 The Government has announced that more shops can open from Monday (15 June) and the council is putting together a package of guidance to help high street and town centre businesses reopen safely.
We want to do all we can to help our businesses and shoppers stay safe. Go to our dedicated webpage and Think Sandwell's website for the latest advice, which includes key steps that shops and businesses need to take to reopen safely.
Please do all you can to set a good example for your family and friends and point any businesses you know to this resource.
Please remember to it is compulsory to wear a face covering on public transport from Monday (15 June) and is advised in public places such as shops where it is hard to keep a safe distance from others.
More advice on face coverings and guides to how to make your own
Getting through railway stations
Railway stations are changing to help with social distancing. Watch this short video and familiarise yourself with some of the changes that have already taken place at our stations. Please only travel if your journey is necessary.
|
 Have your say on health and care
Black Country Voices are keen to grow their citizens' panel. They want to engage with local people during this outbreak, to take part in online surveys and share their views with health and care decision-makers.
Anyone can become a member by filling out the application form and for more information about Black Country Voices, please email blackcountryvoices@nhs.net
Vigil in Sandwell in memory of George Floyd
Thank you everyone who paid their respects at the peaceful vigil held outside Sandwell Council House in Oldbury Tuesday evening.
Held on the day of George Floyd's funeral, the vigil was organised by Sandwell’s first African Caribbean woman councillor, Jackie Taylor.
Thank you to everyone who attended. #blacklivesmatter
|
2020 Arts Trail competition
Residents across Sandwell are encouraged to get arty for the 2020 Sandwell Arts Trail competition. The theme is How Does Your Garden Grow?
This competition is open to everyone, with two categories, over-16s and under-16s. The deadline for submissions is the end of August 2020.
And for those who don't have access to a garden, why not take advantage of your daily exercise to snap a picture of one of the great parks and green spaces we have across Sandwell? Or search online, including our Discover Sandwell website, and find somewhere green and pleasant.
Once residents have completed their artwork, they can send a photo of it along with their name and location to Alex Howell at alex_howell@sandwell.gov.uk
|
Business grants
Sandwell Council has now paid business grants worth a total of £47.5 million to 4,219 Sandwell businesses to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic.
88% of applications received have been dealt with and staff are working as quickly as possible to process outstanding applications.
Sandwell is 41st out of 314 councils nationally for the total number of grants paid to businesses, according to latest Government figures.
Small and micro businesses can now apply for support from the Discretionary Business Grant Scheme. Go to our support for businesses webpage for details.
|
 As dentists start to reopen, if you need dental treatment contact your practice for advice or an appointment.
Domestic abuse support
Black Country Women’s Aid are still open and offering support to both women and men experiencing domestic abuse.
Call the 24-hour helpline 0121 552 6448, text or WhatApp on 07384 466181 (9am-9pm weekdays), or email idva@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk (messages checked 9am - 5pm Mon-Fri).
Call 999 if in immediate danger.
If you are worried about your own behaviour towards others, call the Respect Phoneline 0808 8010327.
Go to our domestic abuse support webpages for advice on local support.
|
|
