Here's the details about application for the Pride in Place in Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill Neighbourhood Board:

https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/community/pride-place-whitmore-reans

Kashmire Hawker joined Chris Allen and Ethan Shaw on the 10th May 2026 to share his experience as someone diagnosed with autism at a young age.

Kashmire talks openly about the driving forces in his life that inspire his political ambition, his work and his great support for charities.

He also helps us to understand more deeply his neurodiversity in the most positive of ways.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashmire-hawker-he-him-0a16b8146/

Maya founded Reinvntd CIC to deliver sustainable fashion. 

She also speaks in schools and colleges - and is a TedX Wolverhampton speaker.  

Following her cancer diagnosis, she has formed a support group "Cancer - Sew What?"

https://www.reinvntd.com

To connect with and follow Maya search "Cancer - Sew What?"

He talks about how he followed in his father's footsteps to become a councillor and he is especially proud that his daughter Abby is the Mayoress alongside him

He reflects on the inspiring people he has met, the vibrancy of the business community and why he chose the four charities for this year.

Here's more details:

https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/your-council-and-meetings/mayor/mayor-wolverhamptons-charitable-fund

Here's a look to the Mayor's Charity Raffle:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/mayor-of-wolverhamptons-grand-charity-raffle

Here’s the link for Mayor’s Fest tickets:

• Friday 10 April: Mayors Fest 2026 Friday 10 April at the Giffard Arms Tickets - The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton | Ticket24/7
• Saturday 11 April: Mayors Fest 2026 Sat Day Tickets 11 April at KKS Steel Mill Tickets - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton | Ticket24/7
• Sunday 11 April: Mayors Fest 2026 Sunday Tickets at The Giffard Arms Tickets - The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton | Ticket24/7

On our International Women's Day special on the 8th March, Gurpri Bains and I were joined in WCR FM's studios by six inspiring women.

The times indicate where you can find the specific conversations:

0:00 - Comedian and Wolverhampton Young Citizen of the year Eva Abley alongside PHSE Advisory teacher Amanda Evans.

31:30 - Video journalist Simone Stewart currently working with Independent Windrush Commissioner alongside copywriter & presentation Coach Charlotte Davies, who’s also a TEDx Wolverhampton speaker.

61:00 - Melissa Forde,  Performance Head Chef at Wolverhampton Wanderers alongside Nicola Noel, multi-award winning Mental Health Consultant & Speaker and founder of Brainworks.

He is also business ambassador for Good Shepherd Services. He tells us about his own struggles and why he is running the London Marathon.

https://in-comm.co.uk/

If you want to sponsor Gareth, please follow this link

https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/gareth-jones-7d447

Gareth is alongside guest co-host, Ethan Shaw.

Karum outlines his journey into publishing - especially highlighting those who have been the source of his inspiration..

"Throw away your old keys They won’t unlock the doors on your new path"

https://www.waterstones.com/book/poetic-gibberish/karum-singh-cheema/97810358805

46

Jodie Furby (Cancer Impact Manager at Staffordshire Integrated Care Board) and Harvir Singh (Senior Programme Manager at the West Midlands Cancer Alliance) joined Chris Allen and Gurpri Bains in WCR FM's studios for a live broadcast.

The key message - we know our own bodies better than anyone. If something seems to have changed, get it checked out - your GP will welcome the chance to support you.

For more information go to:

https://staffsstokeics.org.uk/your-health-and-care/cancer/

https://wmcanceralliance.nhs.uk

Yusuf Malik joined Gurpri Bains and I in WCR FM's studios to talk about these two periods of time that are central to the faiths of Muslims and Christians respectively.

Yusuf also gave us a world exclusive! Ramadan Radio is now Amaan One - reflecting its all year round support of the Muslim community and beyond.

https://imaan-one.com/

https://streaming.radio.co/sdc1941ff2/listen

Ellie is the Global Diversity, Equality and Inclusion senior consultant and Jaguar Land Rover. Ellie explains the priority and growth of the support for people of different religions at the company, alongside people of no faith, in their inclusive approach. She outlines how these networks have evolved, how the business supports them, and the impact this has on creating a psychologically safe, inclusive environment that enables collaboration and helps a global business like JLR thrive.

