Category: COMMUNITY ANCHORS

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Hope flourishes through community action: transforming lives together

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

During the summer, we were delighted to welcome the local community and stakeholders to the former Erdington Baths, to take a peek inside and see first-hand the ambitious plans to transform it into an Enterprise Hub, breathing fresh life into this iconic, much-loved local building and inspiring the next generation of creators, makers and innovators.

The creation of the pocket park marks the first ‘visible’ step in this journey. Residents that have already seen the new park have commented how it has already changed the look and feel of the building and surrounding area.

A huge thanks to local residents and groups that have actively volunteered to not only shape plans but also helped to build and maintain the pocket park.

At Witton Lodge Community Association, we know that when local residents share their insights and experiences it leads to a deeper understanding of the issues and opportunities. And their active engagement leads to better decisions, and a genuine sense of ownership and pride in local projects services.

One way that you can influence what happens in your neighbourhood is to join Community Voice, a new influential forum that invites people of all ages, ethnicities and abilities from North Birmingham to share their lived experiences and discuss the issues that matter most.

Founded by Witton Lodge Community Association and developed by local residents, this initiative aims to enhance community life and improve service delivery by focusing on the needs and voices of the people.

To make your voice heard and be part of the decision-making process for your community contact us on 0121 382 1930 or email [email protected]

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: From CVCHA to The Pioneer Group with quality housing always at heart

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

Since we took management of our Castle Vale properties from the Housing Action Trust we’ve been known by many names.

Although the change to The Pioneer Group was relatively recent, some of our colleagues joined us when we were known as CVCHA or CVCH and they continue to provide high quality and safe housing for Castle Vale residents.

You may not know this, but the decision to change our name to The Pioneer Group was taken to support our mission to grow our business and continue to support our communities.

Under both the last and newly elected Governments, there’s an expectation that housing organisations don’t just manage social and affordable homes but continue to grow and build new, much needed affordable homes.

It is this ambition to grow and unite our partner organisations with one brand that fuelled this change to The Pioneer Group.

We’ve recently rejoined PlaceShapers, an organisation that supports community focused housing organisations.

They were excited to hear that we have our own charitable arm, Compass Support providing a range of services to residents and our own football stadium!

Together, We Are Pioneer and we’ll continue to shape our services around your feedback and to provide safe, affordable accommodation for Castle Vale.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.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: A privilege to partner with schools across Erdington

Words & pics supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham

UDB has always partnered with local schools. We see, now more than ever, how stretched teachers and school staff are – trying to give their best with limited resources and recognition. If you are one of those people – thank you for all you are doing!

By my rough calculations, once a young person reaches the end of their education at the age of 18, they have spent the equivalent of two full years in school. That’s a lot of time. The opportunity schools have to support, shape and nurture the lives of the children and young people who attend them is huge!

We are privileged to be able to join schools in this opportunity wherever we can, always with a heart to connect with and support children and young people in Erdington.

As we look forward to a new academic year, we will once again be in some of our Erdington Primary and Secondary schools. If you see one of our team in your school then please come over and say hi – we love to hear from you!

We know that the start of the academic year can bring up a range of different feelings; expectations can seem higher, you have to get back into the term-time rhythm, you can be both excited and nervous about seeing people.

We are here to listen and support you as you transition back – just come along to one of our drop-ins for a chat; you can find the details on our website.

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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Ladders of Opportunity bursary celebrates first recipients and announces second round of funding

Words and pics supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) recently honoured the inaugural recipients of the Ladders of Opportunity Bursary at a special celebration event.

Three exceptional young people, each with unique career and education aspirations ranging from sixth form progression to nursing to electrical engineering, were awarded £1,000 to support their educational journeys.

The bursary, established in memory of Erdington MP Jack Dromey and Stockland Green Councillor Penny Holbrook, aims to provide crucal support for young people in the Erdington area. Family and friends of the late MP and Councillor attended the event, witnessing firsthand the positive impact of their legacy.

Jo Townsend, Communications & Marketing Co-ordinator at WLCA, expressed pride in the recipients’ achievements, stating: “It’s inspiring to see these three exceptional young people taking their first steps towards their dreams, and we’re proud to play a part in their success stories.”

The selection panel, comprising representatives from WLCA, IM Properties, Pioneer Group, BMet, and Urban Devotion, looks forward to providing ongoing mentorship and career guidance to the successful applicants.

Building on this success, WLCA is pleased to announce the opening of applications for a second round of funding.

