The Pioneer Group staff Katie and Serina at charity bake sale (750px) / PIc supplied by The Pioneer Group
The Pioneer Group is proud to announce a successful year of fundraising efforts, culminating in a donation of £2,152 to Tommy’s – the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people around pregnancy and childbirth.
Named after St Thomas’ Hospital in London, where the UK’s first ever pregnancy research centre was established from 1997-2021, Tommy’s is dedicated to supporting those dealing with the heartbreak and devastation after losing a baby – and to make pregnancy and birth as safe as possible.
Tommy’s work tirelessly across the whole pregnancy journey to drive change at every level – translating its research breakthroughs into new tests and treatments in clinical care, changing national maternity policy and providing expert information and support for anyone who needs it.
The contribution from The Pioneer Group could fund a month of research by a Tommy’s scientist, helping to prevent second trimester losses and reduce the heartbreak of baby loss.
Staff, stakeholders, and residents of The Pioneer Group came together throughout the year to support this important cause, participating in a variety of creative fundraising activities.
Notable fundraising highlights include:
David Bucknall running 60 miles over the month of June
Sarah Melaney walking 100 miles during May
Kathryn Priest completing 100 skips every day in October
A series of community events, including a bake sale, a bake-off by the Executive Leadership Team, a World Cup football sweepstake, Christmas raffle donations, and a sponsored football game
The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive of The Pioneer Group, expressed his pride in the efforts: “This great achievement reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved, from our staff to our residents.
He added:” Supporting Tommy’s vital work to prevent baby loss aligns with our core values of delivering safe and supportive communities. We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”
Sarah House, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Tommy’s, also told: “We feel incredibly grateful to work with amazing organisations such as The Pioneer Group whose support is crucial in helping us to continue our mission to stop the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and make pregnancy and birth safe – for everyone.”
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Paulette Hamilton MP at the official launch of Operation Feareless at Villa Park / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
I’m thrilled to kick off the new year by sharing some exciting updates about our amazing communities across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.
After years of relentless campaigning, I’m proud to announce that we’ve secured £880,000 for Operation Fearless through the proceeds of crime funding, headed up by Simon Foster, Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
This initiative is a game-changer for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, breathing new life into Erdington High Street – the beating heart of our community. Leading this campaign has been an absolute honour, and working with local residents, traders, the police, and the council has truly shown what we can achieve when we work together.
While this funding is a major step forward, it’s just the start of our journey to transform the high street. I remain committed to making our high streets a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for everyone.
Paulette Hamilton MP and young people with Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, Alison McGovern MP, at Witton Lodge Community Association / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Another highlight was welcoming Alison McGovern MP, Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, to Erdington. During her visit, she engaged with young people at the Witton Lodge Community Association and joined discussions with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board, which I proudly chair.
We also visited the Erdington Jobcentre to hear from work coaches about their experiences in helping local residents into employment.
Erdington is truly making its mark, attracting vital funding and national attention. These achievements reflect the strength of our community and our shared determination to create a better and safer future for all.
Reform UK Parliamentary candiate Jack Brookes on the campaign trail during the 2022 by-election for Birmingham Erdington / Pic supplied by Reform UK
First of all… I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. I understand that times are hard, but things always get worse before they get better. I recently suffered a loss; life goes on though.
However, we cannot ignore the truth and if we do not have liberation through politics then there will be no choice to seek liberation through other means – but this an absolute last resort! We must remember the origins of Magna Carta.
To the Erdington Police. “Stop being Politically Correct (Communist origins) and do not oppress people that tell the truth.”
To Jaguar. “Go woke, go broke. I fully encourage the JLR workers to go on strike until woke is removed from the company, you will lose your jobs anyways if you do not stand against this stupidity. Sales are dramatically down since that recent strange advert.”
To the people. “The truth always wins. Victory is at hand. Keep going.”
Words by Erdington Ward Cllr Robert Alden – Leader of Birmingham Conservatives
(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden at community launch of Operation Fearless at St Barnabas Church / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden
Happy New Year.
Over the last few weeks Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been meeting with officers from the police and the Council in advance of the launch of Operation Fearless to try and ensure its impact is maximised locally, for the benefit of local residents and businesses.
We also recently spoke at the launch of Operation Fearless in the second week of January, where we talked about the need for an increased police presence and tough action to make our local streets safer, about the campaigns Gareth and I have been working on over the last few years for more Police on our streets, for the reopening of the front desk at Erdington Police Station, and more officers to be based there, and for the renewal, strengthening and increased enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) around Erdington High Street.