Julie is a member of the Islamic Society (ISoc), shares her lived experience of how the network has developed over time and how the business supports Muslim colleagues in practical ways, including the inclusion of the hijab as part of JLR’s workwear and the availability of prayer rooms across all sites. 

Arjan is the co-chair of the Sikh Network. He shares the network’s journey and its collaboration with the business including the inclusion of the turban as part of JLR’s workwear and joint work with Human Factors and Ergonomics teams to research headspace requirements for drivers who wear turbans.

https://careers.jaguarlandrover.com/our-offer/diversity-and-inclusion

As someone who is neurodivergent, she opens the door to all by removing the personal barriers that may cause anxiety.

Her inclusive approach continues to get noticed as she brings the health and wellbeing benefits of exercise and fitness within reach.

Rhiannon joined Gurpri Bains and I in WCR's studios.

The website below contains full details of the packages on offer and the associated costs.

https://www.notsotypicalfitness.co.uk

In this podcast Manny talks about his faith, his family, his fundraising and, of course, his football!

You will be able to find most of the conversations in full in this podcast series.

Faith across the city

Martin Gomberg - the difference between the Jewish Community and the state of Israel

Kelsang Dedan - the value of meditation

Imam Mohammad Asad - his role as a chaplain

Zalika Gilkes - Haile Selassie Day

Tal Singh - Sikhism and mental health support.

Ruth Upall - a Christian perspective on Pentecost Sunday

Events in 2025

Beacon Vision’s 150th Anniversary - Lisa Sadler-Todd (nee Cowley)

International Women’s Day - Dr Clare Roberts-Molloy

Kabaddi World Cup - Julie Pietragallo, Cllr Bhupinder Gakhal, Cllr Chris Burden, Cllr Stephen Simkins

Mothering Sunday - Tonia Daley-Campbell

Armed Forces Day- Lee Chapman

National Recovery Walk - Tom Hayden

Some of the issues we highlighted

Support for Ukraine via Antityla UK supporters, Cathy Clements, Anna Pilipchuk and Naomi Walsby

Breast Cancer with survivors Mandy Fellows, Gill Phillips and Mary Simkin

Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia with Timmy and his mum Aisha

Functional Neurological Disorder with Kim Hearn, Toni Clemson and her daughter and carer Olivia

Domestic Abuse with Laura Rogers CEO Haven and DCI Mike Sansbury

Knife Crime with Mark Brindley, Charlotte Paterson and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Forster

Personal stories

John Richards - Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton

Ethan Shaw - Young Citizen of the Year

Lynn Pritchatt - Motor Neurone Disease and the Mel Evans MBE Foundation

Professor Ebrahim Adir - University of Wolverhampton Vice Chancellor and Deputy Lieutenant in the West Midlands

Alicia Spencer - Chief Executive of the African Caribbean Community Initiative

Pooja Kanda OBE and her daughter Nikita - Ronan’s Law, honouring his murder using a ninja sword

Ronan Kanda was murdered in a sword attack in June 2022, when he was just 16. Pooja and Nikita have campaigned successfully to bring about Ronan’s Law – to legislate against the sale of weapons such as killed Ronan.

Dr. Mahuya Kanjilal of Wolverhampton University is leading some peer research alongside young people from the Way Youth Zone.

Matt Elcock Community & Cohesion Officer of the Wolves Foundation, supporting mentoring programmes.

Government is seeking views on our proposals to introduce a licensing system for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles. Please take part by following this link

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/licensing-for-knife-sales. This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 24 February 2026

For more information on Ronan’s Law please go to

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ronans-law-to-see-toughest-crackdown-yet-on-knife-sales-online

For more information about the "Let's Talk" project being run by WCRFM, please email chris@wcrfm.com. 

They are the first in the UK to be recognised by judges of an international humanitarian award.

The Whitmore Reans based organisation was formed nearly 40 years ago, and Alicia has been a part of it for 33 of those years. The nomination was for providing culturally appropriate mental health support.

Alicia tells us how the thought the email telling her about the nomination was a scam - but she was glad she got it checked out and was able to travel to New Orleans alongside Candeece Harvey, ACCI’s health and wellbeing practitioner.

