‘Life-changing’ lottery fund raises more than £250,000 for good causes
A charitable fund which has provided ‘life-changing’ support for hundreds of people is celebrating having raised more than a quarter of a million pounds for groups in the West Midlands.
South Staffordshire Community Lottery has helped 107 charities and organisations in the district, providing cash for vital projects including activities and days out for disabled adults, support for children’s groups, equipment for litter picking and river water testing in the district, and habitats for birds and bats.
Manager Nick Morris, of Codsall-based charity Rockspur House, which provides support for adults with learning disabilities, said the support from the fund has allowed their members to ‘live a normal life’.
“The funding has been life changing for us all,” he said.
“To know we have a regular fundraising stream coming in is just wonderful. We have been able to go the extra mile for some of our most vulnerable clients.”
“Every ticket sold not only offers a chance to win but also supports vital services right here in our own communities.”
The initiative, run by South Staffordshire Council, enables supporters to back the causes they care most about through a simple weekly lottery ticket, with 60p from every £1 ticket going directly to good causes in the district.
And those who enter have the chance to win up to £25,000 every Saturday.
For more information about South Staffordshire Community Lottery and to enter, visit: Boost your cause's fundraising with South Staffordshire Community Lottery - South Staffordshire Community Lottery
Read the full article here 👉‘Life-changing’ lottery fund raises more than £250,000 for good causes
*Pictured are: Members of Rockspur House.
My South Staffs app - coming soon
We’re excited to announce that our brand-new My South Staffs app will be launching very soon!
Designed with convenience in mind, the app will make it easier than ever to stay connected with your council. You’ll be able to:
- Report issues quickly and easily
- Request a range of council services
- Check your bin collection dates
- Access essential local information
- Manage everything from your phone - anytime, anywhere
Keep an eye out for more updates as we count down to launch.
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South Staffordshire celebrates four finalists in Staffordshire Tourism Awards
South Staffordshire’s visitor economy is strongly represented among the finalists for the 2026 Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards, with five local businesses and individuals shortlisted across several categories.
The awards celebrate excellence in the region’s tourism, hospitality, and leisure sectors, recognising outstanding contributions from organisations and individuals of all sizes. Winners will be revealed at a gala ceremony at Statfold Country Park in Tamworth on Thursday, 19th March.
New Tourism Business of the Year – Hockerhill Playbarn
Hockerhill Playbarn has been shortlisted for its creative, family-friendly play environment. Since opening, the attraction has quickly become popular with both residents and visitors, reflecting strong early growth and broad appeal.
Pub of the Year – The Littleton Arms, Penkridge
The Littleton Arms is recognised for its warm hospitality, locally sourced food, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – WILD Zoological Park
WILD Zoological Park has been shortlisted for its engaging animal encounters and educational programmes, continuing to attract families and animal lovers seeking immersive and memorable experiences.
Team of the Year – Play @ Lower Drayton Farm
The team at Play @ Lower Drayton Farm has been nominated for its dedication to high-quality visitor experiences, helping establish the farm as a destination for all ages to learn, play, and explore.
Unsung Hero Award – Sophie Galentini, Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn
Sophie Galentini has been nominated for her passion and commitment behind the scenes, recognising the vital role individuals play in enriching local tourism.
Together, these finalists showcase the diversity, strength, and appeal of South Staffordshire’s tourism sector, reinforcing the area as a welcoming and engaging place to visit.
Job vacancies
Looking for a new opportunity?
Explore the latest vacancies at South Staffordshire Council and find a role that suits your skills and interests.
Vacancies
- Assistant Transactional Services Officer, closing date 30th January
- Relief Swimming Instructor (Wombourne Leisure Centre), closing date 27th February
- Relief Duty Officer, Wombourne and Codsall Leisure Centres, closing date 27th February
- Level 5 Tree Surgeon - Street Scene (Lane Green Depot), closing date 28th February
All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.
ChatHealth: Confidential text support for young people, parents and carers
ChatHealth is a safe, confidential text messaging service that connects young people and parents/carers across Staffordshire with qualified health professionals from the Families Health and Wellbeing Service (0–19), part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
Through ChatHealth, young people aged 11–19 can message a Nurse for support with a wide range of issues, including:
• Physical and emotional wellbeing
• Safety and relationships
• Bullying
• Exam stress
• Body changes
• Alcohol, drugs and vaping
• Sleep, eating habits, and more
Watch a short video about the service here: ChatHealth in Staffordshire and Stoke
ChatHealth is also available for parents and carers, offering advice on:
• Child health and development
• Feeding and nutrition
• Behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Parenting support
Contact details (Staffordshire):
📲 Young people: 07520 615721
📲 Parents/carers: 07520 615722
The service is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Anyone texting outside these hours receives an automated message advising where to get urgent help and when they can expect a reply.
We hope to reach even more young people aged 11–19 and ensure they know where to access the support they need.
For further information, please contact the Families Health and Wellbeing Service 0–19 on Freephone 0808 178 0611.
Learn to swim little flippers
Swimming lessons for young children are on offer at Wombourne Leisure Centre:
Monday mornings
• 10–10.30am
• 10.30–11am
(Term-time only)
For children aged 18 months to 4 years
• Parent/guardian must accompany their child in the water
• £6.20 per session
• Fun, confidence building sessions through games, songs and activities
• Supports all round development and early swimming skills
• Helps strengthen the bond and trust between child and parent/guardian
Limited places - advance booking essential
📞 To reserve a place, call Wombourne Leisure Centre: 01902 898202
Train to become a National Pool Lifeguard (NPLQ)
Are you aged 16+ and looking to kickstart a rewarding career in leisure?
Our upcoming National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre is the perfect opportunity.
🗓 Monday, 16th – Saturday, 21st February
⏰ 9am – 5.30pm daily
📍 Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre
The course includes a mix of pool-based training and theory work, giving you the skills and confidence needed to become a qualified lifeguard.
Plus - successful completion can earn you UCAS points, giving your future applications a boost!
Entry requirements
Participants must be able to:
✔ Swim 100m front and 100m back continuously
✔ Be a competent, confident swimmer
✔ Retrieve a mannequin from the deepest part of the pool
✔ Swim 50m in 60 seconds
Limited places available - advance booking is essential.
📞 Call 01922 417790
📧 Email cheslynhay@sstaffs.gov.uk
Start your journey in the leisure industry and gain a qualification that opens doors. Don’t miss out!
We’re continuing our ‘Extra Layer’ campaign with the South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership.
As you layer up to keep warm this winter, why not add an extra layer of reassurance with one of our FREE personal safety alarms.
Collect your alarm between now and Friday, 20th February 2026, from Codsall Community Hub, Wolverhampton Road, WV8 1PX, from one of our leisure centres or from your local parish council.
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