We all have a duty to create thriving communities across Dudley borough, the Bishop of Dudley has said .

Bishop Graham Usher says he hopes the recently launched Dudley borough Vision will bring people even closer together.

The Vision is based around seven themes looking at how we create a better borough by 2030 and includes things like transport, communities, health, education and much more.

Key partners including businesses, police, education, health and Dudley Council are all working together on the project which over the next 12 years will identify the detail behind some of the ambitions to make them a reality.

Bishop Graham is one of the leads on the project specifically focussing on creating a place which is home to healthy, resilient, safe communities with high aspirations and the ability to shape their own future.

Bishop Graham Usher said: “I’m excited by the whole vision for Dudley because it seeks the flourishing of every individual.

“Dudley has a great spirit because it is made up of passionate people who are committed, often through involvement in voluntary organisations, to make their neighbourhoods better places to live.

“The sad reality is that there are growing inequalities in Dudley and that impacts on how long you might live – in some places life expectancy is 10 years more than in other places – and that’s simply wrong.

“I’m hoping that by 2030 – and hopefully long before – we will see much improved health outcomes and people thriving more. I’m passionate about our communities being good places to live, where caring for our neighbours is a high priority and something we take a pride in.”

Key partners in that area will be police and health who have both made firm commitments to looking at new ways of working to build on their excellent work.

Sally Bourner, Chief Superintendent and Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander said West Midlands Police are committed to neighbourhood policing, working with communities and partners to prevent crime through strong relationships with local people who are the “eyes and ears” of the community. Chief Supt Bourner says the traditional values of Sir Robert Peel in tighter links with communities are as true today as they have ever been.

Meanwhile, Paul Maubach, Chief Executive, Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group, says Dudley is leading the way nationally on developing new ways of working and through this work with partners. He says they are already seeing improvements in the way services are delivered which will further be cemented with the creation of a new Multispecialty Community Provider (MCP) looking at providing provide integrated GP and Community health and care services from Autumn 2019.

Both have a big part to play in making sure everyone who lives in Dudley borough is proud to call it home.

For more information visit www.dudleyboroughvision2030.org.uk

The Dudley News has teamed up with Dudley Council and partners to help launch the ‘Forging a Future for all’ Awards. The awards will recognise people and organisations who are helping improve life in the borough.

There are12 award categories. - Improving the Local Environment: Outstanding Contribution to Education; Young Achiever; Community; Transportation; Better Connected; Rising Apprentice Star of the Year; Business of the Year; Visitor Attraction of the Year; Visitor Attraction Volunteer of the Year; Lifetime Achievement; Town Centre Ambassador of the Year.

The winners will be announced at a glitzy black tie event at Copthorne Hotel in Dudley on Tuesday, November 27.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 24. To nominate someone or to find out more visit www.dudleynews.co.uk/awards/forgingafuture