Your Weekly Parish Newsletter - Friday 5th June 2026. Issue 431

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Food Waste Collections start next week!

Your NEW weekly food waste collections start from MONDAY.

Please make sure your brown caddy is clearly presented at your normal bin collection point.

🗓️ Check your collection day: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/viewyourcollectioncalendar

ℹ️ Find out more: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/food-waste-collection-service-faqs

£1.5 million fund launches to support communities and businesses across South Staffordshire

A new £1.5 million Community and Business Investment Fund has launched to support projects that improve local areas, strengthen communities, and help businesses thrive across South Staffordshire.

The fund, introduced by South Staffordshire Council, offers support for a wide range of community, environmental, and business‑focused projects.

The Community Groups and Local Initiatives Fund offers grants of between £1,000 and £10,000. This fund is designed to support community‑led projects that respond to local need. Eligible projects include local events, clean‑up campaigns, educational activities, sustainability projects and volunteer training.

Meanwhile, the Business Investment Fund supports South Staffordshire businesses with practical help to start, grow and succeed. It funds projects that meet local needs, boost economic growth and strengthen the district’s economy, while supporting entrepreneurs, expanding businesses and revitalising village centres. Grants are available from £1,000 to £7,000.

Find out more here: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/community-and-business-investment-fund

Two big community lottery wins over the late May break in South Staffordshire

Congratulations to two lucky South Staffordshire Community Lottery supporters who celebrated fantastic cash wins over the late May holidays.

Ms S, from Cannock who supports Rockspur, won an incredible £2,000 in the draw that took place on Saturday 23rd May, whilst Mr B from Cannock, who supports Phoenix Swimming Club, scooped £250 in the draw on Saturday 30th May.

A huge well done to both and thank you for supporting the amazing local good causes that make such a difference to communities across South Staffordshire.

Want to support a local community group and be in with a chance of winning? Click here to get involved and you could win up to £25,000! South Staffordshire Community Lottery: Easy online fundraising for good causes

Active Youth Relaunch at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre

We’re delighted to announce the re-launch of our Active Youth programme at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre – offering young people aged 14–15 the chance to enjoy the gym in a safe and supervised environment.

Taking place every Wednesday after school, these dedicated one-hour sessions provide a great opportunity for young teenagers to keep fit, build confidence, and develop healthy habits, all under the guidance of our qualified team.

Getting started
All participants will need to complete a gym induction during their first Active Youth session, which must be booked in advance. This ensures young people feel comfortable using the equipment safely and correctly.

Important information
• Sessions are supervised and tailored for 14–15 year olds

• Places are limited, so we strongly recommend booking in advance

• A parent or guardian must sign a permission form at the first session

• Cost: £2.80 per session (£2.50 for Advantage Card holders)

Whether your child is new to the gym or looking to stay active, Active Youth is a fantastic way to help them get started in a supportive and structured setting.

📞 To find out more or to book, please call Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre on 01922 417790.

Young people invited to train as lifeguards this summer

Don't miss your chance to enrol on one of our National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) courses running this May half term.

Courses will take place at Wombourne and Penkridge Leisure Centres and are ideal for anyone aged 16+ who is a confident swimmer and interested in starting a career in the leisure industry.

The course includes both theory and practical training, and on successful completion, candidates can apply for lifeguard roles.

👉 For full details and to book your place:
https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/training-and-courses

Opportunity to learn about new local care support project at Codsall Hub

You are invited to attend a free community event on Monday 15th June, 4pm to 6pm at Codsall Community Hub, Wolverhampton Road, WV8 1PX to learn more about a new project aimed at helping people live independently at home for longer.

The event, hosted by Support Staffordshire, will introduce Local Help My Way, a project funded by Staffordshire County Council. The scheme supports the growth of small, local care providers, often run by self-employed individuals or micro businesses, to widen care options within the community. There is free parking on site and light refreshments will be provided.

Attendees will hear about how the project is already making a difference, how smaller providers can offer more choice and flexibility, and the checks in place to make sure services are safe and high quality.

The event is open to anyone interested in finding out more, including residents who may need care and support, local organisations, and those thinking about setting up or working in a small care business.

There will also be opportunities to learn how to get involved, whether by referring people to the scheme, supporting others locally, or exploring new ways to deliver care.

Places are still available and residents can book online at: https://tinyurl.com/yufkx46c

Stop. Think. Serve:

Simple steps for safer food at home

The Food Standards Agency’s Stop. Think. Serve campaign is a reminder that a few simple habits can help keep you and your family safe from food poisoning.

When preparing food at home, it’s important to handle and store it safely. Here are some easy tips to follow:
• Always defrost chicken fully in the fridge, keep it covered and place it on the bottom shelf to stop juices dripping onto other foods
• Keep your kitchen clean, use clean sponges and wash surfaces with warm, soapy water or a suitable disinfectant
• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards and utensils for raw foods and ready-to-eat items
• Cool leftovers quickly, store them in the fridge within two hours and eat within two days, reheat until steaming hot all the way through

Taking a moment to stop and think before you prepare food can make a big difference. Safe food handling helps protect everyone at the table.