ACCI have a special event on Wednesday 11th February 2026 at The Mount Hotel & Conference Centre, Mount Road, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton, WV6 8HL.

For more details go to acacia.org.uk or email support@acci.org.uk or call 01902-571230.

He joined Gurpri Bains and I on WCR to give us the chance to get to know him a little more.

He has also recently become a Deputy Lieutenant to assist the Lord-Lieutenant who is His Majesty The King’s personal representative in the West Midlands.

Duties will include supporting official royal visits to the region, representation at citizenship ceremonies, supporting the armed forces particularly the reserve and cadet forces, encouraging charitable and voluntary work and local initiatives to benefit the community, as well as promoting and encouraging nominations for the Honours, the King’s Awards for Voluntary Service, the King’s Award for Enterprise and the Young Active Citizen’s Award.

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/university-executive/prof-ebrahim-adia/ 

Kim Hearn is the Chief Executive of FND Action and Toni Clemson is the Regional Group Leader in the Midlands. 

Toni joined me in WCR's studios alongside her daughter and carer Olivia, whilst Kim joined us online from Kent.

It is a complicated condition, but Olivia provides us with an explanation in this podcast:

"Toni has a condition called FND which stands for Functional Neurological Disorder. This is where the brain and my mummy‘s body sometimes finds things tricky and their wires get crossed and sends them to the wrong place and she needs support while her brain catches up".

This is a powerful and moving podcast, highlighting how the support of family, alongside peer support and external expertise, can help those diagnosed with this life changing condition.

For more information and support, please go to: https://www.fndaction.org.uk/

Podcast editor: Mark de Graaff

He joined Gurpri Bains, Caroline Frost and I to talk about his life and his award. 

His citation at the annual awards read:

Ethan is a sixth form student at Moseley Park school who has a passion for both musical theatre and football!

He has recently raised over £1400 for the charity MIND by walking from his home in Wolverhampton to the Welsh town of Llangollen in just 25 hours! A real feat of determination and self-motivation I’m sure you will agree. 

He has been very open about his own struggles with emotional health and wellbeing and became determined to overcome these issues by devoting his spare time to ‘making people smile’ as in his words ‘making someone happy is the best of feelings’

Prior to his epic walking challenge, he has directed school musicals to encourage younger children to ‘go for their dreams’ and has delivered whole school assemblies on overcoming fear to follow your passion. He has raised funds via a social enterprise project, selling snacks at break time in school to buy Christmas gifts for residents at a local care home. He also dressed up as Father Christmas to sing songs and entertain the residents.

His dream is to go to university to study and eventually work in Musical Theatre whilst continuing to raise awareness of the arts and the positive effect they can have on poor mental health. He wants to encourage more young people to follow in his footsteps by using part of their spare time to help and support others.

Podcast editor Mark de Graaff

Award winning Sam Neath of the City of Wolverhampton Council and Pro Alliance Sports Community Interest Company tells the story of how a back garden kick about with a care leaver led to walking out at Molineux for a game - and the vision for a national tournament.

https://proalliancesports.co.uk

To support Reach Leaving Care Team Christmas gifts for Care Leavers appeal, please visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2AL2K94TCHWPV, and purchase the item that you, your team or organisation wish to donate. The Reach Leaving Care Team will then wrap them up and deliver them to the young people in time for Christmas.

Alongside the Amazon Wish List, the Reach Leaving Care Team will also be hosting a collection point where people can physically donate much requested items, similar to those on the wishlist. Donations can be made at The Oasis Hub, 73-75 Willenhall Road WV1 2HW, every Thursday between 1pm and 6pm until 3 December.

The date is 19th November 2025 at Bank in Lichfield St.

For more details go to

https://www.work-in-process.org/imd-conference

For a full list on what items are needed immediately, and if you want to make a financial donation, please go to https://supportjamaica.gov.jm.

Examples of food needed are dry and canned goods (eg Corned Beef, Baked Beans, Pasta, Rice, UHF Milk etc). Foodstuff must have minimum 6 months shelf life

Also urgently needed are tarpaulins, solar lights, flashlights and batteries of all sizes.

