News and reports

Here is a range of information to make important savings in your own home.

Saving energy around the home.
Understanding your energy bills.
Improving the efficiency of your home.
Ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

The Walsall Energy Action Project is offering FREE 1-2-1 advice sessions and Home Energy Advice visits for the residents of Walsall.

For more information please contact your nearest partner hub below.
Bloxwich Library/Launchpad, WS3 2DA weap@walsall.gov.uk
Ryecroft Community Hub, WS3 1TR 01922 626693
Darlaston All Active, WS10 8AA 0121 568 6144
Aaina Community Hub, WS1 3BS 01922 644006
Nash Dom CIC, WS1 4AL 01922 616444
Brownhills C.A. The Lamp, WS8 7JS 01543 452119

Women across the Black Country are being encouraged to visit their local pharmacy for the morning after pill (emergency contraception) – making it quicker and easier to access the care they need without booking a GP or clinic appointment.

Following the successful launch of the oral contraception service in March 2025, which allows patients to start or continue taking the contraceptive pill directly from their local pharmacy, the region has now extended access to include the morning after pill (emergency hormonal contraception).

More than 200 pharmacies across the Black Country are now participating in this expanded service, aimed at increasing choice, accessibility and confidentiality. Services include:
• Supply of oral contraception (the pill) – first supply or continuation – with a confidential consultation at the pharmacy, free of prescription charge.
• Supply of the morning after pill (emergency contraception) – available as part of this service extension, so that people needing it urgently do not have to wait for a GP appointment.

Sukhy Somal, Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are trained experts to provide timely, safe, confidential access to both regular and emergency contraception. This helps people avoid delays and ensures better support across the Black Country.”

The morning after pill is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, and this new service aims to remove barriers to timely access. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will provide information on ongoing contraception options and sexual health services where appropriate.

The new services are part of an NHS England initiative to expand the range of clinical services available in community pharmacies, helping to free up GP appointments while improving timely access to care.
Residents can find participating pharmacies across Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Dudley on the Black Country ICB website or by asking their local pharmacy.

You may have heard about an awful sexual assault, said to be racially motivated which took place over the weekend in Walsall. The perpetrator has we are advised been arrested but this has given many of us pause for thought. Women and girls of any background should not feel threatened, unsafe or at risk. This just isn’t acceptable !

We have had the following guidance/advice from the Police which we are circulating to our VCSE membership and the network and would ask you to share with your networks, family and friends too on all platforms. Apologies in advance if you receive this email a couple of times as you may be on different email lists that we hold from our International Women’s Day events that we have held.

Making the West Midlands a safer place for our communities, particularly women and girls is our priority.

Following recent incidents, we have been holding meetings with community leaders and other partners to listen to and discuss concerns.

We have been linking in with women’s charities, female community leaders, community safety partners, independent advisory groups and local politicians to discuss women’s safety.

We continue to visit faith establishments and speak with local leaders about women’s safety and what measures men can take to make women feel more comfortable.

We understand the fear and concern this type of crime can cause for our communities.

Here’s some advice to keep yourself safe:

• Stay alert – awareness is your best defence.

• If you are going out, plan your journey and let someone know.

• Try to leave places with friends or family wherever possible.

• Try to stay in well-lit areas.

• Be confident – even if you don't feel it.

• Travel as if you know where you are going.

• Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around.

• Have your keys available when you reach your home or car.

• Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary.

The following tips may seem obvious but there are some simple things we can all do to help other people feel safer when they’re out and about.

Keep your distance

When walking behind someone, particularly at night, try to leave a good amount of distance between yourself and the person ahead of you. Remember that the closer you are, the more threatening you might seem.

Cross the road

Somebody running up behind you, particularly at night, can be frightening. If you’re out for an evening run, or walk, and see someone walking ahead, cross the road, call out to let them know you’re about to run by them or make sure to leave a good amount of space when you pass them.

Be an active bystander

If you notice someone is uncomfortable with another person's behaviour, show your support by being an active bystander. It can be as simple as standing between a person and their harasser to block their line of sight. Ask that person if they need any help, and back up anyone else who is intervening.

If you or someone else are injured, in immediate danger or you need support right away, call 999 now. If it isn't an emergency, call us on 101 and report what happened or just get some advice.

