Author: admin

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: The upcoming elections

Simon Wilson – The Pioneer Group (TPG) Chief Executive Officer / Photograph by Phil Greig, supplied by TPG

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

As a registered social landlord, we do not hold or promote party‑political views. However, our work is shaped directly by government policy, so it is important to acknowledge that decisions taken at national and local levels influence the environment in which we operate and the services we are able to deliver.

Government policy becomes real through legislation and regulation, whatever party forms the administration. Issues such as the availability of good‑quality social housing, the safety and sustainability of our homes, and the extent to which tenants can influence decisions about allocations and services are all shaped by this wider national framework.

These topics continue to be central to public debate and will remain important throughout this year’s election cycle.

Birmingham’s upcoming all‑out local elections are expected to be closely watched, and while predicting outcomes is not my role, what I can say with certainty is that we will continue to focus on long‑term, constructive partnerships.

Our commitment is to work collaboratively with those elected, whichever party they represent, to secure the best outcomes for our tenants and the wider communities we serve.

We are proud of the positive working relationships we have developed with ward councillors across all areas where we have homes. These partnerships have supported investment, community initiatives and practical improvements that benefit local residents.

I would encourage everyone to use their vote, understand the issues, consider who best reflects your priorities, and take part. Local elections can be won and lost on small numbers so every vote really does count.

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.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Supporting young people to find their focus with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Generic image of young people working in a classroom / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Emma Winmill, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

If you’ve got teenagers revising at the moment, you may recognise the pattern: procrastination, followed by long hours trying to catch up, and suddenly the whole house feels tense.

It might feel like the answer is to just work longer, but research suggests something different. Most of us concentrate best in short bursts of around 25 to 40 minutes, followed by a proper break.

This approach helps the brain process and retain information more effectively. By contrast, revising for hours without stopping often leads to overload, where much of what’s learned is quickly forgotten.

Breaks are not wasted time. Getting outside, moving around, or doing something enjoyable helps reset focus and reduce stress.

At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we see every young person as more than how they do at school. Exams matter, but they do not define who someone is or what they can become. Every young person has their own strengths, and part of our role is helping them recognise that.

So this exam season, aim for balance. Encourage steady revision, proper rest, and time to recharge. We will be there every weekday, providing spaces for young people to rest and reset. Visit www.urbandevotion.org/activities for details.

And remember, success is not just about results. It is also about being well, growing in confidence, and holding onto hope for what comes next.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org

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

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: From safety net to springboard – the Witton Lodge way

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

At Witton Lodge Community Association many of our services are aimed at providing support when life becomes unstable, and in recent years cost of living pressures has meant demand has never been greater.

Every day, residents come to us in need of urgent support: help with benefits and debt, energy costs, housing worries or some other challenge life has thrown up. These moments matter, but we don’t stop there.

As a community anchor, we provide practical help, advice, and human connection when people need it most. This support creates stability; it starts to restore confidence and gives people breathing space.

However, what I believe truly defines Witton Lodge, is what happens next.

From the outset, our services are designed to stabilise and then act as a springboard – crisis support can and does become a gateway to new possibilities: skills development, volunteering, employment, and enterprise opportunities.

We actively work with people to identify ambition as well as need, ensuring that immediate support is matched by hope and possibility.

This springboard approach came to life at our recent Youth Employment and Social Enterprise celebration event. The energy in the room reflected everything we stand for. Young people who had once needed support were stepping forward as future employees and entrepreneurs.

Local employers and partners saw first‑hand how investing in potential, not just qualifications, transforms lives and communities.  Our entrepreneurs and social enterprises were celebrated as proof that community‑led solutions can generate both purpose and prosperity.

In challenging times, safety nets are vital. But at Witton Lodge, we also believe in nurturing talent to help our communities thrive and flourish.

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.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating the potential of ambition and community support with Witton Lodge Community Association

Group gathered outside Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) hosted a landmark celebration to honour the achievements of local residents in reaching a significant milestone for youth employment, social entrepreneurship and volunteering in North Birmingham.

Held on 31 March, the event was presided over by Erdington MP, Paulette Hamilton, who was joined by community leaders to recognise three pillars of community growth successfully facilitated by WLCA.

The celebration served as a showcase for the WOW! (World of Work) Youth Trailblazer initiative which provided tailored support to help young people overcome barriers to employment, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to secure meaningful roles.

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton speaking at community celebration event in Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA

It also honoured the latest cohort of aspiring local entrepreneurs who have successfully completed Witton Lodge’s latest Social Enterprise programme. Over the last five months these men and women presented a diverse range of business models – including new Community Interest Companies (CICs) and creative startups – designed to tackle local social issues. Their pitches demonstrated a unique blend of business acumen and a commitment to social good.

