Category: Community News

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Recovery Foundation – empowering good mental health through hope and community

Words by Hema Chumber

The Recovery Foundation exhibition of participant’s artwork at Secret Arts Studio Space, Erdington / Photography by Emma Bown

The Recovery Foundation, a mental health charity based in Erdington, has been supporting local residents for the past five years by offering a range of free services aimed at improving wellbeing and building resilience.

Over the last half decade, the charity has become a key resource for individuals facing mental health challenges, helping them find hope and strength during difficult times.

in 2025, The Recovery Foundation will mark its fifth anniversary, a significant milestone for an organisation that began with a clear mission to provide accessible and person-centred care.

Today, The Recovery Foundation supports over 100 people each week through its various services, all of which are designed to meet the needs of those experiencing mental health difficulties.

The Recovery Foundation founder, Emma Sitole (left) at exhibition of participant’s artwork at Secret Arts Studio Space, Erdington / Photography by Emma Bown

Emma Sithole, CEO of The Recovery Foundation, said: “We are celebrating our five year anniversary this year, and are in the midst of organising a celebratory event for this.

“It’s been an incredible journey and we are so glad to see the positive impact we’ve made on people’s lives in Erdington.”

The charity provides several key services designed to offer practical support, build confidence, and improve mental wellbeing.

One of the core services are the Hope Groups, which run over four weeks and help individuals explore what ‘’ means to them and how they can maintain it through challenging times.

Hope Group participant holding journal used as part of The Recovery Foundation sessions / Image supplied by The Recovery Foundation

The groups are facilitated by trained staff with lived experience of mental illness, ensuring that participants are supported by people who understand their struggles. Attendees can join the groups either in person or online.

One service user commented: “I left each session of the Hope Group feeling great and thinking more positively.”

Another service user, added: “The group gave me the space to feel heard and understood in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Coming together to talk and share our issues has really helped. I have already recommended this group.”

The Recovery Foundation also runs Rainbow Minds Matter, a similar programme tailored specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community.

It provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to discuss mental wellbeing, again facilitated by staff with lived experience.

Woodland Wellbeing session at Pype Hayes Park / Image supplied by The Recovery Foundation

The charity also offers the Creative Arts Programme, which offers participants the chance to engage with arts and crafts in a relaxed and informal setting – as well as Woodland Wellbeing, a six-week programme that combines nature and wellbeing.

Woodland Wellbeing is set in Pype Hayes Park, as activities such as natural crafts around the campfire take place for participants to build connections and friendships while enjoying the outdoors.

This has helped the charity to reach a diverse group of individuals, who may otherwise have struggled to find support.

The Recovery Foundation remains committed to expanding its reach and providing vital support to the local community.

With plans to continue growing its services and celebrating its achievements, the locally based charity looks forward to another five years supporting people in Erdington and neighbouring areas.

For more information on The Recovery Foundation, or to get involved with any of the free services mentioned, please visit www.therecoveryfoundation.org.uk or email [email protected]

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group – empowering local men to take control of their health

Words by Hema Chumber

Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group meeting at High Croft Community Centre / Pic supplied by Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group

The Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group, is a group for men looking to improve their health and wellbeing, who meet monthly at Highcroft Community Centre – located at 485 Slade Road, opposite Stockland Green Methodist Church and Stockland Green School.

Focused on providing a supportive and inclusive environment, the group aims to tackle the stigma surrounding men’s health, particularly mental health, and encourages men to actively take charge of their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Founded as a Community Interest Company (CIC), the group offers a range of activities from fitness classes to workshops and educational events, all designed to provide men with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to live healthier lives.

The group is committed to ensuring that men feel empowered to talk openly about their health and to foster a sense of community among participants.
Derrick Gidden, Chairman, said: “We want to create a space where men can feel comfortable talking about their health, without the stigma that often surrounds it.

“By sharing experiences and learning together, we can all improve our health.”
The group’s regular meetings at the Highcroft Community Centre have become a central point for local men seeking both social connection and valuable health resources.

Meetings feature expert speakers, covering topics such as stress management, physical fitness, and mental resilience.

These sessions encourage men to take small, manageable steps towards improving their wellbeing, making healthy living more accessible to all.

The Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group also organises physical activities to encourage men to stay active – including walking groups, football sessions, and fitness classes.

Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group meeting at High Croft Community Centre / Pic supplied by Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group

One of the group’s key initiatives was the Prostate Cancer Awareness Evening, which took place on 22 November 2024, at the Lighthouse Young People’s Centre in Birmingham.

This event brought together local men and women to learn more about prostate cancer, a health issue affecting thousands of men across the UK.

The evening featured expert presentations from Aidan Atkins from Tackle Prostate UK, Lindsay Thompson from Infopool, and Junior Hermans from Prostate Cancer UK’s Black Men’s Health Advisory Group.

After the event, Junior Hermans explained: “Prostate cancer isn’t just a men’s issue; it affects families and communities.

“By coming together to share knowledge and experiences at events like these, we can empower everyone to take proactive steps in their health journey.”

Sign outside High Croft Community Centre, Slade Road / Pic supplied by Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group

This event is just one example of the Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about men’s health issues and to create spaces where men can engage in conversations about topics that are often overlooked.

Its proactive approach has led to growing participation and a strong sense of community among its members.

The group is eager to welcome new participants, including local men looking for support, fitness opportunities, or simply a place to connect with others, with its diverse range of activities and resources.

For more information about the Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group, please visit their website at www.menshealth-wellbeing.co.uk

Or contact their team directly at [email protected]

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]

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OPINION: Erdington Cllr Robert Alden, Leader of Birmingham Conservatives

Thank you to everyone who signed our petition opposing the proposed new HMO on Mason Road, we’re delighted to confirm, following our campaign, the application has been refused by the Council.

