Tag: COMMUNITY ANCHORS

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Workshops to help influence local healthcare with Witton Lodge Community Association

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Are you an Erdington or Sutton Coldfield resident with an active interest in the health and wellbeing of your community?

If the answer is yes, then Witton Lodge Community Association is giving you the opportunity to influence the future of local healthcare provision.

We are hosting two North Locality Health Progress Workshops later this month and would love as many residents as possible from across our communities to participate.

The North Locality Health Plan is designed to actively tackle health inequalities across North Birmingham.

To make this plan genuinely effective, it needs to be rooted in the lived experience of the people it’s for – our residents.

Be part of the conversation

  • Tuesday, December 16th from 11am to 2pm at The Trinity Centre Church Hill, Sutton Coldfield – To book onto the SUTTON COLDFIELD event, please click here.
  • Wednesday, December 17th from 10.30am to 12noon at Perry Common Community Hall at 87 Witton Lodge Road, Erdington – To book onto the ERDINGTON event, please click here.

Witton Lodge Community Association is working closely with key health providers and other community groups to deliver this project.

Jo Townsend, our Communications and Community Engagement Manager, stresses: “We really encourage all residents from across Erdington and Sutton Coldfield to join us at these events and share their insights on their own experiences and insights to create practical solutions that improve health for everyone.”

The future of community healthcare

The workshops will allow residents to hear the latest updates on the plan and find out exactly what’s being proposed for their neighbourhoods.

“They are a dynamic platform for community collaboration,” added Jo, “It’s a chance for residents from across North Birmingham to ensure the health plan genuinely considers people’s views.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming all residents to take an active role in creating a healthier, stronger future for themselves and our local communities.”

To ensure we can accommodate everyone, please book your place as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or scanning the QR code in the relevant graphic above.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Listening to and supporting young people across Erdington with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Youth engagement with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Callum Hodson, Community Activity Developer at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB), we believe that listening to young people is one of the most powerful ways to build a stronger, more hopeful community.

When we listen, we don’t just hear words; we understand experiences, dreams and challenges that shape the future of Erdington.

Our recent research found that 85% of young people in Erdington enjoy living in the area, showing how deeply connected they feel to their community. But we’ve also heard that many struggle with low confidence and limited aspirations.

Listening helps us see beyond the surface and respond with compassion, opportunity and support.

At UDB, we are here, walking alongside young people every day. Through our weekly drop-in sessions, we offer safe spaces to talk, create and grow. These conversations are where change begins.

When young people feel heard, they begin to believe that their voice matters, and that belief can transform lives.

With 37% of young people in Erdington facing mental health challenges, listening is more vital than ever. It takes empathy, time and community effort, because it truly takes a village to help young people thrive.

So here’s a challenge: Is there a young person you know who needs someone to listen, to feel heard and seen?

Your time and attention could make all the difference. Together, we can ensure every young voice in Erdington is valued and every young person feels they belong.

For more about UDB scan the QR code or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Follow UDB’s social media on Instagram or Facebook (@urbandevotion).

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: Community celebrations, support, and achievements this festive season with The Pioneer Group

Simon Wilson – The Pioneer Group Chief Executive / Photograph by Phil Greig, supplied by The Pioneer Group

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

As we approach the festive season, there’s plenty happening across Castle Vale.

We’re delighted to bring back our popular Take a Tag gift tree at The Sanctuary, giving residents the chance to make Christmas brighter for those in need. Look out for our advert in this paper which gives you all the information to get involved.

A big thank you to M&BG for donating a Christmas tree and to Nationwide Windows and Doors for providing the lights, we’ll be announcing the details on our social channels of our Christmas Tree Light Switch-On.

Beyond the festivities, we’ve been investing in our community.

This year saw the launch of the Topcliffe Skills Hub, a space for our Skills and Employment Team. Since opening, the hub has welcomed 142 Job Club attendances (including 46 Castle Vale residents), 39 course registrations (18 local), and hosted a popular AI information session with 16 attendees.

Participants range from 16 to 67 years, and courses such as English with Social Media, Parenting Skills, and Digital Skills for Beginners have been in high demand. We’re now consulting residents to shape future courses and working with partners like the BAN network to introduce vocational training and strengthen links with local employers.

We’ve also published our latest Customer Annual Report, which shows: £1.5m saved and reinvested into community regeneration, £867k secured to retrofit 77 homes, 84% customer satisfaction, above sector averages & £4.6m in social value generated.

I’d recommend having a look at how we’re performing on our website.

