Tag: COMMUNITY ANCHORS

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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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Making homes ‘safer, warmer, and more energy efficient’ across Castle Vale

Dave Livesey, Asset Management & Development Director – The Pioneer Group / Photograph by Phil Greig

Words by Dave Livesey, Asset Management & Development Director – The Pioneer Group

In 2024, we launched our Windows and Doors Programme in direct response to customer feedback, with the aim of making homes safer, warmer, and more energy efficient. As the project nears completion, we’re proud to reflect on the positive impact it has had across our homes and the community.

Backed by a multimillion-pound investment, the programme set out to upgrade over 2,000 properties with modern, secure windows and doors. So far, 1,694 homes have been fully completed, with work underway on a further 243 properties.

Beyond the physical improvements, the programme has also delivered social value back into our community. Nationwide Windows and Doors, our delivery partner, has re-engaged with the community, supporting events such as the Castle Vale Community Festival.

Their commitment to giving back continues to grow, with plans for further investment in local activities.

We’re proud of the progress made and pleased to share these figures as the programme enters its final stages this autumn.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

 For more on Nationwide Windwos and Doors visit www.nwd.co.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: Community groups invited to join B:CAN and drive change in Birmingham

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Community anchor organisations across Birmingham are invited to join the ranks of a new collaboration network aiming to transform local lives and revitalise our neighbourhoods.

The offer is open to all community-led groups who deliver services which benefit city communities and the people living and working in them.

The Birmingham Community Action Network (B:CAN) brings together some of the most dynamic and influential community organisations in support of one strategic goal – to drive and deliver impactful change across the city.

A number of B:CAN led initiatives have already taken shape in communities across Birmingham. B:CAN Mental Health is being coordinated and delivered by five partners who deploy friendly service advisors to help people on a range of issues.

B:CAN Energy, supported by Energy Redress funding, involves teams of Community Energy Advisors providing people with accessible energy advice to help them save money, reduce household energy use and support with suppliers and debt issues.

Strength in numbers

Now, organisations are being invited to apply to join the Network to further strengthen collaboration, improve provision and extend the reach of services to those people who need it most across Birmingham.

Witton Lodge Community Association is a proud member of B:CAN with Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain leading the network as its current Chair. He said the Network’s potential to impact lives and create a legacy of positive change for Birmingham is an opportunity not to be missed.

“This new network has come together to do things differently in tackling and reducing inequality and deprivation in Birmingham and local communities need a central role in the decision-making process, so effective change is delivered where it is needed most,” told Afzal.

He added: “We welcome applications from organisations and groups based in Birmingham that share our ethos of community-led action. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only strengthen the B:CAN network and reach more residents but to make new connections and access funding opportunities.

“Whether you’re a small, local group just starting out, or a larger established organisation, B:CAN is your chance to develop sector connections that will help develop and grow your business while enhancing the Network’s reach and output.”

So far, 21 of the city’s most respected community organisations have joined B:CAN to work together to collaboratively bring positive and impactful change across the city.

Join B:CAN

Applications are now being invited from Birmingham based community organisations to join the network as either a Member or Affiliate and we also welcome applications from partners who are interested in funding the B:CAN network or B:CAN projects.

For more information on joining the network visit www.bcan.co.uk or CLICK HERE.

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: School uniform giveaway benefits families

Kingstanding police helping distribute school uniforms at McDonald’s in Kingstanding / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) were thrilled and privileged to support a wonderful school uniform giveaway which has given local families a timely boost ahead of the new academic year.

Kingstanding Police Constable, Faye Purcell, came up with the fantastic idea of kitting out primary school children, while sitting in her garden three weeks ago! 

Community collaboration

More than 40 families have benefited from the Back-To-School initiative which was delivered in partnership with Vision 4 All, Perry Common Community Watch, and Remmer Restaurants (McDonald’s).

“A few weeks ago I was on leave, just sat in my garden and thinking to myself, what can I do to give something back to the local community,” said Faye.

