Weekly News
Creating Brighter Futures supports Francesca’s Café: A new hub for community and creativity
The Creating Brighter Futures programme has recently supported a new local business, Francesca’s Café, in Wombourne by providing staff training and development.
Although the café has only been open a few months, it is getting busier every day.
The owner, Francesca has introduced weekend crafting sessions, so Clare Stevens and Debra Friedl attended the recent Halloween themed ‘Paint & Sip’ session. It was great fun, with a wonderful atmosphere and new friends have now been made.
Looking ahead, Francesca is hosting a ‘Gonk’-themed crafting session on 22nd November, priced at just £15, which includes a hot drink of your choice.
A Christmas-themed session is also planned for early December. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
It was a great afternoon had by all, with lots of laughter – especially as not all participants were artists!
Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just looking for a fun and relaxing afternoon, these sessions come highly recommended. It’s a great way to unwind, meet new people, and support a growing local business.
We’re already looking forward to the next meet-up!
Welfare services community roadshow, supporting residents and their families this winter
The Welfare services team, in partnership with Age UK, Staffordshire Cares, Homes Plus and the Warmer Homes program have launched their 2025 community roadshow.
First stop was the Haling Dene at Penkridge where advisors supported residents with a wide range of topics, including:
Claiming benefits and completing forms
Local care options and housing needs/repairs
Possible home adaptations to help you stay independent
Cost of living support
Staying warm during the winter
Residents were thrilled to have the chance to meet the teams in person and access funds they never realised they could access.
Is this roadshow for me?
If you answer yes to any of the following, this roadshow is for you.
Do you need:
Adaptations to your home to help you stay independent
To report repairs
Support with increasing energy costs
To see if there are any benefits or discounts you are entitled to
Event details:
19th November – St Thomas Church, 18 Duel Way, Huntington, WS12 4GD, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
4th December – Codsall Hub, council offices, Codsall, WV8 1PX, 12.30pm to 3.30pm
10th December – Bilbrook Village Hall, Joeys Lane, Bilbrook, WV8 1JL, 11am to 2pm
South Staffordshire Council will be gifting slow cookers to residents living alone and/or on a low income, helping them prepare nutritious meals (whilst stocks last).
Winter Warmer membership savings
As the year winds down and festive expenses begin to pile up, South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are offering a fantastic opportunity to invest in your health without breaking the bank.
Join this November for just £20 and enjoy unlimited access to gyms, swimming pools, exercise classes, and toning suites across all four leisure centres – Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge, and Wombourne. That’s two full months of fitness and wellbeing, with no further payments until January, 2026.
As part of the offer, normal membership fees will start on 1st January, 2026.
Ready to get started?
💻 Join online using promo code WW25 – Create an account – Leisure Hub
🏢 Or pop into your nearest leisure centre to sign up
**To refer a friend and earn rewards, you will need to pop into the leisure centre together! (Join online option unavailable when referring).
For full details and to find out how you can sign up and take advantage of big savings, visit 👉 Winter Warmer Membership Savings | South Staffordshire District Council
Become a volunteer walk leader and help your community thrive!
Are you passionate about walking, meeting new people, and promoting health and wellbeing in your local area?
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team of walk leaders who help deliver friendly, accessible walks across the district.
Many parishes already have volunteer teams leading weekly walks, offering flexibility and shared responsibility to make the experience easier and more enjoyable for all.
After a short training on leading safe and effective walks, you’ll be free to choose the length, day, and time that suits your schedule.
Volunteering as a walk leader is a fantastic way to:
• Meet like-minded people
• Stay active and enjoy the outdoors
• Support your community’s health and wellbeing
If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, please contact our Walking Co-ordinator, Louise Colman, at louisewalkingforhealth@gmail.com.
Let’s walk together towards a healthier, happier community!
Staffordshire Police appeal following serious collision
Staffordshire Police are appealing for information following a serious road traffic collision, in which a man sustained a potentially serious head injury.
Officers were called at 5.45am on Tuesday, 4th November to Stourbridge Road, near Beggars Bush Lane, in Wombourne following reports of a collision.
Two vehicles, a car and a van, were involved.
One man, in his 40s, in the car, sustained a potentially serious head injury. He was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Another man, from the van, was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.
The A449 southbound and northbound from Wodehouse Island remains closed while our inquiries continue.
Anyone who witnessed what happened or may have relevant information should contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting incident number 75 of 4th November or contact investigators directly at ciu@staffordshire.police.uk.
Traffic management update – A449 Stafford Road
We wish to inform residents that West Midlands Interchange (WMI) has completed construction of two new laybys on the A449 Stafford Road.
*Please note this is not a council-led project.
As part of post-construction works, WMI will carry out vegetation clearance and planting, requiring daytime lane closures:
- 17th – 21st November: Northbound lane 1
- 24th – 28th November: Southbound lane 2
Work hours are 8am-6pm (Monday-Friday), with occasional Saturday work (9am-1pm).
We would like to reassure you that Winvic and all involved in the project will ensure any disruption to road users and local businesses is minimised.
Please be aware you may see our workforce on site up to one hour before and one hour after these times to set up and secure our equipment.
For queries, contact us at 0800 377 7345 or contactus@communityrelations.co.uk.
Share your views on the future of libraries
Staffordshire County Council is inviting residents to shape the future of our libraries and community hubs.
A new consultation launched on Tuesday, 28th October, offering opportunities to share views via online and paper surveys, coffee drop-ins, and youth engagement.
With 27 libraries now community-managed, many have evolved into vibrant hubs offering services from IT support to dementia-friendly activities.
This is not about closures, but about growth.
Visit the Let’s Talk Community Hub Libraries webpage to get involved and help ensure libraries remain central to our communities: Staffordshire Libraries: Help Shape the Future of Your Local Community Hubs | Let’s Talk Staffordshire.
Have your say on community safety in your area:
Your opinion matters!
South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) works to ensure that South Staffordshire is a safe place to live, work and visit.
We want to hear your perception of crime in your local area, your opinion on the priorities in the 2025-26 Community Safety Partnership Plan and your thoughts on other areas the partnership should consider.
The closing date of the survey is Thursday, 21st November.
Click here to learn more and to complete the short survey.: Project: Community Safety in South Staffordshire 2025 | South Staffordshire District Council
Visit our website to find out more about the CSP: South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership | South Staffordshire District Council