Over the coming months we’ll be continuing to push the police for results from Operation Fearless to ensure it’s making a difference.
The best chance we have locally of making a difference from these increased police resources is to ensure that everyone is reporting all possible crime and anti-social behaviour that they see locally.
Even if you only have partial descriptions, please do report that information to the police or Crimestoppers so that we can ensure that Erdington is a no-go area for criminals.
We’ve also met with the NHS about the future of the North Birmingham Urgent Treatment Centre.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
Arrests, vehicle and drug seizures and £500,000 of counterfeit goods recovered – Operation Fearless has officially arrived in Erdington.
Tuesday 7 January marked the formal launch of Fearless, a major new initiative to drive down crime and improve life in Erdington with a combination of high-profile visible activity and work with partners such as Birmingham City Council (BCC).
Around 150 people gathered at Villa Park to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, and others about the ambitious plans to make Erdington a safer and better place to live.
Officers on patrol on Erdington High Street as part of Operation Fearless / Pic by West Midlands Police
In the afternoon, the Fearless team got to work in Erdington, supported by colleagues with dogs, drones, knife detecting equipment and even horses from Thames Valley Police.
The operation saw:
One man wanted on suspicion of burglary in the West Mercia area was arrested in an operation targeting criminals using the bus network to travel into Erdington
One man was arrested for failing to appear at court
Two vehicles were seized – one because it was being used in crime, and another because it was being driven without insurance
Six men were arrested for conspiracy to defraud over the seizure of £500,000 of counterfeit and illicit goods, including cigarettes, vapes, and prescription medication, in a joint operation with BCC’s Trading Standards team
The work of the Fearless team, made up of uniformed and plain clothes officers as well as detectives and other teams, will continue over the weeks to come, and will move into other areas, while working with partners to ensure that the improvements made in Erdington are not undone.
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro taking to media at Operation Fearless launch on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant
Det Supt Jim Munro, who leads the Fearless team, said: “[7 January] was a fantastic launch and the support by partners from across the region, from the council to Transport for West Midlands, to immigration and children’s services has been phenomenal.
“We backed up our words with real action… making arrests and removing counterfeit goods from the High Street.
“Fearless will only succeed with the support of people in Erdington though. When you see our officers, chat to them about what concerns you have and where you think we should be directing our work. That will make a real difference.”
As we head into a new year, the bubble of excitement, new habits and dreams can quickly be popped by Blue Monday, ‘the most depressing day of the year’.
This is especially the case for our children and young people. According to a 2020 report, 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 are likely to experience mental health problems.
At UDB, we work with a number of young people who are experiencing problems with their mental health, and we see social media having a big impact on this.
Adolescent brains, not yet fully developed and highly mouldable, are being barraged by a constant stream of content. For some, their brains are becoming wired to need the next notification or to be entertained constantly.
In Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation he suggests people become anxious and depressed when “they feel isolated, lonely or useless”.
It’s interesting that in a generation more ‘connected’ than ever, we are seeing large numbers of young people who feel isolated and lonely, and consequently, anxious and depressed.
As a community we can make a difference to the mental health of the young people we know. Things like in-person conversations, asking how they are doing, doing things in the physical world with them. These are all small steps, which when done consistently, can make a huge difference.
In a time of the year where mental health conditions can be amplified, why not make an intentional effort to make a difference for yourself and others?
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group
A very Happy New Year from The Pioneer Group!
Reflecting on 2024, I am incredibly proud of all we accomplished as an organisation. Together, we reached significant milestones that highlight our unwavering commitment to supporting the Castle Vale community.
Two standout moments in December captured the spirit of our community. The first was the Christmas Tree lights switch-on, a great celebration that brought Castle Vale residents together to share in the festive spirit.
This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our partners, Nationwide Windows and Doors, who donated the tree and lights. Despite challenging weather conditions, residents came together for a festive celebration. Our thanks also go to Cllr Goodwin and the team at Birmingham City Council for their support.
Beyond the event, our partnership with Nationwide has delivered incredible results: 553 homes upgraded, 1,210 properties surveyed, and over £3 million invested in improvements – with more to come.