“Then the school uniform idea just popped into my head and I felt it was something that could be achieved. I made a couple of phone calls to see if people would be interested in supporting the idea and lo-and-behold here we are, three weeks later, giving families and their children a real boost. It’s fantastic.”

An appeal was put out to Erdington families with children aged from five-to-11 years inviting them to claim free school essentials including uniform, stationary, pencil cases and bags.

Within 24-hours of the project being posted on social media all the had been claimed; issued to parents on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Vision 4 You helping distribute school uniforms at McDonald’s in Kingstanding / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Families benefit

Two sessions, one held at Witton Lakes Eco Hub and the other at the McDonald’s restaurant on College Road in Kingstanding gave families the chance to collect their items.

Franchise Manager at McDonald’s Nikki Remmer, said: “It’s been really wonderful to support families in the local community in this way.

“As soon as we heard about the project we wanted to get involved.”

The uniforms were donated by Vision 4 All.

Founder of B Major CIC, Bianca-Jade Adeniran, said: “This was the group’s second annual school uniform giveaway which is an amazing initiative, especially in these times that are challenging for so many families.”

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: Volunteers on the Ground for Eco Hub Works

Groundwork West Midlands Corporate Volunteers working at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

A partnership project with Groundwork West Midlands saw a team of Corporate Volunteers pour into Witton Lakes Eco Hub to carry out landscape improvements.

Volunteers from HS2 were on site to help to demolish the Community Orchards existing raised beds, relocate Compost Bins and repaint several metal benches.

Supported by volunteers from the Friends of Witton Lakes (FOWL), they also completed preservation treatment works on the Eco Hub’s fencing and wooden play equipment.

Chair of Witton Lodge Community Association, Linda Hines MBE, who has the same position with FOWL, praised the collaboration effort.

“Several years ago, Groundwork West Midlands got in touch with us to inform us that they organise groups of Corporate Volunteers to help with community projects.

“Over the next three years we had volunteers from different organisations come to help us twice a year. Today’s visit has been fabulous!! The volunteers worked solidly all day long and have transformed the grounds. We are really proud of what they have done and they are rightly proud of themselves too.”

Groundwork West Midlands Corporate Volunteers working at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Rachel Riley, Healthy Lifestyles Project Officer at Groundwork West Midlands, helped to coordinate the work.

She said: “We brought 21 volunteers to Witton Lakes Eco Hub. The site is beautiful and very well run by the staff and volunteers.

“We were made to feel very welcome by the team at Witton Lodge Community Association, so I just want to say, on behalf of all of us, a big thank you.”

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

For more on Groundwork West Midlands visit www.groundwork.org.uk/westmidlands

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: I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling twenty-twooo!

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.

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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Strengthening connections across Castle Vale

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

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

At the heart of our work is our pledge to listen, engage, and improve how we connect and work together with our community. Across Castle Vale, we’re making real progress in strengthening our communications and ensuring customers feel informed and involved.

This summer, we’re excited to welcome everyone to our Community Festival on Saturday, 30 August. It’s a brilliant opportunity to come together, celebrate what makes Castle Vale special, and show the great work taking place across Castle Vale. Whether you’ve lived here for years or just moved in, we’d love to see you there.

We’re also hosting a Financial Wellbeing Drop-In on Thursday, 18 September at The Sanctuary, offering practical support and advice to help people manage their finances.

Alongside this, we’re continuing to deliver our Listening Hubs across the estate, these are spaces where you can meet the team, share your views, and hear about what’s happening locally. I’d really encourage you to come along, get your voice heard, and help shape the future of Castle Vale.

You can find these sessions in the latest printed edition of Erdington Local (page 9) or on our Social Media: ThePioneerGroup (Facebook), pioneergroup_ (Twitter/X)

On the housing front, I’m proud to share that through our Windows and Doors Programme, we’ve now completed installations in 1,480 homes, representing an investment of over £7.1 million. We remain on track to complete the programme this autumn, delivering warmer, safer homes for our customers.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Castle Vale. Thank you for being part of it.

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.