Items be dropped off at Wolverhampton Samaritans (54 Newhampton Road West) on Wednesday 5th November between 2pm and 7pm.

Other items listed by the Jamaican Government can be dropped off at

JLB Shipping & Logistics Ltd, Unit G Sams Lane West Bromwich B70 7EX (who are donating shipping costs).

Monday to Fridays 09.30 am - 4.30 pm / Saturdays 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Tel 0121 661 6525 or 0121 525 5881

Next container is loading on Friday November 7th.

CAP exists to work with local churches and community groups across towns and cities, and is focused on tackling the pressing poverty crisis in those communities. 

Mark Triggs joined Gurpri Bains and I to talk about debt issues and the help available. Crucial to support in managing debt with the support of an advocate.

Christians Against Poverty is looking to work with Churches in Wolverhampton.

https://capuk.org/get-involved/church-partnership-overview/ways-your-church-can-get-involved

Benefits calculator:

https://capuk.org/money-and-debt-advice/benefits-calculator

You can contact Mark via marktriggs@capuk.org

Edited by Mark De Graaff

The West Midlands Police and Crime plan encapsulates the vision of Commissioner Simon Forster, following extensive consultation. Two of the priorities are

• Preventing and tackling serious youth violence and knife crime
• Preventing and tackling violence against women and girls

Joining us for the conversation were Mark Brindley and Charlotte Paterson (nee Brindley) of the James Brindley Foundation. James lost his life in a stabbing over eight years’ ago.

Also with us was guest presenter, Sienna Ahir, who in her capacity as a Youth MP had worked on Community Safety issues.

Links:

Police and Crime Commissioner website (re the Police and Crime Plan)

https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk

The James Brindley Foundation (re Safer Streets #walkwithoutworry

https://jamesbrindleyfoundation.co.uk

West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership

https://westmidlands-vrp.org

No Excuse for Abuse resources

https://noexcuseforabuse.info

Author Bethany Ashford talks with Caroline Frost, Gurpri Bains and I about how she became an author to fill the gaps around parenting and how she went on to write about her experience of ADHD in a detailed yet attractive way.

You can hear Bethany as a regular guest on "Women in the City" on WCR FM with Susan Vickers.

Bethany's books are available via: https://www.waterstones.com/author/bethany-dempsey/5109274

https://www.instagram.com/nowwhatbooks_/

https://www.facebook.com/thedempseydiaries/

Cathy is based in Wolverhampton and co-runs a fan club for Antytila, a Ukrainian stadium rock band who have a charity too. She also volunteers at the Wolverhampton Ukrainian centre helping refugees.

She created a project to bring musicians together to play a song by Antytila - to drum for Ukraine.

Naomi, Anna and Cathy joined us in WCR FM's studios to celebrate this project - and raise awareness of the ongoing impact on families in Ukraine due to Putin's illegal war.

The other drummers featured alongside Dmytro are

• Dmytro Vodovozov, Antytila's drummer and main charity organiser.
• Charlie Morgan – Elton John’s drummer (1985-1998), also worked with Tina Turner, Kate Bush, Wham!, The Guess Who and many more.
• Andy Edwards – Priory of Brion with Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) ex-member.
• Dylan Clarke – 2024 UK Young Drummer of the Year finalist;
• Budi Butenop –Tiger Lillies band member.
• Stuart Hardy – a session drummer with years of experience.
• Al Murray – a professional drummer and a well-known stand-up comedian (The Pub Landlord).

You can see the video here:

Facebook.com/share/v/19jRzY, or via

Instagram.com/reel/DNX120qou38/?igsh=MXhzc2oxeG96dnhhOA==

For more information go to

https://www.augb.co.uk or call 01902 420441

Lynn (and her Mom Irene) joined Gurpri Bains and I to help us understand more about Motor Neurone Disease and to promote a celebrity filled “Masked Entertainer” fundraising dinner on Saturday 18th October at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium.

For more details about the event go to https://melevansfoundation.org.uk/event/the-masked-entertainer-gala-dinner/

If you are at all affected by Motor Neurone Disease you can find out more information via

https://melevansfoundation.org.uk and be in touch with Lynn via lynn@melevansfoundation.org.uk.

