If you would like to develop new skills, meet new people and enjoy new experiences, then you should try volunteering.
Whether your passion is gardening, cooking, DIY, engineering, IT, marketing or childcare, there’s something for everyone.
On Thursday, 12 June, a Volunteer Recruitment event takes place from 11am to 2pm at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street.
A range of organisations will be attending to promote all their volunteering opportunities and offering advice and guidance on how you can support local people and local communities while learning something new.
So, if you have a few hours to spare each week, why not start a new adventure. Volunteering has so many benefits.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
A group of children playing in a bouncy castle / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Erdington Local editorial team
A series of free family summer fun days are being held on Erdington High Street, to help promote the Town Centre and give local families some free activities over the coming months.
Taking place on the third or fourth Saturday of each month, the first event will be held on Saturday 21 June – running from 12noon until 5pm, outside the entrance to Wilton Market.
(N.B. This event was originally planned for 31 May but has been moved due to uncertain weather conditions.)
The summer fun days will be completely free to attend and suitable for children and adults of all ages.
Children with animals face painting / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images
Organises have told there will be a variety of family friendly games and activities taking place across the afternoon – including a bouncy castle, animal facepainting, street sports, live music, and arts and crafts for young people.
Local community groups and support agencies will also have stalls at the events, informing local people about the activities and services in their area – as well as looking for new volunteers.
There will also be food and drink available, although these will cost depending on the individual stall holders.
Following the first event on Saturday 21 June, further summer fun days will be held on Saturday 19 July and Saturday 23 August.
Live music and familles on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Weather permitting, all the events will take place on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Market and the old Coop Supermarket – which will soon be reopened as a large B&M store.
A ‘wet weather plan’ will also be in place to move suitable activities to a sheltered location, if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Completely free to attend, the events are being organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) as part of their ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign – which hopes to encourage people to celebrate all the positive changes in Erdington Town Centre.
Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
The Erdington BID is also organising other ‘Love Your Local Community’ events to help support the Town Centre – including a special High Street Community Litter Pick on 7 June.
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “These events are a thank you to all the local people who support the High Street, and an invitation to come and enjoy an afternoon in the Town Centre.
“We love Erdington High Street and want to celebrate all the positive things about our Town Centre.”
“With all the extra police attention Erdington High Street has recently had, and continues to have, crime and anti-social behaviour have dropped massively in the Town Centre.”
Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
They added: “Erdington has a big heart and a bright future, and whilst we recognise there have been challenges, we’re asking people to focus more on the positives rather than repeat the old negative narratives.
“Now is our chance to ‘Love Your Local Community’ and bring some fun back to the High Street.”
Erdington BID is also on the lookout for volunteers who want to help support the activities in and around the Town Centre, working alongside the Town Centre Manager, Street Wardens, and High Street Police team.
Stalls on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
For more information on the summer fun days look out for updates on the Erdington Local website, social media, and within the monthly newspaper.
To find out more about volunteering with Erdington BID, and supporting the activities in and around the Town Centre, please email: [email protected]– or click on the logo below.
Young volunteers at Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Callum Hodson
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB), we are proud to celebrate two inspiring Year 9 girls from Erdington Academy who have recently achieved their Youth Volunteer Silver Award—recognising over 60 hours of dedicated community service and leadership.
Their journey with UDB began in Year 4, regularly attending our drop-in clubs and becoming familiar, friendly faces in our spaces. Over the years, we’ve seen them grow in confidence, character, creativity, and commitment.
They’ve taken part in residential trips, collaborative creative projects (including spray paint murals), and numerous skill-building activities—gaining various awards and certificates along the way.
Their volunteering has mainly taken place in the junior drop-in club they once attended as children. Now, they help lead creative play sessions, organise drama and storytelling, host craft activities, and serve food and drinks to the younger children—many of whom now look up to them as role models.
In addition to hands-on volunteering, they’ve completed specialist training in autism awareness, creative play, and safeguarding, all of which have supported their development as compassionate and capable leaders.
Within their friendship circles and local community, they are recognised as ambassadors of UDB, young people who give back with generosity and joy.
At UDB, we believe in walking with young people over time, providing space for them to belong, grow, and lead.
These two girls embody everything we stand for. Their passion, service, and personal growth are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of consistent, community-rooted youth work.
Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association
Erdington Baths, a cherished community landmark, proudly marks its 100 year anniversary this month. This historic site has been a cornerstone of local sports, recreational, and social life for generations.
