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Latest News

Healthy Lifestyle Appointments

Healthy Lifestyle appointments for all staff are still available at Brownhills Depot, Essington Lodge and Educational Development Centre.

Book in for a one-to-one Healthy Lifestyle with One You Walsall as part of the Walsall Council Staff Health & Wellbeing Offer.

The Healthy Lifestyle Check will include: · A 45 minute one-to-one assessment with a healthy lifestyle specialist followed by 12 weeks of support (via a variety of methods including telephone, text and face-to- face).

· Direct support and sign-posting to specialist services including healthy eating, physical activity, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and emotional health & wellbeing.

· Follow-up appointments at six weeks and 12 weeks.

Appointments are available in the following Council venues subject to demand: Brownhills Depot (11 March), Essington Lodge (14 March) and Educational Development Centre (15 March).

One You Walsall, funded by Walsall Council Public Health, are delivering this support in line with ‘Understanding Staff Needs’ one of the key themes within the staff health & wellbeing offer.

For more information please click on the link. To book your place call 01922 444044 or e-mail [email protected] quoting Walsall Council Health Checks and your preferred venue.

‘Fly a flag for the Commonwealth’ event

Staff are advised that the Council House entrance will be closed from 9:50am–10.10am on Monday 11 March for the Fly a flag for the Commonwealth flag raising ceremony. Parking on the forecourt will also not be permitted. Staff who wish to attend the ceremony are welcome (with approval from their manager).

Flying the Commonwealth flag celebrates our membership of an amazing worldwide family of nations sharing common purpose. Flags will be flown in significant positions across the UK to publicly and collectively celebrate the continuing success of the Commonwealth in building on common traditions and our shared values of democracy, rule of law and human rights in order to advance the opportunities for development and growth for all.

Mayor of Walsall Councillor Marco Longhi will host the flag raising ceremony at the Council House forecourt followed by tea and coffee in the Mayoral Suite. The event will start at 10.00am and will last for approximately one hour. Please arrive on The Council House Forecourt by 9.50am. Please email [email protected] to confirm your attendance or for any further information.

Royal Mail annual price increase

With effect from Monday 25 March, Royal Mail’s new price tariffs come in to effect on standard franked mail and postage stamps. The price increase on 1st class is quite substantial this time, with 1st class incurring an increase of 4p to 38p and 2nd class items incurring an increase of 2p to 19p across all categories, namely letter, large letter, small & medium parcels. Stamps are also increasing from 67p to 70p for a 1st class letter, with 2nd class increasing from 58p to 61p. See attached for the price increases in more detail.

All staff are reminded that postage is a non-essential spend so the most cost effective option of 2nd class should always be used, unless specific legislation dictates the use of 1st class or there is a specific business time critical need for 1st class, for example situations where the council needs to be seen to have acted swiftly. All letter size items should be presented for posting out in a typed format with a full address and postcode, as these items are classed as “Clean Mail” so the Council gets a discount on these items, for example a 2nd class clean mail compliant letter costs 34p, as opposed to 41p if the item is handwritten.

If you would like examples of clean mail compliant letter formats or wish to discuss the price increase in more detail, please contact Kerri Crutchley on 01922 650315.

Draft Housing Allocations Policy consultation open

Walsall Council is reviewing its Housing Allocations Policy and we are seeking public feedback on the draft policy being proposed. The draft policy aims to ensure those with the greatest housing need are given a fair opportunity to be housed and also includes changes in law.

To view the draft policy and find out how you can have your say, visit the Housing News page on the council’s website.

Private fostering

Do you know what ‘private fostering’ is? Would you know how to recognise it? Would you know who to report it to? When a parent arranges for their child to live with someone else, such as a distant relative or family friend and they remain there for longer than 28 days, this is called a private fostering arrangement.

Privately fostered children may need extra help. The carers of privately fostered children may need extra support.

Here are some examples of private fostering arrangements:

 A 15-year-old has been staying with his girlfriend’s parents following an argument with his mother. It was agreed that he should stay there until the situation at home had calmed down. So far, he has been at his girlfriend’s for four months.

 A woman is due to appear in court and expects to receive a custodial sentence. She asks the

godmother of her six-year-old son to look after him. The child is expected to stay with his godmother for at least three months.

 A 14-year-old student from France will be visiting the UK on an exchange programme. The student will stay with a ‘host’ family for six weeks.

 A man is father to a 12-year-old girl. The man and his girlfriend have recently separated and he has moved out of the house they all shared. As he is now living in a small bed-sit, he has left the 12-year-old with his ex-girlfriend, who is happy to continue to care for her, saying that it prevents her from having to change schools.