The MND Association also has a wealth of information and support

https://www.mndassociation.org / Helpline: 0808 802 6262

Here’s the story of the day told by our guests to Caroline Frost and I

Caroline walking the walk…

3.12: Christina of Turning Point (https://www.turning-point.co.uk)

5.09: Mamadou from London

8.20: Jodie and John from Wigan of Change Growth Live (CGL) https://www.changegrowlive.org

11.00: Sean from Manchester of Rehab Fitness CIC (Acorn Recovery Project - https://acornrecovery.org.uk)

14.44: Lesley and John from Knowsley Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO)  https://www.nihr.ac.uk/23148-lived-experience-recovery-organisations

Conversations from the show:

21.04: Pat McFadden MP for Wolverhampton South East

23.06: AnneMarie Ward Chief Executive of FAVOR - Faces and Voices of Recovery (https://www.facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org)

30.50: Cllr Craig Collingswood - Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton

34.15: Carl from Recovery Near You (https://www.recoverynearyou.org.uk)

36.38: Marcus and Karolina from the Wolverhampton Service User Involvement Time (SUIT - https://www.suitrecoverywolverhampton.com)

41.29: Jade Beddington of the Haven Refuge Wolverhampton (https://www.havenrefuge.org.uk / 08000 194 400) 

44.43: Casey of Wolverhampton 360 (https://w360.org.uk / 0300 123 33 60)

48.54: Cllr Stephen Simkins - Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council

54.40: Simon Remington (Liver Disease survivor) https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-remington-ab311821/

1.03.03: Paul from Aquarius (https://aquarius.org.uk/our-services/adult-services/wolverhampton/)

1.08.30: Danny from Andy’s Club Wolverhampton https://www.facebook.com/p/Andys-Man-Club-Wolverhampton-61567699597829/

1.11.40: Vijay and Kuldip from SUIT (https://www.suitrecoverywolverhampton.com/punjabi-project-1)

1.17.15: Tom Hayden - Chief Executive of Good Shepherd Services (https://www.gsmwolverhampton.org.uk)

Mandy Fellows has completed over ten years of funding for Breast Cancer projects to support the NHS. This totals over £36,000. She has been amply supported by Mary Simkin of Essington Farm (supplier of delicious strawberries!) and Gill Phillips (chair of Wolverhampton and District Breast Cancer Action Group). Mandy, Mary and  Gill are all breast cancer survivors. Their stories and great efforts were brought to our notice by Holly Dodd (admin to the Go Fund Me page).

Wolverhampton Breast Cancer Action Group contact details (for anyone affected - not just patients):

Website: https://wolvesbcag.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1547120648930107/

Email: wcagwton.19@gmail.com

Tel: 07933 583 388

Ways to support:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/strawberry-tea-10th-fundraiser

https://www.justgiving.com/charity/breastcanceractiongroup

Somewhere to visit!

Essington Farm website: https://essingtonfarm.co.uk

Essington Farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Essington-Farm-100064495783541/?locale=en_GB

Wasim Ali speaks about the priorities in the plan, especially in the context of WCR FM delivering a project to combat knife crime funded by the Commissioner's "My Community Fund".

The headline priorities for the plan are

• Rebuilding community policing
• Preventing and tackling serious youth violence and knife crime
• Preventing and tackling violence against women and girls
• Improving road and travel safety
• Protecting victims and witnesses

The whole plan can downloaded from: 

https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/your-commissioner/police-crime-plan/

Beacon Vision and Wolverhampton Samaritans were two of the chosen charities by Cllr Linda Leach during her Mayoral year. That partnership continues to the benefit of those charities, highlighting the on going need for both funding and awareness raising as a lasting legacy of Linda's time as Mayor.

Links

https://beaconvision.org / 01902 880111

https://beaconvision.org/news/beacon-of-light-ball/

https://www.samaritans.org/branches/wolverhampton/

Never forget that there is always someone there for you at Wolverhampton Samaritans on 116123 - it's free from any phone.