The second highlight was our Christmas Hamper and Gift Drop. Through the Christmas Tree Tag programme, we identified over 100 children in need, and the community generously donated more than 60 gifts through our Joy to the Vale campaign.
Thanks to our dedicated staff, who worked tirelessly to gather, wrap, and deliver these presents, we brought joy to countless households during the festive season.
As we move into 2025, our commitment to being an anchor within the community remains high on our agenda. We’re excited to launch our new Corporate Plan in April, which will guide our service delivery for the next three years.
By working together with staff, residents, and stakeholders, we look forward to building on our successes and making an even greater impact.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA)
WLCA Chief Executive Afzal Hussain outside Health and Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
We recently celebrated three successful years on Erdington High Street, delivering essential services to more than 7,000 residents from our Health & Wellbeing Hub.
Despite recent news of safety concerns at this location, this doesn’t reflect our first-hand experience, and we are proud that the Erdington Health and Wellbeing Hub continues to be a cornerstone of community support, offering vital services in health, employment, housing, and financial advice.
In 2021, Witton Lodge Community Association made a strategic decision to take on the empty High Street facility. By investing and expanding our services over the years, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to drive positive change on the High Street and for the Erdington community. And as many of you will know we followed this up with ambitious plans to refurbish the former Erdington baths.
In another significant development, West Midlands Police has launched Operation Fearless, a major initiative to tackle crime and improve safety in Erdington.
This operation, funded by £880,000 seized from criminals, targets issues such as drug-related activities, anti-social behaviour, and violent crimes with the dedicated team already bringing tangible improvements to community safety.
Together with local residents, groups and partners, we remain committed to improving lives and livelihoods in Erdington. By working collaboratively, we know we can create a safer, more vibrant Erdington where our community can succeed and thrive.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
Erdington High Street has been known as a crime hotspot for several years, with endemic shoplifting underpinning broad daylight drug dealing and a rouges gallery of anti-social behaviour.
But it used to be different, very different. It used to be known as one of Birmingham’s most vibrant retail hubs, with thousands of confident shoppers and respected national brands clamouring for frontage.
Now West Midlands Police have launched Operation Fearless and are set to invest over 20 new officers and £880,000 to tackle criminality on and around Erdington High Steet.
Erdington Local attended the maiden voyage of this ambitious new policing strategy, asking just what impact it hopes to make in the once proud and prominent Erdington Town Centre.
Chief Constable Craig GUildford outside official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
“We’ve only been up and running since the end of November and we’ve already banned two prolific shoplifters,” explains West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, standing on the sun warmed steps of Villa Park at the official launch of Operation Fearless – a slow tide of media and local partners drifting into the conference room below.
“It’s already working quite well and on the back of the prosecutions, with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, we’ve got a court order which bans [the shoplifters] from the High Street. Now that’s a really good success.”
Chief Constable Guildford is a no-nonsense copper, with a calm and authoritative air, and a look that would not be out of place in a Sergio Leone Western. After becoming the region’s top police officer he reportedly broke up a fight on Bearwood High Street whilst off duty getting a coffee.
Guildford was brought into post in December 2022, appointed by Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, with a mandate to bring back robust community policing, and terms like ‘working with local partners’ and ‘local police presence’ have peppered documents that have come from his office ever since.
Promotional flyers for Operation Fearless / Pic by Ed King
Indeed, the first-person introduction to the West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing Ambition strategy, which sets the local operations aims until 2026, states how ‘affinity and pride in local teams helps us tackle criminality’ before confirming they will ‘listen to and work with the public, partners, voluntary groups… to protect local people and places.’
But Erdington High Street has been arguably a failed case study in community cohesion, with revolving door Sergeants and stripped back public patrols doing little to quell the growing frustration of both local residents and business. And even less to reduce the crime statistics, which UKCrimeStats places at one of the worst in Birmingham – beaten only by Ladywood, Hodge Hill, and Perry Barr.
And the apathy in reporting crimes, especially from the frustrated at best and frightened at worst retailers on the High Street, could nudge these numbers even higher, with many calling for the reopening of the Erdington Police Station front desk and giving up on their unanswered calls to the 101 and 999 emergency numbers.
Promotional vehicles at official launch of Operation Fearless / Pic by Ed King
It’s a problem across the region, and Chief Constable Guildford admits when he took on his role West Midlands Police were “very poor at answering the telephone, compared to lots of police forces.” Around the same time, prominent Erdington retailers were reporting being on hold for up to an hour when trying to report crimes by calling 101.
