Blog
Garden bonfires: what you can and cannot do
Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulation and Enforcement, looks at the burning issue of bonfires and the risks posed by having one in your garden. With summer approaching, we are all hoping for good weather and a chance to enjoy our gardens and outside areas. What we don’t want is our enjoyment spoiled by smoke, fumes […]
Determined to focus on Birmingham’s mental health
Birmingham City Council’s new Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Paulette Hamilton, focusses on the often taboo subject of mental health.
Lack of stairs only escalates the inactivity problem
Birmingham Director of Public Health, Dr Adrian Phillips, makes the case for more stairs as Birmingham faces up to an inactivity crisis. Listening to the news this morning, I was interested to hear that the escalators at New St Station are in urgent need of repair. Well here’s a novel idea: Why not take the […]
Take the healthy option at Vaisakhi Mela
As thousands of people head to Handsworth Park for the Vaisakhi Mela, Lead Public Health Nurse, Elaine George, urges revelers to make the most of a potentially life-saving opportunity.
Trading Standards protecting older people from scams
Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulation and Enforcement, looks at how Trading Standards are protecting older and vulnerable people from scams. Britain’s population of older adults is increasing, which raises numerous issues ranging from healthcare and housing to pensions and money worries. So when a letter arrives promising a prize or lottery win, it can be […]
Protecting Our Parents: Shining a light on a huge issue
Birmingham City Council’s Service Director for Health and Wellbeing, Alan Lotinga, reflects on deserved recognition for TV Documentary series Protecting Our Parents. As someone who has worked in social care for over 25 years, my job is never dull or predictable. But this is the first time I’ve ever blogged about a BAFTA nomination. That’s exactly […]
Why counterfeiting is not a victimless crime
Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulation and Enforcement, looks at why that ‘must-buy’ designer bargain may cost more than you think – urging consumers to be ‘fake aware’. Whether it’s a sold-out-everywhere Frozen doll, that must-have designer bag or shoes, it can be tempting to snap up a ‘bargain’ when you think you’ve seen one. But […]
Parents are willing to hear the obesity message
Birmingham Public Health dietician Eleanor McGee reflects on reports that many parents are unaware their children are overweight. Not for the first time in recent years, childhood obesity is in the news, with today’s headlines focussing on reports that parents hardly ever spot obesity in their children. The reports go onto state that: “Modern parents […]
The race is on
Future Council This morning the first progress report on our implementation of the recommendations of the Kerslake Review is published by the Independent Improvement Panel. The Panel has sent a letter to the Leader of the Council and also published a short supporting report – both of which can be found here: /organisation-improvement-plan/ As you will know from earlier […]
Cleaner Streets: we all have a part to play
Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulation and Enforcement, looks back on a week of activities across Birmingham designed to encourage people to play their part in keeping their communities clean and tidy. This week has been National Spring Clean Week but for us it has also given us an opportunity to share the important message of […]