Photo: Lisa Cowley, Linda Leach and Jennavie Gray alongside newsreader William Coorey

We talk about his service and the value of it for him and the need to support veterans back into civilian life.

He has set up an Armed Forces Community Network which meets every Wednesday at the Pelsall Community and Arts centre, and also every first Sunday. This is not just for veterans, but their families and also cadets. Anyone who wants to support the Armed Forces Community is welcome too.

Contact details:

afcnwalsall@gmail.com

07943 269 002

Members of the Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Support Project Wolverhampton share their experiences, tell us about their amazing project and emphasise the need for everyone to be screened before having a child as Sickle Cell can impact on people of all ethnic backgrounds.

Pictured above are Victoria, Pam, Sydney and TJ. Sadly Timmy was not able to join us as he was in Birmingham Children's Hospital, but he joined us on line with his mum Aishat (pictured below).

For more information call 01902-444076 or visit 

https://www.sctsp.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/sicklecellsupportproject

https://www.instagram.com/sctspwolverhampton/

1 in 4 men from the Black community will get prostate cancer - and 1 in 8 for the wider male community - so there’s always the need to get tested.

In this podcast he promotes a sponsored walk which is set to take place on Sunday 15th June (Father’s Day) at West Park. 9am at the Connaught Road entrance. You can just fill in the registration form and ‘rock up’ and join in. You can also get sponsorship or donate via this form:

https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20250529-wolves-fans-invited-to-march-for-men/?isnative=true

If you want to contact Junior directly,

Email: jahman_23@hotmail.com

Mobile: 07711 393 681

Even if you listen to this podcast after the walk…if you’re a bro - get yourself tested!

We also talk about his role as

Founder of the Wolverhampton Wanderers Black Supporters Group: Golden Black (launched in 2024).

Former treasurer and founding member of ACCI Wolverhampton (African Caribbean Community Initiative).

Former non-exec for Walsall  NHS Trust & Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust (10 years).

This podcast captures his love for country music, how he became a presenter, his health challenges, and his ongoing delight at presenting Wolverhampton Country alongside Debbie.

You can hear Wolverhampton Country every Thursday evening from 7pm - 9pm on WCR FM.

101.8 FM | DAB | Smart Speaker | wcrfm.com

Find previous shows via https://www.wcrfm.com/catchup/ and scrolling down to Wolverhampton Country.

People who are worried about dementia can contact the Alzheimer's Society for information and support either via the National Dementia Helpline on 0333 150 3456 or by visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk.

For more information about the help and support available locally to businesses, emergency services, religious groups and education providers, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/dementia.

If you’re interesting in becoming a Dementia Friend so you better understand the needs of people living with dementia and can do your bit to help them, please visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk

The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI):

Telephone 01902 571230 or email carers@acci.org.uk

Memory Matters:

Telephone 01902 551852

Tal Singh of Soulbrite and Danny Rice of Andy’s Man Club in Wolverhampton in conversation with Chris Allen alongside Kirstie Westwood and Gurpri Bains.

Prompted by Tom Grennan’s “Boys Don’t Cry” our conversation starts there. The podcast also includes a key message about the mental health and wellbeing of young people  from the City of Wolverhampton Council’s public health team.

https://www.soulbrite.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567699597829

https://andysmanclub.co.uk

https://hoardingawarenessweek.org.uk/ 

For more information contact

http://hoardershelpinghoarders.com

Ian Porter 07815872178

ian.porterHHH@gmail.com

Photographic from the Hoarders Helping Hoarders website.

My hope was to get all three in a studio together - I failed! I did manage to get them all into a studio at different times alongside Kirstie Westwood and William Coorey. Here they are to inspire you.

First of all you’ll hear from Jude Aston, then Sienna Ahir, and finally Sachi Bhambra alongside her mother Polly appropriately on Mothering Sunday.

If you would like to nominate a young person to be a Wolverhampton Young Citizen of the Year, then you have until 31st May.

The easiest way to do that is to go to https://www.wolverhamptonyoungcitizen.org.uk

Photograph: Young Citizens of the Year Sienna Ahir, Jude Aston and Sachi Bhambra pictured with outgoing Chair Roger Timbrell and the Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach.

