Newsround

YMCA Sutton Coldfield marks 125 years of community impact with celebration

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Pictured left: Councillor Alex Yip, Councillor David Pears, Neil Thorogood, Deputy Lieutenant Karen Williams, Joy Scott-Thompson, Beverley Redguard, Rachel Dutta Choudhury, and Nick Owen.)

YMCA Sutton Coldfield, one of the West Midlands’ most enduring charities, recently hosted a historic celebration at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall to commemorate 125 years of service to the local community.

The milestone event earlier this month brought together a diverse group of attendees, including long-standing supporters, corporate partners, dedicated volunteers, staff members, and service users, all united to honour the charity’s legacy and its ongoing commitment to empowering vulnerable residents across Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding areas.

A legacy of supporting people

Since its founding in 1901, YMCA Sutton Coldfield has evolved into a vital community anchor, delivering a comprehensive range of support programmes designed to help people overcome adversity, build resilience, and unlock their full potential. The charity provides critical services for young people, families, and disabled adults, addressing pressing social challenges such as isolation, mental health, and economic hardship.

The anniversary event served as a powerful reminder of the charity’s heritage while shining a spotlight on its modern-day impact – transforming countless lives through youth work, family support, and disability care.

Community partnerships take centre stage

The celebration also underscored the importance of collaboration in the nonprofit sector. Representatives from local businesses, stakeholder organisations, and partner charities gathered to discuss how joint efforts are essential to tackling regional social issues.

Rachel Dutta Choudhury, Bid Writing, Fundraising and Development Manager at YMCA Sutton Coldfield, commented:

“Our 125th anniversary celebration was a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who has been part of our journey. We are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, supporters, and service users – past and present – who have helped shape YMCA Sutton Coldfield over the last 125 years. Together, we have changed countless lives, and we remain committed to supporting local people for generations to come.”

The 125 club: a call for community sponsorship

In alignment with the anniversary, YMCA Sutton Coldfield has launched the 125 Club—a new sponsorship initiative inviting local businesses and community advocates to make a one-off contribution of £125. This initiative provides an accessible way for organisations to demonstrate their support for local youth and family services while directly contributing to the charity’s sustainability for the next 125 years.

Distinguished guests and local dignitaries

The celebration was attended by several notable figures, including Councillor Alex Yip, Councillor David Pears, Neil Thorogood, Deputy Lieutenant Karen Williams, Joy Scott-Thompson, Beverley Redguard, and Nick Owen. Their presence highlighted the strong civic and ceremonial support for the charity’s mission within the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.

Looking ahead: the next chapter of local impact

As YMCA Sutton Coldfield looks towards the future, the charity remains steadfast in its mission to provide a safe, supportive environment where everyone can thrive. With 125 years of history as a foundation, the organisation is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact across the Birmingham region.

Newsround

Inspiring twins turn hair into hope for children with cancer

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In a story that has melted hearts, seven‑year‑old twins Willow and Isla are preparing to chop off their knee‑length hair for charity – after a spontaneous act of kindness sparked by a TikTok video over a year ago.

The sisters, who have never had their hair cut in their lives, are set to lose at least 12 inches each on July 25 to raise funds for The Little Princess Trust. The charity provides real‑hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment.

A fundraising event will be held on July 25 at Oscott Social Club in Erdington, where the little girls will lose their long locks while a host of activities take place throughout the day, including bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and of course food and drink will be available all day.

The fun begins at the club on Witton Lodge Road at midday and runs until 5pm.

The twins’ journey to this moment began long before the scissors come out – on a day that started with a simple scroll through social media and ended with a promise that would last an entire year.

‘Rough start’ that forged a fighting spirit

Willow and Isla’s mother has spoken candidly about the twins’ arrival into the world. Born three months premature and weighing just 1lb each – small enough to fit in the palm of a hand – the girls spent 17 weeks in hospital.

Yet despite the odds, she says, ‘they came out fighting.’

Now aged seven and living with autism, the twins have retained that resilience – and now, they are channelling it into an act of generosity that has left their family bursting with pride.

The TikTok that changed everything

The idea was born last year, when Willow was sitting next to her mother scrolling through TikTok. The pair came across a video of a little girl with no hair.

‘Willow was curious and asked why she didn’t have no hair,’ her mother explained. ‘I just told her she was poorly, and that made her hair fall out.’

Willow’s response was instantaneous. ‘Aww, that’s ok little girl,’ she said. ‘I will give you some of my hair.’

Her mother admitted: ‘I honestly felt like my heart was about to burst out my chest.’

