Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) group photo, outside Hope House in Perry Common / Supplied by UDB
Words by Amy Heyes, Urban Devotion Birmingham
Here at UDB, we believe that every child and young person in Erdington is important, unique and worth our time. This is rooted in our Christian faith and overflows into our care for and support of everyone, regardless of their religion or background.
We know that life has its ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, and we want to be there for children, young people and their families through it all.
That’s why you can find us in local schools throughout the week, as well as running free clubs and activities for families, children and young people.
It’s why young people drop in to chat with us at Hope House on Witton Lodge Road. It’s also why you might see our team in blue UDB hoodies alongside the Mobile Youth Van, parked roadside or out walking the streets.
If you’ve not joined us before — or haven’t been along for a while — we would love to see you.
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge Community Association, standing outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer, Witton Lodge Community Association
As the World Cup arrives, the whole country starts to dream — and Erdington is no exception.
As England fans, we are once again limbering up for the nation’s favourite emotional triathlon: early optimism, confident armchair punditry, and that one mate insisting, usually through a mouthful of biscuits, that they “would have buried that chance.”
While England negotiates the sweaty-palmed business of penalties, VAR reviews and extra time viewed from behind a cushion, Erdington already knows what a strong team looks like. Across the area, volunteers, residents, community groups and local businesses are linking up beautifully – passing kindness, creating chances and making sure no one is left on the sidelines.
Logo of England national team on football jersey white background / Image from Adobe Stock
From our High Street traders and coffee mornings to youth activities, wellbeing sessions and neighbours checking in before full-time, Erdington is full of local legends putting in a proper shift.
Some lead from the front, others do the quiet midfield work that keeps everything together and moving forward. There are no transfer fees involved – just teamwork, tea and the occasional heroic raffle prize.
So, if England do go all the way and finally bring the World Cup home (and we know they can), expect a roar from Erdington loud enough to shake every shopfront on the High Street.
While the Three Lions chase history, let’s also celebrate Erdington’s own winning team: our neighbours, volunteers, and community groups who turn up week after week.
Come on England!
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Click on the image below to read Witton Lodge Community Association’s COMMUNITY ANCHORS news, first published in the Erdington Local newspaper – out on shelf from 18 June.
Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are inviting local residents and families to Spring into Summer, as their annual community festival returns to Perry Common on Saturday 13 June.
Held between 12noon and 3pm on ‘the ring’ – the municipal circular parkland on Witton Lodge Road – the community event is free to enter, with some activities charged at only £1.
Full of family friendly fun, the summer festival will host a range of children’s games and activities – including a super slide and a bouncy castle.
Super slide at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Special ‘learn to ride’ sessions will also be held on the paths within the parkland, teaching young people how to cycle and encouraging them to find their feet – on two wheels.
Young David Attenbououghs and Jane Goodalls will also have the chance to get up close to nature and explore the world of ‘Mini Beasts’ in the ‘Bug and Insect Corner’ – introducing children to the natural world that crawls around under their feet.
Stalls at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Local services will also be present, offering advice and guidance to local residents – alongside a chance to explore a real life fire engine and police vehicle with members of the local police and fire service also engaging with public at the event.
Held every year, the Spring into Summer Festival is a family favourite on the Perry Common calendar – attended by hundreds of people from across the local area and beyond.
Organised by WLCA, who run the neighbouring Perry Common Community Hall, the annual event is part of a year round programme of events and support services from the Perry Common based community and housing association.
Local crafts at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Paul Tse, Flourishing Communities Development Officer at WLCA, told: “Spring into Summer has become one of our community’s best loved traditions so it’s a great pleasure for us to be able to bring it back again for people to enjoy.
“It brings people together in a way which celebrates the wonderful community spirit we have here in Perry Common.”
He added: “As always, we are thankful for the support and hard work of our fantastic partners, St Martin’s Church, The Friends of Witton Lakes, Urban Devotion Birmingham and The Net Pentecostal Church, for helping to put the event together.”
For more on WLCA and links to their wider programme of events and services 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.
Spurgeons showcase event and community baby shower at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
A showcase event celebrating the early impact of the North Locality Infant Mortality project was held last Thursday (21 May).