As always. thank you for your continued support, and I wish you an enjoyable festive period.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.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: Birmingham United FC’s First Team move home matches to Castle Vale Stadium

(l-r) Representatives from Birmingham United FC and Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words supplied by The Pioneer Group

Birmingham United FC is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s journey — the first team will now play its home fixtures at Castle Vale Stadium, marking the first time since adopting the name Birmingham United that the senior side will compete within the city of Birmingham itself.

This move represents more than just a change of venue — it is a homecoming, a statement of intent, and a foundation for further impact and growth.

Founded with the goal of creating opportunities for talented young footballers across Central Birmingham, Birmingham United FC has built a reputation for developing players both on and off the pitch.

Sign outside Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King

The relocation of the first team to Castle Vale aligns with the club’s mission to be based at the heart of the Birmingham footballing community and to use sport as a tool for positive change.

“Playing in Birmingham has always been a key goal for us,” said Rajab Noor, Birmingham United FC Chairman.

He adds: “Castle Vale Stadium offers fantastic facilities and a passionate local community. We’re excited not only to bring semi-professional football to the area but also to support the next generation of players through new grassroots and youth initiatives.”

The club intends to work closely with The Pioneer Group – who own and operate Castle Vale Stadium – and other local stakeholders in and around Castle Vale to create accessible football pathways for children and young people.

Public attending football match at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King

Plans are already underway to expand Birmingham United’s grassroots programme — developing new youth teams, delivering coaching sessions, and supporting initiatives that harness the positive social impact of sport.

A spokesperson for the local football club added: “Football has the power to transform the lives of young people, unite communities together and remedy society’s greatest inequalities.

“By basing ourselves in Castle Vale, we feel well-placed to have a significant positive impact on young people across the area.”

As Birmingham United FC embarks on this exciting new chapter, the club invites local residents, fans, and supporters to join them at Castle Vale Stadium and be part of a growing movement that champions opportunity, ambition, and community spirit.

Irfan Mehboob, The Pioneer Group’s Head of Community Facilities, told: “It’s fantastic to have Birmingham United FC hosting their home games here at Castle Vale Stadium. The stadium remains an integral part of our community, and we’re delighted to see more people making use of this great facility.”

He added: “Since investing in the stadium, we hope even more people will take advantage of the excellent facilities we have here.”

For more on Birmingham United FC and links to the club’s social media visit: www.linktr.ee/bhamutd

For more on Castle Vale Stadium visit: www.castlevalestadium.co.uk

For more from The Pioneer Group visit: www.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Stronger together – why community engagement is vital for Erdington

Community Voice session run by WLCA at Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

With its rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, Erdington thrives on its diversity. While this multicultural makeup is a huge strength it also highlights the need for robust community engagement.

When people from all walks of life actively participate together, it doesn’t just feel good, it can become the engine for positive, lasting change across our constituency.

Community engagement in areas like Erdington is about more than just attendance at meetings. It’s about ensuring every voice is heard and valued, regardless of language, origin or background.

Our Community Voice project provides residents across the area with a platform to influence and create services to help tackle issues impacting people and communities, head-on. This united viewpoint and co-production of services is far more powerful than any initiative simply handed down from authority figures and decision makers.

That is why, since being established in May 2024 by Witton Lodge Community Association, the Community Voice initiative has proven to be a great vehicle for empowering people to make the changes they want to see happen. New initiatives around housing, arts, health and youth are currently being developed.

This approach ensures that efforts are impactful and sustainable and is helping to create a unified, supportive network working for the greater good of Erdington.

Community Voice is yours. Get involved and make things happen.

To find out more about Community Voice or to get involved with the project, please call Steve Sharma 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: A new chapter in community engagement

Jo Fieldhouse – Housing & Community Director, The Pioneer Group / Photograph by Phil Greig

Words by Jo Fieldhouse – Housing & Community Director, The Pioneer Group

I’m really pleased to introduce our new Customer & Community Engagement Plan which is a big step forward in how we listen and act on what matters most to our customers.

This plan is built on every voice matters. It’s designed to make engagement easier, more inclusive, and more impactful. Whether it’s through Listening Hubs, Scrutiny Panels, community champions, or digital platforms like Vale Voices, we’re creating more ways for people to get involved and shape the services they use every day.

We’re proud of the strong foundations already in place, from our Customer Influence Committee to the Searchlight Panel and our Block & Green Champions. These groups are already driving change, and this plan will help us go further.

Over the next three years, we’ll widen participation, embed customer voice into our governance, and ensure feedback leads to real action. We’re aiming for 80% of customers to say we listen and act on their views, and 85% to feel we make a positive contribution to their neighbourhood.

This plan is about collaboration. It’s about making every contact count and turning everyday conversations into change that makes people proud.

We’ll be working over the coming months to showcase this plan and bring it to life.