A promise kept

Twelve months on, Willow has not forgotten. She still tells people: ‘I’m going to give my hair to the poorly children.’ And where Willow leads, Isla follows. The twins’ mother said: ‘Of course, Isla wants to be just like her twin sister, so she’s been telling all her friends at school. They are very excited!’

The girls’ hair currently falls all the way to their knees, making them, in their mother’s words, ‘my very own Rapunzels.’ On 25 July, that will change, as they both sit for their first‑ever haircut.

A mission to make two wigs

The family has launched a fundraising page with a goal of £1,400 – because it costs £700 to make a single wig for a child. With both twins donating their hair, they hope to raise enough for two wigs to be created.

The Little Princess Trust relies entirely on public donations to provide both Hair and Hope to children and young people facing cancer. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps turn locks of love into lifelines.

‘The girls are our very own superHAIROES,’ their mother said. ‘It would mean the world to us if people could donate, or even just share the page.’

The twins’ story is a testament to the power of a child’s compassion – and a reminder that sometimes, the biggest heroes come in the smallest packages.

To donate or share the family’s fundraising page, visit justgiving

Newsround

Council under fire with chaos again at Sutton tip

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If you ventured anywhere near the tip this week, you likely found yourself stuck in a queue that stretched far beyond the entrance gates. Once again, residents are facing massive delays, and the knock-on effect is causing major disruption across the entire local area.

It simply isn’t good enough. It’s inefficient, costly and potentially dangerous – with accidents waiting to happen.

Residents in Birmingham attempting to dispose of their rubbish this week have been met with gridlocked traffic, as queues for the Norris Way recycling centre spiral out of control. The severe backlog is causing chaos on Coleshill Road, with lines of traffic snaking all the way back to the Kings Arms pub, raising serious concerns about public safety and local accessibility.

This waste management crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing Birmingham bin strike and a surge in garden waste due to the summer weather, is turning the weekly tip run into a daily ordeal for motorists.

Queues cause standstill on Coleshill Road

The disruption at the Sutton Coldfield tip is no longer confined to the site itself. Witnesses report that traffic is backing out of Norris Way, spilling onto major arteries, and causing significant delays for commuters and local businesses.

“It’s becoming a daily nightmare,” said one frustrated resident. “The traffic is backing up to the Kings Arms. It’s inefficient, costly, and potentially dangerous—accidents are waiting to happen.”

Similar issues have also been reported at the Perry Barr recycling centre, suggesting a city-wide failure in waste disposal services during the current industrial action.

Garden waste problem

With summer in full swing, green waste is piling up faster than the site can process it. The on-site containers are struggling to keep up with demand as residents take advantage of the good weather. However, with no kerbside garden waste collections taking place due to the strike, the tips have become the only outlet, overwhelming capacity.

Adding to the mayhem is a lack of adherence to the booking system. Staff are reportedly turning away vehicles without appointments, but these rejected cars remain in the queue, adding to the gridlock and wasting fuel.

‘Root cause is bin strike’

Local officials are now stepping in, calling for urgent action from the new Birmingham City Council administration and waste contractor Veolia.

Reddicap ward councillor, David Pears, spoke out about the “unsustainable” situation on his Facebook page. He stated:

“The queues we are seeing are completely unsustainable. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s bringing our local roads to a standstill, affecting businesses, bus routes, and emergency vehicle access. While we are pressing council officers for answers, the root cause is clear. This seemingly never-ending bin strike is crippling our waste services. The new administration at Birmingham City Council must make resolving this strike their absolute number one priority. Our communities cannot afford to wait any longer.”

Impact on business and emergency services

The traffic disruption is having a domino effect across the area. Local business owners are reporting reduced footfall as customers avoid the area, while bus passengers face significant delays due to diverted routes.

Most critically, there are growing fears that the stationary traffic will block access for emergency services. With roads at a standstill, an ambulance or fire engine could face life-threatening delays trying to navigate through the chaos.

What can residents do?

Until the industrial action is resolved, residents are advised to:

  • Stick to the booking system: Ensure you have a valid appointment before visiting the tip to avoid being turned away.
  • Check live traffic: Use local traffic apps to check the status of Coleshill Road before setting off.
  • Home composting: Where possible, consider home composting for garden waste to reduce the burden on the site.
Newsround

Meet Sutton Coldfield’s new mayor

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Sutton Coldfield councillor Nitish Raut has spoken of his pride after being elected as the new mayor of the royal town.

