People and communities
Community voices celebrated at the Mayor’s Parlour
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The Mayor of Walsall hosted a special reception in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Council House on Wednesday 17 September 2025, bringing together local residents whose voices are helping to shape the future of the borough. This is part of the long-term vision for the borough called We Are Walsall 2040.
The reception recognised the invaluable contributions of those who took part in the Lived Experience Panel at the We Are Walsall 2040 Conference in June 2025, alongside participants in the newly launched Walsall Voices podcast. Both initiatives are ensuring real experiences and perspectives guide the borough’s long-term ambitions.
“ Your willingness to share your stories, insights, and perspectives is what gives life and meaning to our vision for the future of Walsall.
The honesty, courage, and passion you brought to the panel and the podcast will inspire us all as we make We Are Walsall 2040 a reality for everyone. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Walsall. “
The reception celebrated the dedication of participants, recognising the impact of their contributions in shaping a borough grounded in the real aspirations, challenges, and opportunities that matter most to local people.
Reflecting on their involvement, one participant from the Lived Experience Panel said, “Being part of the panel gave me the chance to speak about the challenges young people face in Walsall. It feels good to know our voices are being heard and will help shape real change for the future.”
Another podcast contributor said, “The Walsall Voices Podcast gave me the confidence to share my journey. I hope my story inspires others and shows that no matter where you start in life, there are opportunities to succeed here in Walsall.”
To carry these conversations forward, the We Are Walsall 2040 partnership is launching a Walsall Voices Podcast, a new platform dedicated to amplifying community voices and lived experiences. The first episode will premiere on Tuesday 30th September 2025 and will be available on Spotify and YouTube.
Future episodes will be released regularly, exploring themes such as growing up in Walsall, career journeys, and the strength that comes from the borough’s diversity -demonstrating that where people come from should never limit what they can achieve.
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