Two year Commonwealth Games countdown, knife crime increase & half of UK small charities set to close

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My weekly update

There are less than two years to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, John. In just two years’ time we will play host to the biggest event our region has ever staged.

It is a challenging time for the West Midlands and our country, but Birmingham 2022 is providing hope and opportunity, bringing jobs for local people and contracts for local businesses, crucial to our region’s recovery post pandemic as we build back better.

The Games will be held from 28 July until the 8 August 2022 and will be at the heart of an incredible summer of sport:

- 6,500 athletes and officials will attend
- 71 nations and territories expected to take part
- 19 sports with 8 para sports will take place
- 1.5 billion global viewers will tune in
- 10,000 volunteering opportunities will be created
- 4,000 local jobs a year will be generated

For job and volunteering opportunities or to register your interest in the games and get involved, visit Birmingham 2022's website, here.

Birmingham not-for-profit organisations making a positive impact in their communities can apply to take part in the United by Birmingham 2022 programme. Find out more about the programme and how to get involved, here.

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The Tories' decade-long failure to tackle knife crime

New analysis from Labour this week found that in the last ten years, knife crime offences have increased in every police force in England and Wales.

This decade-long failure to tackle knife crime has seen offences involving a knife rise to more than 3,400 here in the West Midlands alone.

In a third of forces, knife crime has at least doubled, with some of the largest increases seen in Tory shires, like in Surrey, which has seen a 598% increase in the last ten years!

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Patchwork Foundation Awards

The Patchwork Foundation does life-changing work in promoting, encouraging and supporting the active participation of young people from disadvantaged and minority communities in British democracy.

This week I found out that I have been nominated for the Patchwork Foundation's MP of the Year Awards. I am honoured to have been nominated and proud to be in such good company.

Voting is now open. Click below to find out more about the awards, how to vote and the important work of the Patchwork Foundation.

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International Development news

Half of all UK small charities working with world's poorest set to close within a year

This week brought the news that half of all UK small charities working with the world's poorest will be forced to close their doors within a year due to a lack of financial support.

This is devastating news for small charities and those that rely on their support around the world.

Small charities have their own unique experiences, relationships and specialisms which all help play a vital part in our global efforts against this pandemic and in helping the world's poorest and most vulnerable.

But they need to be properly supported in order to do that.

The Guardian has the story.

GUARDIAN ARTICLE