Telford People

Telford & Wrekin Council is inviting volunteers to join a major borough-wide initiative starting this week to help tidy up local neighbourhoods. With a series of community events planned from Newport to Coalbrookdale, find out how you can get involved and join the nearly 2,000 residents already working to keep our green spaces clean.

The event, taking place at the Carpenter Centre, Overdale between 3pm and 4:30pm on 13th March, will give residents the opportunity to seek advice or discuss issues directly with their MP, no booking required.

As International Women’s Day approaches, we take a look at the dedicated female team in Telford and Shropshire who are helping older residents maintain their independence. From domestic help to essential companionship, discover how these local women are going above and beyond to transform lives within the community.

Telford & Wrekin Council has confirmed a new three-year deal to ensure vital support services remain available for residents facing domestic crisis.

With a focus on stability and “continuity of care,” the local authority has outlined how survivors and their families can continue to access expert help across the borough.

Five more schools across the borough are set to join a successful government scheme providing free food and childcare before the morning bell.

A man who helped launch the careers of international football stars and served as a scout for Aston Villa for decades has passed away. Tributes are pouring in for this Shropshire sporting legend ahead of a celebration of his life next month.

A pioneering new partnership in Telford is transforming how hundreds of health professionals support disabled residents to stay active and healthy. Find out how a “fundamental shift” in local care is helping to break down long-standing barriers to physical activity across the borough.

Alfie Hall, a Year 8 student at Burton Borough School has been selected to represent his local scout group at the World Scout Jamboree in Poland.

Pupils from a local primary school have been busy on-site at a major £16m regeneration project in Wellington. The children are working alongside developers to ensure a new neighbourhood is a hit with both residents and local wildlife. Read more to see how these young “Eco Warriors” are making their mark on the town’s future.

Telford’s history and its future took centre stage in Parliament this week as MP Shaun Davies name-checked several local legends and businesses during a key debate. From history preservation to community support, find out which local heroes received a special mention in the House of Commons.

Paul Watling was welcomed back to the cabinet at Telford & Wrekin Council on Thursday to resume his position as the portfolio holder for adult social care and health.

Since the waste contract began in 2014, the scheme has handed out more than £178,000 to 208 different projects across the borough.

Telford Community Basketball CIC was among the successful applicants, securing money for their Hoops for Health project which uses sport to improve wellbeing for young people.

A local independent author has released a new children’s fantasy book after being challenged to do so by the pupils he works with in Telford. Joe, who works with children aged between 2 and 11, wrote The Fae in the Faraway Forest following a specific request during a school breakfast club.

A self confessed ‘non gardener’ has hung up the secateurs after 15 years volunteering with a gardening group in an award winning park.

Colin Thompson, 82, from Priorslee, first joined The Friends of Telford Town Park (FOTTP) in 2010 – and was on hand just three days after meeting them.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is saving £30,000 a year following the installation of a new dialysis delivery system at Hollinswood House.

David Roberts and Jeremy Harris from the medical equipment team coordinated the move to a Central Delivery System.

Funds raised will help support the charity in its work around community engagement, sports participation, education and employment, and health and wellbeing.

Health and safety restrictions apply, with a maximum individual weight of 15st – and anyone aged over 60 will need to have a fitness to jump form signed by their GP.

This week though a grateful resident visited a Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council meeting to say thank you for a Christmas hamper he had received after his name was pulled out in a draw.

“I was stuck for words,” said Mr Knott who first moved to Randlay in 1979 and liked the area so much he has been in the same house for 46 years.

Volunteers aged 14-16 years-old will be able to help with fundraising and preparations for events for the Trust’s charity, SaTH Charity, based at William Farr House in Shrewsbury.

Volunteers who are aged 16-18 years-old, in addition to the opportunities for under 16s, can also undertake meet and greet, companionship, and ward support roles. Volunteers aged over 18 years-old can become a volunteer driver or drive the patient transport buggy, as well as take on x-ray and A&E support roles.