Month: January 2026

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Volunteer opportunities for 18-25 years old with the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme

ENNS meeting with local community groups at Perry Common Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) is looking for young people (18-25) who would like to volunteer with the constituency wide organisation and join their official funding panel.

Launched in 2019, ENNS funds and supports community groups and charities across Erdington – helping them to deliver a wide range of activities and services, from Castle Vale to Kingstanding.

From walking groups and mental health support to arts and craft sessions and coffee mornings, the ENNS has so far invested over £750,000 into local projects for people across Erdington – overseen by Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).

The ENNS is now looking for young adults to join their team of volunteers and sit on their funding panel, giving them valuable experience and a chance to get more involved in their community.

ENNS are particularly looking for people who are interested in supporting their local community by attending Funding Panel and Steering Group meetings every quarter. No previous experience is needed, just your willingness to get involved.

If you are aged 18-25 and ready to volunteer with the ENNS, or want to learn more about, then contact WLCA by emailing: enns@wittonlodge.org.uk

What can the ENNS offer volunteers?

To make sure volunteers feel confident and supported in their role, ENNS will provide:

  • Full training and guidance on reading applications and making fair, informed decisions.
  • Reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses, including travel mileage and bus fares.
  • Invitations to community events, where you can connect with others and see the impact of your contribution,
  • Volunteer lunch in ENNS meetings, as a thank you for your time, energy, and commitment.

Why join the ENNS volunteer team?

Volunteering with ENNS means being part of a welcoming, inclusive community where your insights matter. You’ll help shape services that directly improve people’s lives, and you’ll meet great people along the way.

Overarching role and responsibilities of ENNS funding panel members

As a member of the ENNS funding panel your role is to support the investment of resources into and within the Erdington constituency, primarily for disabled adults and older adults.

Outside of Perry Common Hall / Photograph by Ed King

ENNS funding panel activities

Panel members meet four times a year (every three months) for up to three hours at Perry Common Community Hall. The funding panel will:

  • Receive and discuss reports on where investments have been made and where investments are needed (also referred to as mapping gaps)
  • Receive and discuss applications and where appropriate award micro and small grants up to £20,000
  • Support community organisations and groups in the delivery of services to disabled adults and older people (also referred to as community development and infrastructure need)

Who are the volunteers ENNS are looking for?

ENNS are particularly looking for people who are interested in supporting their local community. No previous experience is necessary as ENNS will:

  • Provide training and support in reading applications and making decisions about them.
  • Reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses (travel mileage, bus tickets)
  • Invite you to various community events and welcome you to our volunteer’s lunch.

Launched in 2019, the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) is a portfolio of local community groups and activities – supporting over 50’s and adults living with disabilities.

To become and ENNS volunteer or lean more about the organisation email: ENNS enns@wittonlodge.org.uk

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor pupils captivated by West End spectacle

Chivenor Primary School pupils outside Lyceum Theatre in London / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by 4Cadbury — Chivenor Primary School’s Junior Correspondents

On Wednesday 7 January, students from Chivenor Primary School swapped their traditional classroom lessons and books for a “dazzling, once-in-a-lifetime experience” in London’s West End.

Departing by coach early in the morning, the group journeyed to the capital, where they were lucky enough to catch glimpses of iconic landmarks including the London Eye, Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square.

The highlight of the excursion was a visit to the Lyceum Theatre to see the world-renowned production of The Lion King. As the “heart-beating drum beats” began and the r curtain rose, the atmosphere became “spine-tingling”.

Students were fascinated by the “magnificent” giraffes, enormous elephant and various other animals in hand-crafted masks that brought the African savannah to life.

The performance was a powerful retelling of Simba’s journey from childhood to king of the Savannah. Pupils watched intently as the story unfolded, from the “animal parade” at the start to the darker moments where the villainous Scar led Simba toward a “disgusting” hyena-filled trap.

