A Government-backed testing pilot specifically for people without symptoms of Covid-19 will begin in Wolverhampton today.

Faith groups in the city are coming together to support the community-led pilot, using fast-turnaround lateral flow tests kits, which will take place at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on Sedgley Street.

Unlike the regular Covid-19 test programme, the pilot will only provide tests to people who do not have symptoms of coronavirus. It aims to identify undiagnosed cases of Covid-19 in order to help protect those most at risk from the virus and will also provide vital information to help inform the rollout of the mass testing technology in the future. People without symptoms of Covid-19 will be able to get tested for free at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on Sedgley Street from tomorrow until Monday 30 November. Testing is available between 7am and 7pm every day and everyone is welcome.

People who do have symptoms of Covid-19 – a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste – should not attend the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on Sedgley Street but instead book a test through the normal channels – either by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119. People who develop symptoms must stay home and self-isolate.

The pilot is being delivered in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council and NHS Test and Trace. John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Just because you haven’t got any symptoms doesn't mean you don't have Covid-19 – and one of our biggest concerns is people unwittingly spreading the virus around because they simply don't realise they're infected.

Health leaders in the Black Country and West Birmingham are encouraging people to invest in their future selves this Self Care Week (16-22 November) by making small changes that can make a big difference.

This year’s theme is Live Self Care for Life, and the local NHS and partners are encouraging people to make one change to help them develop a good habit for life.

Examples of things to try include:

• Get active: Exercise for at least 20 minutes a day. Walk to pick up the children from school, take the stairs instead of a lift, or even just go for a walk or dance around the kitchen table to your favourite songs.
• Eat well: Start by swapping unhealthy snacks for healthy options such as nuts, seeds and fruit, and switch full sugar drinks to low/no sugar versions. Ask your pharmacist for advice on managing your weight.
• Make positive changes: Take steps to stop unhealthy habits that don’t serve you well. Plan to stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and get active! Your pharmacist can help with lifestyle changes such as weight management and stop smoking services.
• Rest: A good night’s sleep is as essential to our health and wellbeing as eating healthily and exercising, so make sure you get the recommended 7-8 hours a night.
• Stop: With busy lives, we sometimes forget to slow down and stop. Find time in your day to just quieten your mind. Try mindfulness or yoga, or focus on a relaxing hobby.

A strategy designed to improve the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Wolverhampton has been launched.

The Wolverhampton Strategy for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 2020-23 sets out the vision and key priorities that the council and other partners in the city will focus on over the next three years.

Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in the Black Country and West Birmingham will be celebrating Diwali this November, but unfortunately the festivities will have to be a little different due to Coronavirus restrictions. The five-day festival begins on 12 November, and usually sees families and friends get together for feasts and fireworks.

However, as restrictions are put in place between 5 November and 2 December, you must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

You can meet with one person from another household at a time in outdoor public places – children under school age and those dependent on round-the-clock care can remain with their parents without counting towards the two-person limit.

Places of worship are also closed during this period (except for funerals and individual prayer), and everyone is advised to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Dr Anand Rischie, Chair of Walsall CCG said: “Everyone has already given up so many freedoms this year, but it’s vital we follow these latest restrictions to drive down the numbers of cases and hospital admissions our area. To protect the most vulnerable in our communities, go back to what you did to stay in touch with loved ones during lockdown in the spring. Arrange video calls, exchange gifts by post, and light up your home so your neighbours can see that you are celebrating. Diwali is a celebration of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. If we all work together and follow these latest restrictions, we too will triumph over the coronavirus and be able to see our friends and families properly soon.”

Alongside these restrictions, please continue to wear face coverings where appropriate, follow social distancing rules, and wash your hands regularly. If you have any coronavirus symptoms, you and everyone you live with must self-isolate and you must get a test.

Wolverhampton’s Safeguarding Together partnership will highlight the steps people can take to help someone at risk from abuse and neglect during Wolverhampton Safeguarding Week, which starts on Monday (16 November 2020).

This awareness raising campaign aims to give people the information and confidence they need to Stand Up and Speak Out if they have any concerns at all that someone is being abused or neglected.

For concerns relating to children and young people, please call the City of Wolverhampton Council on 01902 555392. If the concerns relate to adults, please call 01902 551199. Out of office hours, please call 01902 552999 and in an emergency, always dial 999.