Young people aged 16-25 living in the Erdington Constituency with a household income under £25,000 are encouraged to apply.

Key details for the second round:

– Eligibility: Ages 16-25, residing in Erdington Constituency with a household income under £25,000

– Bursary amount: Up to £1,000

– Application deadline: 6pm on September 30, 2024

Interested individuals can find more information or start their application by visiting the WLCA bursary page https://wittonlodge.org.uk/2024/07/17/bursary/

Alternatively they can email Jo Townsend at [email protected] – or by phone WLCA on 0121 382 1930.

The Ladders of Opportunity Bursary is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Witton Lodge Community Association, IM Properties, BMet College, The Pioneer Group, and Urban Devotion, all working together to create a brighter future for local youth.

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: Empowering Community Voices in North Birmingham

Words and pics supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association has launched the Community Voice Forum to empower North Birmingham residents in shaping local services through direct involvement in decision-making processes.

At Witton Lodge Community Association, we’re dedicated to amplifying the voices of residents across North Birmingham, to play an important role in shaping the services that impact their lives.

Through a new Community Voice Forum, we are excited to facilitate a cohort of passionate, motivated individuals to be involved in decision-making processes, directly influencing the creation and delivery of support services across Erdington and Sutton Coldfield.

To kickstart this new initiative, we recently welcomed over 40 local residents from across our community to hear about our goal to develop sustainable, resident-driven forums.

Community Infrastructure Facilitator Steve Sharma said: “We had a fantastic turnout at the launch of the Community Voice Forum at Perry Common Community Hall.

“Being community-led is at the heart of everything we do at WLCA, and we were delighted to connect with local residents, sharing our plans for the Community Voice initiative.

“We’re so encouraged by the positive response we received at the event and want to thank everyone that joined us on the day.

“Community Voice has the potential to make a significant impact in our communities, and seeing residents come together to use their voice and take control is incredibly inspiring. We’re very excited for the future of this much-needed initiative.”

Together, we want to connect with those who are passionate about their community and eager to help shape services and support across our six key themes: Housing, Employment, Health, Enterprise, Environment, and Volunteering.”

The Community Voice Forum welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities from across North Birmingham to share their lived experiences and discuss the issues affecting them.

By doing this, we can gather tangible evidence of the issues facing our communities, identify gaps in existing services and work together to identify the support needed to address them.

Individuals passionate about their community with a desire to be part the decision-making process can join the Community Voice Forum by contacting Community Infrastructure Facilitator, Steve Sharma at WLCA via email at [email protected] or phone on 0121 382 1930.

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: Falcon Lodge Community Centre to be handed back to Birmingham City Council

Words & pics supplied by Compass Support

Since 2018 the community centre at Falcon Lodge, Sutton Coldfield, has been managed by local charity and part of The Pioneer Group, Compass Support.

The charity took over management of the site initially on a three-year lease. This was later extended and they have been using the site to work with local partners to deliver events and services for the local community.

Compass’ lease with Birmingham City Council is due to end on the 13 September and a decision has now been made to return the building to the council.

Chief Executive of The Pioneer Group, Simon Wilson said ‘We are sad to be unable to renew the lease at Falcon Lodge Community Centre, but the building has now become financially unviable for us to continue managing as a small charity.

“While we are withdrawing from the building, we are committed to working closely with our stakeholders, partners, and the community to look at what can be done to secure its future.

“Discussions with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, and Birmingham City Council, who are all committed to finding a permanent solution for the future of the building are ongoing with a further survey of the building due to take place next week.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to keep the community updated once any final decisions have been made.”

Earlier this year, a full structural survey exposed major risks relating to the building’s roof structure and much of the centre was closed to members of the public.

Jo Fieldhouse, Housing and Regeneration Director said: “After the initial survey, our team at Falcon Lodge have worked with partners to find alternative venues for our community services while we have been in discussions about the future management of the building.

“We are continuing to deliver a wide range of services to the local community working closely with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, both having awarded funding to the centre and service provision over the years.”

For information about where services have relocated to please contact Compass Support at The Sanctuary 0121 748 8111 or [email protected]

For more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk and for more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

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

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: When the bonds of community are tested

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

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.08.24)

At Witton Lodge Community Association, community has always been at the heart of who we are, and what we stand for.

