Hello Solihull 👋

We hope you’ve had a lovely Easter break!

If you managed to get away, we hope you had a brilliant time, and if you stayed closer to home, hopefully you managed to enjoy some of the Easter activities happening across Solihull too. Now that the holidays are coming to an end and normal routine is starting to creep back in, we’ve pulled together a mix of useful local updates, community spotlights, food nudges and things to do to help ease into the week ahead.

In today’s edition, we’ve got a local volunteering opportunity, two brilliant community organisations, a couple of handy food picks, and plenty of ideas for families, live music lovers and anyone looking to get out and about locally.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

A lovely local opportunity this week: volunteers are being sought in Solihull to help teach seated exercise sessions.

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved in the community, or know someone who’d enjoy a people-focused volunteer role, this feels like a worthwhile one to look into. Sessions like these can make a real difference for older adults, helping with strength, balance, confidence and regular social connection.

It’s also a nice reminder that local volunteering doesn’t always have to mean a huge time commitment, sometimes it’s simply about showing up, encouraging others and helping create a welcoming space each week.

The programme is part of Love to Move, with Parkinson’s UK working alongside the British Gymnastics Foundation to train more instructors across the country. Originally developed and tested in care homes and community groups, it’s designed to help more people living with long-term health conditions access gentle movement.

👉 For more information or to get involved, email Louise at [email protected]

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Solihull Sixth Form College is one of the area’s best-known post-16 providers, helping local students explore a wide range of A-level, vocational and enrichment pathways after school.

If you’ve got a Year 10 or 11 student at home, one useful date to keep on the radar is its free Taster in Education & Early Years this Wednesday 15 April, 4.30–5.30pm at the Widney Manor Road campus.

It’s a great opportunity to explore the subject, get a feel for the college and start thinking a little more about future study options.

👉 Book your place
👉 Find out more about the college

Family Hubs across Solihull are one of those local resources doing quietly important work for families every week.

Across the borough, families can access support through Elmwood in Smith’s Wood, Evergreen in Kingshurst, Hatchford Brook in Elmdon and Riverside in Chelmsley Wood. From stay-and-play sessions and arts and crafts to sensory activities, family learning and practical support, they offer welcoming spaces for parents, carers and children to connect and get help closer to home.

It’s exactly the kind of everyday community support we love to shine a light on.

👉 Solihull Family Hubs & Activities

Solihull Moors Foundation is doing some brilliant work locally, using sport and community programmes to support people across the borough.

While many people will know Solihull Moors through the football club, the Foundation’s work goes much further. Alongside football pathways like Youth & Juniors, Community Football and Walking Football, they also run inclusive sessions through Ability Counts, as well as wider community initiatives including Holiday Camps, Schools Programme, Foster Families Support and Bringing Families Together. The Foundation says its focus is to “Inspire. Engage. Educate.” and help improve lives across the local community.

It’s exactly the kind of community-focused organisation we love to highlight, one using its platform to create opportunities, encourage inclusion and help people feel more connected locally.

👉 Solihull Moors Foundation

If you’re after an easy local food idea this week, Fatto a Napoli in Shirley is a great one to keep in mind. Ideal for a casual lunch, laid-back dinner or easy catch-up, it’s one of those reliable spots that works whether you’re keeping things simple or making a bit more of an evening of it.

👉 Fatto a Napoli

A nice little one for families if you’re heading into town: Caffè Ori in John Lewis Solihull is offering free kids’ hot chocolate. A handy little extra that can make a trip into Touchwood or John Lewis feel that bit easier with little ones in tow. Ideal for a quick warm-up, a post-shop pause, or a small treat while you’re out and about.

If you’re looking for things to do in Solihull this week, here are a few events and local ideas worth keeping on the radar.

Solihull Moors picked up a solid point away at Southend on Saturday, drawing 0–0 after their impressive 4–1 win over Boreham Wood earlier in the week. Next up, they’re away at Woking on Tuesday 14 April (7.45pm). Off the pitch, the club has also just launched its 2026/27 season ticket offer.

👉 Solihull Moors Fixtures

Solihull Barons, meanwhile, have recently wrapped up their playoff quarter-final against Hull Jets, with Hull progressing after wins in both legs. The Barons’ site is now spotlighting end-of-season activity, including their Supporters’ Player of the Year, Presentation Night, and a Six Decades of Barons celebration event on May 24th.

👉 Solihull Barons Celebration Event

• Bin collections: https://digital.solihull.gov.uk/BinCollectionCalendar/
• Council news + updates: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news
• Travel disruptions (West Midlands): https://disruptions.tfwm.org.uk/

Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 We’ll be back on Thursday. Hit reply and tell us what you’d like more of next week — family ideas, food finds, local deals, walking routes, live music, sport or hidden gems.

P.S. Want your business in front of local Solihull readers? Reply with SPONSOR and I’ll send over our options.