If you know of a child who lives with someone who is not their parent, grandparent, aunt / uncle or brother / sister then call the Initial Response Service, who will ensure the family receives the help they might need. Walsall Initial Response Service 01922 658170

Victims’ Fund Applications

The Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson is encouraging organisations across the West Midlands to submit applications to his Victims’ Fund, which helps pay for support services for people traumatised by criminal activity. Individual funding of up to £20,000 is available for each voluntary or community organisation that helps support victims to cope and recover from their experiences. Groups can apply on their own or they can join together and form a partnership.

The Victims’ Fund opened on 1 February and will be taking applications from agencies through to 18 March. For further information and details on how to apply please click here.

Training & Development

Upcoming Learning & Development Courses: Places still available

Learning and Development can offer a wide range of learning opportunities to staff, including agency and temporary employees. For information, please visit our webpage on Inside Walsall. Adult Social Care staff should also visit our workforce development website for opportunities targeted at the wider adult social care workforce. Full information on all of our e-learning and classroom courses is available by logging onto eCentral.

Course title Target audience & overview Date, Time & Location Agile Working – This elearning module is available to all Walsall Council staff as an introduction Click here to book on generic to agile working and the benefits that it can bring. Basic Business This elearning module is available to all Walsall Council staff and is aimed at helping Click here to book on Maths those who lack confidence in using mathematics for business & within Excel. Coaching Skills The Learning and Development team are offering supervisors, team leaders and managers the Click here to book on Gym Cohort 2 opportunity to acquire basic coaching skills in line with the council's coaching agenda.

Modern Slavery & Awareness raising sessions on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking targeting specific Click here to book on Human Trafficking audiences. These courses are mandatory for all first responders & front line staff. Awareness Other staff may attend T2 course or complete the elearning module on eCentral.

Vital skills for This course is aimed at budget holders. Click here to book on budget holders

Health & Safety for This course is for all employees who have line management for employees  14/03/2019 WMBC Managers, Line and/or the building they work in to ensure that they are aware of their 9.30am – 1.30pm, EDC Room 6 Managers & responsibilities and duties. Click here to book on Supervisors (inc building managers) (H&S)

Corporate This course is aimed at any new employees joining the council who are  27/03/2019 Induction recommended to attend the course within the first two months of joining. Staff 9.30am - 4.30pm in Oak Room, HR, Civic Centre are encouraged to discuss this with their line manager as part of their workplace Click here to book on

induction. This course is aimed at any new employees joining the council.

Safeguarding for The aim of this two day workshop is to support staff with the responsibility of  25 and 26/04/2019, Managers (Internal being the Safeguarding Enquiry Manager of section 42 Safeguarding Enquiries to 9.30am - 4.30pm at Forest Arts Centre Adult Safeguarding be able to implement their key legislative duties and responsibilities introduced Click here to book on Staff Only) by the Care Act 2014.

Resilience and Me This course is designed for all Walsall Council employees. Book on to this course  09/05/2019 if you wish to look at personal resilience and gain some tips and ideas for 9:30am - 4pm at Forest Arts Centre building a resilience toolkit. Click here to book on

Accessing Learning and Development courses

All Learning and Development courses are now available through eCentral. Through your account you can: - undertake e-learning - view available courses and dates - book onto one of our classroom courses Simply log into your account (always use Google Chrome): walsall.learningpool.com/login/index.php or to find out more on how to book onto our courses click here.

Training and Employment event

Walsall Council in partnership with the Saddlers Centre will host a Training and Employment event aimed at providing jobs, training and apprenticeships to young adults aged 16-29.

The event is organised by Walsall Council’s Impact team (Children’s Services) on Tuesday 26 March from 10am – 3pm at the Saddlers Shopping Centre (Park Street, Walsall, WS1 1YS).

Training providers including Walsall College, Juniper, Nacro and Rathbone along with employers will be on hand to offer jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Black Country Impact advisors will also be in attendance to offer information, advice and guidance – why not pop by and start planning your brighter future!

For further information contact Black Country Impact Walsall on 01922 636333 or email [email protected]

Pelsall Tuition Centre

Maths tuition sessions are held at Pelsall Village Centre (High St, Pelsall, WS3 4LX) every Saturday afternoon from 12:30pm.

The classes cover GCSE Maths and A Level Maths, plus exam preparations. For more information & booking, please contact Tara on 0795 023 8587.

Fit for Work programme

Walsall Leisure are offering a free, bespoke physical activity and health programme aimed at supporting and improving lifestyles to individuals over 25 who are unemployed or economically inactive.