There are times when these bonds of community are tested. Over recent weeks we have seen shocking scenes of violence and attacks against some of the most vulnerable in our society. Despite what some say, we know that these are not protests in the proud traditions of our country, they are acts of deliberate violence and intimidation intended to create fear, sow division and cause chaos.

In Birmingham, we appear to have avoided the worst of these, however, the risk remains, and we must be vigilant.

At these times (of hardship), it is up to all of us to demonstrate who we really are, and what we stand for – our shared values, common humanity, and solidarity. At the worst of times, we often see the best of people, and there have been many uplifting moments of unity and togetherness.

We know that our country has a proud history of overcoming such challenges and emerging even stronger, so whether it was the Blitz spirit during World War II, or more recently the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic – the power of community has been, and remains, a beacon of hope and unity.

Social media has made life better and easier on many many fronts, however, there is increasing awareness about the dangers of misinformation. Please remain alert and help your neighbours and communities distinguish between facts and falsehoods.

In Erdington, our many communities and local groups play a pivotal role in promoting understanding and fostering cooperation between and within our communities.

This sense of belonging and connection contributes to us all feeling safe. Together we are stronger!

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: We are many, they are few

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

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.08.24)

I want to start by sending my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Alice, Bebe and Elsie from Southport. I grew up nearby with family and friends in that community.

Actions of a minority have only added to their grief and pain. That tragedy be drowned by the far right and their hateful agenda.

At Pioneer, we take equality, diversity and inclusion incredibly seriously. Our staff diversity represents Birmingham, where the last census showed 51.4% of the city’s population has a diverse ethnic background.

Castle Vale, where we manage our homes, has historically been predominantly white British. But over time, as we allocate half of the 100 or so homes that become empty each year to those on the housing register, our community becomes more diverse. The Vale is a vibrant community, welcoming all backgrounds and faiths.

Setting fire to and destroying buildings, like Citizen Advice Bureau offices, libraries and local businesses is wrong. Attacking people because of their faith isn’t protest, it’s fascism.

We should be thoughtful as to where we get our information – disinformation and conspiracy is peddled through media. We should also look out for family, friends and neighbours at this time.

Communities deserve to feel safe and secure in their home and outside. Pioneer stand with those attacked and the emergency services trying to help people.

It was warming to see many people standing against fascism and the far right. We are many and they are few.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.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: The transforming power of asking why

Words & pics supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham

(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.08.24)

It’s a hot day. Walking along the street you spot a group of people looking into a parked car. One has a hammer and you watch as they smash one of the windows. The rest of the group starts cheering.

What’s going on? Would your judgement change depending on whether it was ‘a group of young people’ or ‘a group of old people’?

We make judgements to help us understand situations and keep ourselves and others safe. However, judgements can be skewed by information that isn’t reality. Newspaper headlines, biases, and people’s experiences influence how we feel, think, and the decisions we make.

With the lighter evenings and summer holidays in full swing, there are more children and young people out and about. Each one has their own story, hopes, and fears.

At UDB we want to be available to listen to these young voices and understand their perspectives. By making space, we can better appreciate the actions and intentions of others.

Back to the scenario: the group were young people who spotted a dog panting in a locked car. The owner asked for help having locked their keys in the car, so one of the young people ran to a shop and asked for a hammer.

What if I hadn’t revealed the full story? What story might you have assumed? It’s natural to form judgements, but sometimes it’s worth taking time to hear the whole story. Asking why can transform a situation.

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.

 

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Joining forces to improve children’s play area

Words & pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

A local painting team and several staff volunteers, have been working hard to deliver a much-needed revamp to the children’s park on Blenheim Way in Castle Vale.

The Pioneer Group are a community based housing association providing 2,500 homes in Castle Vale, Birmingham.

During the makeover, all children’s play equipment and railings were given a fresh coat of paint, as well as litter-picking and general cleaning up in the local area.

Painting Team Leader, Liam, said: “All of the painting team at The Pioneer Group enjoyed completing this project at Blenheim Park and it was fantastic to hear the positive feedback from residents in the local community.”

“We would like to say thank you to all of the staff volunteers who joined us – it’s clear to see the impact we have had so far!”

The team of volunteers spent three days on site preparing the existing play equipment, painting and tidying the area last month.

Head of Facilities, Irfan, added: “Revamping the park on Blenheim Way was a great team effort.

“This is just one example of the additional value we can bring to the community, making real improvements to Castle Vale.

“We hope children and families will enjoy using it more!”

For more information about The Pioneer Group’s and the services they provide visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

For more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

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