I’ve also been pushing for the Council to take enforcement action against the new chicken shop that has opened without planning permission on Mason Road.

Cllr Gareth Moore and I have been continuing our push for the Council to clean up our streets. This month we took our Conservative plan for a cleaner city, and wider amendment, to the budget meeting.

The amendment, signed off as deliverable by Council Finance officers and Commissioners, would’ve kept refuse collections weekly, scrapped Labours ‘Rat Tax’, and increased the number of street cleaners – as well as separately keeping every library including Erdington open full time. Sadly, this was rejected by the Labour Councillors.

This month the Labour Council have announced that due to their bin strike, which is now five days a week, they are not starting garden waste collections and continue to not collect recycling. Their current advice on refuse bins is to leave it out if it is not collected on your normal collection day.

We have been calling for the Council to refund residents who have paid for garden waste collections. The Council has now agreed, and a refund can be requested on their website.

We’re posting all the latest updates we have on the strike on our Facebook page, so follow us there to stay up to date.

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

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club – providing opportunities for cycling and socialising

Words by Hema Chumber

Members of Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club on group cycle ride / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC

Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club (CCC) is a local non-profit organisation that runs cycling activities and group sessions for people of all ages and abilities.

Affiliated with the national sports charity Cycling UK, Pype Hayes CCC has been providing cycling opportunities to people of all ages and abilities since August 2022. Previously called the Cobble Café/Easy Riders, the club works on a volunteer basis with members donating their time to support its activities.

With its primary Bike Hub based at Paget Primary School on Paget Road, the club now has a total of 116 members, with 50 actively participating in its ‘Learn to Pedal’ sessions which take place every Sunday at 10am.

Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club Bike Hub at Paget Primary School / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC

The ‘Learn to Pedal’ programme is open to people of all age ranges, with the youngest participant being three years old and the oldest being 93. The sessions are designed to help individuals build confidence and develop basic cycling skills, with the option to progress to a Bikeability certification – in line with the government’s national cycle training programme.

Pype Hayes CCC welcomes people with varying levels of experience and the pace of learning is adapted to each person’s needs – also running ‘Led Rides’, providing opportunities for people to cycle together in a social, group environment.

The club has a second Bike Hub at the Witton Lodge Community Association Eco Hub on Witton Lakes, where additional ‘Led Rides’ take place weekly. These group rides usually include stops at local cafes, to give members a chance to socialise and to support Erdington’s local community spaces.

‘Mr Fix It’ providing bike repairs and maintanence / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC

Outside of the group activities, Pype Hayes CCC lends bikes to people who do not own a bicycle but want to embrace a healthier and greener way of transport – allocating spare cycles from both Bike Hubs at Paget Primary School and Witton Lakes Eco Hub.

It also offers a servicing initiative called ‘Mr Fix It’, where local residents can access bike repairs and maintenance to ensure their bike is safe to use – encouraging more two wheel travel and allowing more people to participate in the club’s activities.

With support received through a grant from the National Lottery, Pype Hayes CCC has been able to expand its bike stock and improve essential equipment.

The funding has been significant in enabling the club to offer its wider range of services to the Pype Hayes community and neighbouring areas.

Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC

Gareth Jones, National Standard Cycling Instructor at Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club, said: “Cycling is one of many great ways to get active and enjoy the outdoors, but it is also about supporting one another in the group and the wider community.

“It is very rewarding to see people overcome their fears by taking part and achieve something they did not think was possible at all. We are able to support anyone who wants to join in, learn, or ride socially with other people.”

He added: “We believe our club is unique, because people do not need to know how to pedal straight away – we encourage all of our members to take things slowly in the beginning and then learn at their own pace.

“We welcome people from many different backgrounds and with different abilities. All of the Bikeability instructors here are registered and are SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) trained too.”

For more on Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club through the Cycling UK charity visit www.cyclinguk.org/group/pype-hayes-ccc-formerly-cobble-cafeeasy-riders

To get involved with Pype Hayes CCC directly, click here to follow the club on Facebook or join the group on WhatsApp via 07950 876 406.

For ‘Learn to Pedal’ inquiries, email [email protected] – and for all general inquiries email [email protected]

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]

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NEWS: Community Group’s Meeting to help with networking, funding, and “additional support” on Monday 27 January

Words by Ed King

Compass Support are inviting community groups from across Castle Vale to a special meeting on Monday 27 January, to help them with an array of “additional support” from finding and applying for funding, to training and advice.

Held at The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, the ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will run from 6:30-8pm and is completely free to attend.

No advance booking is required to attend, with any interested parties invited to arrive at The Sanctuary for the 6:30pm start. Teas and coffees will be provided.

The meeting will also be a chance for local residents and volunteers to find out more about the wide range of community groups and activities on and around Castle Vale.

The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale / Pic taken from Google Maps

Organisers hope that the ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will be a chance for local groups to network and support each other, whilst encouraging anyone who wants to be more involved in local community activities to find out more about what’s happening in their area.

Compass Support Community Hubs Manager, Laura Grigg, said: “Community groups are the foundation for connected communities, they have an enhanced understanding of the needs and wants within communities.

“Compass Support [recognises] the valuable work of community groups but also appreciates that additional support may be needed to sustain, manage, and grow activities.”

She added: “The event on Monday 27 January will be an opportunity to network with other local groups, highlight challenges and explore opportunities for funding, publicity, and support. Join us for a cuppa and a chat.”

Representatives from Castle Vale Local will also be attending and hoping to find volunteers interested in community journalism, whilst also looking to connect with local groups and find out more about their activities and ambitions.

Compass Support’s ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will be held at The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale, on Monday 27 January – free to attend, running from 6:30-8pm.

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