The service aims to support individuals through healthy lifestyle support, gym sessions, hydrotherapy sessions or leisure facility admissions. The sessions are generally held at one of the four centres - Oak Park Active Living Centre, Bloxwich Active Living Centre, Walsall Gala Swimming & Fitness Centre or Swimming Pool.

The project can support individuals into other community health services, e.g smoking cessation, weight management programmes or into wider support services such as debt management support, vocational training, confidence building, C.V and cover letter writing support. For more information or to book an appointment please call Jade on 01922 658051 or Diana on 01922 658389.

Walsall Works Job Club

Walsall Works Job Clubs are now running throughout Walsall in many of the district and community libraries across the borough. Job Club is open to all Walsall residents but participants do need to book a place in advance of attending. To find out more about Job Clubs or for more information, visit the Walsall Works website on www.walsallworks.com, call the team on 01922 654353 or email [email protected]

Work Experience Placements Wanted

If any teams are interested in offering work experience placements to any young people registered with Black Country Impact then please contact Rob Beck on Ex 5594 or email [email protected]

Events

See what’s on at the New Art Gallery: Take a look at what’s coming up at Forest Arts Centre: http://thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk/whats-on/ http://www.forestartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/

Caldmore Community Garden: volunteers needed

The team at Caldmore Community Garden (12 Carless St, Walsall WS1 3RH) holds their volunteers days every Thursday and is looking for more to join the team. Volunteers will have the chance to focus on gardening and maintenance, prepare the garden for upcoming events, do some planning and have a few laughs, plus cups of tea. . If it is your first time here, you can come for a quick tour of the garden and to get to know our regulars — everyone is welcome. . For more information please email [email protected] or call 07871813252. For additional details please go to the Facebook Page.

Dance classes: Pelsall Community Centre

Dance classes are held at Pelsall Community Centre (Station Rd, Pelsall Walsall, WS3 4BQ):

 Old Time Dancing classes are held on Thursdays from 8 to 10pm – £2.50 per person.  Sequence and Ballroom Dance lessons are held on Sundays from 8 to 11pm – £3 per person.

For more information please call the Centre Manager on 01922 682156 or email [email protected]

Walsall Arboretum Parkrun

A free, weekly, timed 5km walk/jog/run takes place at Walsall Arboretum every Saturday from 9am.

Organised by volunteers, it is a friendly, welcoming event open to all ages and abilities whatever their pace. The group usually has a post-run drink and a chat at the café in the Arboretum Visitor Centre.

Although it is free to join, you must register before your first run (and bring a printed copy of the barcode you receive on registration). For more information please go to Walsall Parkrun’s website, Facebook page or email [email protected]

Walsall Walk On: local health walks

There are more than 20 volunteer-led walks per week across the Walsall borough. Each walk varies in length and terrain with distances from approximately one to six miles, and are free to join.

For more information please click here.

Community kitchen: homeless outreach

Walsall BME Advice Centre (Walsall Night Shelter Building, Darwall St, Walsall, WS1 1TH) offer a homeless outreach every Wednesday, between 6 and 7pm for those who may be homeless or in need.

The outreach (situated inbetween the main post Office & the Civic Centre) provides a free hot meal, clothing, toiletries, health checks and much needed comfort in a warm and friendly place.

Volunteers and donations are always appreciated. For more information please email [email protected] or contact Sadat Hussain – 07852 167793, Ibrahim Ali – 07709 848870, Sureha Negum – 07415 991636 or Iqbal Suleman – 07912 883420. For additional details please go to the Facebook page.

Soultime: Pelsall Community Centre

Pelsall Community Centre (Station Rd, Pelsall, Walsall, WS3 4BQ) will be holding a soul music night on Friday 15 March, from 8pm to Midnight.

Entry will be £5 each. For more information please call 01922 682156 or email [email protected] For additional details please go to the Facebook page.

Holla Mahalla Jorh Mela 2019

Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (Walsall Rd, , WV13 2RD) will be holding Holla Mahalla Jorh Mela 2019, on Saturday 23 March between 12 and 4pm.

The event will include stalls, horses, a tug of war, gladiators, bouncy castles, food and live stage. For more information or to book a stall / take part, please contact Bhai Amarveer Singh on 0740 281 8060.

‘The Cork Club’: Brownhills Community Centre

‘The Cork Club’, a new play by Jennifer Smith will be performed at Brownhills Community Centre (Chester Rd North, Brownhills, Walsall, WS8 7JW) on Saturday 23 March. Doors open at 7pm for the 7:30pm performance.