Many of you will know about Witton Lodge Community Association’s ambitious plans to refurbish and repurpose the facility as a Community & Enterprise facility, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for future generations.
Since its closure, the building has deteriorated significantly and the first phase will involve undertaking essential repairs, repairing the roof, and ensuring the building’s structural integrity. This will be followed by transforming the main reception area and pool hall into co-working spaces, studio pods, events, and meeting rooms.
Earlier this month we were able to undertake strip-out works to enable further detailed structural surveys to be undertaken.
This builds on the creation of the pocket park which has improved the external frontage of the building, and we remain hopeful that we will be able to appoint a main contractor later in the year to commence the substantive works.
For those of you that venture to Witton Lakes, you will notice that the Makers Yard in the grounds of the Eco Hub is nearing completion, and residents will shortly be able to participate in range of new activities, including carpentry and horticulture taster courses.
Additionally, we have initiated improvements to the car park at Witton Lakes, to enhance accessibility and the visitor experience.
Against a tough backdrop, we remain committed to investing locally, celebrating all that is great about our area, and demonstrating the #PowerOfCommunity.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Outside of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development, taken from Mason Road (photograph by Joe Marchant)
Say it loud, say it proud, the former Erdington Baths is 100 years old this May!
The building on Mason Road opened to the public on 6 May 1925, offering the local community a range of exciting new recreational activities with its swimming pool, washing baths for men and women, and Turkish baths.
An Art Deco-inspired design captured the imagination of users and passers-by alike; sleek lines, elegant curves and distinctive brickwork with ornate detail; the facility’s rich history owes as much to its distinctive aesthetic charm as much as the activities it housed.
But after decades of service to the community, Erdington’s much-loved-landmark was closed down in 2014 after falling into a state of disrepair. But with its legacy still casting a proud shadow of former glories across the town, its centenary year brings us onto the cusp of an exciting new era for local residents.
Erdington Baths ticket booth circa 1925 / Photograph supplied by WLCA
The 100 year anniversary of Erdington Swimming Baths is a time to reflect on the cherished memories it gave local people, the bond it cemented with the local community and to use those special attachments and emotions to shape a bright new future for the site.
Witton Lodge Community Association is very proud and privileged to be leading on a project to transform the building into a state-of-the-art Enterprise Hub.
Funded in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, work on the £4million project kickstarted with the creation of a vibrant pocket park and recent strip out works getting the building ready for surveying.
The main entrance and former pool hall will be converted into a co-working space with studio pods and meeting rooms. A restaurant, creche and smaller offices are also included in the new design.
(L-R) WLCA CO Afzal Hussain, with BMet Principal/CEO Pat Carvalho and WM Mayor Richard Parker at launch of ‘Phase One’ of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph by Joe Marchant)
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, said Erdington’s past can be the springboard for shaping a future where it thrives.
“First of all, we, as an organisation, are thrilled to be breathing new life into this much-loved building,” he said.
“Community and people are at the heart of everything we do and want to achieve. We have held a number of engagement events at the site on Mason Road, so people can come and find out about the plans to transform the building into an enterprise hub and, most importantly, help co-design the look and feel of the building.
“We’ve heard so many wonderful stories from residents about learning to swim at the baths and how they took their children there for classes and met people who became their friends and family.
“The baths hold a special place in the hearts of local residents so it was always a priority for us to include those people in the development process; talking to them about how the building should be brought back into use, what should it look like, what services should run from there.”
WLCA welcome local residents and community volunteers to ‘Phase One’ of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph by Joe Marchant)
To underline this connection to the 100 year old baths, here are just a few of the comments captured from local people:
“It’s great for the area and will put Erdington on the map in a positive way.” – Mia Werson, Erdington resident and member of Friends of Witton Lakes
“This is exactly what Erdington needs. it will bring the community together.” – Angie Chapman, from The Recovery Foundation
“It is an exciting use of an historic building and a great opportunity to support Erdington’s economic growth.” – Rebekah Roebuck, Erdington resident
“It is nice to see the old swimming pool being used again on a community level.” – Elizabeth Walker, Erdington resident
Visitors see inside of Erdington Bath as ‘Phase One’ launch of Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph by Joe Marchant)
These sentiments and more are the reasons why, as Afzal explains, the new hub will play a key role in shaping and sustaining success for residents and the community at large, for years to come.
“Our vision goes beyond simply transforming the physical structure and appearance of the former baths,” he said.
“We are committed to creating a facility that provides on-site support which nurtures local talent and empowers budding entrepreneurs and social enterprises to develop and flourish.
