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I got a glimpse into the future for Walsall at an event hosted by Married at First Sight's Sacha Jones

Hundreds of residents, organisation members and local celebrities took part in the 'We are Walsall 2040' event to have their say on the future of their borough.

By Daniel Walton
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The 'We are Walsall 2040' partnership staged a conference and discussion event at Wolverhampton University's Walsall campus to talk about the future of the region and its residents.

We are Walsall 2040 was launched as a multi-partnership organisation with the aim of making Walsall the most improved borough in the region, promoting exclusivity, equal opportunity and the safety of its people. 

Hundreds of people attended the We are Walsall 2040 partnership conference
Hundreds of people attended the We are Walsall 2040 partnership conference

The conference, which included a panel discussion, workshop and a questions and answers session, saw dozens of community groups, council and government organisations and influential members of Walsall come together to discuss its bright future.

Hosting the talks on the day was Walsall celebrity and We are Walsall 2040 ambassador, Sacha Jones, who is known for her appearance on Channel 4s Married at First Sight, as well as her outreach work in the region.

Poundland founder Steven Smith appeared as a guest speaker for the event, alongside Walsall Council leader Mike Bird, and host, Sacha Jones
Poundland founder Steven Smith appeared as a guest speaker for the event, alongside Walsall Council leader Mike Bird, and host, Sacha Jones

The conference included speakers from the We Are Walsall partnership, which includes West Midlands Police, Walsall Council, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and Walsall Housing Group.

Talking about the event, Emma Bennett, Chief Executive of Walsall Council, said: "It's been an absolutely amazing event. We've had so many people from all over attend, including representatives from across all the partnership groups in Walsall.

Walsall Council leader, Councillor Mike Bird was also among those to talk at the event
Walsall Council leader, Councillor Mike Bird was also among those to talk at the event

"We have heard from some extremely inspirational speakers who achieved their dreams and amazing things. It's been a very uplifting and informative event."

Guest speaker Sacha Jones talked about her love for Walsall and her dreams of the region working closer together to achieve its goals.

While the event approached a serious topic, there was also plenty of fun to be had. Pictured: Harry Carter, Parveen Sangha and Richard Upton from the partnership and engagement team
While the event approached a serious topic, there was also plenty of fun to be had. Pictured: Harry Carter, Parveen Sangha and Richard Upton from the partnership and engagement team

Talking after the event, Sacha said: "It was a real honour to be asked to come in and host. When they first asked me to be the ambassador I actually asked myself 'How can we improve Walsall?' because it's already amazing.

"But being here today was so inspirational, meeting all people young and old who have all these amazing stories and the challenges they face, it was just inspiring. 

Sacha Jones (Center) was among those to talk at the event. Pictured with the 'lived experience panel' members, (left to right) Virginia Mpofu, Sylwia Juranek, Gaving Burrows, and Joel Rushton.
Sacha Jones (Center) was among those to talk at the event. Pictured with the 'lived experience panel' members, (left to right) Virginia Mpofu, Sylwia Juranek, Gavin Burrows, and Joel Rushton.

"I think if this keeps up we are going to see 2040 for Walsall being all about positivity and opportunities for Walsall people."

Among the guest speakers was also Poundland founder, Steven Smith, and Walsall Council leader, Councillor Mike Bird.