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]
Members of Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club on group cycle ride / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC
Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club (CCC) is a local non-profit organisation that runs cycling activities and group sessions for people of all ages and abilities.
Affiliated with the national sports charity Cycling UK, Pype Hayes CCC has been providing cycling opportunities to people of all ages and abilities since August 2022. Previously called the Cobble Café/Easy Riders, the club works on a volunteer basis with members donating their time to support its activities.
With its primary Bike Hub based at Paget Primary School on Paget Road, the club now has a total of 116 members, with 50 actively participating in its ‘Learn to Pedal’ sessions which take place every Sunday at 10am.
Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club Bike Hub at Paget Primary School / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC
The ‘Learn to Pedal’ programme is open to people of all age ranges, with the youngest participant being three years old and the oldest being 93. The sessions are designed to help individuals build confidence and develop basic cycling skills, with the option to progress to a Bikeability certification – in line with the government’s national cycle training programme.
Pype Hayes CCC welcomes people with varying levels of experience and the pace of learning is adapted to each person’s needs – also running ‘Led Rides’, providing opportunities for people to cycle together in a social, group environment.
The club has a second Bike Hub at the Witton Lodge Community Association Eco Hub on Witton Lakes, where additional ‘Led Rides’ take place weekly. These group rides usually include stops at local cafes, to give members a chance to socialise and to support Erdington’s local community spaces.
‘Mr Fix It’ providing bike repairs and maintanence / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC
Outside of the group activities, Pype Hayes CCC lends bikes to people who do not own a bicycle but want to embrace a healthier and greener way of transport – allocating spare cycles from both Bike Hubs at Paget Primary School and Witton Lakes Eco Hub.
It also offers a servicing initiative called ‘Mr Fix It’, where local residents can access bike repairs and maintenance to ensure their bike is safe to use – encouraging more two wheel travel and allowing more people to participate in the club’s activities.
With support received through a grant from the National Lottery, Pype Hayes CCC has been able to expand its bike stock and improve essential equipment.
The funding has been significant in enabling the club to offer its wider range of services to the Pype Hayes community and neighbouring areas.
Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Image supplied by Pype Hayes CCC
Gareth Jones, National Standard Cycling Instructor at Pype Hayes Community Cycling Club, said: “Cycling is one of many great ways to get active and enjoy the outdoors, but it is also about supporting one another in the group and the wider community.
“It is very rewarding to see people overcome their fears by taking part and achieve something they did not think was possible at all. We are able to support anyone who wants to join in, learn, or ride socially with other people.”
He added: “We believe our club is unique, because people do not need to know how to pedal straight away – we encourage all of our members to take things slowly in the beginning and then learn at their own pace.
“We welcome people from many different backgrounds and with different abilities. All of the Bikeability instructors here are registered and are SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) trained too.”
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]
Local families working at the Community Garden / Image supplied by CET
The Community Environmental Trust (CET) was set up in the early 1990s as part of the wider Castle Vale regeneration project, which aimed to improve housing and create job opportunities for local people.
CET’s role was to focus on environmental issues and make sure they were addressed alongside other developments.
Today, CET remains active in Castle Vale, running a range of environmental programmes that get local residents involved in looking after green spaces and making the area more sustainable.
The Trust provides volunteering opportunities, education, and outdoor activities, helping people get more connected to their community.
Tending to vegetable planters at the Community Garden / Image supplied by CET
One of CET’s key projects is the Community Garden at the Castle Vale Allotments. The garden offers local residents a chance to learn about gardening and food-growing, while providing space for people to grow their own food and meet others.
CET also manages the Community Orchard in partnership with Castle Vale Allotments, Fruit and Nut Village, and Slow Food. The orchard has 29 fruit trees, including apples, pears, and plums, providing fresh produce for the community.
Alongside the gardening programmes, the charity hosts water sports sessions at a nearby canal, offering kayaking and bell-boating. Special sessions will be held over the February half term (18 – 21 February), with free kayaking at 12pm and bell-boating at 10am each day. These activities are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages.
Young people taking part in bell boat lesson / Image supplied by CET
Stuart Connolly, Paddle Sport Instructor at CET, said: “We think it’s really important to encourage people in the community, of all ages, to spend some time outside, away from screens, and really connect with the nature around them.”
He adds: “The water sport activities we run here offer that helping hand to people, by getting them out in the fresh air, and connecting with their neighbours and friends in the area – it’s also good to to meet new people, and build new friendships.”