“As it did in the past, this historic building will sit at the very heart of Erdington life, bringing the community together, so that in 100 years from now, people will have just as many stories to tell and memories to share.”
Thanks to the support and guidance of Intervention Architecture Ltd, work has already been completed on a vibrant new pocket park outside the front of the building.
Dedicated volunteers, alongside members of the public and Erdington Walking Group worked tirelessly for two months, through rain and shine, to paint new life into the exterior of the former baths. Colourful planters and railings now entice passers-by.
To mark the baths centenary, Erdington Walking Group organised a special Commemorative Walk on Tuesday (5 May), also marking the hundredth birthday of Erdington Court Bowls Club later in the month.
Local volunteers working on pocket park outside the Erdington Baths/Enterprise Hub development (photograph supplied by WLCA)
With more than 150 members on its books, the bowls club is part of Erdington Recreational Trust, a registered charity that has existed for over 100 years. Bowls became part of the Club in 1925.
Starting on Mason Road, the 30 minute walk took participants on an information laden stroll to the Bowls Club on Bowling Green Close where people were able to tour the venue and take in its historical photographic exhibition; before returning back to the meeting point.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Eco Together members at Witton Lakes Eco Hub – outside / Image supplied by WLCA
Witton Lodge Community Association is delighted to announce that we will be running our third cohort of Eco Together – Witton Lakes, this May.
If you are passionate about the environment and want to make a positive impact but don’t know where to start? Join the Eco Together programme at Witton Lakes Eco Hub!
What is Eco Together?
Eco Together is more than just a course, it’s a community-driven movement powered by local people who care deeply about the environment and want to make a real, lasting difference right here in our neighbourhood.
At its heart, Eco Together is about bringing neighbours, friends, and colleagues together to explore practical, everyday actions that address the eco-crisis. It doesn’t require megaphones or superpowers, just a willingness to try something new and share the journey with others.
The Eco Together programme, held at Witton Lakes Eco Hub, is completely free and open to everyone, with no prior experience or expertise needed. The course runs over six sessions, with each session held in the welcoming, eco-friendly surroundings of Witton Lakes Eco Hub, a space designed with sustainability and community at its core.
Eco Together members at Witton Lakes Eco Hub – inside / Image supplied by WLCA
Each week, the group focuses on a different theme, including energy, transport, food, and resource use, exploring simple yet effective ways to make positive changes.
Sessions are interactive and supportive, encouraging everyone to select small actions to try out and then report back on at the next meeting, fostering a sense of shared purpose and accountability.
Read some of the brilliant reviews from previous cohorts below:
“I’ve enjoyed focusing on different topics each week as this has made me think about areas I haven’t done before.”
“There were many interesting speakers, I would like more courses like this!”
“It was great to meet likeminded eco-warriors.”
Ready to make a difference?
Join the 6-week programme starting Saturday, 3 May, running on selected dates until 19 July at Witton Lakes Eco Hub!
Participants must commit to at least four of the six sessions and will receive hints and tips. useful resources and engaging activities to support their ongoing eco-journeys. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to book your spot early.
Join Witton Lakes Eco Hub and let’s work together for a greener, more sustainable future!
To reserve your place, contact Scott at (0121) 227 3200 or email [email protected]
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
A blank calf in the grass at The Ring, Perry Common / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are running a competition to give an Erdington creative the chance to design one of the iconic calf sculptures in the upcoming ‘Bulls in the City’ charity arts trail.
Looking for designs that incorporate references to Erdington and ‘capture the pride, spirit, and charm of their neighbourhoods’, WLCA will be inviting people to submit their artwork by 25 April – with a winner announced by 30 April.
The competition is open to people of all ages and abilities living in Perry Common, Erdington, Stockland Green, Pype Hayes, Gravelly Hill, Castle Vale, or Kingstanding.
Templates for the calf sculpture, based on the bronze bull statue outside the new Bullring markets, can be downloaded from the WLCA website, with the winning design completed by professional artists from Reilly Creative.
WLCA have generously sponsored one of the calf statues, which will be installed alongside 84 other calves and 40 larger bull statues across the city this summer – before being auctioned off in a special charity event.
A decorated calf next to the original bull statue outside Birmingham Bullring / Pic supplied by Bulls in the City
Following on from ‘The Big Hoot’ in 2015, which saw 89 individually designed and decorated owls installed across the city, the ‘Bulls in the City’ project will be using the Birmingham bull mascot as it’s muse – with each sculpture raising thousands to support Birmingham Hospice, which rely on charity and donations to stay open.