The plot focuses on four school boys in the Summer of 1911, who form a secret friendship group – ‘The Cork Club’. When war breaks out in 1914, the friends are called up to serve the trenches, where their friendship is tested more than ever.

Tickets cost £11 for adults and £9 for under 16s. To book tickets please call the box office (between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday) on 01543 452 119 or order online here. For additional details on the play please click here.

Walsall parks’ spring clean

As part of the Great British Spring Clean a number of events have been planned to give you the opportunity to take part and help your local environment:

 Reedswood Park community litter pick The community litter pick at Reedswood Park (Bentley Lane, Birchills, Walsall, WS2 8SP) will be taking place on Saturday 23 March, from 10am to 12pm and then 1 to 3pm. Those taking part will be meeting at the Sons of Rest.

 Willenhall Memorial Park & Nature Reserve spring clean The event on Sunday 24 March, will first take place at Fibbersley Nature Reserve (Noose Ln, Willenhall WV13 3BJ) for a litter pick between 10am and 12pm – volunteers will meet at Noose Lane Car Park.

The day will then continue at Willenhall Memorial Park (Pinson Rd, Willenhall WV13 2PW), from

1pm to 3pm for a spring clean – everyone involved will be at the Pavilion.

Everyone is welcome to join these events – all ages. Please note: Under 18s should be accompanied by a parent / carer. Please wear sensible footwear and clothing. Equipment is provided. To ensure there is enough, please register your interest by calling 01922 653344 or email [email protected]

Charity Zumbathon

Five Star Community Centre (75 Willenhall Rd, Darlaston, WS10 8JG) will be holding a Zumbathon Fundraiser on Sunday 24 March, between 2 and 4pm, to raise money for Children’s Hospital, specifically ward 10. In addition there will also be stalls and a raffle with great prizes. The bar will be open for refreshments.

Admission is £5 for adults and £3.50 for children. For more information about the event, please click here.

Spring Fair: Pelsall Methodist Church

Pelsall Methodist Church (Chapel St, Pelsall, WS3 4LN) will being holding a spring fair on Saturday 30 March, between 11am and 2pm.

The event will include stalls, refreshments and a raffle. Admission is free. All proceeds will go to Walsall North Foodbank. For more information please call 01922 445802 or email [email protected]

Murder Mystery Evening

Drama Group, ‘Murder Incorporated’ will return to Walsall Leather Museum (Littleton St West, Walsall, WS2 8EW) for a Murder Mystery Evening on Friday 5 April, starting at 7:30pm.

During the fun-filled evening, attendees will have the chance to try to solve the case, including questioning the suspects. Admission is £12:50 each. Refreshments will be available.

For more information please call 01922 652288 or email [email protected]

Country and western night

The Rotary Club of Darlaston will be holding a country and western night at Darlaston Town Hall (Victoria Rd, Darlaston, WS10 8AA) on Saturday 13 April, from 7pm. The evening will include the music of John Wildwood and Friends. A bar and food will be also available throughout the event.

Tickets cost £5 each (available from Town Hall or any Darlaston Rotarian). All proceeds for Rotary in Darlaston Good Causes. For more information please email [email protected]

Aldridge Spring Market

The Aldridge Spring Market will return on Saturday 27 April, between 10am and 4pm at Aldridge Shopping Centre (Anchor Parade, WS9 8QR).

The day will include an Easter Egg Hunt, craft and homemade gifts, food and drink stalls and a fun fayre. Stalls are available to be booked.

To book a stall or for more information please email [email protected] For additional details please click here.

Robbie Williams tribute act

World No. 1 Robbie Williams tribute act, Mike Andrew will be coming to Pheasey Community Hub (Hillingford Avenue, Pheasey, B43 7HL) on Saturday 27 April. Doors open at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £8 each (advanced tickets only – adults only).

For tickets and more information please call 07414 608 607. For additional details, please click here.

Walsall 5k 2019: Race for Life

As part of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, a 5k race will be held at Walsall Arboretum (Broadway North, Walsall, WS1 2QB) on Sunday 12 May, starting at 11am.

The 5k course runs along the paths of the Arboretum before passing the play area and back to the finish line. The track is mainly flat on tarmac paths, but areas towards the end are on grass. The course is suitable for wheelchair users (with assistance on grassed areas – wheelchair users can take a shortcut at grassy areas, which eliminates 1km).

Parking is available within the Arboretum – please use the main entrance off Broadway North. There will be a drop off point within the car parking area. The event will include a spectator cheering point, face painting and other activates within the event area.

Entry is £14.99 for adults, £10 for children and free for under 6s. To book your place, please click here. For details on the event, please click here.