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: Supporting children and families with exciting activities at Lakeside Children’s Centre

UDB Cooking Club at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Ash Porter, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

In the heart of the Wyrley Birch Estate there is a wonderful children’s hub called Lakeside Children’s Centre and on Tuesday afternoon you’ll find the place overflowing with UDB’s team running sessions.

From 3:30pm-4:30pm there’s a brilliant children and families session. Here our team create a safe space for families and primary school children to play, eat our famous toasties, and create lasting friendships.

Our young people in secondary school have their own space from 5:00pm-6:00pm where they too are welcomed and have a space for themselves. These sessions are both free, and open access. We’d love to see you there.

We also run two developmental groups, Cooking Club and SPARK, aimed at young people we work closely with.

At Cooking Club they’ve learnt how bake plenty of sweet goods, but more recently have stepped into learning to prepare full meals. Last Christmas they were involved in cooking a Christmas dinner for over 50 people from the community.

SPARK is a music-based activity, where some of our young people are exploring their musical skills and even learning to write their own songs. One girl, when she first joined SPARK, was shy and could barely even sing out loud to the group. A few months later, she signed up to sing at her school summer showcase.

As young people learn tangible skills and are encouraged in their endeavours. We see them grow as people and in their self-esteem. On Tuesdays at Lakeside, we see transformation, one life at a time.

For more about UDB scan the QR code or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Follow UDB’s social media on Instagram or Facebook (@urbandevotion).

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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FEATURE: “It’s just brilliant to be here,” over a twelve hundred locals and visitors attend Castle Vale Community Festival

Family after taking part in the Colour Run at Castle Vale Community Festival ’25 / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

On Saturday 30 August, Castle Vale Community Festival returned to Farnborough fields – as organised by The Pioneer Group and Compass Support.

Despite the wind and rain, The Pioneer Group reported over 1,200 Castle Vale locals and visitors attended throughout the event – enjoying a free fun-filled afternoon exploring a variety stalls, activities, and entertainment.

Laura Grigg, Compass Support Community Hubs Manager, told Castle Vale Local: “This is a great opportunity for the whole community to come together, and we have got quite a few of our partners here today… it’s an opportunity for people to highlight what they do in the community.”

The festival also offered local businesses the chance to showcase their work. Rachel Beard, who runs Raquel’s Decoupage and Crafting, told: “I’m based on Castle Vale [and] I just love coming out and meeting the community.”

She added: “It’s about meeting people, making connections and just having a good vibe on the day; it’s just brilliant to be here”.

Activities and attractions included the Animal Man, aka Nature’s Burrows, who proved popular with young and old alike.

Paget Rangers FC offered youngsters free football coaching sessions, and there was live music from Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums, alongside face painting, soft play and bouncy castles for children.

Luke McClean, from YoungStars Community Hub, said: “We’ve been going around speaking to all the community, meeting some of our obviously regulars who come to youth club [and] advertising a little bit about what we do.”

McClean also praised the YoungStars dance acts who demonstrated their talents in the main arena to the sounds from festival hosts, Switch Radio.

Mid-afternoon, crowds suddenly dispersed and made a dash for the start of the annual Colour Run.

Castle Vale resident Tiffany, who brought along her family to the event and took part in the Colour Run, summed up what the festival means for locals.

She explained: “It’s brilliant they brought the festival back to Castle Vale; it’s a great turnout, lots to do and the colour run was good fun.”

PICTURE GALLERY #1: Castle Vale Community Festival / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

PICTURE GALLERY #2: Castle Vale Community Festival / Photographs by Darren Dodd

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: Witton Lodge Community Quiz returns to Perry Common – Friday 3 October

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Guess what’s making its long-awaited return to thrill and delight all in one night?

That’s right, the beloved Witton Lodge Community Quiz – held at Perry Common Hall on Friday 3 October, as organised by Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).

So, dust off thinking caps and refill your lucky pens for some quizzical fun with friends, family and neighbours.

After an absence of more than three years our popular brainteasing bonanza is back bigger and better than ever.

Running from 7pm to 8.30pm, this is your chance to enjoy a laugh-out-loud evening for young and old alike. You can expect rounds packed with fun twists and cheeky surprises.

So why not come and pit your wits against some of our community’s very own Stephen Fry’s and Carol Vorderman’s.

Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph by Ed King

The Witton Lodge Community Quiz is £2 per person with payment on the door. Teams of up to six people are allowed with children aged under 10 admitted free.

You can’t afford to miss the quiz that’s more than just a night of questions and answers, it’s a night of connection, laughter sprinkled with a little friendly competition.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS:  Supporting and celebrating young people at Urban Devotion Birmingham

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.

Scan the QR code or visit www.urbandevotion.org/activities to find your nearest session and keep up with last-minute updates on Instagram or Facebook (@urbandevotion).

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.