”I’m not ok.” Just three little words. But these three little words are perhaps the bravest that any of us can utter. In the last few weeks, I have heard too, too many stories about people who haven’t been able to say those words or who have said them too late and have gone without help. Because, believe me, if you say those words, people will help. There is nothing that cannot be sorted out. Everything can be resolved, and things always get easier. Life will get easier.
Throughout the last few months social media has been the saving grace for many but it has also made many feel isolated or that they’re not good enough. Please remember, you are good enough. We’re all struggling at the moment, one way or another; some of us are simply better at hiding it than others. Please don’t struggle alone, keep talking as others will always listen.
Take care of yourself and each other,
Jon, Kevin and the #FUFighters
Leicester Samaritans call 116 123 free from any phone.
24 HOURS TO GO!
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OBLIGATORY BAD JOKE
What did the frog do when his car broke down?
Got it Toad.
HARVEY NICHOLS TO REOPEN THIS FRIDAY
The jewel in Birmingham’s retail crown, luxury lifestyle store, Harvey Nichols, is set to reopen this Friday at The Mailbox. Manju Malhotra, COO, commented “We’ll be focusing on what we do best, which is providing a high level of personal service and an exceptional shopping experience, within a safe and comfortable environment.” Read the full statement and find out opening details here.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: FIRST GLIMPSE OF COVENTRY CITY OF CULTURE 2021 PROGRAMME
Coventry City of Culture Trust have announced the first events that will form part of the 365-day programme of UK City of Culture 2021, which kicks off in May 2021. The programme is rooted in the rich history of the city and features some major events never seen before in the midlands, including welcoming The Turner Prize! This will change Coventry forever. See the full programme here.
BIRMINGHAM AND LEICESTER IN TOP 3 SPOOKIEST PLACE TO LIVE
Tis the season to be spooky! Even though most of 2020 has been reminiscent of a horror film, a new survey has found Leicester and Birmingham to be in the top 3 spooky cities to live in based upon the number of cemeteries, paranormal sightings, abandoned homes, spooky roads, safety at night, level of crime and annual sunshine- I mean, how else would you work out something like that?
The survey from the experts at OnlineMortgageAdvisor.co.uk found that Birmingham had the most number of paranormal sightings with Leicester coming a close second. Birmingham also topped the list with the greatest number of cemeteries with Leicester being the place where your home is most likely to be invaded by spiders! Yikes!
FREE MENTAL HEALTH WEBINARS THIS OCTOBER
We all need to take care of our mental health, more now than ever, and online therapy platform Healingclouds is making mental health support accessible to everyone with a series of free webinars this month – find out how to register here.
CADBURY WORLD’S DELECTABLE AFTERNOON TEA IS BACK!
There’s no greater treat than an afternoon tea and Cadbury World is bringing theirs back! Find out what chocolatey treats are in store here.
ESCAPE HUNT TURNS ESCAPE HAUNT THIS HARROWING HALLOWEEN
Wanting to indulge in some spooky shenanigans? Us too. So, why not try one of the haunting Halloween experiences from Escape Hunt, guaranteed to get you in the Halloween spirit? Get all the spooky info here.
KEMP’S SANTA FUN RUN GOES VIRTUAL IN SUPPORT OF PATIENT CARE
Kemp’s annual Santa Fun Run is going online this year, ensuring the safety of everyone, whilst still participating in some festive fun. We have all the info on how to get involved, have fun and raise money here.
BELGRADE THEATRE PANTO GOES ONLINE? OH NO, IT DOESN’T, OH YES IT DOES!
Traditional panto performances may have been postponed until 2021, but fear not, as Christmas is far from cancelled at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, as they prepare to host their first online pantomime. Here’s all the info.
THE TOP TEN MOST DESTRUCTIVE PETS REVEALED
There’s no denying that a pet makes a house a home, but, as sweet as they are, they can also wreak absolute havoc on your home – find out the UK’s peskiest pet here.
BIRMINGHAM REP CREATE NEW SHORT FILM WITH BIRMINGHAM CHANGING FUTURES TOGETHER
Birmingham Repertory Theatre has created a new, short film to demonstrate the work done to assist individuals experiencing traumas of homelessness, addiction, offending and mental health in the city. Find out how you can learn from it here.
NEW WEST MIDLANDS POLITICS PODCAST ON BBC SOUNDS
Get the hot take on all things political in the West Midlands with the new podcast on BBC Sounds, presented by BBC Midlands politics presenter, Elisabeth Glinka here.
SOLIHULL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
A training provider helping young people develop key skills to fulfil their career ambitions has been announced as Solihull’s Business of the Year for 2021 at the virtual Solihull Chamber annual awards extravaganza – find out all the winners’ details from the night here.
MONSTERS TO INVADE CITY CENTRE FOR HALF TERM
Eight massive, mischievous monsters will be descending on Coventry and taking over rooftops in the city centre this half term, as part of a public art trail to mark the Halloween period and encourage residents to rediscover their Coventry. Find out where you can see them here.
AUTHENTIC VIETNAMESE STREET FOOD COMES TO BULLRING BIRMINGHAM
Fancy something tasty to tantalise your tastebuds? A new Vietnamese Street Kitchen style restaurant is set to open in Birmingham next month- find out where here
GET SQUEAKY CLEAN SNEAKERS WITH SELFRIDGES BIRMINGHAM
As part of Selfridges new sustainability initiative, Project Earth, the iconic store is introducing a new permanent shoe cleaning service in-store designed to help us save our trainers, rather than shelve them. Find out how they can make your trainers tip top, here.
DISTANCE LEARNING PROVIDER LAUNCHES THE BIG HELP OUT TO AID THOSE IN NEED
Open Study College has unveiled its latest community initiative: The Big Help Out. It’s a career kick start scheme designed to offer direct support to those who have been impacted by the effects of COVID – find out more here.
BIGGEST HOUSEHUNTING TURN OFFS REVEALED
Brits have revealed their biggest property turn offs – find out what joins overgrown gardens and dirty trainers left lying around in the list here.
SUSTAINABLE FASHION: UNIVERSITY TEAMS UP WITH SUPERDRY TO GO GREEN FOR NEW FASHION PROJECT
Fashion students from Birmingham City University have been chosen to collaborate with huge fashion label, Superdry, to create new fashionable garments from existing clothing – get all the info here.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
– Albert Einstein
