New research reveals that older adults who learned new skills during the pandemic had better mental health and resilience, with benefits lasting over a year. Discover how lifelong learning protects wellbeing.
Storm Goretti's snow has forced the closure of the vast majority of Birmingham's secondary schools. See the full list of confirmed closures and remote learning plans.
Children from ALP Sittingbourne discovered local wildlife in a hands-on workshop with Kent Wildlife Trust, part of Barratt David Wilson Homes' sustainability drive. A new bird song panel was also unveiled.
Aldi UK donated over 1.5 million meals to charities this Christmas via surplus food. The supermarket partners with Neighbourly to tackle rising food bank demand. Discover how they support communities.
Nominations are open for Wales' Inspire! Adult Learning Awards 2026. Celebrate learners & projects transforming lives. Submit by 17 April 2026.
NEU members at Arthur Terry Learning Partnership confirm nine days of strike action in January 2026, affecting 20 schools. Parents warned of disruption and possible closures.
Wolverhampton's Pallet-Track has pledged a further £75,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity after raising £88,959. The funds keep a Critical Care Car operational 24/7. Read about their award-winning partnership.
Teachers at 20 schools across the West Midlands will strike for nine days in January amid a redundancy dispute. The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership confirms disruption is expected. Read the full story.
Erdington Hall Primary School celebrates as 63% of Year 6 pupils meet expected standards in reading, writing, and maths, surpassing both local and national averages. Discover the school's winning formula.
The 15-year economic partnership between Swindon and Wiltshire has dissolved as councils pursue separate devolution deals. The Business and Growth Unit closes. Read the full analysis.
Wolverhampton Wanderers players wore black armbands in a poignant tribute to former winger Terry Wharton, who has died aged 83. Read about the club's homage to the 1960s icon.
West Midlands Police arrested six people in Coventry after a teenage girl was threatened with a firearm and a large knife on New Year's Day. Five teenagers and a woman are in custody.
Experts urge couples to discuss finances before moving in together. Debt, joint accounts, and future goals are key to avoiding relationship strain. Get free advice from MoneyHelper.
Louisa Williams, a peer worker at EPUT, uses her own mental health journey to support patients. Discover how lived experience is reshaping care in Essex.
Mountains of uncollected Christmas rubbish plague Birmingham streets as a bitter bin strike nears its first anniversary. Residents describe shame and rat infestations.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse uses his personal cancer journey to champion a new health partnership for Rugby, aiming for local, compassionate care. The motion won unanimous support.
Tributes pour in for former Gloucester Mayor and Sheriff Terry Haines, a Labour stalwart and founding force in the city's athletics scene, who died suddenly aged 82.
As Birmingham's bin strike took hold, streets were engulfed by mountains of waste. See the areas worst affected and hear from frustrated residents demanding action.
Lidl GB is giving away 100 tonnes of surplus food on Christmas Eve, creating over 238,000 meals for those in need across the UK. Read about their festive community support.
Coventry City Council and E.ON's joint solar farm project is approved, set to power 5,000 homes for 40 years. A key step for the city's net-zero 2038 target.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish celebrate the 20th anniversary of their historic civil partnership and 11th wedding anniversary. See their touching Instagram tributes and journey.
Teachers across the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership will strike for nine days in January 2026 over plans to cut more than 100 jobs. The NEU warns of damage to education.
Birmingham residents face more missed bin collections after protests at a council depot. The city's long-running industrial dispute continues to cause disruption. Read the latest updates.
Bus station workers and customer service staff in the West Midlands walk out for a second time, rejecting a 3.2% pay offer. UNISON warns of disruption to transport and projects.
A fresh dispute has erupted in Birmingham after agency bin workers were offered a £600 cash incentive to work over New Year, angering striking council staff. Read the full story.
Government commissioners overseeing Birmingham City Council have demanded an urgent action plan to resolve the long-running bin strike, warning the council cannot 'just sit and hope'.
Tesco partners with French AI start-up Mistral in a three-year deal to enhance operations and customer service. The move could save staff time and improve the shopping experience.
UK households face a smaller, pricier Terry's Chocolate Orange this festive season. Experts warn of a 'dramatic shift' in affordable treats. Check your shopping.
Hospitality tech firm Lolly launches a year-long partnership with Essex charity Kids Inspire, pledging funding, volunteering, and awareness-raising for children's mental health. Discover how you can support.
A new enterprise hub in Essex, Hope Park, is creating vital career pathways for young adults with learning difficulties, challenging the shocking 95% unemployment rate. Discover how this project is changing lives.