Cllr Raut  who has lived in Sutton Coldfield since 2009 along with his wife Dr Aarti Raut and their two children, will serve for the municipal year 2026- 2027.

NHS consultant

For more than 25 years, he has worked for the NHS as a Consultant Gynaecologist and is passionate about improving women’s health and healthcare standards.

Alongside his clinical work, Cllr Raut undertakes professional and educational roles with the General Medical Council and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. He also holds a Masters degree in Medical Education.

New connections

Cllr Raut, who has represented the Mere Green ward since 2028, said: “I’m truly honoured and delighted to have become mayor of the Royal Town.

“I look forward to connecting with and supporting a wide range of local organisations and groups, and I hope that throughout the coming year there will be many opportunities for new conversations to begin and new connections to be formed.”

Cllr David Pears has been elected as deputy mayor.

Newsround

Alpacas bring joy to Sutton Coldfield care home

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Residents at a care home in Sutton Coldfield received an unforgettable surprise this National Pet Day, thanks to a pair of gentle, four-legged guests.

Care UK’s Mercia Grange, located on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, welcomed Jack and Roo – two charming alpacas from Wildwood Alpacas – for a heartwarming session of animal therapy for the elderly.

A unique sensory experience

The visit was designed to engage residents through touch, sight, and sound. The team from Wildwood Alpacas led the session, offering their expertise and encouraging residents to get hands-on. The elderly participants were invited to stroke, handle, and even feed the alpacas, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the pampering.

One resident, Bunty Speight, described the encounter as deeply moving:

“They are so adorable. They looked right at me as if we understood each other. It’s not every day you get to connect with animals like that.”

Benefits of animal therapy for dementia care

According to care experts, interactions like these are more than just entertainment. Animal therapyhas been proven to:

  • Lift mood and reduce anxiety
  • Encourage social interaction among residents
  • Trigger positive memories, particularly for those living with dementia

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, explained:

“We always strive to create fun and interactive experiences for residents. A visit from some furry friends is a great way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Animal therapy is hugely beneficial for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it can help lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction.”

He added: “We want to thank Wildwood Alpacas for making our day. We look forward to seeing our new fluffy friends again in the future!”

About Mercia Grange

Mercia Grange is a leading residential, nursing, and dementia care home in the Four Oaks area of Sutton Coldfield. The three-storey, state-of-the-art facility features:

  • 67 en suite bedrooms
  • A cinema room
  • A hair and beauty salon
  • Sadlers Café, a popular on-site café for residents and visitors

The home is designed to promote independence while offering full-time care, short-term respite stays, and specialist dementia support.

To arrange a tour or enquire about availability, contact Customer Relations Manager Sevgi Halil:

📞 Phone: 0121 314 7849
📧 Email: sevgi.halil@careuk.com
🌐 Website: careuk.com/mercia-grange

Newsround

Safe parking outside schools: key guidelines

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Parking in school areas can cause traffic chaos and be dangersous. West Midlands Police have put out this comprehensive guidance

Pick-up and drop-off times are busy outside schools in the Sutton Coldfield area. This can cause an increased safety risk to both children and parents.

Parking restrictions outside schools are there to keep you and your children safe. Parking inconsiderately can put people in danger and you also risk being fined. It’s important that motorists follow the Highway Code.

Parking restrictions outside schools

Understanding yellow zigzag markings

Most school entrances and exits in the UK have yellow zigzag road markings with the writing ‘School Keep Clear’.

Zigzags can also be found at entrances and exits of hospitals, fire stations, police stations and ambulance stations. They indicate the part of the road where motorists should not wait, stop, or park a vehicle.

Sometimes there may be an accompanying sign that shows specific times when these restrictions are in place. Motorists are legally allowed to park on the zigzags outside of these hours.

Both yellow and white zigzags also show areas that must be kept clear so that children and other road users can see clearly when crossing the road.

Parking on yellow zigzags

You can legally park on yellow zigzags under certain circumstances.

Yellow zigzags without accompanying signs advise motorists not to wait or park there at any time for the safety of children and others. We can and do issue tickets for parking on them, based on causing an obstruction to other motorists or pedestrians.

Some yellow zigzags have a single or double yellow line, which indicate different parking restrictions.

Find out more:

  • The Highway Code – Parking and Waiting
  • The Highway Code – Road Markings

Parking opposite yellow zigzags

You can legally park opposite yellow zigzags. However, this can make crossing the road more dangerous, especially for children. Some schools have yellow zigzags on both sides of the road for this reason.

