Urban Devotion Birmingham team photo – summer 24 / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Emma Winmill, Co-Director at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Pic supplied by UDB
As we head into autumn, we’re celebrating all the children and young people stepping into the new term with courage – and those who cheer them on.
A new term can bring a jumble of emotions: excitement, nerves, fresh opportunities, and the challenge of getting back into routines. It’s normal to feel a mix of things all at once, and sometimes it takes a little time to settle in.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we want children and young people to know that whatever this season holds, there’s always space to slow down, connect, and be themselves.
Our free drop-ins continue across Erdington, with games, sports, crafts, PS5, and plenty of snacks. They are a chance to have fun, try new activities, and meet friends in a safe and welcoming space. Everyone is welcome, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been coming for years.
These sessions are a reminder that taking a moment to play, relax, and connect can make a real difference as the term gets underway.
We have a variety of activities in Erdington for young people, children, and families.
Staff and volunteers at Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Amy Hayes, Co-Director at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Okay, not me personally; I’m well past 22; but this September marks Urban Devotion Birmingham’s 22nd birthday, so I think that Taylor Swift song might just be our theme tune for the year.
Back in 2003, a group of mostly volunteers took to the streets in Erdington, connecting with young people who were out and about. That led to our very first youth drop-in, and over the years our activities have taken so many different forms.
Some of the parents, aunties, and uncles of the children we now welcome to our drop-ins were young people themselves back then; looking for a space to belong, deepening friendships, sometimes testing boundaries…
It’s such a privilege to have been able to offer safe spaces to multiple generations of children and young people over the past 22 years.
All these years later, we’re still here, and we don’t plan on going anywhere. We remain passionate about Erdington and committed to standing with, encouraging, and supporting children and young people as they grow and discover more of who they are.
We’re just as eager to come alongside parents and carers, cheering them on as they raise these wonderful humans. It’s no easy task!
As we step into our 23rd year, we’d love it to include supporting any children, young people or families you care about who haven’t yet connected with us.
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.
Urban Devotion Birmingham team photo outside Hope House / Image supplied by UDB
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) is a Christian charity working in North East Birmingham, with a mission to empower young people and their families. Founded in 2003, and officially registered as a charity in 2005, UDB supports over 2,500 individuals each year.
The charity aims to help those it engages with to become confident, well-rounded individuals, while building strong and supportive relationships within the community.
It runs various programs, such as drop-in clubs, mentoring, therapeutic support, detached youth work, and educational services in schools. UBD also runs faith-based groups for those who want to explore spirituality, aiming to help young people become confident and well-rounded individuals.
Urban Devotion Birmingham in session at St Barnabas Church, Erdington / Image supplied by UDB
Urban Devotion Birmingham is based at Hope House, 148 Witton Lodge Road in Perry Common – but its services span across several areas of the community, including Pype Hayes, Stockland Green, and neighbouring areas.
One of UDB’s key vehicles for outreach is its Mobile Youth Venue – a converted van that travels to different locations in the community during the week. This mobile service makes youth programs more accessible to young people by meeting them where they live and spend their time.
Amy Heyes, Co-Founder of UBD, said: “Our work is about removing the obstacles that hold people back. The children and young people of Erdington are brilliant, and we love getting the opportunity to support them as they grow.”
Urban Devotion Bimringham in kayacking session / Image supplied by UDB
Amy added: “At UDB, we believe that everyone has something to contribute, and we want to encourage people to play their part – our work wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers, who are all central in helping to provide the services we do, to the local community.
“We welcome any one who’s interested in getting involved to stop by Hope House and say hello, our friendly team are always up for a chat.”
A parent, whose child attends many sessions at the charity, also told: “I don’t know what my boys would have done without UDB – they wouldn’t have had the experiences they have had here, without them.
“It’s a fun and inclusive environment for children and young people, especially to meet new people and make friends. It’s like a family here, and my boys love being a part of the UDB family.”
Urban Devotion Birmingham team next to Mobile Youth Venue / Image supplied by UDB
UDB’s focus is not just to provide services to the community. With a strong emphasis on empowerment from a young age and creating opportunities, the charity also works to ensure young people are playing an active role in shaping their futures.
Volunteers play an essential role in the charity’s work, from mentoring young people to helping run events and practical activities like transport or gardening.
Those who wish to support Urban Devotion Birmingham can also donate goods and help in spreading the word about their work.
For further information on Urban Devotion Birmingham and a calendar of its upcoming events and programmes, please visit www.urbandevotion.org or call 0121 350 9370.
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]
Languages, like Japanese, Sanskrit, and Arabic have multiple words for different kinds of ‘love’. In English we only have ‘love’. Has ‘love’ lost some of its meaning? I love both chocolate and my children—but not in the same way!
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we believe that God loves every person in Erdington, and we seek to show that love to everyone we meet. Jesus said that loving your neighbour as yourself was one of the most important commands.
But here, it’s a care that doesn’t stop, a desire for the absolute best for that person, a willingness to have the difficult conversations for their better, a readiness to put others first.
