Welcome to my Out and About page
This page is dedicated to promoting my activities and events within our local community. I will be sharing updates on what I am up to so that you can stay informed about what's happening in our area.
On Wednesday 20th March 2024 I visited Solihull Police Station on Homer Road to express my support for its retention and the importance of keeping this essential service operational as many residents depend on the local station. I am aware that the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, along with MPs for Solihull, have all advocated for the station to remain open. If the merger is approved, the future West Midlands Mayor will have the authority to determine the budget for West Midlands Police, appoint chief constables, and develop a comprehensive policing strategy. I fully endorse this proposal and trust that Solihull Police Station will continue to serve the community in the long term.
I am pleased to confirm that I have officially submitted my nomination papers today to run as an Independent Candidate for the Elmdon Ward (Solihull) in the upcoming local elections on Thursday, May 2, 2024. In the coming days and weeks, I will be actively canvassing and campaigning in the local area. I welcome the opportunity to engage with residents, so please don't hesitate to approach me for a chat or to say hello.
I was pleasantly surprised this morning to discover that all of my Independent campaign leaflets had turned up, detailing the key issues in the local Elmdon area and outlining my goals if elected to represent the ward. Please be on the lookout for one in your mailbox in the coming days and weeks.
Today, I have received my car signage for the local election campaign. The local elections take place on Thursday 02nd May 2024 when polling stations nationwide open from 07.00am and close at 22.00pm.
If you happen to see me over the coming days and weeks canvassing and campaigning in the Elmdon Ward, please don't hesitate to come up and introduce yourself and have a chat. As a Independent candidate running for the Elmdon Ward, I aim to represent the needs of the people at local level. If elected, I look forward to serving the residents of Elmdon to the best of my abilities.
I have spent the last day campaigning and canvassing in the Elmdon Ward of Solihull. It is important to me to personally distribute my campaign materials (totaling 850), as I believe it adds a personal touch. I enjoyed engaging with residents and listening to their feedback. Over the coming days and weeks, I will continue to be active in the community and look forward to connecting with more of you.
Today, I was engaging with the community in the Elmdon Park vicinity in Solihull. Elmdon Nature Park, formerly part of a private estate, now boasts a lake, walking paths, a play area, a football pitch, and more recreational amenities. There is something suitable for all individuals to enjoy. During my campaign efforts, I had the pleasure of conversing with several residents, including a charming lady who shared with me that she has resided in the same residence for 67 years. She nostalgically reflected on how she has witnessed changes over the years but expressed her unwavering commitment to remain in the area where she was raised.
On the 27th of March 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting the Solihull Children's Outpatients Department accompanied by a companion from Helping Hands Home Care (Solihull Branch) to deliver a basket of Easter Goodies to University Hospitals Birmingham Charities for their outpatients. Hospitals can be overwhelming for children, so I hope that this gesture will make their visit a little easier and provide them with an Easter treat. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet the dedicated nurses and staff who work tirelessly to ensure appointments run smoothly and that everyone, including parents and family members, is well taken care of. The NHS plays a vital role in our country, and I fully support the hard work and commitment shown across the entire NHS sector.
Campaigning in Hobs Moat
I had the opportunity to engage in campaigning activities in Hobs Moat on Wednesday, 03rd April 2024, alongside a companion from Helping Hands Home Care Solihull. During this time, I had meaningful conversations with local businesses and owners regarding their longstanding support for the community.
I must acknowledge the exceptional level of support and commitment extended by Helping Hands Home Care towards my campaign efforts. The dedication demonstrated by their registered care manager, Helena Wainman, and her team has truly been unparalleled. Situated on Stratford Road in Shirley, this organisation is well-equipped to cater to all your care needs and seamlessly match caregivers with clients.
I had the pleasure of campaigning today, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Tanhouse Farm Road and Farmstead Road in Solihull, to bolster my Independent Campaign Efforts for the upcoming local elections on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
This morning, Wednesday 10th April 2024, I spent the morning campaigning around the area close to Jaguar Land Rover Solihull. Despite the rainy weather I persevered to maximise my campaigning efforts leading up to the local elections on May 2, 2024.
Today ‘Wednesday 10th April 2024’ I had the pleasure of visiting Solihull Moors Football Club. After their semi-final victory in the Isuzu FA Trophy over the weekend, I would like to extend my congratulations to Solihull Moors Football Club for advancing to the final at Wembley. This accomplishment is a source of pride for the Vanarama National League Team and their dedicated supporters. Well done and best of luck in the final.
I have always been a strong advocate for the Health and Social Care Sector. The dedication and tireless effort that goes into recruiting carers, matching them with clients, and ensuring their wellbeing and needs are met is truly commendable. While the job role can be emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, these individuals continue to persevere.
