The great work of our carers across the borough is something I am always keen to discuss and Young Carers Action Day is taking place on Wednesday 12 March. This year’s theme is “Give me a break”, focusing on the importance of young carers’ need for rest and respite. Young carers (aged 5-17) manage their caring responsibilities alongside attending school or college. Carers Trust Solihull is hosting a day of celebrating young carers with fun and rest, funded by the Council and Carers UK.
According to the latest census there are around 20,000 people (including 1,400 under 25s) in Solihull who have an unpaid caring responsibility, but we think that is an underestimate. Many people who do not consider themselves to be ‘a carer’ meet the definition, it is a relatively simple one. This page on the Council website makes it all clear, but in broad terms if you look after someone who could not manage without your help, you are likely to be a carer.
If this applies to you or someone you know, please take a look at our support offer for carers to find out what help might be available to you. Adults and children who care for their family or friends are extremely admirable and deserving of support. We provide as much as we can in schools, workplaces and the wider community through our aforementioned funding of Carers Trust and other avenues, but we are always looking to improve our offer.
One source of information and advice for carers of all ages are our Community Advice Hubs. They help people to access benefits, choose care options and maintain wellbeing amongst other important topics. We’re keen to hear your ideas about what our information and advice service should look like in the future. You can share your views in this short survey.
National days and weeks seem to keep the calendar very busy, and I do try to flag these where I can. Next week is National Careers Week, and regular readers of my column will know I often reflect on the different paths into work that are available, be it apprenticeships, further education or the employment support programme we run as a Council. The National Careers Week website hosts a wealth of careers guidance and free resources, including a Virtual Careers Fair. Supporting young people to develop awareness and excitement about their future pathways is vital for the future. Our website has also recently been updated with a new look Employment and Skills section, so do take a look at what is on offer in Solihull: www.solihull.gov.uk/est-support
Next week I’ll be attending the official opening of the first West Midlands Business Festival, delivered by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), running from 3 – 14 March. Our region has a lot to be proud of, but there is more we can do together to really drive economic growth. There are more than 80 events taking place – you can see more on the website: www.wmbf.org.uk.
One economic success story I want to mention is Force Group. They offer a range of technologically advanced products (broadly) in the heating sector but with applications across industry, and have a real focus on sustainability – something vital to our future growth as a borough and a region. I visited their premises at Monkspath Business Park with West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker. Controlsforce designs and manufactures bespoke control panel systems – used to power industry in the UK and beyond. We met with managing director Marc, who shared how a £30,000 growth grant from BGWM had helped fund their recent expansion, allowing them to take on a major new overseas contract.
We have a proven track record of attracting new investment and growth in Solihull – our business-friendly infrastructure and proactive support is reflected in business survival rates, which are 5% higher here than the England average. Another statistic many won’t be aware of, so I do like to highlight when I get chance, is that Solihull is one of the fastest growing labour markets in the UK, and the fourth largest labour market outside of London and the South-East.
Just a brief note to say I was very pleased to hear that funding from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund has just been confirmed for a new project in Solihull.
The Lant Charity applied to replace the over 100-year-old large distinctive window and frontage of the Berkswell Reading Room. The new window will preserve the building's character and ensure it is maximising its environmental performance. The following interactive map features all of the funding awards confirmed so far.
To close out this week’s column, some positive cultural news to celebrate… A brand-new exhibition – ‘Surreal Solihull’ – opens in Solihull town centre next Thursday.
As well as featuring several art works by Emmy Bridgwater, Solihull’s pioneering Surrealist artist and poet, 29 local artists have been commissioned to create new Surrealist artworks. The wonderful works will be displayed on Solihull High Street from 6 March – 31 May 2025, plus free performances, tours and workshops for the opening night and weekend on Thursday 6 March and Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 March. It should be a fantastic weekend and if you aren’t able to make this, please do pop along to take in the artwork over the next few months. You can read more about it here: Solihull’s sur-really good! | solihull.gov.uk
Thank you for reading, enjoy your weekend.
Councillor Ian Courts.