A service user, who participates in CET’s water sports sessions, further told: “Due to lower body issues, I thought I could never get in and out of a boat. But now I’m absolutely enchanted, along with physical support from the staff at CET.”
Young people taking part in bell boat lesson / Image supplied by CET
They add: “The bell-boats cannot tip over or sink, and you really can’t fall out unless you’re doing something completely unadvisable, so it’s absolutely safe for everybody. On the boat, we just paddle and have a laugh.
“We also do litter picking. These are very community-minded activities, and I can’t recommend them enough. It’s good for the body, the soul, the spirit, and the environment.”
Through its work, CET continues to have an impact on both the local environment and the community. By offering opportunities for volunteering, outdoor activities, and environmental care, CET plays a role in building a stronger, more connected community in Castle Vale.
For more on the CET water sports activities contact Stuart Connolly at [email protected]
For all other CET enquiries contact Alicia Grande at [email protected]
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]
Musicians perform at Evening of Creativity / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
Erdington Arts Forum (EAF) has been part of Birmingham’s cultural landscape since 2011, providing a platform to support and showcase local Erdington artists – as well as bringing international artists to perform and work across the North Birmingham constituency.
Established as part of the city’s commitment to local arts, alongside nine other arts forums stretching from Sutton Coldfield to Northfield, the Erdington Arts Forum engages with the local creative community both through the opportunities it provides for people to participate in the arts and the regular programme of events it hosts.
Poet performs at Evening of Creativity / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
One of the EAF’s most recognised and longstanding activities are the Evening of Creativity showcases – a monthly smorgasbord of arts, music, poetry, and community activism, held on the third Friday of every month at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street.
Supported by hundreds of regular attendees, and thousands more watching the EAF’s live stream across the world, the Evening of Creativity events have been running consecutively for nearly eight years – having never missed a month since launching back in June 2017.
The Evening of Creativity even moved to a secure location in Erdington and conducted socially distanced live stream events, maintaining its monthly schedule throughout the pandemic.
(l-r) Jobe Baker Sullivan and Paul Withers live streaming an Evening of Creativity event during Covid-19 lockdown / Pic by Ed King
Earning a solid reputation as a platform for creative expression in Birmingham, the Evening of Creativity events have featured many notable local acts over the years, including four Birmingham Poet Laureates and the CBSO players, as well as an array of touring and international artists.
While it primarily focuses on the local creative community, the EAF’s network extends far beyond Erdington and Birmingham – fostering links with creatives and performers from across the globe.
In recent years, the EAF has welcomed many international acts into Erdington, including Sicilian pop singer Manuel Cangemi, Portuguese violinist ‘The Tiny Violinist’, Parisian guitarist Gael Guelda, and Indonesian musician Aji Sang Ali.
These international collaborations reflect the group’s dedication to bringing a range of cultural perspectives to Birmingham.
Local artists display and sell work at Evening of Creativity / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
The EAF is also committed to ensuring any events they promote remain accessible, offering quality performances for people who may not be able to afford arts events elsewhere in the city. Pay as you feel tariffs or donations are also offered as a way to both support the events financially and keep it accessible to a wider audience.
Erdington Arts Forum has also been supporting local filmmakers in Erdington, as across the wider city the nascent broadcast content industry is seeing more investment that ever before – following the achievements and ambitions of content creators such as Steven Knight.
The EAF recently joined with St Barnabas Church in Erdington to finance a short film from local poet and spoken word artist Joe Cook, celebrating the cultural legacy of the North Birmingham suburb.
Joe Cook performing Odeington for film by Chris Neophytou – Pic by Grant Archer
Odeington was written and recorded by Cook, who was born and raised in Stockland Green, with the accompanying film shot by Erdington filmmaker Chris Neophytou. It was filmed in and aroudn Erdington and released in October 2024, in line with the St Barnabas bicentennial.
Looking ahead to 2025, Erdington Arts Forum has a busy schedule with several events lined up, including the return of its annual ‘Triangle Night’ at the February Evening of Creativity.
Held annually, the night will be headlined by local Brazilian music ensemble Forró Tempo, and each artist appearing at will incorporate the triangle into their performance.
Along with the accordion and zabumba (a bass drum), the triangle makes up an essential part of the traditional Brazilian music Forró – which dominates the cultural landscape on Northeastern Brazil and beyond.
Jobe Sullivan, Coordinator of Erdington Arts Forum, told Erdington Local: “All of us here at Erdington Arts Forum are very proud to host events like these and bring together local residents from the area and wider neighbourhoods.”