A full Perry Common Community Hall heard inspiring stories from several successful candidates who shared their personal journeys with an audience of over 70 invited guests.

“Seeing the diverse range of business pitches was truly inspiring,” said Marcia Lewis, Employment and Enterprise Advisor at WLCA.

“They’ve shown a unique blend of business acumen and a deep commitment to social good.”

With the event celebrating community impact, a well-earned spotlight shone on the selfless contributions of Witton Lodge’s dedicated volunteers.

Guest speaker at community celebration event in Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Chair of the organisation, Linda Hines, MBE, paid special tribute to the amazing men and women who continue to give their time to support other people. WLCA is proud to have an incredible team of volunteers who dedicate their time each week to supporting their local community – contributing more than 1,700 hours of service last year. From running local projects to providing peer support, these volunteers remain the backbone of North Birmingham’s resilience.

Linda commented: “Our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. Their selflessness ensures that no-one in North Birmingham has to walk their path alone.”

With certificates of achievement presented to all WOW! Youth Trailblazer and Social Enterprise participants as well as the volunteers, Paulette Hamilton MP, was keen to emphasise the importance of cohesive and collaborative community support.

“Investing in young people is investing in the future,” she said.

“Witton Lodge has a proud history of supporting local communities to develop talent so people can become the best they can be.”

WLCA staff and active community members outside Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at WLCA, summed up the feeling of everyone who had attended.

“When a community invests in its own people, everyone thrives,” he said.

“The success of the WOW! Youth Trailblazer participants and the vision of the new social entrepreneurs serve as a powerful blueprint for the future of North Birmingham.”

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.

Posted on

NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 March – 11am to 5pm

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

Words by Ed King

Erdington Community Market returns to Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 March for the second event in its regular monthly programme, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.

The first Community Market was held in February and saw hundreds of Erdington locals and visitors enjoy an afternoon of family friendly fun on the High Street – see our PICTURE GALLERY from the February market below.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets will offer a range of handmade crafts, original artwork, unique gifts, children’s toys, and homemade food from local traders.

The Community Markets will also showcase several local bakers selling homemade sweet treats, with a wide range of brownies, cakes, biscuits, and much more – including gluten free and vegan options.

Alongside the stalls will be a variety of free children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, and arts and crafts.

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The Erdington High Street Community Market will be held on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.

The busy location also gives local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding high street retailers – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and groceries, to electronics, household goods, and clothing.

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “The first Community Market in February was a lot of fun, and we’re really excited to bring back the stalls and children’s entertainment to Erdington Town Centre. has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.

“We’ve got a few new stall holders joining us this month too, and it’s exciting to watch the interest in our Community Markets grow – which we hope to build on each month.”

They added: “The Erdington High Street Community Markets are not only a chance to find those special gems that you only get from a local market, but also a chance to socialise and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.

“It was a really lovely event in February, and everyone is excited about coming back on Saturday 28 March – we hope to see you on the High Street.”

Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

The Erdington High Street Community Markets are supported by the Mayor’s Market Fund from the West Midlands Combined Authority – with additional support from Birmingham City Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The events are part Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre – through community events, volunteering opportunities, arts and culture.

PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska

For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

 

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe – A message from Sergeant Claire Millard

Seargent Millard – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sergeant Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

Hi everyone.

I’m Claire Millard, your new Neighbourhood Sergeant for Erdington.

I’ve been in the seat for about a month now and while I know I have some big shoes to fill following Sgt John Reeves, I’m ready to hit the ground running.

I’ve spent twelve years in policing starting at the Met before transferring to WMP and moving into Public Protection, so I’ve seen a lot in my time. But my goal here is simple: I want you to feel safe in your own neighbourhood.

I know there have been concerns recently about anti-social behaviour and drug dealing, particularly around the High Street. We hear you and we are taking action.

Operation Fearless is back.

Local police and Operation Fearless officers patrolling Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

This month, you’ll notice a major boost in boots on the ground. We’re teaming up with both uniformed and plain-clothes officers from Operation Fearless for regular High Street patrols.

Whether you see us in high-vis or we’re working quietly in the background, we are out there disrupting the people making life difficult for the rest of us.

I don’t want us to be just a passing siren. I will make sure we’re making regular use of the community hub outside B&M.

Please stop by to chat to us, report any concerns, grab some crime prevention advice, or just say hello, we’re here for you.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all out on the beat.

Sgt Millard.

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

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating the story of Easter with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Representation of boulder pulled back from Jesus’ tomb on Easter Sunday / Image from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Joel Goodlet, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

On the very first Easter Sunday, John’s gospel tells us that a woman called Mary Magdalene was alone in the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried.