Just seven months into its ambitious 18-month journey, the project is already proving to be a lifeline for expectant mothers across Erdington.
Supporting Mums
Funded by the Fairer Future’s Fund and overseen by Witton Lodge Community Association, the initiative is being delivered by Spurgeons. It provides holistic support for the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of mothers during the most transformative chapter of their lives.
To celebrate its early success, Spurgeons hosted a vibrant showcase event and community baby shower at its base at Lakeside Children’s Centre. Local partners including Birmingham and Solihull NHS Trust Integrated Care Board (ICB) alongside midwives, breastfeeding support groups and pregnancy specialists were in attendance.
Spurgeons showcase event and community baby shower at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Formal presentations were given by Jonathan Wiggin, Head of Services at Spurgeons, Phil Johns, Chief Strategy Officer at ICB and Waheed Saleem, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at Witton Lodge Community Association.
Infant Mortality Rates
“Infant mortality was identified as a key priority for the North Locality through the co-production process that Witton Lodge Community Association led last year,” said Waheed.
“Working with partners and local communities, we developed a targeted project to support high-risk pregnant women in the three Erdington wards with the highest infant mortality rates.
Waheed Saleem talking at Spurgeons showcase event and community baby shower at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by WLCA
“The project provides one-to-one support through pregnancy support workers, helping women to reduce key risks during pregnancy. This includes encouraging early attendance at appointments, supporting women to stop smoking, helping with weight management, and providing practical financial support for essential everyday items that can make a real difference for new mothers and their babies.
“We are pleased to be working with Spurgeons to deliver this important project. As the Family Hub in Erdington, Spurgeons is well placed to continue supporting mothers and families beyond pregnancy, offering a wide range of services for children, young people and families up to the age of 19.
“The project has been supported by MMP GP Partnerships, midwives, health visitors and community groups. This joined-up approach is vital if we are to tackle infant mortality, reduce inequalities and ensure families receive the right support at the right time.”
Impressive Early Impact
The project is achieving a good level of success with its impact and reach already returning impressive numbers, such as:
45 individuals received Health & Wellbeing Support (including breastfeeding & morning sickness advice)
57 community sessions delivered including baby & antenatal groups and baby showers
72 individuals received Benefits & Welfare Support including advice around baby banks, food bank referrals and supplying baby essentials
25 individuals supported by the Safer Sleep Scheme
61 women now feeling more confident with their parenting skills
37 travel vouchers issued to support attendance to antenatal appointments
60 women received postnatal support to help reduce feelings of isolation and boost confidence
78 women have reduced stress and anxiety following support from Pregnancy Support Workers
Natalie Haymes, Community Liaison Lead and Pregnancy Support Manager for Spurgeons in Erdington, said: “By fostering a network of care that addresses everything from emotional resilience to physical health, we are not just supporting individuals we are building a fairer, healthier future for the next generation of our community.”
To find out more about the great work being delivered by Spurgeons in the local community please visit their website HERE.
For details on support activities being delivered at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub, click HERE.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
(L-R) WLCA Chair Linda Hines MBE and WLCA Chief Officer Afzal Hussaon by sponsored Bulls in the City statue
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
Perry Common Community Hall was recently filled with warmth, laughter, and togetherness to mark Linda Hine’s 75th birthday. Many of us know that Linda Hines MBE (to give her full title), as Chair, has been the heart and backbone of Witton Lodge Community Association for over three decades.
Linda is among those committed people who work tirelessly to improve their neighbourhoods and bring communities together.
Linda’s remarkable journey began with her standing with neighbours to keep their community together during the demolition and redevelopment of their homes; and helping to establish Witton Lodge Community Association. It is powerful reminder of what is possible when local people unite behind a shared purpose.
Across our communities, there are others like Linda: residents, volunteers, staff and local leaders who give their time and care to support others. They organise activities, listen, provide services, and create spaces where people feel safe, valued, and connected.
In an increasingly fractured world, where pressures on communities continue to grow, this work has never been more important. These everyday acts of leadership and solidarity build trust, strengthen relationships, and keep our neighbourhoods and communities connected and resilient.
Their impact can be seen in thriving community spaces, opportunities for young people, and the sense of belonging that brings people together.