If you want to report something to us but don't want to talk directly to us, some support organisations can make a report on your behalf such as a third-party reporting centre

They don't have to give us your details, you can ask the organisation not to tell us who you are. We can get more information from you by asking the support organisation to ask you questions on our behalf.

Hate Crime can be reported directly to West Midlands Police ( How to report hate crime | West Midlands Police ) or if they feel more comfortable it can be reported via our third-party reporting. For Walsall this is the Walsall Disability and Carers Hub at 17 Lichfield Street, WS1 1TU, Phone: 01922 616 798.

Also ask those employing staff to please revisit your policies on lone working and check in with all your staff as to how they are feeling.

As women we have a powerful voice and in terms of this network, thanks to women who have already made contact and started to share. Please let us know your thoughts, which we can convey to the Police and other key bodies such as Health or the council.

Shared views on the future of stroke rehabilitation services for Walsall and Wolverhampton patients.

The Trust are currently planning important changes to how stroke rehabilitation is delivered, with a greater focus on personalised care and improved support in the community. Patient feedback will play a vital role in helping us shape a service that meets the needs of patients, carers, staff, and the wider community.

What’s changing?
Stroke rehabilitation services across Walsall and Wolverhampton are set to be transformed to provide patients with more timely and personalised support.
The proposed approach is in line with the NHS 10 Year Plan to deliver more proactive, community-based care and reduce reliance on hospital-based services. While bed-based rehabilitation would still be available for those who need it, this will be for shorter periods, with most patients continuing their recovery at home or in local community settings. The bed-based rehabilitation service is proposed to move from Hollybank House in Walsall to West Park Hospital.

This will allow resources to be reinvested into a more responsive community rehabilitation service in Walsall and Wolverhampton, helping ensure more patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

The new model aligns with the national Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS) framework and will be delivered by a skilled multi-disciplinary team including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Care, and Speech and Language Therapists.

Key benefits of the new model include:
 Faster access to rehabilitation after hospital discharge
 Personalised care delivered in the most appropriate setting
 Seven-day access to specialist stroke rehabilitation
 Shorter hospital stays where safe and appropriate
 More efficient use of NHS resources, reinvested into community care

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are changes being considered for stroke rehabilitation services?
These proposals are part of a wider NHS commitment to deliver more personalised, proactive, and community-based care. The aim is to support stroke patients to recover more quickly and fully, by providing specialist rehabilitation in their own homes or local communities.

2. What is the proposed new model of stroke rehabilitation?
The proposed new model focuses on delivering an increased level of rehabilitation support at home or as close to home as possible. Patients would receive care from a seven-day specialist team, helping them regain independence and improve long-term outcomes. Bed-based care would still be available for those that need it, but for shorter periods and only when necessary.

3. What is the Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS)?
ICSS is a national model that combines early supported discharge and community stroke rehabilitation into one joined-up service. It is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, and Social Care staff.

4. How will this benefit stroke patients?
Key benefits for patients include:
• Faster access to rehabilitation after hospital discharge
• More personalised and coordinated support in familiar settings
• A focus on independence and wellbeing
• Better long-term recovery outcomes

5. Will hospital-based (bed-based) rehabilitation still be available?
Yes. For patients who need it, bed-based rehabilitation will still be available, this will be for shorter periods. Most patients will transition to community-based care sooner – care closer to their homes in the borough of Walsall or Wolverhampton - supporting a quicker return to independence and better long-term outcomes.

6. Where is it proposed that the bed-based care moves from, to?
Bed-based stroke rehabilitation services are proposed to move from Hollybank House in Walsall to West Park Rehabilitation Hospital in Wolverhampton. This proposed move would help redirect resources to enhance community rehabilitation services and ensure bed-based care is provided within a specialist rehabilitation hospital.

7. Why does West Park Rehabilitation Hospital Wolverhampton need to be considered for bed based services currently provided in Walsall?
Hollybank House is no longer fit for purpose and we need to do more to support patients to be cared for in their own homes and communities. This presents the opportunity to look at how stroke services are delivered in Walsall and Wolverhampton with a view to moving to a community based model to improve care quality and make the best use of staff and resources. This approach is in line with the NHS 10 year Plan to help deliver better outcomes by bringing specialist teams and equipment together and moving more services from hospital into community.

