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*Please note that there will be no weekly update next week. Updates will resume on Friday 6 November.*
Meet your new digital assistant – AVA
South Staffordshire Council has launched AVA, a new digital assistant designed to make it easier for residents to access council services and information.
Available 24/7 from every page on the website, AVA empowers users to ask questions, complete online forms and make service requests by typing a question in on the chat.
Whether you’re reporting fly-tipping, asking about council tax, or checking the progress of cases – simply ask AVA.
✅ Available 24/7
✅ Easy to use – no technical knowledge required
✅ Fast, secure, and private
AVA offers residents another convenient way to contact the council. If you’d still prefer to speak to a member of staff, our customer services team remains available as normal. Secure, easy to use and available around the clock, AVA is ready whenever you need us.
Got a question? Ask AVA now on our website www.sstaffs.gov.uk
Claiming you benefits is Free!
Every year, older people across the UK miss out on benefits they’re entitled to. This is because they don’t know support is available, or because the system feels daunting to navigate. Unfortunately, some companies are taking advantage of this.
Claims Management Companies (CMCs) are contacting pensioners and their families, offering to handle claims for benefits like Attendance Allowance on their behalf, for a fee.
These companies are not doing anything illegal, but the impact on individuals can be significant. Fees can run into hundreds or even over a thousand pounds.
If you’re eligible for benefits, claiming them should never cost you anything. Free, trusted help is available from organisations including Citizens Advice and for housing benefits, countil tax support and Crisis Resiliance Support your South Staffordshire Council Welfare support team are here to help.
Struggling to access our services on line? We also offer a walk in service on Thursdays 10am -12pm, at Community Hub, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall WV8 1PX
Final chance to have your say and win a smart doorbell!
Thank you to everyone who has already completed our Community Safety Survey. We have had over 600 responses so far!
Your feedback is helping us to understand what matters most to residents, workers and visitors across South Staffordshire and make sure we are focusing on the right priorities for future community safety plans.
There’s still one week left to take part, with the survey closing on Friday, 30th October. By completing the survey, you can enter a prize draw for the chance to win a smart doorbell. Taking part is quick and easy. The survey is anonymous, no registration is required, and every response helps.
Click here to complete the survey
Littering Survey live – please complete and share
Littering is one of the most visible environmental issues in South Staffordshire and a common concern raised by residents. We want to understand people’s experiences, views and ideas to help shape future education, campaigns and enforcement activity.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and share it with friends, family, colleagues, community groups and local networks. The more responses we receive, the stronger the evidence we will have to guide future action.
The survey includes some thought-provoking questions about attitudes to littering and its impact on our communities. As a thank you, participants can enter a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.
Take part here: Littering Survey
No sign-up or account is required.
Thank you for supporting a cleaner South Staffordshire.
Teamwork helps reduce flood risk at Wombrook Walk
Darren Allen and the tree team from South Staffordshire Council joined forces with the friends of Wombrook Walk, Wombourne to undertake some maintenance work on Thursday 15th October.
The volunteers of the friends of wombrook and the authority`s tree team pulled together to carry out this work to allow the brook to run clear without any blockages.
The work involved clearing debris from the brook and cutting up fallen trees that were blocking the brook. This essential work helps mitigate the brook breaching its banks and causing flooding to the surrounding area upon wombrook walk.
Have fun this Halloween but be aware who you scare!
Enjoy Halloween safely and respect neighbours who don’t want to take part.
Children should be accompanied by an adult, tell a parent or carer their plans, stay with their group and use well-lit streets.Take care crossing roads and respect ‘No Trick or Treat’ signs
Collect a free personal safety alarm from Codsall Community Hub. Free ‘No Trick or Treat’ signs are also available from the Hub.
Click here to download a sign and find more trick or treating advice on our website.
Report any anti-social behaviour on 101 or call 999 if someone is in danger or a crime is in progress.
Job vacancies
- Cleaner (Wombourne Leisure Centre), closing on 1st November 2026
- Business Support Outreach Officer, closing on 13th November 2026
Half-term activities at South Staffordshire leisure centres
South Staffordshire leisure centres are offering activities for children and teenagers during October half-term, Monday 26 to Friday 30 October.
- Daily swimming and fun sessions
- Halloween Aspire Activity Camps for ages 4–14, with half- or full-day bookings
- Wolves Halloween Soccer Schools
- Active Youth gym access for ages 14 and over
- One-week lifeguard training at Penkridge Leisure Centre for ages 16 o over, with limited places
Swim Academy members swim free with a paying adult, helping families stay active during the break.
A £2.60 annual Leisure Advantage Card gives 10% off activities, including swimming and gym sessions.
Plan your half-term activities at sstaffs.gov.uk
Warm up your winter with a South Staffordshire leisure membership
South Staffordshire leisure centres are offering a limited-time Winter Warmer membership to help residents stay active this winter.
From 1–30 November, new members can join for £20 and get December free—an affordable start to a healthier routine.
Membership includes a wide range of facilities and activities across South Staffordshire leisure centres.
- Use four South Staffordshire leisure centres with one great value membership
- Get unlimited access to gyms, classes, studio cycling, swimming and toning suites
- Plan your workouts with priority booking through the members’ online portal
- Receive free health checks and a tailored personal fitness programme
- Enjoy the variety of facilities and motivation you need to improve your health and fitness
Whether returning to exercise or starting out, November is an ideal time to join.
Find out more or join online at https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/winter-warmer-membership-savings-2026
A new Staffordshire Prepared website has launched
Need to know what to do in an emergency?
The new Staffordshire Prepared website brings together information on how to make your household or business prepared and details on local risks
Explore the new site today: www.staffordshireprepared.gov.uk
Movement without limits – we want to hear from you!
Whether you’re active or not, share your experiences to help shape positive local change.
The Movement Without Limits Survey is now live. It aims to explore attitudes towards physical activity, particularly among young women, whose activity levels have been falling across our area in recent years.
We want to hear about your experiences of factors such as safety, time and capacity, and how these affect your ability to be active.
Click here to complete the survey and have your say.
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