(L-R) Framed picture of WLCA Chief Officer Afzal Hussain and WLCA Chair Linda Hines MBE at gala event
As we celebrate Linda’s contribution, we also salute those who are actively playing their part. If you’re inspired to make a difference, now is the time to get involved.
Whether it’s volunteering your time, supporting a local initiative, or simply checking in on a neighbour, every action counts in building stronger communities.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Click on the image below to read Witton Lodge Community Association’s COMMUNITY ANCHORS news, first published in the May to June ’26 Erdington Local newspaper.
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) on residential with young people / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Steph Porter, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
Let me take you back to your first school residential… mounting nerves about a night away from your mom, brewing excitement about the quantity of Haribo you’re going to eat at 11pm and the all-nighter with your dorm room buddies, anticipation of the ‘leap of faith’ which your older brother told you is a death wish, all whilst wondering if you have as much pocket money as your friend, Michael, for the gift shop, where you hope to buy a massive pencil with the camp logo on.
I’ve been running residentials for the last four years and I must tell you, they haven’t changed much! At UDB, it is a crucial part of our work in the community to give our children and young people the opportunity to go away.
As a youth worker, I love connecting with young people outside of their normal contexts because they often let their guards down in a different way to a normal drop-in or mentoring session.
Giving them a spare toothbrush when they forget theirs (frequent), needing a pep-talk pre-kayaking, finding them something different to eat when they don’t like the dinner (also frequent) are all relational luxuries when you’re away together.
We love doing life with the people we work with, and residentials are a wonderful display of this.
Representaives from The Pioneer Group and Seddon at Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group
As a community-focussed organisation, Castle Vale will always be at the heart of everything we do. Our roots are here, and with the vast majority of our homes based on the Vale, our commitment to both our tenants and local residents remains as strong as ever.
You may have seen that we’re beginning work on two new housing developments nearby, in Erdington and Minworth.
While they sit just a five-minute drive from Castle Vale, they give us an opportunity to respond to the growing need for affordable homes in our wider neighbourhood. For us, it’s about building the right homes in the right places, while staying true to our purpose and values and continuing to invest in our local communities.
We know that Castle Vale is more than just where we provide housing, it’s a community.
That sense of community extends beyond our homes too. Castle Vale Stadium continues to be a place where people come together, whether through sport, events or shared activities, and it plays a vital role in bringing people of all ages together.
Alongside this, The Sanctuary offers a wide range of support, from Early Help and youth services to health and wellbeing programmes.
These services are there for our residents and the wider community alike, helping people access the support and guidance they need, when they need it most.
The Sanctuary on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
As we look ahead, our focus remains the same, supporting strong, connected communities and making a positive difference both on Castle Vale and the local area.
The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Click on the image below to read Witton Lodge Community Association’s COMMUNITY ANCHORS news, first published in the May to June ’26 Erdington Local newspaper.
Representatives from Seddon Housing Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by The Pioneer Group
The Pioneer Group has announced plans to develop two new housing sites at Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive, delivering 36 new social rent homes as part of its wider commitment to providing high‑quality, affordable housing across North Birmingham.
Work on both sites has begun, marking an important step in Pioneer’s ambition to build the right homes in the right locations.
The Pioneer Group is the modern day community led housing association, managing over 2500 homes across Castle Vale and other areas, that grew from the old Housing Action Trust (HAT) established in 1993 – as part of Government led a nationwide initiative to give more local power to underprivileged housing estates across the country.
Other Housing Action Trusts were established in London, Liverpool, and Hull.
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive developments form part of Pioneer’s wider strategy and development programme, which aim to deliver around 250 new homes over the next five years, supporting housing need while maintaining a strong focus on quality, affordability and place‑making.
At Burcote Road in Erdington, Pioneer will deliver 10 new homes for social rent with construction undertaken by partner Seddon. The scheme is being built on land purchased from Birmingham City Council and will be supported by funding from Homes England and Pioneer, with Seddon appointed as build partner.
Located within Erdington Ward, the development aligns closely with Pioneer’s Development Plans, which focuses on placing appropriate schemes in well‑connected locations where they can best meet local housing needs.