8. Will this affect the quality of care?
No, the quality of care will be maintained or improved. Services will be delivered by specialist, multi-disciplinary teams using evidence-based best practices. Patients will have access to expert care 7 days a week, tailored to their individual recovery goals.

9. How does this align with the NHS Long Term Plan?
This transformation supports the NHS 10 Year Plan’s goal of reducing reliance on hospitals and investing more in community-based, proactive care. It also aligns with national standards for stroke rehabilitation.

10. What happens if I or a loved one can’t be supported at home?
If a patient is not ready to return home, they will continue to receive care in an appropriate bed-based rehabilitation setting, with a plan in place to support their eventual return to the community when ready.

11. When will these proposed changes take place?
Implementation would happen in phases, with clear communication to patients, families, and staff at every stage.

12. What would happen to the staff teams at both sites if this proposal goes ahead?
Our workforce is crucial in terms of recruitment, development of roles, relationships and the commitment to work differently. There will be no loss of jobs as a result of these proposed changes, but some staff may need to work differently or be redeployed to another setting in either Walsall or Wolverhampton. We commit to working with staff on the proposed model and will need to invest in additional therapy staff to increase the level of community service provision.

13. Will this change affect families who need to travel to visit loved ones receiving bed-based care?
We recognise that travel and accessibility are important concerns for families, especially those on low incomes. While West Park Rehabilitation Hospital is in Wolverhampton, we are committed to supporting families during this transition. For those who may face financial challenges, we will assess eligibility for travel cost reimbursements through the NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.

In addition, in some cases four-week bus passes may be available, supported by the Transport for West Midlands Bus Service Improvement Programme, to help ease the cost of regular travel. We will ensure visiting arrangements remain flexible and compassionate, and we will continue to explore further ways to support families throughout this change

To read or download a copy.

Thank you to the members of the public who attended, the Walsall Mayor Louise Harrison and the support and information organisations who shared information or offered support to the Walsall Public.

It was a very interactive meeting with the public asking some very interesting questions and raising some genuine concerns.

Notes from the Annual Public Meeting of questions put to the community to gather their views and opinions on the following:
• The proposed government plans
• Hospital to Community
• Analogue to Digital
• Abolishment of Healthwatch

For the public responses, download the 'APM feedback'.

You can view or download the meeting presentation slides we used on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025.

A brief outline of some of the issues and themes patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during September 2025.

Thousands of extra urgent dental appointments are now available for people living in the Black Country who need urgent dental care.

As part of the government’s rollout of 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments across the country, more than 14,000 appointments have been made available in the Black Country.

These urgent appointments are for people experiencing serious dental problems such as:
• Severe toothache: persistent and intense pain that cannot be managed with over-thecounter painkillers.
• Dental abscess: infection causing swelling, pain, and possibly fever.
• Broken or knocked-out tooth: trauma resulting in a fractured or completely dislodged tooth.
• Uncontrolled bleeding: bleeding in mouth that doesn't stop maybe following a dental
procedure or an injury.
• Swelling: significant swelling in the mouth or face that could indicate an infection.
• Fractured, loose or displaced fillings causing pain.
• Bleeding gums requiring urgent treatment for acute conditions.
• Other treatments may be available at the discretion of the dentist. These treatments may
require extra visits and costs.
People who need an urgent dental appointment should visit NHS 111 online or call 111.
Do not contact your GP practice, as they will not be able to offer emergency or out-of-hours dental
care.

Sarb Basi, Director of Primary, Black Country ICB said: “We know how important it is for local people to be able to access urgent dental care when they need it. That’s why we’re pleased to make thousands of extra appointments available across the Black Country. These slots are specifically for urgent dental problems, and you don’t need to be registered with an NHS dentist.

At the same time, we’re continuing to work on improving access to routine NHS dental care and supporting the dental workforce, so that people across the region can get the right care when they need it.”

To read or download a copy.

A brief outline of some of the issues and themes patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during August 2025.

To read or download a copy.

We will present our Annual Public Report 2024/2025.

There will be a special presentation around 'Neighbourhood Hubs'. What are they? You ask. Then join us on the day and find out!

There will be support organisations available for you to access support or valuable information, and advice.