I am pleased to say we have now received a response from the Deputy Prime Minister to the letter we collectively sent as leaders of West Midlands councils. The current difficult state of local government finances was the focus of Panorama’s ‘Councils in crisis’ programme.
Our letter explained the difficulties we are all facing and offered some constructive solutions as to how we could help to improve the situation.
The letter from the Deputy Prime Minister makes it clear that she understands the challenges local government faces and that she recognises the priority areas that need support and has committed to working with us to deliver solutions. These include our adult social care system, SEND arrangements and children’s services in general.
It seems the government is listening and wants to work with us to sort out council funding. I will be interested to see the solutions the government comes up with. In the West Midlands we are very keen to work with the new government to explore the longer-term solutions, as well as the short-term fixes that are essential to get us through the next few years.
I mentioned the apprenticeship show last week and I have heard it was another resounding success with over 1,900 attendees. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to conflicting commitments, but Deputy Leader Karen Grinsell attended, as well as my colleague Cllr Michael Gough, who looks after our Skills, Employment & Inclusion Portfolio. They were absolutely knocked out by the atmosphere, the positivity of the young people as they explored the career choices on offer and businesses who were delighted to meet enthusiastic young people.
Also, for the first time this year there was a quiet hour at the Show in the afternoon, where exhibitors were asked to share their inclusive programmes for young people with special education needs. The quiet hour was less intimidating for those young people and allowed more interaction between the exhibitors and those who get anxious in crowds and noisy environments.
University isn’t for everyone and if we want to produce the many skills we need, including for instance engineers, health and care workers, apprenticeships are an ideal option for many young people. Not only do they get the on-the-job training which can be invaluable, but in many cases, the opportunity to study at college too. They also get paid and can begin to build their careers and lives contributing to Solihull’s economic success.
A big thank you to all involved in making this October event such a great success and I wish all the young people the best in their future careers.
Following this theme of opportunities, I also had the pleasure of being invited to a splendid “Meet Your Army” event on Wednesday evening. We rarely get a chance to meet our armed forces, so it was a great opportunity to learn more about the Army in the modern era and particularly learn about the numerous opportunities for young people.
It is always humbling for me to meet these dedicated men and women who serve our country and to hear their personal stories of courage, commitment, and to see the opportunities that the Army have given them. I am attaching this link to their website with more information.
We can sometimes take our armed forces for granted. We have our fantastic Armed Forces community garden for veterans and those serving to find a peaceful place for reflection.
Another event I attended last week was the wonderful Civic Honours awards evening. These awards give residents a chance to recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes who go above and beyond to make Solihull a better place. I was thrilled to see so many of Solihull residents being rewarded and celebrated for their efforts that help make Solihull the place we all love. This really was a lovely event hosted in the council chamber with our Mayor, Cllr Ashraf, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting residents from across the borough.
You will know if you have read my messages that I am very committed to promoting good mental health. So, I was intrigued and pleased to be made aware of a new group trying to get men to talk about how they are feeling. The Men Walking and Talking runs mental health walks right across the country. It is such a simple idea, but so powerful. Groups of men meet up to do a walk and have the opportunity to talk about their mental health.
Danny set up the Solihull Men Walking and Talking group and already had five men coming to the first walk. I cannot stress how important conversations about mental health are for allowing people to open up and seek help or just feel they are not alone. And as a man I know it is sometimes even harder to talk about these matters, but good mental health is like good physical health, it does often require you to do something about it. I think this initiative is fantastic and I hope many more will spring up across the borough. Well done, Danny!
Finally, it is that time of year when the Flu and Covid jabs are offered to many of us.! If you are eligible, please do get your flu and covid jabs. Mrs C and I have been along to have our double jabs and so get protection of the viruses currently doing the rounds. Remember both of these viruses can be life threatening for people in at-risk groups.
People who are eligible for vaccinations should be contacted by their GP, but appointments can also be made via the NHS app, by calling 119 or by booking online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid
I hope you all have a very good weekend.
Councillor Ian Courts