Staff Discounts

Race for Life discounts for council staff

A 30% discount offer on any Race for Life event is available for council staff and friends/family.

Race for Life is a series of fundraising events, organised by Cancer Research UK. They involve running, jogging or walking a 5k, 10k or 'Pretty Muddy' course and raise sponsorship doing it. These events are open to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds take part in the Race for Life.

The nearest event is at Walsall Arboretum on Sunday 12 May (see article above)

The code for staff to receive the discount is: WALRFL19 For more information please contact Kirsten Shore, Cancer Research Area Events Manager of the Midlands at [email protected] or 07919 526739.

Discounted Theatre Tickets

Madagascar: 7 May 2019 Stalls at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - £29.50 each

Rock of Ages: 30 May 2019 Stalls at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - £38.00 each

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac: Thursday 23 May 2019 Rows E & F at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - £32.00 each

Menopause: 4 June 2019 Stalls Wolverhampton Grand Theatre – £31.00 each

The Bodyguard: 3 July 2019 Centre Stalls at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre – Rows J & K at– £47.50 each

Rocky Horror Show: 17 October 2019 Front Centre Stalls at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre – £34.50 each

Panto – Dick Whittington: 10 December 2019 Centre Stalls at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Rows A to D – £25.50, Rows E to P - £23, Rows Q - £19.50 (Saving of £8 a ticket and no booking fees on normal ticket prices for this night)

The King and I: 2 January 2020 Centre Dress Circle at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre - £44 each

For further details or to reserve tickets, please email [email protected] or [email protected]

Staff News

Back to the floor with the Chief Executive: Who remembers school dinners?

I remember them well, but as I found out on a ‘back to the floor’ visit to Beacon Primary School in Willenhall, school dinners are very different these days. Gone are the days of the ‘concrete chocolate’ with mint custard which many of us will remember, and perhaps mourn; these days, the children are choosing watermelon, kiwi fruit, raisins, oranges or yoghurt. Well… there were also flapjacks on offer which lots of the children seemed to like with custard. Not sure about that combination!

As I arrived, staff were hurrying about with what I can only describe as a miniature train of trucks containing packed lunches. I think every Disney or other cartoon character was represented. First off, I had to discard my ‘executive’ heels and don my ‘crocs’, apron and hat. On presenting myself in the kitchen, Sally Quinn, the cook-in-charge, quickly adjusted my hat and just as swiftly explained how the service worked.

After serving the fruit and flapjacks to the children for a while, I was delighted to be promoted to serving pasta and bolognese. I had warned Sally that I’m not to be trusted with a potato scoop, but she can size people up quickly and reckoned I’d be fine with pasta tongs.

There are a number of things which struck me about the staff in this kitchen and the work that they do. One of them is how the food is garnished. Whether it’s the parsley on the bolognese or the slices of orange on the watermelon, all of this attention to detail shows the pride they take in producing and presenting food that the children will want to eat.

What I found amazing is that this team of just four women cook dinner, with plenty of choices, for around 250 children each day; it’s quite the military operation. And they deal with various food allergies in their stride too. Children with allergies wear a small yellow sash as a visual reminder, but of course the staff all know their young clients well. Eat your heart out Gordon Ramsey with your kitchen nightmares.

Behind the scenes of the people like Sally and her team preparing the food, are Sandra Yates and her team who take a more strategic view. They work closely with colleagues in Public Health and Environmental Health to ensure best practice and also ensure our dining kitchens adhere to guidelines like providing oily fish in meals at regulated intervals because of the Omega 3 benefits. Sandra said: “it can be quite a challenge

because oily fish tend to have a strong flavour and lots of children aren’t keen on that. But they do like fishcakes.”

Looking around the kitchen, I was perhaps surprised not to see any deep fat fryers. Sandra explained that nothing is fried in-house – it’s all baked. A small number of bought in items are flash-fried by the supplier, but these are strictly only allowed on the menu a maximum of two days each week.

By the end of my visit, I had been promoted once more and was very busy dishing up hot chicken wraps, which are a firm favourite with the children, when it was time to give my apron and hat back to Sally – by then, I felt like I’d known her forever.

I quietly admitted to Sally that I thought I’d done rather better than in a school kitchen visit at my last authority, when my potato scoop skills were called into question by a young scholar who commented “You’re not very good. You won’t be here tomorrow.” He was right of course and I hope he turned out to be as bright as my non-appearance the next day must have made him feel.

Featuring staff news items

Got a story you’d like to have featured? Please contact the Communications team with your news and stories at [email protected]