He added: “We have many bookings in the diary for the year, which we are particularly excited about, such as Forró dance classes, live music, poetry and other arts from across Birmingham City. Erdington will continue to be our focus, and our Arts Forum will continue to be our point of pride.”
Odeington – by Joe Cook / Commissioned by Erdington Arts Forum and St Barnabas Church
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]
(l-r) Ian Simmonds and Portland Jones with InkWell writing group at Oikos Cafe / Pic supplied by InkWell
In August 2024, Inkwell, a writing group aimed at helping individuals in recovery from trauma, addiction, and life-changing events was launched in Erdington.
The group was founded by Portland Jones, who faced challenges following a stroke that left her with hidden disabilities, and Ian Simmonds, who recovered from a brain stem stroke and addiction.
Both founders shared similar experiences of struggling and recovery, with writing becoming their support tool for self-expression. Inkwell’s approach is centred on providing a supportive environment for people to express their thoughts, feelings and stresses through writing.
Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images
The group meets every other Saturday at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street, offering people the chance to share their experiences, journal or simply write for themselves, in a relaxed environment.
Inkwell has quickly grown, attracting a diverse range of participants from various backgrounds, all of whom are in recovery. The group’s organisers have been surprised by the success of the initiative, noting that many members have found the writing sessions to be comforting, and helpful in terms of personal growth and healing.
Ian shared: “Writing helped me to process my thoughts and emotions in a way in which nothing else could. We wanted to create a space where people feel safe and that they are not being judged, so others in recovery could use writing for the same purpose.
“We have seen how powerful writing can be, as a tool for healing. It has been very rewarding, to say the least, to watch people to use it and connect with their thoughts in an honest way.”
Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images
Portland added: “It is not about the skill of writing itself, like having the perfect grammar or structure – it is about getting people to put pen to paper about their emotions, and offering them a chance to reflect.
“We have had one person who has joined our group since the beginning, and told Ian and I that this setting has allowed them to express their feelings in a way they couldn’t before. The group has given them, and others, space to reflect and connect with others.”
Alongside its regular sessions, Inkwell is planning to launch an online magazine and hopes to publish an anthology of work written by individuals in the group.
This will provide the writers with a platform to showcase their work and experiences, as well as raise awareness within the community about the role creative writing can play in recovery.
The group is also considering expanding to offer online meetings later in the year, in response to increasing interest from people in Erdington’s neighbouring areas.
InkWell will be running writing sessions at Oikos Café on 8 February and 22 February, with more session booked in the months afterwards.
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]
Compass Support are inviting community groups from across Castle Vale to a special meeting on Monday 27 January, to help them with an array of “additional support” from finding and applying for funding, to training and advice.
Held at The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, the ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will run from 6:30-8pm and is completely free to attend.
No advance booking is required to attend, with any interested parties invited to arrive at The Sanctuary for the 6:30pm start. Teas and coffees will be provided.
The meeting will also be a chance for local residents and volunteers to find out more about the wide range of community groups and activities on and around Castle Vale.
The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale / Pic taken from Google Maps
Organisers hope that the ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will be a chance for local groups to network and support each other, whilst encouraging anyone who wants to be more involved in local community activities to find out more about what’s happening in their area.
Compass Support Community Hubs Manager, Laura Grigg, said: “Community groups are the foundation for connected communities, they have an enhanced understanding of the needs and wants within communities.
“Compass Support [recognises] the valuable work of community groups but also appreciates that additional support may be needed to sustain, manage, and grow activities.”
She added: “The event on Monday 27 January will be an opportunity to network with other local groups, highlight challenges and explore opportunities for funding, publicity, and support. Join us for a cuppa and a chat.”
Representatives from Castle Vale Local will also be attending and hoping to find volunteers interested in community journalism, whilst also looking to connect with local groups and find out more about their activities and ambitions.
Compass Support’s ‘Community Group’s Meeting’ will be held at The Sanctuary Community Centre on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale, on Monday 27 January – free to attend, running from 6:30-8pm.
Club members on outdoor bowling green / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Celebrating its centenary year, Erdington Bowls Club is a cornerstone of community life in Erdington.
Founded as a multi-sport club, the group introduced bowls in 1925 and has since been an integral part of the local community. The club is a welcoming space for all ages and abilities, serving as a hub for health and social connection.