For more information contact: https://grandpalacewolverhampton.co.uk / 0777 5566 126

Photo by Kirstie Westwood: Julie Pietragallo, Rajinder and Kam Dhinsa alongside newsreader William Coorey.

Co-host is Kirstie Westwood alongside new reader William Coorey.

Photo by Kirstie Westwood.

Luis Enache was caught on two occasions with knives and put on a youth offending order. He speak about why he carried and the lessons he has learned.

Kairo Williams has been stabbed on two occasions and nearly lost his life, witnessed by his little brother. Kairo speaks about what it's like to be stabbed and how he now mentors others to avoid wrong life choices.

James Rolls leads community sessions now at In Power Academy having joined the academy when he was 10 years old. He speaks about the importance of positive role models.

For more information on the work of the Academy, go to https://www.inpower.co.uk

Photo by Kirstie Westwood: Luis, Kairo and James pictured alongside news reader William Coorey.

Sureena Brackenridge is the Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton North East. 

sureena.brackenridge.mp@parliament.uk

Charlotte Davies, copy write and Ted X speaker "If your life were a book, is it a story you'd want to read?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCAesJRr-t8 / https://charlottethecopywriter.com/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottethecopywriter/

Gurpri Bains is the  Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurpri-bains-1a167487/

Dr Clare Roberts-Molloy, specialises in supporting female entrepreneurs and is the curator for TedX Wolverhampton https://tedxwolverhampton.com

https://www.clarerobertsmolloy.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-roberts-molloy / 

Empurple – ‘to colour or become purple’ – represents a unified voice against domestic abuse and takes on new urgency this year as we embrace the theme: Accelerate Action. Purple, an internationally recognised colour for campaigns against domestic abuse, continues to symbolise justice and dignity. This year, it also stands as a call to action – urging us to move beyond awareness and take bold, tangible steps towards ending domestic abuse and creating a more equitable society.

Website:

https://www.havenrefuge.org.uk

General Enquiries:

01902 904677 or email office@havenrefuge.org.uk.

For support:

Domestic Abuse Helpline: (24/7) 08000 194 400

WhatsApp Helpline: (Mon-Fri | 9.00am – 5.00pm) 07719 558 183

Email: referralpoint@havenrefuge.org.uk

Photograph by Kirstie Westwood: Pam is pictured alongside news reader William Coorey

Warinder Juss is the Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton West, Ash Raju is a trustee of The Way Youth Zone and Cllr Stephen Simkins is the leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council.

This podcast follows on from the previous week's conversation with Mark Brindley of the James Brindley Foundation:

(https://www.wcrfm.com/podcasts/the-chris-allen-podcast/episode/mark-brindley1/)

Here's the link to the Daniel Baird Foundation which focuses on saving lives through the provision of Bleed Kits:

https://controlthebleed.org.uk/

Warinder Juss's email is: warinder.juss.mp@parliament.uk

Here's the link to the Way Youth Zone:

https://www.thewayyouthzone.org/

Photograph by Kirstie Westwood: Warinder and Ash are pictured alongside news reader William Coorey.

In this podcast we talk about "Subjects of State, Labours of Love is a stunning exploration of Caribbean heritage and community resilience.

The exhibition is open from Saturday 8 March until Sunday 8 June 2025 and entry is free. Wolverhampton Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. For more information, please visit www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk.

Also Bantock House Museum host a spectacular performance of Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy, Twelfth Night.

Twelfth Night takes place on Thursday 31 July at 7pm (gates open at 6pm). Adults - £18 and children (under-16) £10, plus a booking fee if purchasing via the box office or website. Tickets can be purchased in person at Bantock House Museum or from the box office on 0208 852 5761 or boxoffice@tlcm.co.uk

We also hear from 12 year old Harvey Westwood who was recently inspired by the Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and young musicians from Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra.

More pictures from the event can be found on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/gp/wolverhamptontoday/47Fqx47ejP.

Photo by Kirstie Westwood: Chris and Harvey alongside news reader William Coorey

The James Brindley Foundation was set up in order to stop other families having to face the daily living hell of losing a child through a knife attack. Central to its working is the Full Circle programme.

