A Solihull community group supporting Hong Kong residents as they settle into life in the borough is preparing to help raise funds for the 2026 Poppy Appeal.

Members of Shall We Talk met with the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Sardul Marwa MBE JP, this week to discuss their plans to support the annual Royal British Legion fundraiser.

Volunteers from the group will help sell poppies at St Alphege Church on Remembrance Sunday, joining thousands of people across the country supporting the appeal.

Established four years ago, Shall We Talk supports members of Solihull's Hong Kong community by providing opportunities to build friendships, practise conversational English and learn about local services.

The group meets every Monday at Solihull Methodist Church, with sessions regularly attracting more than 100 attendees.

The Poppy Appeal raises money to support serving personnel, veterans and their families through the work of the Royal British Legion.

Poppies will be available from Thursday, October 22, at supermarkets, high street shops and train stations, as well as online through the Royal British Legion's Poppy Shop.

The 2025 Poppy Appeal raised £56.6 million.

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Councillor Marwa said: "The Poppy Appeal is one of the most important opportunities we have each year to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community, while also raising vital funds to support veterans and their families.

"I am delighted that members of Shall We Talk are supporting the 2026 Poppy Appeal in Solihull.

"Their involvement demonstrates the strength of our borough's community spirit and the valuable contribution that local groups make to civic life.

"By working together with organisations such as Shall We Talk, we can ensure that remembrance remains meaningful, inclusive and supported by people from all backgrounds across Solihull."

More information about Shall We Talk can be found on the group's website, while details of the 2026 Poppy Appeal are available on the Royal British Legion website.