Today, Wednesday 10th April 2024, I visited the Helping Hands Solihull Branch to show my support for a fundraising event being held during Mental Health Awareness Week. I had the pleasure of presenting a raffle prize of a £50 Harrods Gift Card.
Helena Wainman, the Registered Care Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the event by stating, "Helping Hands Solihull is proud to be contributing to Mental Health Awareness Week, which is scheduled for 13th-19th May. Our office will be hosting a 'Chatty Café' fundraising event with a focus on encouraging conversations and promoting mental health awareness among our carers, customers, and the wider community. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Mind charity, an organisation that works to improve mental health."
I will be attending a few personal appearances during the fundraising week to demonstrate my commitment and solidarity. In conclusion, I believe it is important to show our appreciation and support for those working tirelessly in the Health and Social Care Sector. Together, we can make a positive impact on mental health awareness. Stay tuned for further information
I had the idea to write a piece about my local NHS Hospital in Solihull. Originally established and operated by the Heart of England NHS Trust, Solihull Hospital opened its doors to the public in June 1994 following the construction of a new, purpose-built facility at a cost of £38 million in the early 1990s. The hospital's origins can be traced back to the Solihull Union Workhouse Infirmary, which was completed in 1898. In 1948, the hospital became part of the National Health Service, taking on the name Solihull Hospital.
Today, Solihull Hospital is a comprehensive general hospital under the management of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which is also responsible for Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, and Good Hope Hospital. The hospitals underwent an inspection by the Care Quality Commission on March 8, 2024, receiving a rating of Requires Improvement for safety and responsiveness, while achieving ratings of Good for effectiveness and level of care.
Notably, the hospitals were found to be inadequate in terms of leadership. The CQC report indicates that the inspection took place on 29 August 2023, 24-26 October 2023, with their findings being published on 08 March 2024. The report highlights that the trust serves over 2.2 million individuals annually and employs approximately 24,600 staff members.
The CQC notes ongoing transformation efforts throughout the hospital trust. While it is ideal for all NHS hospital trusts to receive favourable ratings, challenges such as lengthy waiting lists, overcrowded accident and emergency bays, and limited ward bed availability necessitate visible improvements.
To address these issues, it is crucial to enhance hospital efficiency by reducing waiting times and lists, as well as increasing government investment. Collaboration between central government and local hospital trusts to boost resources would facilitate the recruitment of more healthcare professionals and result in improved patient care and reduced procedure wait times.
I am open to the idea of meeting with local councillors to see how improvements could be made on behalf of the residents of Solihull and the wider community to ensure a more smoother running hospital trust. A copy of the latest CQC report for the hospital trust can be found by clicking the below.
Today, April 15, 2024, I dedicated my campaigning activities as an Independent Candidate for Elmdon Ward in the forthcoming local elections to engaging with residents along Glencroft Road, Goodway Road, Irving Road, Rangoon Road, and Victor Road. I was delighted to have the chance to interact with some residents who introduced themselves and raised questions for me to address.
On Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, I engaged in canvassing activities near Elmdon Park as the Independent Candidate for the upcoming local elections. This included visiting Valley Road, Arden Croft, and Streamside Way.
I have completed my postal vote for the forthcoming local elections, including votes for the Police & Crime Commissioner and the Mayor of the West Midlands. I urge all postal voters to ensure that their postal votes are sent using the Royal Mail postage system with ample time before the deadline.
In the event that you miss the post, you can still hand in your postal vote at a Solihull polling station before 10.00pm on polling day, but you will need to fill out a form. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council will be accepting postal votes in person at designated locations, including Solihull Council House, Manor Square, Solihull B91 3QB, Solihull Connect at The Core, Theatre Square, Solihull B91 3RG, and Solihull Connect at The Bluebell Centre, Ground Floor West Mall, Chelmsley Wood B37 5TN.
Please be aware that Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is unable to accept any postal votes left in the council mailbox or placed in the internal mail system.
I have been contacted by numerous local residents, particularly those residing in bungalows, who are experiencing sleepless nights over the past few weekends. From Friday, April 12th, 2024, to Friday, April 26th, 2024, residents have reported being disturbed by motorcyclists and cars racing at high speeds from Damson Lane onto Damson Parkway after midnight.
I want to assure the residents that I have reached out to the local authority to address their concerns. I will provide an update once I receive a response.
As a proud resident of Solihull, I would like to congratulate Solihull Moors on their recent achievement and what stands to be a successful season. Solihull Moors have secured a spot in the Vanarama National League Playoff Final after an impressive 4-0 victory against Barnet at the Hive in the semi-finals this weekend. Should they emerge victorious, they will earn promotion to the football league, a fantastic achievement for the club. Looking ahead, next week Solihull Moors will make their debut appearance at Wembley to face either Bromley or Altrincham in the 2024 National League playoff final.
