Health
IN PICTURES: World Aids Day 2023 vigil held in Birmingham
A vigil was held in Birmingham this evening to mark World Aids Day, remembering the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, and celebrating the lives of all who have been impacted by the virus. Community members gathered for music, speeches and reflection at The Ribbons memorial in Hurst Street in Southside at 6.30pm.
Remembering the late dedicated HIV activist Tom Matthews this World Aids Day 2023
A few months before Tom Matthews passed on in 2022, I met him at our usual meeting venue, a pub in Birmingham city centre for a cup of coffee and an update on the plans that he had to commemorate World Aids Day (WAD), which was an important date on his calendar. At the meeting Tom,…
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.
£60,000 Birmingham grant scheme launched to improve mental health and wellbeing
An innovative new Birmingham grant scheme – worth over £60,000 – has been launched to support projects focused on improving the lives of those living in the West Midlands region. Leading mental health organisation, Living Well UK, is hoping to enrich and improve the lives of people coping with mental health and social issues.
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…
“There is no cure” says Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor after shocking cancer diagnosis
Music fans have been left shocked after iconic Birmingham band Duran Duran announced original guitarist Andy Taylor has stage four metastatic prostate cancer. Taylor, 61, revealed the news via a letter that was read out by his band mates as Duran Duran was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday (5…
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.