You can contact the Foundation via 0121-752 2610.

The link to the website is: https://jamesbrindleyfoundation.co.uk.

Here’s a direct link to the full circle programme: https://jamesbrindleyfoundation.co.uk/the-james-brindley-full-circle-programme/.

Photo by Kirstie Westwood: Mark is pictured alongside news reader William Coorey.

Beacon Vision are one of the Mayor’s charities as they celebrate their 150th Anniversary. They will be hosting a charity Fashion and Fizz event at the Beacon Centre, Wolverhampton Road, on Tuesday 25 February. Doors open at 6pm and the fashion show, featuring over a dozen models, starts at 6.30pm.

It will feature pre-loved outfits from the Beacon Centre's network of shops.

Tickets, which must be booked in advance, are available at www.tickettailor.com/events/beaconcentrefortheblind/1535591 and cost £15, including a glass of Prosecco or alcohol-free alternative on arrival. Clothing will be on sale on the night.

All proceeds will go to the Mayor's chosen charities, the Beacon Centre, Age UK Wolverhampton and Samaritans Wolverhampton.

For more news from Beacon Vision go to https://beaconvision.org/

Studio photo by Kirstie Westwood: Lisa alongside news reader William Coorey

Photo below courtesy of the City of Wolverhampton Council. The Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Cllr Linda Leach alongside Lisa

Theme: Activism and Social Change

For 2025, we are highlighting activists from across the world, including those from Wolverhampton, who have played a role in advancing LGBT+ inclusion.

Annual Archives Exhibition

Our Annual Archives exhibition opened on 3rd February, showcasing Wolverhampton’s LGBTQ+ history dating back to 1901.

Talking History Cafés

To deepen our understanding of Wolverhampton’s LGBT+ history, we are hosting four Talking History Cafés, encouraging residents to share their stories and historical materials.

• Wolverhampton Archives – 20th February, 12pm – 1pm
• Wolverhampton Arena Theatre – 25th February, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Articles Published on City People

• How the City of Wolverhampton Council is leading the fight against LGBT+ erasure
• Introduction to LGBTQ+ History Month
• Rainbow Families Action Plan

Other resources:

• LGBTQ+ Manager Toolkit
• Stonewall Session: Supporting LGBTQ+ Colleagues’ Mental Health

Upcoming Events

Spill the Tea Podcast

Hosted by Kieran Simpson, EDI Adviser (LGBT), featuring staff interviews on their identity, history, and activism. Available on the EDI SharePoint page.

Rainbow Forum: One-to-One Library Session

• An opportunity for SEB members to engage with forum members in an open and safe dialogue about the LGBT+ community.

Activists Who Inspire Us

• 21st February, 1pm – 2pm.
• Discussion by Rainbow Forum members on activists and changemakers who have inspired them.

Rainbow Book Club

• 28th February, 12pm – 1pm.
• Featured books:
  • It Was a Riot by Daniel Hall
  • Queer Heroes of Myth and Legend by Dan Jones

Training Opportunities

The Black Country Integrated Care System’s Stronger Together Staff Network is offering free online training sessions on Transgender Awareness, open to all Council employees:

• 24th February, 1pm
• 28th February, 11am (Links to join can be found in the council newsletter.)

Photo by Kirstie Westwood: Amanda alongside newsreader William Coorey.

Run by HIV Prevention England, the annual event highlights how regular testing is helping to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV, or who are diagnosed late.

Testing is free, quick and confidential, and the only way for people to know their HIV status. Anyone diagnosed with HIV will be able to access free treatment and support. Testing for HIV is also useful for HIV-negative people who are considering interventions such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

To order free test kits, please visit www.startswithme.org.uk or www.freetesting.hiv. For more information about HIV, and confidential and non-judgemental advice and support, please visit Embrace, the Wolverhampton sexual health service, at www.embracewolverhampton.nhs.uk/hiv-services.

For more details, visit www.hivpreventionengland.org.uk.

Yanique and Stephanie are pictured with news reader William Coorey (Photo by Kirstie Westwood).

64 Dunstall Road, Wolverhampton WV6 0NJ. 

Telephone: 01902-429182

https://www.malikbutchers.com/