Thankfully, the average response time for WMP call handlers has dramatically improved, with 101 at 10 seconds and an almost immediate pick up for 999 emergency calls.
Proud of this “radical shift”, Chief Constable Guildford further urges people to “get the phone picked up, let us know, or stop one of the bobbies that are walking past.” The equation is simple, he says: “We need to know what’s happening to be able to act on it; we’ve got the resources to do it, and we want to be doing it more and more.”
“But first and foremost,” he continues, when quizzed about the arrest to prosecution ratio many retailers feel has also waned on Erdington High Street, “there has to be a consequence; if you prolifically shoplift, you need to be going to court, and the courts need to be determining your future.” And cue the quote used in our headline.
Police car with Operation Skybridge branding parked opposite Erdington Train Station / Pic by Ed King
Operation Fearless officially launched on Tuesday 7 January, but it’s team of 20 officers – who have been recruited, according to WMP, for their “very diverse skill set” – have been operating for several weeks. Indeed, the Sutton Coldfield and Erdington Chief Inspector, Shameem Ahmed, was seconded to give the new policing initiative some valuable local knowledge.
But why now, and why Erdington? “I think it’s probably fair to say I’ve been to Erdington High Street more than any other high street in the entirety of the West Midlands,” tells Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, mirroring a point Erdington Local is often quick to make too.
“I’ve attended resident’s meetings, I’ve been on Erdington High Street with the Street Pastors, with West Midlands Police, with [Erdington Local], and attended numerous resident’s meetings. So, I’ve listened; I’ve heard about the challenges and the impact that the crime and anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street has had and today is about taking the action that is necessary to address those issues.”
But really, why now? What has been the tipping point to push for this extra policing attention in Erdington Town Centre?
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster outside official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
“In terms of ensuring we can launch Operation Fearless immediately I am investing nearly a million pounds of proceeds of crime – seized from criminals,” explains Foster, identifying the curious irony of modern day police funding, that raids made from one end of the High Street will fuel patrols at the other. And if the proceeds of crime cookie jar was always within reach, are we not a little late with our sticky fingers?
But as Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton states at the opening of her speech, to a room of around 150 delegates from local community groups, stakeholders, referral agencies, and citywide partners, “Thank God. We’ve got a New Year [and] we’ve finally got some [police] work going on in Erdington that is so, so, so overdue… high streets are the heartbeats of communities, and if we don’t have our high street, we lose our community.”
And about three miles north of the high-ranking officials and back slapping hyperbole, sits Erdington High Street – the wounded animal stuck in a poacher’s trap.
Police and Operation Fearless branded van on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant
For those of you who don’t know, and to remind those may find it hard to remember, Erdington Town Centre was once one of the busiest retail hubs in Birmingham – boasting national brands from Woolworth to Marks and Spencer and thousands of confident shoppers. A fall from grace that makes today an even sadder reality.
But since October last year, when Operation Skybridge set the foundations for Operation Fearless to build on, the High Street both looks and feels better. And areas where you could once buy everything from weed to crack, in the doorway of a family supermarket, are now empty, with the dealers not just moved but gone completely.
“I have noticed the difference so much it’s unbelievable” tells Averil Keatley, who volunteers at St Barnabas Church where many of the aforementioned drug deals (and indeed drug use) would take place. “You could go over to the bookies and you’d get stoned as you’d walk past. But that’s cleared up now.”
She adds: “I do not feel as intimidated. I haven’t noticed as many syringes either (in the St Barnabas churchyard).”
Erdington local resident Averil Keatley outside St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street / PIc by Ed King
Further down the High Street, Elaine from Everyone Erdington is leaving the library and heading out into the Town Centre. “They’re really putting a lot of effort in,” she exclaims, also acknowledging an increase in police presence over recent months, “and they’ve arrested a lot of people for drug dealing.”
Her friend, Pauline, from Erdington Lunar Society, quickly mirrors the most noticeable change. “Somebody’s just said to me how they’re happy to shop at Iceland again now,” she tells, “because the drug dealers outside there have now gone.”
Extra police presence and working with partners seem to be working, and these simple yet effective first steps are now turning to strides on Erdington High Street. But fanfare can soon become cacophony, with most negative comments about Operation Fearless being veiled concerns as to how it will make any real and lasting impact.
