Chief Executive Officer of The Pioneer Group and Compass Support, Simon Wilson / Photograph by Phil Greig – supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
Earlier in June, we were pleased to share the results of our latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), which show how you feel about the services we provide.
I’m proud to say that overall satisfaction has risen to 83.9%, a result that reflects the hard work of our teams and the valuable feedback you’ve shared to help us improve. While this is encouraging, we know there’s still more to do to be the best landlord we can be.
One area where we’ve seen a notable improvement is in satisfaction with how we handle anti-social behaviour (ASB). This remains a key priority for us, and we’ve taken steps to strengthen our response.
We’ve invested in a major upgrade of our CCTV system across Castle Vale, which plays a vital role in helping to tackle ASB and keep our neighbourhoods safe.
To date, 96% of the CCTV upgrade has been completed, and in 2024/25 alone, the system helped us capture 456 incidents. This has allowed us to work closely with our local neighbourhood policing team, who we’re proud to host in our building on the Vale.
This technology not only supports enforcement but also acts as a deterrent, helping partners respond more quickly and effectively when issues arise.
We’re continuing with this work and making sure everyone feels safe and supported in our community. Thanks to your feedback, we’re able to shape our services and deliver the best outcomes possible.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Witton Lodge Community Association Chie 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
We all know neighbourhoods matter; they always have and always will.
Neighbourhoods have a profound impact on our daily lives and experiences, and a good neighbourhood is essential for our communities to thrive.
At Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) alongside our focus on communities, neighbourhood quality and safety has been at the heart of our work for over three decades. We have taken this commitment to the next level by bringing our communities together with leading academics to create a Decent Neighbourhood Standard.
Our ambition remains the same – to create neighbourhoods that are safe, inclusive, and sustainable. Through this initiative we aim to create a universal but adaptable standard that can be applied to both new and existing neighbourhoods.
This will help identify local priorities, guide policy and investment decisions that are actively shaped, influenced, supported, and led by local communities.
The success of Operation Fearless, a recent initiative by West Midlands Police, had a remarkable impact on community safety in and around Erdington High Street. And recent community activities organised by Erdington BID builds on this success.
At WLCA, we remain committed to supporting these efforts, through our services at our Erdington Wellbeing Hub, and our plans to transform the former Erdington Baths into a dynamic enterprise facility.
Over the coming months we will exploring how the Decent Neighbourhood Framework can be used to engage local communities, policy makers and investors to ‘lock-in’ improvements and continue the development of Erdington as a place that we’re all proud of.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Witton Lodge Community Association are delighted to once more throw the doors open on our annual live music event Track Friday.
Residents are invited to enjoy a showcase of singing, dancing and poetry at Perry Common Community Hall on 11 July when some of North Birmingham’s most creative young talents take centre stage.
Once the lights go down people can enjoy the artistry of Chyna Victoria, Zach Gallagher, Tee Leonie, Ray Ritess, Sensei Jay, Spencer, Amadeus TMM, Satch, Chardevaughan, Rochae, Dsix Seven Ess, Roman, and Raja. A special artist hour will also feature Juddah James and Rufus Rose.
Local singer Jamie Lee, who appeared at last year’s Track Friday, will be back to wow the crowds again. Having stolen the show 12 months ago, Witton Lodge’ directors booked her to perform at our 30th anniversary gala in November!
Performing artists and event founder, Dellano Lewis (second from right), at Track Friday 2024 / Photograph supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Dellano Lewis, Community Engagement Officer at Witton Lodge, established Track Friday in 2016. The annual community engagement showpiece provides a platform for the organisation to connect young people to some of its services.
Dellano, who will also be performing at the event as his creative alter-ego, BeeNiice, said: “Track Friday is more than just a live music show.
“It gives the performers, and everyone who attends the show, the opportunity to access Witton Lodge services which can support their education, training and employment needs.”
This year’s event is being sponsored by, and delivered in partnership with, Birmingham Metropolitan College; with a number of its students set to perform.