Despite the complexity of the plot, one student noted that the “captivating” production ensured even those at the back of the theatre felt like they were part of the action.

After the final curtain closed, the group began their long journey home enjoying the lights of London as they passed.

While the day was long, the students returned with “dazzling” memories of a ‘soul-stirring’ performance that perfectly complemented their current studies on the continent of Africa.

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

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NEWS: First free Community Meal of 2026 at Oikos Café on Thursday 29 January – 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Words by Ed King

On Thursday 29 January, Oikos Café opens its doors for its first free Community Meal of 2026 – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Located at 58 Erdington High Street, opposite The Swan and near the Village Green, Oikos Café serves meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturday.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the free Community Meal invites people in from 5pm until 6:30pm – with the first event taking place on Thursday 29 January.

Community Meal at Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Delivered as part of Oikos Church’s ministry – using their time and resources to reach out to the local community and build positive relationships – the Community Meal is a friendly and popular event that brings people together from all over Erdington

Local families and individuals of all ages are invited to drop in at any point for a healthy hot meal and a chance to sit and chat in the café.

One Erdington local told: “Oikos do a great job with their Community Meal, it’s a lovely atmosphere and the food is always a hearty homecooked meal. There’s no judgement or pressure and it’s a really mixed crowd of all ages and stages.”

They added: “I love going, and even though I go on my own I’ve started to make friends from some of the regular faces you see there. It’s a truly special event.”

Staff and volunteers serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Oikos Café and Church are a longstanding and cherished part of the High Street community, having opened their doors 10 and 15 years ago respectively.

To celebrate the double anniversary, Oikos will be hosting a special Fun Day community event on Saturday 28 February – held outside their venue on Erdington High Street.

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be supporting the Oikos anniversary events as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positive aspects and community of Erdington Town Centre.

Outside of Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “If anyone ever asks me to sum up the community spirit in Erdington, I tell them about the Oikos Community Meal – it’s a really special event, delivered from a place of absolute love and goodwill.

“It also tastes great and is genuinely a lot of fun.”

They added: “Oikos Church and Café are fundamental part of Erdington Town Centre and amazingly supportive of our local community – they do so much for so many, we are truly blessed to have them on our High Street.

“It is with great pleasure and friendship that we will join them at their upcoming anniversaries on the High Street – we hope everyone else will come along on Saturday 28 February and join in the celebrations too.”

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

 

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ERDINGTON POLICE: A positive start to 2026 in Erdington – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

As 2026 gets underway, I wanted to share a few positive updates from your local policing team and let you know what we’ve been focusing on.

Firstly, Erdington has a new Sergeant. Claire Millard has recently joined the team and is keen to get out, meet residents, talk to businesses, and connect with local community groups. If you see her while you’re out and about, please do stop and say hello.

We’ve also been busy planning for the year ahead. Before Christmas, we met with many of our fantastic volunteers, including StreetWatch, Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Street Pastors. These volunteers play a vital role as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping us spot issues early and keep neighbourhoods safe.

If you’re looking for something new this year, enjoy getting out for a walk and want to meet people locally, volunteering could be a great option. You’ll go out with our PCSOs, help report concerns and tackle anti‑social behaviour and we’re always happy to welcome new volunteers.

Police officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

January also marks one year since Operation Fearless launched in Erdington. Over the past year, officers have made more than 300 arrests and carried out over 500 stop and searches across Erdington and Southside areas of Birmingham.

Most importantly, this work has contributed to an 80 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 60 per cent drop in serious youth violence locally.

There’s always more to do, but these results show what’s possible when police, partners, and the community work together.

If you have any concerns or want to speak to the team, please get in touch.

Inspector Hayley Thompson.

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington 

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Looking forward into 2026 with Witton Lodge Community Association

WLCA Chief Officer Afzal Hussain standing outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

Happy New Year, Erdington!

