Jamaicans in the UK will gather in Birmingham on 25th June to discuss and explore issues of concern worthy of consideration, representation and further partnership working with the government of Jamaica. The Conference will be attended by Member(s) of Parliament, the Acting Jamaican High Commissioner and other representatives from the Jamaican High Commission.

Grace Kennedy in partnership with Western Union International are hosting the first of two Town Hall meetings tonight, at Badshah Palace in Birmingham under the theme “Caribbean Diaspora – Borderless Possibilities”. With keynote speaker, The Most Honourable P. J. Patterson ON PC QC OE, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the event looks to be one not to miss.The Phoenix Newspaper caught up with The Most Honourable P. J. Patterson, as well as Sean Mason – Vice President Western Union in the Caribbean and Michelle Allen, CEO Grace Kennedy Money Services on the day before the event to find out a little more about the Town Hall meetings.

Birmingham law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Young Professional Women’s Group sponsored a black tie ball to help raise funds for local charity, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer. The event also showcased the support group Cysters, which is a new initiative that has been set up in Birmingham. The event, which was held at the McDonald Burlington Hotel, raised more than £3,000 for the charity, which helps women who suffer with Breast Cancer.

The search for a long-term partner to build a new neighbourhood for Tottenham was launched by Haringey -more than 1,400 new homes will be built as part of the development, along with business space and a major new public square. The new homes are part of the groundbreaking ‘High Road West’ scheme which will deliver a major new public space linking a revamped White Hart Lane Station to the new stadium with a park, restaurants, bars, cafés, library and learning centre and a public amphitheatre to host screenings and community events. High Road West provides one of London’s best opportunities to build modern, high-quality homes.

A voluntary group from Birmingham that manages the Sports Hub for the community by the community has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The groundbreaking sports hub has enhanced the community by developing individuals using sport as the medium and regular attracts 600/800 young people a week.

Elf-Hats, wintery walks and yuletide fun are all part of When You Wish Upon a Star’s (WYWUAS) Christmas fundraising campaign, Laps for Lapland, which will be taking place this winter. The national charity, which grants the wishes of children living with life threatening illnesses, is appealing for local schools, nurseries, businesses and communities to take part in a Lap for Lapland this winter- helping to raise funds for a magical trip of a lifetime for seriously ill children.