Unregistered Children's Homes Charge £30,000 a Week
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
The Morris Centre pool at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital will shut indefinitely due to major building repairs. The closure impacts NHS staff, veterans, and community groups.
Worcester City Council approves converting a house into a children's care home on Woolhope Road, overriding neighbours' concerns about parking and neighbourhood character.
Aldi, Lidl, M&S and others shut stores on 26 December, prioritising staff wellbeing over sales. Discover why high streets feel 'eerie' and which shops are open.
Step back to 1997 Birmingham. See the city's tribute to Diana, iconic concerts from Ozzy to Oasis, and sporting triumphs. Explore 24 archive photos showing a world before smartphones.
Experience magical candlelight concerts at St Paul's Church in Birmingham this festive season. Discover performances of Christmas classics, Vivaldi, and The Wizard of Oz. Book tickets now.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer uses his Christmas message to thank NHS staff, emergency services and volunteers working over the festive period, as new figures reveal 1.2 million will be on duty.
Hospital staff working on Christmas Day across Mid and South Essex receive hampers as a thank you. The festive treats recognise their dedication and sacrifice.
Thousands of former coal industry staff see pensions rise by 41% as a £2.3bn government reserve is handed over. Find out who qualifies and why.
Maternity staff at Swansea's Singleton Hospital rallied to provide Christmas gifts for women in a local refuge, with all 20 tags claimed in under 45 minutes. Discover their heart-warming act of kindness.
Maternity staff at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, showed incredible compassion, buying Christmas gifts for every woman in a local domestic abuse refuge in just 45 minutes. Read about this heart-warming community initiative.
Thousands of ex-miners to receive a £100 weekly pension increase and a £5,500 average lump sum just before Christmas. The move follows the release of a £2.3bn government reserve fund. Read the full story.
Young adults leaving care in England will receive free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests up to age 25. A new pilot also offers paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews.
Nearly 40,000 former UK mineworkers will see a 41% pension increase, averaging £100 extra per week plus a £5,500 lump sum. Discover the details of this historic payout.
Discover how dedicated staff from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are working over Christmas to bring joy and support to patients in wards and care homes across Essex.
Staff shortages cause major CrossCountry train cancellations and delays through Birmingham New Street on Dec 22, disrupting travel from Nottingham to Cardiff. Check your journey.
A London CEO has splashed £100,000 on lavish Christmas gifts for his team, including a £44k Range Rover and a holiday to Barcelona. Discover how his generosity is boosting morale and business.
Birmingham's Bullring urges kindness to retail staff this Christmas. The 'be kind' campaign aims to protect workers during the busy festive season. Read more and show your support.
NHS workers must link their Uber account to an NHS email by 11.59pm on Dec 21 to claim £30 in festive discounts for rides and food on Christmas Day.
Royal Mail warns of significant delivery delays in 60 UK postcodes due to staff sickness and festive mail volumes. Check if your area is affected and see advice for last-minute parcels.
Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford receives a £100,000 Army Benevolent Fund grant to enhance dementia care, activities, and quality of life for its elderly veteran residents.
Discover BirminghamLive's ultimate foodie guide for 2026, featuring 26 essential restaurants from cheap bites to luxury dining. Get the list and sign up for weekly food news.
Uber is thanking NHS and HSC staff with discounted rides and Uber Eats vouchers this Christmas. Find out how frontline healthcare workers can claim the festive offer.
Head chef Andy Pridmore and deputy Sarah Pell prepare festive feast for 31st year at Cedar Falls care home in Spalding. Read their heartwarming story of dedication.
Residents of Edgbaston Manor care home welcomed Harper Bell School pupils for a day of carols and shared memories, reviving festive traditions. Discover this heartwarming intergenerational story.
Moya Cole Hospice partners with Molly Lou Candles to launch its first-ever scented candle. At £25, each sale donates £10 directly to patient care. Available online now.
Moya Cole Hospice held its annual Light Up a Life remembrance services at Manchester Cathedral. Families shared heartfelt stories of outstanding care, lighting candles for loved ones.
New research reveals a stark generational gap in readiness for dementia care, with men over 45 feeling significantly less prepared. Nationwide and Dementia UK urge those affected to seek support.
Discover the ultimate guide to Birmingham's festive weekend before Christmas 2025. From the iconic Frankfurt Market to light trails and pantomimes, plan your perfect seasonal visit.
Doris Griffiths, 101, celebrated her birthday by turning on the Christmas lights at her Chingford care home, The Spinney, with special guests: two Humboldt penguins. Read about the magical winter wonderland event.