Every time we walk the streets in our UDB blue clothing, connect with children and young people in their schools or run activities, this love drives us. We do it not just because it’s good, but because we care about the children, young people and families here.
As I walk through Erdington, noticing the people and places around me, I often wonder—what if we all chose to show a little more love to one another? It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it starts with a friendly ‘hello,’ thanking shop staff, or simply holding onto litter until we find a bin.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Let’s show Erdington a little more love and see what happens.
Urban Devotion Birmingham youth worker at The Undergroud, St Martain’s Church, Perry Common
Since 2004, The Underground has been a safe, welcoming space for young people in Perry Common to socialise, make friends, and engage with the UDB team.
Located beneath St Martin’s Church on Witton Lodge Road, the space is used by Oscott Academy during school hours, while UDB hosts various youth activities in the evenings. Young people can grab a toastie, play in the sports hall or hang out in our youth space.
We spoke to some regular attendees, asking why they come to The Underground and what they enjoy about it. Their answers varied: “To make new friends,” “It gives me something to do,” and “It makes me feel safe.”
They enjoy the food, toasties, sports, and the chance to “see some friends every week.” One young person shared how the space has “helped with my self-control” and how UDB is always there to support them when they feel sad or angry.
We believe it’s vital to offer young people safe, drop-in activities where they can feel relaxed, heard, and have fun.
We all crave spaces where we feel we can belong, and we feel privileged to be able to provide those spaces to many young people throughout Erdington.
Our sessions at The Underground are open to different age groups:
Mondays from 3:15pm-4:30pm for school years 3-6
Mondays from 5:00pm-6:00pm for school years 7-9
Wednesdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm for school years 9-13
For more details and to see where else we run drop-ins check out our QR code (above).
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.
Words and pic supplied by Amy Hayes – Co-Director, Urban Devotion Birmingham
When we spoke to young people and children in Erdington about the summer holidays many were full of excitement; looking forward to spending time with friends and family, having a much-needed break from their studies.
School holidays provide a great opportunity for rest and play – two things that are vitally important for our wellbeing.
We know the pressure parents and carers can feel to meet these needs through expensive trips or activities. The reality is that most of us are going to be looking at how we can fill the time without the expense.
From experience with my kids, I know that those random bike rides in the park, games in the local field, and film nights in the house can be just as precious as the expensive trips. It’s about the time we shared together.
If you’re a parent/carer and reading this… release that pressure to be spending loads!
Here at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) we love connecting with children, young people, and their families across Erdington through the school term, and this doesn’t stop in the summer holidays! For five weeks of the summer, UDB are hosting free activities for both children and for young people across multiple neighbourhoods so there will be one near you!
No sign-up is needed, and everyone who comes along will have the opportunity to engage in a different theme each week, connect with others their age and enjoy a meal together.
Why don’t you build these activities into your summer plans? We’d love to see you.
Words & pics supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham
We are in a time of change for many young people.
Whether it’s the end of a school year, saying goodbye to school or college, or finishing exams, there is a significance in finishing the academic year and looking ahead to what’s next.
This time of transition happens to coincide with another huge moment of potential transition and change – a general election! No matter the outcome, this can be a time of turbulence, of promised changes, and a country waiting in anticipation.
Change can be exciting and good for us. It can also induce fear, anxiety and high levels of stress.
Over-exposure to the stress related with change can have negative impacts, especially on children and young people even disrupting brain development when experienced for prolonged periods of time.
One of the privileges we have at UDB is to be a source of stability and continuity for young people, giving them spaces to self-express, de-stress and find consistency.
These things aren’t limited to us as youth workers; if you know a young person why don’t you check in with them in the next few days? The well-used saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is so true and you showing care can make a real difference.
As you do that we’d love for you to encourage them to connect with one of our spaces so that we can be part of that village too. Use the QR code to see what we are up to.
For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org or scan the QR code in this article.
Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Words & pics supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham
Exam season has begun, and it can be a stressful time to be a young person. Whether as a year 6 pupil, feeling nervous about the big move to secondary, or preparing for GCSE’s or A-Levels, it can be a pressure filled time of year.
The problem is that this pressure can become a negative and crippling force in many young people’s lives, impacting their mental wellbeing in small or significant ways.
For some this can look like overworking and getting stuck in revision. For others it may be complete avoidance or an inability to sit and revise.
As adults we can all play a significant role in helping make this time less stressful and mentally taxing for young people by encouraging and role modelling what it looks like to find a healthy balance between focus, rest and play is essential.
The reality is succeeding during exams does require times of focus, and revision cannot be ignored.
But it also needn’t be all consuming. We all need time to rest our minds and our bodies, and making sure young people know ways to rest and relax is important.
Play can be a great way to do this. This will look different for different ages and for different people, but includes elements of exploration, creativity, and fun.
Perhaps it’s playing a sport, or painting, or jumping on a trampoline – the possibilities are endless! This is as essential for our mental wellbeing, and performance, as getting a good night’s sleep.
