen Bickerton. More info at www.digbethdiningclub.com www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/ Solihull Round Table Fireworks whats-on Saturday 9 November, gates open Fun in the Park - Soroptimists 5.30pm, display starts 6.30pm Sunday 22 September, 11am - 5pm Halloween events Tudor Grange Park Tudor Grange Park Haunting Halloween Spectacular bonfire and fireworks. Includes a classic car show, arena Sunday 27 October, 5.30pm - This is a family orientated event with with performances from local dancers 6.50pm, Brueton Park entertainment to suit visitors of all and musicians. Tickets: £3 per adult, Tickets: £3 adults, £2 children. ages. Tickets available at £1 per child or £6 for a family. Book a place on 0121 704 8000 www.roundtabletickets.com/event/ Local volunteers Nick, Adrian and Liz More info at www.funinthepark- solihull-round-table-fireworks/ or solihull.co.uk or email Wicked Workshop and Terror Trail search on Facebook. [email protected] Thursday 31 October, 11am - 1pm Elmdon Park The Producers Memories are made of this - £1 per child. Tuesday 19 - Sunday 24 November Timeless Theatre 7.30pm (matinees on Saturday 23 Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 Both events include a creepy craft and Sunday 24 at 2.30pm) September, 2.30pm & 7.30pm activity, fancy dress competition and The Core Theatre, Solihull A journey through some of the terrifying trail. Based on Mel Brooks’ 1968 film, The greatest songs of the 50s, 60s and Producers follows Bialystock & Bloom 70s, performed by a superb cast. The World Famous Elvis Show as they attempt to make money from Featuring songs by The Supremes, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October, a guaranteed flop. More info at Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Abba and 7.30pm, The Core Theatre, Solihull www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/ many more. More info at Chris Connor stars in this production whats-on www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/ with his 12-piece energetic whats-on live band. More info at www. thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/whats-on

Markets The Farmer’s Market is on the High Street and Mill Lane in Solihull town centre on the first Friday of each month, 9am – 5pm. The Fine and Local Food Fayre takes place in Mell Square on the third Saturday of each month, 9am – 5.30pm. For more information visit www.sketts.co.uk

For The Core Theatre events visit To find out more about park events To receive regular email bulletins about www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/events events across the borough sign up at email [email protected] www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected or call the box office on 0121 704 6962. Your Solihull | Autumn 2019 15 Report off-road bike nuisance

It’s an offence to ride an off-road vehicle illegally in public spaces

Report off-road bikers in one of the following ways:

• Call the ASB hotline on 0121 717 1500 or the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 (anonymous) • Email [email protected] • Online at: www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/ illegal-road-bikes-and-mini-motos

16 Your Solihull | Autumn 2019