Hosted by Junelle Jae, with music courtesy of DJ Gaz H, and featuring guest speaker Evo Wiser, the doors open on Track Friday 2025 at 5.30pm at 87 Witton Lodge Road (B23 5JD) with the live performances starting at 6pm. There will also be a prize raffle, food and refreshments.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Young people enjoying group sports and play, as organised by Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham
Words by Amy Heyes
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
One of the lasting impacts of the Covid pandemic was a nationwide Play Deficit, as lockdowns limited opportunities for children and young people to play.
Play is vital for healthy development with wide-reaching benefits including emotional regulation, cognitive development, social skills and resilience.
To help address this locally, we partnered with Compass Support to launch Play Lists, a three-year project funded by The National Lottery which comes to an end next month. Designed to help young people in Erdington recover from the effects of the Play Deficit, it’s been a huge success.
Over the past three years we have registered young people engaging with play over 1,500 times, 250 new hobbies have been introduced and 60 young volunteers have been recruited and trained.
Scan QR code for more on the activites and services from Urban Devotion Birmingham
Play has enriched all that we do at Urban Devotion Birmingham, and that legacy will continue long after the grant ends.
Here’s what some of the young people involved have said:
“It’s one of the highlights of my week and has really boosted my mental health.”
“I feel like I’m becoming more creative.”
“[It] has made me realise how creative children can be and the part I get to play in helping that.”
“I like that I can learn something new here then go home and try it out myself.”
It’s clear; play helps young people thrive. We’re committed to continuing to make space for children and young people to play, explore, and grow in the years to come.
Colour Run at previous Castle Vale Community Festival – organised by The Pioneer Group / Photograph supplied by Castle Vale Local
Words by The Pioneer Group
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
The Pioneer Group is thrilled to announce the return of the Castle Vale Community Festival, taking place on Saturday, 30 August 2025 at Farnborough Fields, next to Castle Vale Stadium, 12midday till 6pm.
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, which drew over 1,000 attendees, this year’s festival promises even more excitement and entertainment.
The 2025 programme will feature a children’s colour run which comes back by popular demand, alongside a full day of live performances, family-friendly activities, food, music, and more.
Stalls at previous Castle Vale Community Festival – organised by The Pioneer Group / Photograph supplied by Castle Vale Local
Jo Fieldhouse, Housing & Community Director at The Pioneer Group, shared: “The Castle Vale Community Festival is a celebration of the people who make this estate such a great place to live.
“It’s a chance for everyone on Castle Vale to come together and have fun. We’re thrilled to bring it back this year and can’t wait to see everyone there.”
The festival is a proud continuation of Castle Vale’s fantastic community spirit.
After the success of the 2024 Colour Run and Festival, the message from residents was clear – “Let’s do this every year!” and now, it’s official, Castle Vale Festival is back.
This is a community-led event, and everyone is invited to take part. Here’s how you can contribute:
Volunteer – Help plan, set up, run the day, or clear up afterward.
Sponsor – Support the festival and showcase your brand.
Donate – Every contribution helps us do more.
Run a Stall – Join our bustling marketplace.
Perform – Bands, dance crews, solo acts—we want to hear from you!
Stay tuned for updates, announcements, and the full schedule of events via The Pioneer Group’s social media channels.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Executive, Afzal Hussain, outside the Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
June has launched Erdington into summer with a host of exciting and memorable events which celebrate the strengths of our community.
Volunteers Week started the ball rolling, giving us the chance to thank all the wonderful people who give their time to support their communities and our work at Witton Lodge Community Association. Our volunteers are the bedrock of who we are and what we do. It was a privilege to recognise their efforts during a special ceremony held at Perry Common Community Hall.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities or any aspect of our work, please get in touch with us.
Most of you will be aware of Operation Fearless, a West Midlands Police operation launched to tackle and reduce crime on and around Erdington High Street. The campaign also saw businesses and community groups work together to create a safer High Street.
Building on this initiative, we warmly welcome the series of community events organised by Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), where families can enjoy activities, games and entertainment along Erdington High Street – a throwback to the summer community carnivals of yesteryear.
Over the years, through the launch of the Erdington Wellbeing Hub, and the refurbishment of the former Erdington Baths we continue to play our part in helping to restore the vibrancy to the High Street.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
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.