(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moores and Cllr Robert Alden next to Operation Fearless branded van on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden
“Hopefully [Operation Fearless] can crack down on the serious anti-social behaviour and crime that’s been taking place on the High Street,” tells Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who lives with his young family near Erdington Town Centre, sits as Chair of the Erdington Business Improvement District, and has spearheaded the area’s repeated campaigns for a Public Space Protection Order.
“And the key thing is now there’s all these additional officers here is making sure both businesses and residents report any crime that they see… because there are the officers here now to deal with them.”
He adds: “It might be a partial numberplate, it might be a partial description, but [people need to report] it in directly to the police. Because that information will get used and pooled together with other intelligence and enable [the police] to carry out raids, to get warrants, and put people behind bars.”
Sign identifying the boundaries of the Public Space Protection Order in Erdington Town Centre / Pic by Ed King
“Regeneration is key too,” explains Erdington Ward Councillor Gareth Moore, who sits on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee and watches communities expand and decline across the city. “Because you want businesses to come and invest, to create jobs and a good local economy and thriving local centre – and they’re not going to do that if people don’t feel safe.”
And borrowing some rhetoric from those with less direct knowledge of what Erdington was, is, and could be again, Cllr Moore concludes: “It’s really important we get the crime issues addressed… we don’t want it to be a ‘no-go area for residents’, we want it to be a no-go area for crime.”
Official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park and on Erdington High Street 07.01.25 / Pics by Joe Marchant, Ed King, West Midlands Police
Words supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Minister of State for Employment McGovern & Paulette Hamilton MP meet young people at Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
On Thursday 9 January, the Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP attended a special event at Witton Lodge Community Association to discuss plans for reform of employment and skills in the UK.
The visit included a roundtable discussion with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NBER) Board as well as hearing directly from local young people about their experiences of looking for work.
Roundtable discussion on Labour reform
Minister McGovern engaged in a productive roundtable discussion with the NBER board including Chair and Erdington MP, Paulette Hamilton who shared their work to boost the local economy in North Birmingham by connecting local businesses and residents with sustainable opportunities.
This collaborative session highlighted the critical importance of community-led approaches in shaping effective employment policies, harnessing economic growth and securing investments, creating employment opportunities and connecting these to local communities.
During the roundtable, the Minister expressed interest in the successes and lessons learned from the partnership, highlighting the importance of place-based partnerships that offer essential wrap-around support. She also discussed effective ways to assist individuals facing significant challenges in securing employment, emphasising the role of local partner organisations in providing support and strategies for their successful integration into the workforce.
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, remarked: “We’re thrilled to welcome Minister McGovern and showcase our youth-focused initiatives at Witton Lodge and the progress of the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board.
“Our community-driven strategy is creating opportunities for young people, addressing the critical challenges of youth unemployment in our area. Through collaborative efforts, we’re developing sustainable pathways to connect local young people with meaningful job prospects and skills development programmes, ensuring a brighter economic future for our next generation.”
Minister of State for Employment McGovern and Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton meet NBER Board Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Youth employment and skills workshop
Following the roundtable, the Minister actively participated in a busy employment and skills workshop with local young people, organised by Witton Lodge Community Association. This session provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, aligning with NBER’s commitment to creating jobs and enhancing training opportunities tailored to community needs.
This hands-on session provided a unique opportunity for Minister McGovern to directly engage with local young people and hear their firsthand experiences and ideas about employment and career prospects.
During the session the participants provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, revealing concerns about inadequate careers advice, lack of work experience opportunities, and challenges in securing employment due to insufficient childcare provision. It also highlighted the need for more accessible and user-friendly alternatives to traditional job centres that sometimes fall short in providing tailored support for young people.
During the workshop, the Minister listened intently as young participants shared their perspectives on the challenges, they face in the job market and shared some of the government’s plans for improving career opportunities for youth employment.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said: “The fantastic work being done here at Witton Lodge Community Association to support young people into employment is exactly what our Get Britain Working Plan is all about.
“As part of these reforms, we will be launching a Youth Guarantee trailblazer in the West Midlands to ensure all 18-21-years-olds are earning or learning. At the same time, we are transforming Jobcentres and connecting local work, health and skills services to boost employment, drive up opportunity and spread prosperity here in Erdington and across the country.”
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton welcomes Minister for Employment Alison McGovern to Witton Lodge Community Association
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