Tony Clark, Regional Director, Seddon Housing Partnerships, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with The Pioneer Group to deliver much-needed affordable homes at Burcote Road. This development reflects our shared commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable homes that will make a lasting positive impact for local communities.”
At Lindridge Drive in Minworth, Pioneer have put spades in the ground on a 26‑home social rent development, delivered in partnership with Morro Partnerships. The scheme will provide a mix of modern, high‑quality homes designed to support individuals, families and long‑term community sustainability.
Representatives from Morro Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Lindridge Drive development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Tom Broadway, Managing Director (West Midlands), Morro Partnerships said: “Delivering sustainable homes and helping communities thrive is our core focus at Morro. Choosing timber frame construction for our first project with our partners at Pioneer will not only speed up delivery, but also ensure the homes are more energy-efficient and cost-effective for future residents.
He added: “Building with the future in mind is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are excited to be working with Pioneer to deliver much needed homes in the area.”
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive schemes are supported by Homes England funding, alongside Pioneer’s own private financing to ensure schemes remain both deliverable and financially sustainable. This also includes just over £1.4 million in funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has enabled Pioneer to move from an affordable rent model to social rent, helping to keep rents as low as possible for new tenants.
The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group (Copyright Phil Greig)
As an anchor organisation based in Castle Vale, Pioneer remains focussed on staying local, responsive and connected to the communities it serves.
While both Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive sit outside the Castle Vale estate, the developments reflect Pioneer’s commitment to using its strong local foundations to deliver affordable homes where they are most needed.
These projects also reflect Pioneer’s wider priorities to deliver great homes, support resilient communities and sustain the legacy of regeneration for future generations.
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive at The Pioneer Group, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward these two new developments, which represent another positive step in our long‑term commitment to delivering high‑quality social rent homes.”
He added: “By investing in the right sites, working with trusted partners and securing strong financial foundations, we can continue to meet housing need and support communities now and, in the years, ahead.”
Simon Wilson – The Pioneer Group (TPG) Chief Executive Officer / Photograph by Phil Greig, supplied by TPG
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
As a registered social landlord, we do not hold or promote party‑political views. However, our work is shaped directly by government policy, so it is important to acknowledge that decisions taken at national and local levels influence the environment in which we operate and the services we are able to deliver.
Government policy becomes real through legislation and regulation, whatever party forms the administration. Issues such as the availability of good‑quality social housing, the safety and sustainability of our homes, and the extent to which tenants can influence decisions about allocations and services are all shaped by this wider national framework.
These topics continue to be central to public debate and will remain important throughout this year’s election cycle.
Birmingham’s upcoming all‑out local elections are expected to be closely watched, and while predicting outcomes is not my role, what I can say with certainty is that we will continue to focus on long‑term, constructive partnerships.
Our commitment is to work collaboratively with those elected, whichever party they represent, to secure the best outcomes for our tenants and the wider communities we serve.
We are proud of the positive working relationships we have developed with ward councillors across all areas where we have homes. These partnerships have supported investment, community initiatives and practical improvements that benefit local residents.
I would encourage everyone to use their vote, understand the issues, consider who best reflects your priorities, and take part. Local elections can be won and lost on small numbers so every vote really does count.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Generic image of young people working in a classroom / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Emma Winmill, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
If you’ve got teenagers revising at the moment, you may recognise the pattern: procrastination, followed by long hours trying to catch up, and suddenly the whole house feels tense.
It might feel like the answer is to just work longer, but research suggests something different. Most of us concentrate best in short bursts of around 25 to 40 minutes, followed by a proper break.
This approach helps the brain process and retain information more effectively. By contrast, revising for hours without stopping often leads to overload, where much of what’s learned is quickly forgotten.
Breaks are not wasted time. Getting outside, moving around, or doing something enjoyable helps reset focus and reduce stress.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we see every young person as more than how they do at school. Exams matter, but they do not define who someone is or what they can become. Every young person has their own strengths, and part of our role is helping them recognise that.
So this exam season, aim for balance. Encourage steady revision, proper rest, and time to recharge. We will be there every weekday, providing spaces for young people to rest and reset. Visit www.urbandevotion.org/activities for details.
And remember, success is not just about results. It is also about being well, growing in confidence, and holding onto hope for what comes next.
