Around 200 people from businesses, community groups and other local organisations came together at West Bromwich Albion’s stadium the Hawthorns on Wednesday to mark the launch of the Sandwell Story.
The launch follows work over the past year to set up an active partnership across the borough to promote what Sandwell has to offer, tackle the area’s challenges together and raise aspirations and improve outcomes for people living in the area.
Comedian and broadcaster Darren Harriott kicked off the event, sharing his stories of growing up in Oldbury, his challenges in childhood and how Sandwell as a place inspired him.
He said: 鈥淭his area is very special to me having grown up here and I鈥檝e recently moved back to the region.
“I hope that by sharing my story it can inspire others in making it in whatever they want to do in life.鈥
鈥楳aking It Sandwell鈥 is a short campaign film featuring young people from across Sandwell, with a spoken word poem from Casey Bailey who, as well as living and teaching in the region for several years, used stories from young people to write about what making it in Sandwell is all about.
Jashaan Gill, local fashion designer who sat on the youth panel, said: 鈥淪andwell is full of talent. We must believe in our potential to succeed nationally and internationally and invest in the opportunities to get us there.鈥
Leaders Shokat Lal, Chief Executive of Sandwell Council, Lisa Capper MBE CEO and Principal, The Sandwell Colleges, and Calum Nisbit, Chief Executive of Kaleidoscope Plus, discussed the importance of making opportunities for the next generation of Sandwell.
The event welcomed a youth panel hosted by Midlands influencer and presenter Emmanuel Omoregbee with fashion designer Jashaan Gill, actor Mya Kandola, apprentice Brandon Talbot, singer songwriter Madi Saskia and youth leader Ayyatulahi Adigun.
Guest speakers included Guy Perry from Perry Group, a family run business who鈥檝e been making a success in Sandwell for over 100 years, and Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, on what making it means to her.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: 鈥淲e鈥檝e been making things throughout our industrial past and continue to do so today, including making the workforce of the future.
“Hearing from young people at today鈥檚 event was an important reminder to really champion our region and help to inspire children and young people growing up here, as well as bringing together partners so that we can tackle challenges together.鈥
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal, The Sandwell Colleges, said: 鈥淎t The Sandwell Colleges we place the needs of our learners of whatever age or background at the heart of all we do.
“We are focused on a collaborative approach working with local and regional partners to ensure the best possible learning opportunities and life chances for the people and places we serve.
“From young people achieving their academic goals, taking up work experience and planning their careers to adults looking to upskill for a brighter future.
“We are delighted to be a proud partner in the Sandwell Story place-making initiative; together we will celebrate all that Sandwell offers to grow our collective voice to place Sandwell and our stand-out colleges firmly on the map.鈥
The Sandwell Story project now seeks to sign up more Sandwell Ambassadors to share and support the work, with its Place Board due to have its first meeting next month (July) and set out the next events to bring people together.