Two of Jesus’ more famous male followers have found the tomb empty, inspected the folded burial clothes and left with a story they don’t yet understand.

Mary can’t leave. John tells us that she walks into the tomb with tears in her eyes.

When the risen Jesus appears and calls her name, he stands between her and the world she has left behind to grieve him. She turns. In a society that didn’t accept women as legal witnesses, the Bible tells us God chose Mary as the first witness of the resurrection.

This year our TV screens and social media feeds have been filling up with news of violence and abuses of power. The peace of a struggling planet seems fragile. Perhaps you’ve felt like Mary. Perhaps you’ve turned your back on the world. Perhaps this Easter feels like a time of grief.

At UDB, we believe Easter Sunday’s story.

What Mary discovered remains true today. The hidden and the hurting have not been overlooked. There is a reason to turn your gaze back out to the world. It’s worth letting the sunrise show you how this day might look more hopeful.

There are so many sad, terrifying stories all around us in 2026. But there is another story, too. There is a hope that outlasts them all.

Happy Easter!

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org/

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

 

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards

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

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

As we look forward to the very first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on Thursday 19 March, I’m filled with pride at what this moment represents for our community.

This is a first of a kind and a chance to recognise the people who give their time, passion and energy to make Castle Vale the place it is today.

This year’s event also arrives at a moment in our shared story. It has been 30 years since the regeneration of Castle Vale began, a turning point led initially by the Housing Action Trust, which transformed the estate’s homes, opportunities and future.

From a time when change was urgently needed, residents and partners worked together to rebuild a community and reputation.

Today, Castle Vale stands as a nationally recognised model of sustainable regeneration, built not simply through investment, but through the strength and determination of its people.

We are proud to continue honouring the promise made during those early regeneration years, to invest in great homes, strengthen its community and support a community where everyone can thrive. But the true credit belongs to the residents themselves.

Not only our customers, but neighbours across the whole estate whose everyday actions, often unseen, make Castle Vale such a special place.

So, as we come together at Greenwood Academy from 6pm, I want to wish every nominee across our six categories the very best of luck.

Thank you for helping make this community exceptional.

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.

Posted on

OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Like you, I’ve watched the news from the Middle East this week with a heavy heart. The renewal of conflict, with airstrikes on Iran, is deeply troubling.

It forces us to reflect on Britain’s place in a volatile world.

While I condemn the abhorrent actions of the Iranian regime, as your MP my first duty is to you. That is why I support the Government’s decision to ensure the UK is not automatically dragged into another distant war.

We cannot afford to enter conflicts at the behest of others. We must never forget the painful mistakes of the past, particularly the war in Iraq. Any decision involving our armed forces must have one thing at its core: the safety and security of British citizens and a clear, achievable goal.

We cannot commit to conflict without an exit plan.

Locally, I was pleased to host my coffee morning in Gravelly Hill, listening to residents. Whether we are talking about local priorities or our NHS, your voice shapes my work in Westminster.

It also means fighting for the things that hold our community together. I’ve been pressing hard for answers on Erdington Library. Our cherished Grade II-listed building has been left in limbo. I’m pleased that structural surveys are finally approved and plans are moving forward.

I will keep the pressure on for a clear timeline and the funding needed to bring this vital community hub back to life.

Please keep an eye out for my next coffee morning, I hope to see you there.

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

Posted on

OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

(L-R) Cllr Alden and Cllr Moore standing outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied Cllr Alden

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

Tireless local Councillor Gareth Moore and I recently met senior officers and the Cabinet Member at Erdington Library to discuss the urgent need for repairs, a library provision during the current closure and to inspect the damage that the library has suffered.

We also since have held a public meeting to update residents on the latest and the next steps.

Sadly the damage to the roof has been significant, part of the ceiling has now fallen down and there has been significant water ingress.

Birmingham City Council have reiterated, following our campaign to save Erdington Library, they are committed to repairing and reopening the library.

(L-R) Cllr Moore and Cllr Alden standing by community artwork / Photograph supplied Cllr Alden

We have secured the following repairs: roof and skylights to be replaced, damaged plaster repaired, single glazed windows replaced, public toilets reinstated, lighting upgraded, reinstate hot water in staff areas, inspections of stone coping and underground heating pipework.

It’s vital that residents have a library service locally. So before the work begins, we’ve asked the Council to reopen the community room for bookings and book drop off.

With work expected to take around a year, longer term we are working with the Council to find a temporary location to house a library service for Erdington as well as for increased visits from the mobile library truck.

The Mobile Library will now visit the High Street every Wednesday 12.30pm-2.30pm – starting Wednesday 25 March and one Saturday per month 3.10pm-4.00pm – starting Saturday 11 April.

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