Safety tips for parking outside schools

When picking up or dropping off children at schools, you should do the following:

· Allow yourself plenty of time as the area is likely to be busy.

· Do not park on yellow zigzag lines and avoid parking opposite them.

· If you decide to park further away, please be considerate of local residents and avoid blocking driveways or accessways.

Fines

Local councils can issue motorists with penalty charge notices (PCN) for waiting, stopping, or parking on yellow zigzags if restrictions are in place. These are issued by civil enforcement officers.

Most parking or waiting fines are now enforced as a civil matter, rather than a police matter. A PCN does not result in a criminal record or points on a licence if dealt with by the council.

In some areas, the local council doesn’t have civil parking enforcement powers. In these areas parking is enforced by us or by police-employed traffic wardens who will issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN) . These are enforced through the criminal justice system.

Fines can vary depending on location. Stopping in a restricted area outside a school will result in a higher fine. The fee is also halved if paid within 14 days and you have 28 days to pay or challenge the fine.

Business, Newsround

Harvey Norman opens new store in Sutton Coldfield

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Harvey Norman, the global retail giant specialising in furniture, bedding, appliances and technology, is set to soft open its highly anticipated new store at the Gracechurch Centre.

The soft launch, commencing at 11am on Thursday 2 April, offers the local community an exclusive first look at the retailer’s integrated retail concept just in time for the Easter weekend. This opening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s UK growth strategy, building on the momentum from its flagship Merry Hill location.

A new UK headquarters in the West Midlands

Beyond serving as a premier shopping destination, the new Sutton Coldfield location will also function as Harvey Norman’s UK headquarters. This dual-purpose facility establishes a centralised hub for the company’s expanding operations, underscoring the importance of the West Midlands region to the brand’s future.

Lachlan Roach, managing director at Harvey Norman UK, commented on the strategic significance of the launch:

“We are delighted to be opening our Sutton Coldfield store and to be continuing our expansion across the UK. The West Midlands is an important region for our growth, and the Gracechurch Centre provides an excellent location for both our retail offering and our UK headquarters.”

Community partnerships: cupcakes and brass bands

To celebrate the soft opening, Harvey Norman is engaging with the local community through partnerships with independent businesses and organisations.

  • Silver Tree Bakery partnership: the first 200 customers through the doors on opening day will receive complimentary cupcakes provided by local independent business Silver Tree Bakery.
  • Live entertainment: in collaboration with Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, a standing brass band will perform outside the store, creating a vibrant atmosphere for shoppers.

What to expect at the new store

The Gracechurch Centre location promises to deliver Harvey Norman’s signature “integrated retail” experience, bringing together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof. Customers can expect dedicated departments for:

  • Furniture: living, dining and bedroom collections.
  • Bedding: mattresses and bedroom accessories.
  • Appliances: major kitchen and laundry appliances.
  • Technology: the latest in consumer electronics and computing.

Mr Roach added: “We’ve worked hard to create a space that brings together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof, supported by knowledgeable teams and a strong customer experience. We’re also proud to be working with local businesses such as Silver Tree Bakery as part of our opening.”

Grand opening to follow

While the soft launch invites the public to explore the store starting 2 April, an official grand opening event is planned for the coming weeks. This event is expected to welcome VIP guests from across the UK.

Harvey Norman’s expanding UK footprint

Established in 1982, Harvey Norman operates over 300 stores worldwide across Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia and Croatia. With the addition of the Sutton Coldfield location, Harvey Norman’s UK portfolio now includes:

  • Merry Hill Shopping Centre: flagship store (opened 2024)
  • Belfast: Boucher Road and Holywood Exchange
  • Sutton Coldfield: the Gracechurch Centre (new UK headquarters)

For more information about the soft launch or to explore product ranges, visit the new store at the Gracechurch Centre starting Thursday 2 April.

Newsround

Sutton Coldfield’s Bid for permanent CCTV funding

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A major campaign is underway to bring permanent public CCTV cameras back to Sutton Coldfield town centre, with local business leaders appealing for capital funding to make the long-awaited project a reality.

The Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), which represents 340 town centre businesses, is leading the charge to secure a permanent, long-term CCTV solution for the area.

Currently, the town centre operates without a permanent public system, relying on just two temporary cameras installed by Birmingham City Council in July 2025 after a two-year gap in coverage.

While the temporary units were welcomed as a positive interim measure, the BID is now focused on a more robust and reliable solution to ensure public safety and provide reassurance for businesses and visitors.