Now is a great time to set new goals and make those changes that you’ve been promising yourself. Many of us start the year thinking about new resolutions – whether that’s improving our health, learning new skills, finding a new job or getting more involved in the community.

Whatever your plans, now is the perfect moment to take action and Witton Lodge Community Association is here to support you.

If finding work or building your skills is on your list, then get in touch, we also have a project for our younger residents. WOW! is a fantastic programme that supports 18-21 year olds with training, guidance and opportunities to prepare them for the world of work. It’s a great way to open doors to new possibilities.

There are also exciting developments in local health services. The NHS is working towards introducing a Neighbourhood Health Service, designed to bring care closer to home and make it easier for people to access the support they need.

Your ideas and feedback are vital to shaping how this service works for our community so please get involved with ‘Community Voice’ and help create something that truly meets local needs.

Witton Lodge Community Association champions local community voices and we remain immensely grateful to our volunteers and local groups. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, their time, energy and passion keep vital services running.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and become a volunteer, get in touch with us and we will work with you to make it happen.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Building momentum across Castle Vale with The Pioneer Group

Simon Wilson, The Pioneer Group CEO / Photograph by Phil Greig and supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

We know that Castle Vale is a proud community with a strong sense of identity, and the Government’s latest data* shows that things are beginning to move in the right direction.

While we remain aware of the challenges many residents face particularly around income, employment and access to opportunities the estate is less deprived than it was five years ago, which shows clear signs of progress.

We are also seeing improvements in community safety. Crime levels remain lower than the Birmingham average, showing the positive impact of local partnerships and a strong community spirit. These shifts matter; they create the foundations for greater confidence, investment and wellbeing.

We know that high‑quality housing and a safe, attractive environment are essential for a thriving community. The latest data highlights that Castle Vale performs better than many similar neighbourhoods in areas such as housing quality and the wider living environment, and we remain committed to strengthening those advantages.

But opportunity also depends on skills. Our Skills Hub, based in Topcliffe House continues to grow, offering CV support, training and pathways to local jobs helping residents build brighter futures right here on the estate.

Castle Vale is changing, and we are proud to play our part in driving that positive momentum forward.

(*Based on the Government’s 2025 statistics on deprivation, for more visit www.deprivation.communities.gov.uk)

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Supporting young people’s hopes, dreams, and ambitions for the future with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Team from Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) talking to young people / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Ash Porter, Volunteer Co-ordinator and Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

At this time of year many of us are inevitably drawn into thinking about what our dreams and goals are. What do you want to happen? What would you like to achieve? What are your dreams?

And it isn’t just adults who ask these questions. Children and young people across Erdington will be asking them too.

Last year UDB did a piece of research with over 110 young people, asking them questions about their dreams and ambitions for the future. We found that 88% of those questioned had goals or dreams for the future.

Some talked about traveling more, others about becoming musicians, and some simply wanted a family of their own one day. There was a vast range of dreams and hopes, all full of unique hope for the future.

At UDB we passionately believe that every young person is full of potential, and we want to see them work towards achieving these dreams. Schools play their part by educating and equipping young people. Families provide a home and support from which to build on.

At UDB we provide spaces for young people to grow in confidence and self-esteem, build lasting relationships, try new things and grow as individuals. All of this builds a foundation for young people to pursue their purpose and reach their full potential.

Do you know what the children and young people in your life dream of for their future, and is there any way you could help them achieve their dreams this year?

For more about UDB scan the QR code or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP (centre) with local community group memebers / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

A very happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a restful Christmas and were able to spend quality time with family and loved ones, just as I did at home here in Erdington.

Over recent weeks, I have been meeting with local groups including the Friends of Conker Island, Together in the Community and New Heights to listen directly from residents about their priorities for Kingstanding. These conversations will shape how the £20 million Pride in Place fund is delivered. This investment has the potential to bring real, lasting change, but only if it is driven by local voices, local needs and local ambition.

