Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association
For over three decades Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) has played an active role in helping residents access advice and support services when they experience difficult times. While this is central to our purpose, it’s only part of the picture – we also help unlock and nurture local talent.
It’s often the case that residents turn to us in moments of crisis – cost of living pressures remains a harsh reality for many families. WLCA colleagues step in with practical, hands-on help, guiding residents through a system that can feel overwhelming.
This support often (although, unfortunately not always) prevents individuals and families from reaching crisis point and is the safety net that keeps many households afloat.
But WLCA is also a springboard. Through training, employment support, and enterprise programmes, residents gain confidence, skills, and access to new opportunities. People who’ve been out of work for years find routes back into work. Others discover volunteering pathways, or community projects that help them grow.
Crucially, at Witton Lodge local people are not just receiving services – they are actively shaping and delivering them. Through our community forums, resident panels, and neighbourhood conversations, we utilise local insights, experience and expertise.
As a result, local decisions reflect lived experience, and our residents help design solutions that actually work on the ground.
There is growing acknowledgement that community powered organisations – rooted in trust, relationships, and local knowledge are essential to delivering long term change. At WLCA, we support this shift: putting community voice at the centre and giving residents real influence over the services that affect their lives.
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.
