Author: Natalia Parzygnat

Pexels-cottonbro A Birmingham charity says more needs to be done to support people with complex disabilities so they are not forgotten in an interview with Birmingham Eastside during Deafblind Awareness Week. Dale Lyons, Regional Arts and Wellbeing Coordinator from Birmingham Sense, which helps over 400 people with complex disabilities, including deafblind individuals in Midlands, said: “It is so important that we increase awareness of this because we need to put the support in place. Whether they’re born deafblind, or it is something that develops throughout life, you need to have support in place. In Sense, we support people who are…

Source: Julie McGuigan. Image from 2019 Over a thousand EU nationals living in Birmingham are at risk of becoming “undocumented” in two days as the deadline for immigration status ends on 30 June 2021. EU nationals who have been living in the UK before December 2020 must apply for an immigration status known as the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021 as a result of the new Brexit arrangements. Otherwise, they can lose their right to access public services such as healthcare. Birmingham councillor, Brigid Jones, wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging…

David Allen, artistic director of the Midland Actors Theatre in Birmingham, reflects on theatre closures in an interview with Natalia Parzygnat. David Allen – director of “Descent” If David Allen had to sum up what the last few months have been, it would be “Groundhog Day”. In the movie, the main character, played by Bill Murray, stuck in a little town, Punxsutawney, relives the same day. Allen says that people can relate to that: “Every day is the same. Every day just seems the same. This is a feeling I think a lot of us have had. You get up,…

Birmingham’s cultural sector has been hugely impacted by the pandemic. But it has been given the green light. The government announced plans for reopening cultural venues from early summer but some of the places are already welcoming guests. However, cultural enthusiasts might expect some change. Here is what you need to know. Rob Simmons. Unsplash When will theatres be open? The latest government announcement says that the reopening of the indoors theatres, cinemas, and concert halls will be allowed in the third stage of the roadmap on 17 May following social distancing measures. The plan for the safe reopening of…

From left: James Barrow and Michael de Groot.Source: Taiko West. Two men from the West Midlands, passionate about Japanese drumming, are teaching rhythms online. James Barrow and Michael de Groot love Japanese beats, and the pandemic does not stop them from spreading the good vibes. From hobby to drumming school James learnt Taiko drumming in Japan and after gaining certificates, he set up the first Taiko group in the UK in 1993. Since then he has been”teaching and performing around the UK and occasionally overseas”. Michael used to drum in a band but he gave it up. Later on, he…

Source:Kyle-head on Unsplash A Birmingham theatre fears for their staff as they have postponed all their events due to the third national lockdown. ‘The biggest concern is staff and performers – so many people have been left out of the government’s funding. The majority of our staff are furloughed, but a lot of our performers and suppliers are freelance, and many have fallen through the gaps,” said The Glee Club Birmingham representative. The Glee Club Birmingham postponed or cancelled all their live events until March 2021. The representative of the theatre said that the third lockdown” has made no difference” as they…

Jenny Hill- Unsplash A Birmingham museum encourages people to get active this month and join the #RunOfTheMill21 challenge. Sarehole Mill museum comes back with the big virtual event of completing 21 km to promote staying physically active this January. The 21km distance does not have to be completed in one go and participants can walk or run Whether it is a brisk walk or fast run, everyone can sign-up for the challenge, which does not have to be completed in one go. https://twitter.com/Brumpic/status/1346846839153319936 Each participant is asked to publish their pictures of completing the challenge at Museum Twitter account and…

Source: Amanda Edwardsen, Unsplash A Birmingham Brewery has launched a non-alcoholic beer to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance and support the #DryJanuary campaign. The Brum Brewing Company has launched its Sober Brummie beer where 5% of their sales would go to the Midlands Air Ambulance for the next 12 months to celebrate their 30th anniversary. The company has created its non-alcoholic product in support of alcohol abstinence month and the #DryJanuary campaign. Source: Brum Brewing CO “Midlands Air Ambulance is the perfect fit for this Brew, as it’s the best Brummie beer to enjoy when you are on driving…

In a matter of days, the United Kingdom will officially end the transition period with the European Union. Here is everything you need to know about Brexit. EU rules will no longer apply from 1 January 2021 From 1 January 2021 as the Brexit deal becomes official the UK transition period will end, EU Customs Union rules on subjects such as travelling or free trade will no longer apply. The new rules agreed between the UK, and the EU will affect both the European Union and the UK on living standards, jobs and trade with other European countries. Time is ticking…

http://gty.im/1282915226 The hairdressing and barber industry is a sector, which has been hit hard by the second national lockdown in Birmingham. On the 5th of November hair salons and barber shops in Birmingham had to close their doors again due to the second national lockdown. Following the governmental announcement, they can reopen in early December.  The Chief Executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF), Richard Lambert, said: “Hairdressers and barbers see their future as very difficult. They have reduced businesses at the moment. They are worried abut their future and businesses. ” Richard Lambert, admitted that the national…