The summer is almost here, the weather is lovely so … it’s time to get on your bike, save money and get fit! Work has now started on the Rose Hill to Pinson Road cycle scheme in Willenhall.
The 1.2km route will comprise of a segregated cycleway and shared walking and cycling path between Pinson Road and the Rose Hill / Bilston Lane junction.
The scheme connects to the Noose Lane to Pinson Road Cycle scheme, which is currently under construction, and aims to provide an onward dedicated cycle link between Wolverhampton and Walsall.
In Walsall, the health and wellbeing of adults and children could be improved and encouraging more people to walk and cycle can help achieve this. Providing the right infrastructure can help make cycling and walking for short trips an easy option for local residents.
The project is funded via the Active Travel Fund through the Department for Transport.
This scheme, along with the other transport schemes currently being delivered in Willenhall, will help make cycling more direct, safe and attractive. Improving our connectivity across the borough and the wider Black Country means more opportunities for local people to travel for work and leisure.
Great news for those concerned with traffic congestion, carbon emissions and who want to lead a healthier lifestyle!
Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 12 to 18 May 2025.
The theme for 2025 is 'Community', so why not use Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of your community here in the west of Walsall.
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.
In other news, we urge residents in and around Darlaston to make their voice heard on Friday 2nd May at a drop-in session and the opportunity to share your views with the Walsall Council about the proposed Regeneration Plan and the best ‘way forward.’
Meeting is 10am until noon at the George Rose Community Hub, Wolverhampton Street in Darlaston.
We really hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Community Together’ for May 2025!
Denise Birkett
C.E.O.
VCS Lead West
Old Hall People’s Partnership
Wing Close
Bentley
Tel: 01922 474684
Community Events
in and around Walsall in
May and … Beyond!
VE Day 80th Anniversary
It is an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth, through national and local events and activities.
Training Opportunities for YOU!
SpeakOut - Online Session
A confidential online peer support group for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ who has lost a loved one to suicide. Also supporting the loved ones of an LGBTQ+ person who has died by suicide
Social Group for Adults with Learning Disabilities!
Looking for a fun, welcoming space to connect and share experiences? Our Social Group for Adults with Learning Disabilities is meeting today at willenhall chart , and you’re invited!
This group is all about creating a positive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and heard. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve joined us before, we’d love to see you!
No need to book - just come along!
#SocialGroup #InclusiveCommunity
Over 40 local organisations are opening their doors from now until March 2025, offering a warm and welcoming place for residents to enjoy a hot drink and connect with others.
These venues will also host a variety of social and wellbeing activities to keep everyone healthy and happy throughout the winter. This initiative not only provides a warm welcome but also serves as a crucial lifeline for those facing the cost of living crisis.
Staff and volunteers will be on hand to greet you with a smile, no matter the weather.
First up is Bootcamp and Boxing legend … Margaret!
Our Park Fitness programmes aim to improve Physical, Mental, and Social wellbeing across the Walsall Borough, and over the next few weeks we'll be sharing feedback from those that take part in our sessions!
And now … More Funding Opportunities for YOUR Organisation!
Starting with …
Asda Foundation Grants
The funding is for projects that address at least one of the following aims:
Transform an outdoor area, creating greener and more engaging community spaces.
Suez Communities Fund Reopens for Second 2025 Funding Round
Suez Communities Trust is offering grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 for constituted not-for-profit groups across England to deliver projects that make improvements to local facilities, historic buildings and structures, sport and recreation facilities communities in qualifying SUEZ Recycling and Recovery sites.
The Suez Communities Fund will support capital improvement works to public amenity projects for community use, such as
Village hall improvements.
Nature reserves and conservation.
Village greens.
Community centres.
Public playgrounds.
Cycle paths.
Sports fields and facilities.
Country parks.
Historic buildings, structures, or sites.
Public amenities must be open to the public for a minimum of four evenings a week, two days a week, or 104 days a year. Improvements to places of religious worship will only be considered if they are Grade I designated. Projects to improve other historic buildings, structures, or sites must be Grade I, II, or II*, or have another significant heritage designation such as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
There is a two-stage application process. Groups must first submit an online Expression of Interest before being invited to submit a full application. There are typically four funding rounds each year.