I have also seen some surprising claims from local Conservatives attempting to take credit for this funding. Let me be clear. After 14 years of Conservative government, Erdington was repeatedly overlooked for investment, including a rejected £10 million Levelling Up bid for Erdington High Street. That is their legacy; this £20 million is ours.

To keep this conversation going, I am hosting a public meeting for Kingstanding residents on Friday 23 January, 11am–1pm, at New Heights, St John’s Centre. I encourage you to come along and have your say.

Community safety remains a top priority. I recently met Sgt Fulford for a local policing update and was encouraged by progress under Operation Skybridge, which has already led to arrests, reduced crime and the disruption of a major cannabis farm.

I look forward to seeing many of you on the 23rd.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Cllr Robert Alden with grit box in Erdington / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden

(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)

Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

With the winter weather, Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been checking on grit bins and reporting empty ones for refilling in case the cold weather returns. We’ve also been challenging the Council to fix the potholes now in our local area.

This month has also seen the revelations that another Birmingham Labour politician has been revealed to have connections to HMO’s and Exempt Accommodation.

They’re not the only one.

This is why Labour keep voting against attempts to stop badly run exempt accommodation.

When Labour are not voting down attempts to tackle badly run exempt accommodation, they are buying up family homes to turn into supported accommodation. Last year the Labour Council bought 100s of houses in Erdington and Birmingham, using taxpayer’s money to outbid local residents trying to get on the housing ladder.

Only backing Birmingham Local Conservatives and kicking Labour out in May’s elections will give Birmingham a chance to stop the growth in badly run exempt accommodation.

Neither Cllr Gareth Moore and I, nor our families, have ever owned exempt accommodation or HMO’s. Sadly, this is not true for many Birmingham Labour politicians. Worse, they consistently refuse to be honest about it.

As other parties come out of the woodwork, with the City Council elections approaching in May, make sure you ask any candidates that you see to put in writing whether they or their family own or have ever owned HMO’s and Exempt Accommodation.

For more from Erdington’s Councillor Robert Alden and Councillor Gareth Moore visit www.facebook.com/ErdingtonNews

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OPINION: John Lambert, Chair of Reform UK Erdington Branch

Chair of Reform UK Erdington Branch John Lambert (far left) with local campaigners at Kingstanding Circle / Photograph supplied by Reform UK Erdington Branch

(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)

Words by John Lambert

January in Erdington has a particular honesty. The lights are down and what remains is the everyday. Getting the kids to school, keeping a business open and hoping the street still feels like yours when you get home.

All across Castle Vale, Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Kingstanding, Oscott, Perry Common, Pype Hayes and Stockland Green, residents are telling us the same thing. They do not want another set of promises in 2026. They want the basics done properly. Bins collected on time, streets kept clean, potholes repaired before they swallow a wheel and anti-social behaviour dealt with, rather than managed.

They also want fairness. Planning rules should mean something, not least when decent streets are being slowly worn down by fly-tipping, nuisance vehicles and the quiet creep of overcrowded HMOs that change a street’s rhythm overnight. Good landlords should not be undercut by rogue operators who ignore standards because enforcement is rare. Residents should not be left to log the same complaints again and again while nothing moves.

Operation Fearless by West Midlands Police has brought a bracing reminder of what normal should look like. Visible patrols, pace and consequence. But a town should not require a named operation to feel protected. If urgency works when it is organised and resourced, it should work every day of the year.

We are Reform UK’s Erdington Branch.

Like every resident in Erdington, we want competence. We will push for transparent spending, firmer enforcement and a council that treats residents as customers, not an afterthought. You may have already seen us in Erdington’s neighbourhoods, listening, taking notes and asking residents the simplest question of all.

What would you fix first if the people in charge were finally prepared to do the job? Please send your suggestions to chair.bhamerdington@reformuk.com

For more from Reform UK’s Erdington Branch visit www.reformerdington.co.uk