West Midlands Combined Authority

08/09/2026

"I started rough sleeping when my husband died, I lost the flat, started drinking more and everything went downhill,” said former rough sleeper Lucy. 💔

“I felt brilliant when I first got help. When I moved into the house I felt safe, I got my independence back." 🔑

Lucy’s experience is a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how vital it is to get the right support at the right time.

Through her local outreach team in Coventry, Lucy found safety, kindness and a place to call home. 🏡

"Everyone here is kind, nice and understanding. They help me with everything. It’s brilliant to have somewhere to go back to at night."

To make sure more people like Lucy get the lifeline they need, Richard Parker - Mayor of the West Midlands has announced £5.5m in funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping across the region this winter. 🤝

Working alongside local councils, charities and dedicated outreach teams, this funding will provide emergency shelter, essential healthcare and long-term support to help people rebuild their lives.

Find out more 👉 https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/mayor-announces-5-5m-to-bring-homeless-in-from-the-cold-this-christmas/

03/09/2026

🎤 What would you ask the Mayor?

Ask the Mayor Anything gives people across the West Midlands the chance to put their questions directly to Mayor Richard Parker.

Next stop: the Black Country.

📍 Sandwell College
📅 Wednesday 16 September
⏰ 6pm–7.30pm

Got something you want to ask about transport, housing, jobs, the cost of living or another issue that matters to you?

👉 Book your place and submit your question: https://assets-gbr.mkt.dynamics.com/a3b85b0d-c453-4680-af2a-330420e03125/digitalassets/standaloneforms/42f5bf44-7c65-f111-ab0d-70a8a5763530?readableEventId=Ask_the_Mayor_Anything_Birmingham_and_Solihull1386279242

01/09/2026

👁️ What if eye drops could work better, for longer?

University of Birmingham spin-out Healome is developing technology that could do just that, right here in the West Midlands.

As the first business in our region to receive investment from WMCA-backed Midlands Mindforge, it’s part of our ambition to turn breakthrough research into products, businesses and jobs here in the region.

28/08/2026

Your area. Your voice. 📣

Got a question about what matters to you and your community?

Mayor Richard Parker is heading to Sandwell College for the next Ask the Mayor Anything session.

From transport and housing to jobs, the cost of living, crime, the environment and more, this is your opportunity to put your questions directly to the Mayor.

📍 Sandwell College
📅 Wednesday 16 September
⏰ 6pm-7.30pm

👉 Register here: https://assets-gbr.mkt.dynamics.com/a3b85b0d-c453-4680-af2a-330420e03125/digitalassets/standaloneforms/42f5bf44-7c65-f111-ab0d-70a8a5763530?readableEventId=Ask_the_Mayor_Anything_Birmingham_and_Solihull1386279242

21/08/2026

🩵 They're back after 25 years.

🏟️ Coventry City FC take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Friday evening.

⚽️ PUSB

📸 Dave Archer

19/08/2026

💫 After leaving school with no GCSE qualifications, Olivia went to college and is now building her career as a customer service apprentice.

🙌 Good luck to everyone receiving their GCSE results this week.

18/08/2026

What does the West Midlands mean to you?

Whether it’s your daily journey around your local area, weekends spent exploring nearby parks, or the community spirit that makes you proud to call it home, we want to know what makes this region yours?

We’re on a mission to understand what makes our region unique, how getting around connects you to local places and opportunities, and how we can best shape the future of our communities.

Help us paint a true picture of life in the West Midlands! 👇

https://wmbrandsurvey.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/what-does-the-west-midlands-mean-to-you?step=step1

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17/08/2026

Follow Jack for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Day 6 of the European Athletics Championships! 🏃‍♂️📸

From exploring everything happening around the stadium, to viewing the award ceremony from up high and getting right down on the field alongside the athletes - Jack takes us behind the scenes and into the heart of the action. 🎥

What an incredible week it was 🫶🏻🥇

16/08/2026

How we wish we got out of bed on Monday morning…

Our Midlands long jump boss Jazmin Sawyers looking cool as… 😎

She leapt to 🥈 on the final night of birmingham2026

16/08/2026

Listen to that roar! 🔊

A jubilant home crowd help bring home to win gold at on the final night at