It included the installation of two new boilers and repairs to the existing central heating system, external improvements to repair roof and guttering, upgrading of roof insulation, installation of a new kitchen and carrying out full decorating work

Sandwell Homes who co-ordinated the extensive revamp, brought together a number of its construction partners to undertake the “goodwill” project at the three-storey centre.

As well as Sandwell Homes, the project involved Sandwell Council’s Urban Design team and four Decent Homes’ partners: Vinci Facilities, Thomas Vale Construction, Lovell Partnership and Wates Living Space and their sub-contractors.

Decorating materials were provided by Johnstones Decorating and all the partners provided their services, both labour and supplies at no cost to Sandwell Homes.

The young carers were involved in selecting the colour scheme to ensure the end result was a warm and welcoming environment they could relax in.

It offers a range of services including a youth club, drop-in facility and access to a support worker, as well as providing social and recreational activities, and workshops and training for young carers across the borough.

Tracey Smith, Sandwell Young Carers’ chief executive said: “I will never be able to express how grateful I and everyone involved at the charity are for providing us with this fantastic opportunity.

“Our tired and worn centre would have remained just that without the commitment of the Sandwell Decent Homes Partnership, and I am at a loss as to how we would have addressed the heating problems.

“This project means that the young carers we support will be able to attend a warm and welcoming facility for many years to come.”

John Clayton, investment director for Sandwell Homes said: “Sandwell Young Carers has been supported by the Sandwell Decent Homes Partnership for a number of years, previous fundraising events have included a special It’s a Knockout event at the Sandwell Community Show and cash and Easter egg donations adding up to more than £7,000."

Sandwell Young Carers is a registered charity with funds going towards support for children and young people under the age of 18 who care for ill or disabled relatives. It helps carers socialise with children their own age despite spending time looking after family members and carrying out chores. The charity bought the building in 1998.

The message comes as part of Noise Action Week, which runs from 23-27 May.

Sandwell residents are invited to attend an information stand in West Bromwich's Queen's Square shopping centre this Monday 23 May, 10am to 2pm, where they can talk to anti-social behaviour officers, environmental health officers, street wardens and the police, as well as pick up guidance literature and claim promotional freebies.

The team will also be available at the following places during Noise Action Week:

• Tuesday 24 May - Charlemont Community Centre, West Bromwich, 2-5pm
• Wednesday 25 May - Lissimore House, Kenrick Park, West Bromwich, 5-7pm
• Friday 27 May - Riddins Mound Estate Office, Old Hill, 5-8pm

Noise Action Week is an annual initiative co-ordinated by national charity Environmental Protection UK, which provides expert policy analysis and advice on air quality, land quality, waste and noise - and their effects on people and communities.

With evidence suggesting that noise nuisance can affect people's livelihoods and health, it is hoped that the week will encourage residents to take note of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. In worst case scenarios, persistent noise nuisance can lead to stress, insomnia and outbursts of violence.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "It is good to see Sandwell Homes, together with the council and police, bringing national Noise Action Week to Sandwell.

"I would urge anyone suffering from noise nuisance to visit one of the information stands next week for advice or contact us so we can help tackle the problem."

Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for safer neighbourhoods, said: "We take a tough stance on all forms of anti-social behaviour - including noise nuisance.

"The vast majority of people are law-abiding and respectful of others, but we can and do take action against those responsible for unacceptable noise levels."

As a social landlord, Sandwell Homes has the power to evict nuisance tenants or issue them with significant fines in conjunction with the council.

Residents can report noise nuisance and general anti-social behaviour through the Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline on 0845 359 7500, text SANDWELL ASB plus your message to 60003 or email contact@sandwell.gov.uk. Or you can call Sandwell Homes on 0121 569 6000.

People can also report anti-social behaviour - and any crime matters - to Sandwell Police on 0345 113 5000.

During 2010/11 the fund received more than 130 applications from individuals and community groups of which 64 successfully received funding. A diverse range of projects were helped including a ‘silver surfers’ group, which helps elderly residents learn how to use the internet, a local fishing club, and an arts and crafts group aimed at vulnerable and disabled residents.

Sandwell Ladies FC received £500 from the community chest fund to cover referee costs, pitch hire and a new kit. Team manager, Rebecca Still, said: “The community chest funding has been invaluable to Sandwell Ladies. The money has helped us grow the squad from nine when we first started to almost 22 players. I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Sandwell Homes.”

Grants of up to £500 can again be applied for to support one off bids associated with a project. Examples of projects that may be funded include youth activities, sports events, community environmental schemes and good neighbourhood projects.

Applications are open to individuals and groups alike, and application packs can be obtained by calling the business development team on 0121 569 5191.

For more information residents are advised to contact community involvement officer, Gail Ashfield, on 0121 569 5046 or via email at gail_ashfield@sandwellhomes.org.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is 5pm Friday 24 June.

A 12 year old French schoolgirl found the balloon in the garden of her home in Dieppe, northern France. She responded with a letter to say the message had been received and to wish Sally well.

Employees at Manifoldia Grange care home in West Bromwich managed to translate the letter between them.

Sally said: “The balloon release was centre manager Jim Barnes’ idea. It seems ironic that I laughed at the idea initially and mine ended up going all the way across the channel to France.

"In the end we released around 60 balloons and raised £180.00 for Red Nose Day.”

Through a unique, UK-first contract agreement, Veolia Water is designing and installing the mains, as well as providing gas meters, for a nominal charge of £1.

John Clayton, Investment Director for Sandwell Homes, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Veolia to offer gas to Metric estate residents for the first time. The one pound installation fee, and the cheaper fuel prices it will bring to tenants, means this was an offer we simply couldn’t refuse.”

Most of the properties on the estate are managed by Sandwell Homes, who are working with Veolia Water to manage the roll-out of the mains installation.

Veolia Water is partnering with ES Pipelines, a leading operator of gas infrastructure for new housing developments, industrial and commercial premises and for communities not previously connected to the national natural gas network, such as at the Smethwick estate. ES Pipelines will manage the gas mains after installation.

Bob Taylor, General Manager of Veolia Water Multi Utility Services, said: “This unique partnership of four like-minded organisations will bring many benefits to the local residents.

“By working together, we are bringing long-overdue mains gas to the estate at no cost to the residents, Sandwell Homes or Sandwell Warm Zones - except for a symbolic £1.”