The plan: modern digital CCTV for key locations

After months of collaboration, Birmingham City Council has provided a formal quotation of approximately £45,000 to replace three obsolete analogue cameras with modern digital equipment. The proposed system would offer:

  • 24/7 monitoring: Live, year-round surveillance from Birmingham City Council’s operations centre.
  • Police integration: Direct liaison with West Midlands Police to ensure rapid response to incidents.
  • Zero ongoing costs: The city council has confirmed there will be no recurring charges for monitoring or recording under its existing public space CCTV arrangements.

This fully developed and costed proposal has garnered strong support from both the BID and local law enforcement.

Police endorsement: a “significant strengthening” of security

West Midlands Police has thrown its weight behind the initiative, highlighting the critical role surveillance plays in modern crime prevention.

“A modern, fully operational public CCTV network would significantly strengthen our ability to prevent crime, disrupt anti-social behaviour and bring offenders to justice. The Sutton Trinity neighbourhood police team fully supports the installation of upgraded public CCTV in Sutton Coldfield town centre,” a police spokesperson confirmed.

The funding hurdle and future ambitions

Despite the plan being ready to deploy, the project hinges on securing the initial capital investment for hardware and installation. The BID is actively engaging with key stakeholders to bridge this gap.

Michelle Baker, BID manager at Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, emphasised the urgency of the situation. She said:

“Public safety is non-negotiable, and permanent CCTV is essential in any well-managed town centre. We have a fully developed and costed proposal that is ready to be delivered. Birmingham City Council will operate and monitor the system at no additional cost. What we need now is the capital investment to make it happen.”

In the absence of direct funding from Birmingham City Council, the BID has formally raised the issue with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, the town’s Pride in Place Board, and local MP Andrew Mitchell to identify a way forward.

While reinstating the three original cameras is the immediate priority, the BID has outlined a longer-term vision to expand coverage to other key areas, such as Birmingham Road, which currently lacks public CCTV despite a high concentration of bars and restaurants.

How to support

The BID is calling on local partners, stakeholders, and the community to support the campaign. By securing this essential infrastructure, Sutton Coldfield can ensure a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone.

For more information or to discuss funding contributions, contact the Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID.

Newsround

Soul of Sutton Exhibition: Celebrating local photography talent

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Pictured: From left – Cllr Nitish Raut, deputy mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Dave Taylor, photographer of ‘Where’s Mine?’ and 2025 entrant, Emily Hannigan, matron at Good Hope Hospital and Simon Jarvis, hospital executive director at Good Hope Hospital

An award-winning photography exhibition designed to capture the “essence and soul” of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield has beenofficially hailed as a resounding success—bringing warmth, color, and comfort to patients and visitors at Good Hope Hospital.

What began as a community competition has evolved into a living art gallery within the hospital’s Treatment Centre. The ‘Soul of Sutton’ exhibition, spearheaded by the Town Council and Mayor Cllr Cindy Yip, now features 22 stunning photographic entries from local residents, with the dual purpose of showcasing local talent and improving the wellbeing of those receiving medical care.

From competition to community healing

The initiative launched in 2024 when photography enthusiasts were invited to submit images that best represented the spirit of Sutton Coldfield. After receiving a high volume of high-quality entries, the Town Council sought a way to share the work beyond a traditional gallery setting.

Simultaneously, Good Hope Hospital was actively looking to “brighten up the walls” of its Treatment Centre to bring comfort and joy to patients, visitors, and staff. A partnership was formed, and the corridor—one of the busiest thoroughfares in the hospital—was transformed into a public gallery.

Simon Jarvis, Hospital Executive Director at Good Hope Hospital, commented:
“The corridor between the Treatment Centre and the main hospital building is well-used by patients, staff and visitors. The stunning photography on display really brightens up this busy thoroughfare and further strengthens the strong ties between our hospital and the local community.”

New entries for 2025 expand the collection

Following the success of the initial 13 entries displayed in 2024, a further nine images from the 2025 competition have now been installed.

Featured residents and contributors include: Alison Matthews, Dave Taylor, Kathryn Sawbridge, Keith Wright, Harriet Birdsell, Neil Dance and Sutton Park Grange Care Home.

Tackling social isolation: The story behind ‘Where’s mine?’

One of the standout additions to the 2025 exhibition is Dave Taylor’s image, ‘Where’s mine?’. Taken at Coffee#1 in Sutton Coldfield, the photograph depicts Dave’s friend Colin enjoying a drink and a snack with his Australian Shepherd, Jake.

