Coronavirus
Birmingham imam receives MBE for feeding homeless and helping NHS staff during pandemic
A Birmingham mosque leader who helped to feed the homeless, refugees, victims of domestic abuse and frontline NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic has received an MBE. Mohammad Asad, lead imam at Birmingham Central Mosque, was given the top honour from HRH Princess Anne at a special ceremony in Windsor Castle this month.
Health officials urge people to wear face masks and stay at home if they’re unwell
People across the country are being urged to once again wear face masks and to stay at home if they feel unwell, amid mounting pressure on the the NHS in the wake of an influx of winter illnesses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the advice to the British public as hospitals struggle with soaring…
West Midlands paramedic and charity campaigner crowned Miss Black Country 2022
An NHS paramedic has been crowned Miss Black Country 2022 at a special crowning ceremony at Walsall Manor Hospital where the contestant works. Alice Jones, aged 26, was handed the crown this week by previous holder of the crown Isobel Lines.
Homeless services face cuts at a Birmingham mosque as energy prices rise to £250,000
A mosque in the Small Heath area of Birmingham, which offers essential support services to vulnerable and homeless people, faces possible closure to departments as energy bills soar from £60,000 to a shocking figure of £250,000. Green Lane Masjid, which also operates as a community centre, food bank and a Covid-19 vaccination centre, is looking…
Birmingham volunteer group which helps vulnerable people receives The Queen’s Award
A community volunteer group which has offices in the Small Heath area of Birmingham has been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Purbanat CIC received the prestigious award for services to the community which included helping vulnerable people with mental health issues during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Birmingham imam honoured by Queen for feeding the homeless and vulnerable during COVID lockdown
A Birmingham imam who helped to feed homeless people, refugees and victims of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Muhammad Asad’s award was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday 2 June as Platinum Jubilee celebrations commenced around the country.
Plans unveiled for £4.5m upgrade to Kings Norton Cemetery following surge in COVID deaths
Plans to improve facilities and capacity at a cemetery and crematorium in south Birmingham have been unveiled, following a surge in city deaths due to COVID. King’s Norton Cemetery, which opened its first two phases in 2005, is set to reach capacity in less than two years and available graves for baby and Muslim burials…
From “heroes to villains”: Why some NHS staff oppose the COVID vaccinations mandate
Two years ago we stood on our doorsteps clapped, banged pots and pans and sounded car horns. We were urged to stay at home to protect the NHS. At protests around the UK over the weekend, NHS workers urged everyone to protect the health service in a very different way; by opposing the NHS staff vaccine mandate.
Protesters including NHS workers march through Birmingham against mandated COVID vaccinations
Hundreds of people gathered in Birmingham this afternoon to protest against mandated COVID vaccinations. Congregating in Chamberlain Square, activists rallied as part of international action against a vaccination mandate that could see thousands of NHS staff lose their jobs.
‘Walls Between Us’ play exploring mental health struggles of South Asian family to be staged at REP
A play exploring how Covid-19 impacts an intergenerational South Asian household is being performed this week as part of a Birmingham arts festival highlighting stories around mental health and wellbeing. Produced by Sampad and written by Farrah Chaudhry, The Walls Between Us brings to the stage researched, personal experiences of Covid-19, looking at issues of grief,…