Erdington has been the home to one of Birmingham Hospice’s facilities for decades, widely remembered as John Taylor Hospice and situated on Grange Road.
An important part of the local community, previous charity fundraisers for the hospice have created widespread support – with The Swan pub generating over £5000 in February through hamper raffles, toy drives, clothes collections, and book sales.
By bringing Erdington into the citywide ‘Bulls in the City’ project, WLCA hopes to give Erdington locals a chance to show their love for their community and raise money for the cherished care facility.
A blank calf at Witton Lodge Community Association / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Jo Townsend, Communications & Community Engagement Manager at WLCA, explained: “We are thrilled to support Birmingham Hospice and join the herd for this fantastic initiative… we’re delighted to bring a calf into our community, offering one lucky resident the chance to have their design featured on it.
“We can’t wait to see the creative submissions and look forward to selecting a winning design that truly represents the wonderful community spirit of Erdington.”
Rebecca Richards, Senior Events Manager at Birmingham Hospice, added: “Due to the national funding crisis affecting all hospices in the UK this year, it’s more important than ever we raise vital funds and awareness for our charity.
“Bulls in the City will be fantastic for our charity, but it’s also a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved in what is set to be the biggest and best art trail our city has ever seen.”
For more information about the ‘Bulls in the City’ design competition contact Witton Lodge at (0121) 382 1930 or email [email protected]
Words by Steph Porter / Pic supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
Friends playng at youth group run by Urban Devotion Birmingham / Pics supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham
Friendship is a vital part of life.
Having people to share experiences with and talk to creates a sense of belonging that can be deeply grounding. Not only does friendship support social wellbeing, it’s also linked to improved brain function, lower anxiety, and even longer life expectancy.
For many young people, friendship is everything – messages from friends that wake them up, football at break, deep conversations at lunch, time in the park, or evenings at their local youth club. It’s how they explore the world, build social skills, and develop a sense of self.
You rarely see young people alone, and that’s something to be celebrated. We want young people to experience the joy and growth that comes through connection.
Recent programmes like Adolescence on Netflix have highlighted just how formative these years are, and how vital it is for young people not only to experience healthy friendships, but also to have safe, trusted adults walking alongside them as they navigate the highs and lows of growing up.
Of course, friendship isn’t always easy. Peer pressure, feelings of exclusion, and the pressure to fit in can make it complicated.
That’s why, at UDB, we are passionate about creating spaces where friendship can truly thrive, whether that’s in our clubs or out in the community.
We’re also committed to being a listening ear when young people face worries or fallouts, and we’re privileged to walk alongside them as they figure out this essential part of life.
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group
Castle Vale has always been at the heart of everything we do.
As we launch our new Corporate Plan (2025-2028), we’re setting out a clear vision for the future, one that strengthens our commitment to providing safe, high-quality homes, improving services, and investing in our community.
Over the next three years, we’ll focus on delivering better housing, putting customers first, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
This means we are making sure our homes are well-maintained and energy-efficient, making it easier for customers to access the services they need, and continuing to support local projects that make a real difference.
Listening to our customers is at the heart of this plan. We want to make sure your voices shape the way we work, whether it’s through improving customer service, upgrading homes, or strengthening support for families and individuals across Castle Vale.
This is an exciting step forward, and we’re committed to making a real, lasting impact. To find out more about what’s ahead, visit our website or follow us on social media.
Together, we’re building a stronger Castle Vale. Together, We Are Pioneer.
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
Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
The clearance and strip-out works at the former Erdington Baths on Mason Road mark an important milestone in its transformation into the Enterprise Hub.
This crucial step allows us to conduct in-depth surveys that will support our vision of creating a vibrant space for budding and local entrepreneurs, and the wider community.
The Pocket Park, established through community efforts, has already enhanced the area’s appeal, and we are grateful to Erdington Litter Busters for their continued care of this green space.
At Witton Lodge Community Association, collaboration is at the core of our work. This ethos has driven the creation of the Birmingham Community Action Network (B:CAN), a partnership of 21 trusted community anchor organisations across Birmingham.
B:CAN serves as both a safety net and a springboard for residents, offering support in areas such as welfare, energy efficiency, health, employment, and volunteering.
With an impressive collective reach of over 18,500 residents monthly, B:CAN is dedicated to transforming lives and neighbourhoods to make life better for everyone in Birmingham.
This initiative demonstrates the #PowerofCommunity. It says there is another way, a better way, that works with the grain of community.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
