Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP has visited the Solihull Youth Bus to see first-hand how the service is supporting young people and expanding into new communities across the borough.

The Youth Bus has increased its operating hours over the summer and is now visiting seven additional neighbourhoods, including Blythe Valley, Castle Bromwich, Cheswick Green, Dickens Heath, Kingshurst, Shirley and Smith's Wood.

The service now runs throughout the week, bringing youth activities and support directly into local communities.

Since launching, the Youth Bus has engaged more than 400 young people through over 100 hours of workshops and activities.

Sessions have included graffiti art, filmmaking, aerial hoop and a range of other creative projects.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Streets Studios and the Meriden Adventure Playground Association, helping to provide activities and youth support to young people across the borough.

During the visit, Dr Shastri-Hurst praised the impact of the initiative and welcomed its expansion into more areas.

He said: "It was fantastic to visit the Youth Bus and see the work being done to give young people across Solihull access to positive activities, support, and opportunities to build new skills.

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"Having opportunities like this available locally can make a real difference.

"Not every young person will have easy access to a traditional youth club, so bringing activities directly into our communities is a really positive approach.

He went on to say: "I am particularly pleased to see the Youth Bus expanding into more areas across Solihull West and Shirley.

"This means more young people will be able to benefit from the service without having to travel further afield.

"I want to thank everyone involved in delivering the Youth Bus for the work they are doing to engage with young people and provide a safe, welcoming environment where they can learn new skills, build confidence, and make friends."

The expansion means more young people across Solihull will be able to access activities and support closer to home throughout the summer and beyond.