I’m Paul Cadman, and I regularly write for West Midlands News , exploring a wide range of subjects that shape our region and reflect its global relevance. The platform gives me the space to articulate and amplify my thoughts, views, and experiences, alongside a community of local writers who bring deep expertise and internationally recognised perspectives.
I’d welcome you to spend some time on the West Midlands News platform and discover a unique blend of voices committed to informing, challenging, and inspiring readers across the region and beyond.
https://t.co/AJ1dzI0lyA
Saturday morning reflection.
Life Sciences Week came to a close yesterday, and it's given me a chance to reflect on what has been a really positive and insightful week.
This morning started with my latest plasma donation at the New Street Donor Centre. It's something I've come to value greatly, and each visit reminds me how fortunate I am to be able to contribute in a small way to helping others. After spending the week celebrating the impact that science, innovation and healthcare have on people's lives, it felt like a fitting way to round off the week.
I've also enjoyed catching up with the team and reflecting on our achievements, conversations and the progress we've made. Taking a moment to appreciate colleagues and recognise the wider impact of what we do is always worthwhile.
And now, I'm spending some time at one of my favourite coffee shops, Damascena, enjoying a good breakfast and a coffee while taking stock of the week and looking ahead to the next one.
Feeling thankful, positive and privileged to play a small part in making a difference.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
@GiveBloodNHS
#LifeSciencesWeek #PlasmaDonation #GivingBack #Healthcare #Leadership #Teamwork #MakingADifference #WeekendReflection #DamascenaCoffeeShop
Positive start to the day ☀️ On my way to Birmingham New Street to donate plasma and doing a little good before the weekend. Enjoying some great company on the journey, tuned into the Phil Upton Show on @bbcwm. Have a fantastic day everyone! #GivePlasma#BBCWM#PositiveStart 💙🩸@flupton
Great to give a keynote at Health Innovation West Midlands at the University of Birmingham.
Britain has world leading science and innovation. The challenge is turning it into better care for patients, while creating the investment, jobs and growth. #LSW26#LifeSciences
£1.17 million for Bartley Green Scouts
Government funding through the Youth Investment Fund has delivered a new centre where young people can meet, grow in confidence and build skills for life.
A fantastic investment in Bartley Green’s future. 👇🏽
Proud to open Life Sciences Week 2026 here in Birmingham.
From pioneering X-rays, pacemakers to precision diagnostics & personalised cancer vaccines, our region has always led the way.
Now we must turn more breakthroughs into better care, good jobs & growing businesses
#LSW26
Britain’s automotive supply chain doesn’t need to die. It needs a new mission. My new blog today on auto, defence, dual use, building resilience & the critical role for place based industrial strategy. Will the govt listen?
https://t.co/4ULODXj4B1 @SMMT@MakeUK_@gtma1
During the First World War, “Flag Days” became a familiar sight across Britain. Women and girls stood in busy streets with collecting tins, offering small Union Jack flags on pins in return for a donation.
The money raised supported causes including wounded soldiers, military hospitals, servicemen’s families, refugees and comforts for troops at the Front.
These women were just one small part of Britain’s huge wartime fundraising effort, collecting pennies that together made a real difference.
#WW1 #HomeFront #WomenInHistory
Delighted to see an article highlighting the importance of plasma donation featured in the 2026 @LifeSciencesW Week Magazine.
Plasma donation is a simple act that has a profound impact, helping to support patients with life-changing and life-saving conditions who rely on plasma-derived medicines every day.
As a regular plasma donor, this is a cause that is particularly close to my heart. Raising awareness is vital if we are to encourage more people to consider donating and help ensure that those who depend on these treatments continue to receive the care they need.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in promoting this important message and to every donor who gives their time to make a difference. Together, we can help save and improve lives.
@GiveBloodNHS
#PlasmaDonation #LifeSciences #GivingBack #Healthcare #SavingLives #BloodDonation #CommunityImpact
Vulnerable people deserve a safe home and proper support. Residents deserve to feel safe in their own communities.
For too long, Birmingham has carried the consequences of a broken supported housing system. I have written about what needs to change.👇🏽 https://t.co/i50VvdfTWa
Birmingham cannot wait any longer for action on exempt accommodation
By @PreetKGillMP .
When supported housing works well, it changes lives. It gives someone leaving prison the chance to turn a corner, helps a person escape homelessness and enables those dealing with addiction, poor mental health or domestic abuse to rebuild their lives.
Birmingham has some excellent providers doing exactly that. They offer safe accommodation, proper support and a route towards independence. But their work is being undermined by a broken system that has allowed unscrupulous operators to exploit vulnerable people and extract vast sums from the taxpayer.
The scale of the problem in Birmingham is extraordinary. Supported housing provision has nearly tripled since 2018. Today, almost 33,000 people live in around 12,000 supported exempt properties across the city. The annual cost has risen to almost £400 million around half of the country’s entire spending on exempt accommodation.
https://t.co/LzAwjcBv5w
Huge congratulations to ABF beneficiary and Army veteran, Rick Clement, who has won the Inspiration Award at the 2026 @SoldierOnAwards!
After sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan, Rick regained his independence and has dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans, military charities and his local community. We are so proud of all Rick has achieved, and that we could play a part in helping him recover and move forward with his life.
This is a truly deserved honour and we're absolutely thrilled for Rick.👏
#SoldieringOnAwards #ForSoldiersForLife