From creating four family hubs, to staging a youth summit, tackling shoplifting and installing outdoor gyms – an ambitious strategy to make Walsall the most improved borough in the region in 2040, has got off to a flying start.
More than 10,000 residents, businesses and organisations had their say to help shape the We Are Walsall 2040 Strategy launched in 2023.
Their feedback showed people want a thriving borough where they feel safe, with clean green streets and spaces, good jobs and leisure opportunities for all. The strategy was built on four ambitions of We Are Thriving and Happy, Healthy and Well, Prosperous and Innovative and Proud of our Borough.
Eighteen months in, and the first We Are Walsall 2040 biannual report has been published, showcasing the range of projects and initiatives achieved so far by partners tomorrow (Tuesday 24 June) week with keynote speaker Steven Smith, founder of Poundland and a panel of four local stars, each with their own inspirational stories to tell.
Councillor Mike Bird, Walsall Council Leader, said: “We are proud to be able to stand up and say how much progress has been made so far under the banner of We Are Walsall 2040.
“We were always clear we didn’t want to over promise and under deliver, or spend time working on something that didn’t translate into meaningful change, and I think this makes our intentions loud and clear while showing tangible benefits achieved so far.
“Next week’s conference will give us an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and move into the next phase of this vital strategy.”
The conference will hear stories from a panel hosted by TV star and podcaster Sacha Jones, who appeared in Married at First Sight and regularly campions her home town. Those sharing their stories are:
- Gavin Burrows – TMA Trojan
- Sylwia Juranek – Reach for a Star CIC
- Joel Rushton – Young Citizen
- Virginia Mpofu – Social Worker
And partners involved in We Are Walsall 2040 from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall Council, whg, Walsall Police and Further and Higher education will also host a question and answer session.
Stephanie Cartwright, Group Chief Community and Partnerships Officer at Walsall Healthcare, added: “All of us involved in We Are Walsall 2040 are passionate about driving the changes that our communities have told us we need to make our borough the best it can be.
“This isn’t just about the here and now it’s about our collective efforts for the future generations of Walsall and our greatest legacy will be achieving our ambitious vision.”
The conference, being held at Wolverhampton University’s Walsall Campus, will also see the launch of a residents’ survey and the promotion of 2040 Champions while focusing on key objectives for 2025 and beyond.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from wearewalsall2040.walsall.gov.uk