Dave’s motivation for entering the competition was deeply personal. Having visited the hospital previously, he and his family saw firsthand how the 2024 exhibition lifted spirits.

“We saw the images from the 2024 competition and thought they really brightened the treatment centre up and gave us something nice to focus on during our visits there,” Dave explained.

“I wanted to enter the 2025 competition in the hope that this new collection continues to bring enjoyment to other people attending Good Hope Hospital.”

His image intentionally highlights the importance of social spaces in Sutton Coldfield and their role in tackling social isolation—a theme that resonates strongly with the “Soul of Sutton” brief.

‘Seasons of Friendship’ brings care home residents into focus

Sutton Park Grange Care Home submitted ‘Seasons of Friendship at Sutton Park Grange Care Home’, a photograph that the team says “truly captures the spirit of our residents.”

“It’s a privilege to have our photograph included in this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital,” a spokesperson said.
“We hope it brightens someone’s day in the wider community of Sutton Coldfield.”

Alison Matthews: Finding beauty in Sutton Park

Amateur photographer Alison Matthews has two pieces featured in the exhibition: ‘Beautiful Blues’and ‘Proud Park Swan’. A regular walker in Sutton Park, Alison uses photography as a tool for both mental and physical health.

“I get real pleasure in sharing my photography and I am thrilled to be part of this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital,” said Alison.

“I am just a happy amateur who loves finding beauty in and around Sutton Coldfield, particularly in Sutton Park. Regular walks with my camera are what keeps me healthy, in mind as well as body! This is a great opportunity to share a little of that with patients and staff.”

Personal achievement and community pride

Keith Wright, creator of ‘Maypole Installation, Holly Knoll, Sutton Park, May 2025’, spoke about what it means to be selected for a public exhibition.

“Participating in an exhibition, after being selected in a competition, confirms a personal achievement and instils a sense of pride. Producing photographic images to a set task or theme is an enjoyable challenge for any photographer.

“Many of us, friends or family (or someone who knows us), will pass through the hospital. The printed photograph gives us time to look, experience, enjoy and discuss.”

A unique story to yell

Cllr Cindy Yip, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, served as judge for the 2025 competition and praised the depth of talent on display.

“It was a privilege to view the entries and select winners for the 2025 Soul of Sutton competition, each one with a unique story to tell about our Royal Town.

“This is a great space to showcase the talent of local residents. Congratulations again to all the featured artists.”

Why this matters: The power of art in healthcare

The ‘Soul of Sutton’ exhibition is a prime example of the therapeutic power of visual art in healthcare environments. By replacing blank clinical walls with scenes of local nature, community life, and cherished pets, Good Hope Hospital has created a “positive distraction” for those undergoing treatment.

Residents have reported that the images provide comfort and a sense of familiarity during what can be a stressful hospital visit.

About the ‘Soul of Sutton’ Initiative
The ‘Soul of Sutton’ competition is an annual event run by Sutton Coldfield Town Council. It invites residents to submit photographic works that celebrate the people, places, and spirit of the Royal Town. Winning entries are displayed publicly to foster community pride and cultural engagement.

Visiting the Exhibition
The exhibition is located in the corridor between the Treatment Centre and the main hospital building at Good Hope Hospital. It is freely accessible to patients, visitors, and staff during hospital opening hours.

Newsround

Hunt for e-bike gang after Sutton Coldfield shooting

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Police have appealed for more information after man in his 20s was left fighting for his life after a shooting in Sutton Coldfield. A woman was also injured in the attack on January 31.

Detectives are now urgently searching for a group of men seen on electric bikes (e-bikes) believed to be involved.

Detective Inspector Francis Nock stated: “A man has been very seriously injured and we’re determined to find out who was responsible. We’re working round the clock and know there will be people who can help us. Any footage, imagery or information could prove vital.”
Police say this appears to be an isolated incident targeted at a specific address, but additional officers remain in the area for public reassurance.

Key details of the Sutton Coldfield shooting

  • Date & Time: Around 11:30 PM on Saturday, 31 January
  • Location: Mount View or Reddicap Hill area, Sutton Coldfield
  • Crime Reference: 20/132275/26
  • Current Status: Major investigation with increased police presence

Appeal for information

West Midlands Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who:

  • Saw a group of men on electric bikes in the area
  • Witnessed the incident or people fleeing the scene
  • Heard gunshots or significant disturbances
  • Have dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage from around 11:30 PM on January 31

How to help the investigation

If you have any information, no matter how small:

  • Call: 101, quoting reference 20/132275/26
  • Online: Visit the West Midlands Police website