The next deadline for applications is 14 May 2025 (midnight).
7stars Foundation
Maximum value £ 2,500
Grants are available to support young people challenged by abuse and addiction, those who are young carers, and those who are homeless or without a safe place to call home.
Objectives of Fund
The foundation makes grants to projects which support young people (16 years and under) who are challenged by abuse or addiction, who are young carers, or who are homeless/without a safe place to call home.
Value Notes
Project grants of up to £2,500 are available.
Shine Bright grants of up to £1,500 are available.
Social Impact grants of up to £1,500 are available.
Who Can Apply
Applications will be considered from organisations who require funding in the areas of:
Abuse
Addiction
Child carers
Homelessness
Organisations must have a turnover of under £1.5 million and be supporting young people aged 16 years and under.
Heart of England Community Foundation Women and Girls Fund
Maximum value Discretionary Application deadline n/a
Grants are available to local charities, social enterprises and initiatives for activities that support women and girls in the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
Background
Heart of England Community Foundation has launched this new initiative to support women and girls in the West Midlands and Warwickshire after pledging to do so on International Women's Day. The Women and Girls Fund has been seeded with £50,000 from the Foundation's own resources, and businesses and individuals across the region are now being called upon to contribute to this significant cause.
Objectives of Fund
This fund aims to support the unique and diverse issues faced by female communities in the Heart of England region. From lack of access to sports, domestic violence, income inequality, reproductive rights, to mental health and self-esteem challenges – the needs of women and girls are multifaceted and often overlooked.
Value Notes
The foundation has seeded the fund with £50,000 from the Foundation's own resources and aims to raise an additional £100,000, with donations matched up to £50,000 to maximise impact.
Grants are at the discretion of the foundation.
Who Can Apply
Applications to the Heart of England Community Foundation are generally accepted from:
Registered charities.
Charitable incorporated organisations.
Constituted community groups.
Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims.
Community interest companies.
Co-operatives - registered community benefit societies and registered industrial and provident societies.
Social enterprises.
Groups must have an income equal to or less than £500,000 and be working in the area of benefit.
Social enterprises and CICs should review the additional guidance for them, which can be found on the Foundation's website.
Eligible Expenditure
Funding is for groups and projects in the West Midlands and Warwickshire that work with women to:
Improve access to sports and recreation.
Tackle domestic violence and ensure community safety.
Address income inequality and create economic opportunities through training, work and volunteering.
Support reproductive rights, sex education, and access to healthcare and health products.
Promote positive mental health and self-esteem.
How To Apply
Information on future funding rounds will be provided when it becomes available.
Applications can be made online via the Foundation's website.
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
Grants Team Heart of England Community Foundation c/o Stellantis Pinley House 2 Sunbeam Way Coventry West Midlands CV3 1ND Tel: 024 77800 520 E-Mail: info@heartofenglandcf.co.uk
Resilient Communities Surgery for Grassroots Organisations
Your Resilient Communities Locality Lead organisation in Walsall West aim to support new and emerging community groups offering professional support to help them establish, develop and sustain the wonderful work they undertake in their community.
Each month, we offer sessions on bespoke topics to help people grow in confidence, skills and experience in areas such as:
Governance, accountability and project management
Administration and financial control
Training Opportunities
Funding and innovative income opportunities
Partnerships and Collaboration
Promotion, communication and marketing techniques
Volunteer recruitment and retention
Community Engagement
Whilst one-to-one consultations can be booked any time to suit you, we also promote monthly opportunities following increased demand in these areas:
Governance, accountability and project management -
2pm to 4pm on second Tuesday in the month
Administration and financial control -
10am to 12 noon on last Friday in each month
Funding and innovative income opportunities -
10am to 12 noon on 3rd Wednesday in the month
Volunteer recruitment and retention -
2pm to 4pm on first Thursday in the month
These have proved extremely popular so do book early to reserve a place on your chosen topic.