The roots of Erdington Bowls Club trace back to the Erdington Methodist Youth Club, which originally established the organisation. In 1976, it moved to its current location on Bowling Green Close, becoming a self-standing charity. Since then, the club has remained dedicated to improving the lives of local residents, and its role as a community asset has only grown.
The club’s mission, outlined when it became independent in 1976, is to ‘provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure-time occupation for the inhabitants of Erdington and the wider neighbourhood.’
Club members on indoor bowling green / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
As a charitable trust, Erdington Bowls Club is run entirely by volunteers, focussing on creating an inclusive environment, ensuring everyone can benefit from its facilities.
It has become more involved in the community in the recent years. It now offers two ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ where people can come to relax and meet others. There are also ‘Bowl for Health’ sessions that take place, which help people with Parkinson’s disease, people recovering from brain injuries, and adults with special needs.
These sessions help people to stay active and socialise, improving their mental and physical health in a supportive environment. One-on-one coaching is available to anyone who would like to try playing bowls for the first time.
Club members with Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Erdington Bowls Club also has several mobility aids available to help people with physical challenges take part in the club’s activities. It has even received national praise for its efforts to making bowling available to everyone. Looking ahead, the club will be the new home of the Aston Unity Cricket Club in 2025.
Ray Woods, Marketing Officer and Trustee at Erdington Court Bowls Club, told: “What makes the club particularly special are its facilities. It has both an outdoor green space for bowling and a large indoor arena, which is the only one of its kind in North Birmingham.
“The indoor space allows the club to host games and events all-year round, regardless of the weather. Over 150 people enjoy playing bowls in this facility, for either fun or serious competition.”
Birmingham Council Leader Cllr John Cotton at ECBC / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Ray added: “We welcome both new members, and anyone who would like to get more exercise, learn a new sport, and meet new people.
“Spending too much time at home, or sitting down, is not the best for health, so why not pop along and have a tour?”
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]
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
50% of adults across the UK will be volunteering and giving their free time to local endeavours this year, according to a survey conducted by the National Lottery Community Fund. And Erdington is heavily supported by a widespread array of community groups – bolstering the constituency with everything from litter picking to providing mental health care services.
But the line between Birmingham City Council’s civic duty and the goodwill of local residents has never been thinner, with several longstanding volunteers feeling the city should be more involved.
With Volunteer Week 2025 just over six months away, Erdington Local kickstarts a series of stories, features, and profiles celebrating our local volunteers and community groups.
One of the silver linings from the Coronavirus pandemic was the rise in people volunteering and setting up constituted groups, supporting their community with everything from food distribution to art therapy, domestic violence outreach to keeping the High Street safe. Amidst the fear and suffering, the brightest side of human nature also shone – with many individuals and groups continuing their community work well after the masks came down and the High Streets opened back up.
But beneath the altruism and community spirit that brought so much good over recent years, with half the UK population now looking at volunteering and 14% of them doing so for the first time, there is a growing argument that mismanaged local authorities are pulling back on their statutory obligations as prominent community groups pick up the civic slack.
Kaleidoscope volunteer at Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Volunteer Week 2025 starts in June 2025, where people across the country will be encouraged to throw their hat in the ring and get involved in local agendas for free.
Launching a series of articles on the build up next June, Erdington Local asked some existing volunteers and community groups – many of whom rely on the free time given by others – if they felt their support work was properly appreciated by the local authorities.
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Lemia, The Shed – Elim Life Church: “We are running a community outreach activity which has invited several volunteers and we still need more to function fully. Therefore, we do appreciate the presence of the volunteers.”
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The Recovery Foundation exhibition at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by The Recovery Foundation
Emma Sitole, The Recovery Foundation: “Here at The Recovery Foundation we have seen first-hand how charities and voluntary, grass roots organisations are working hard to support our local community. An already overstretched NHS is struggling to cope with the rise in referrals for mental illness and so the third sector steps up. We see this as a privilege, but it’s not without its challenges.
“To be able to support our community is something we love doing. The Recovery Foundation is built on hope and, to end on our favourite quote ‘Hope, the only thing that by giving away, you get more of.”
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Portland Jones, InkWell: “We provide writing sessions for people in recovery from addictions, trauma or life-changing events. What we offer is a different way of meeting people; it is recreational but with additional benefits. It’s a new hobby, a new outlet. Our byline is sharing strength through writing.
“Do we pick up the slack left by other providers? I think what we do is supplement what others do. This is almost a continuation of the recovery process, meeting with people with the same lived experience, who fully understand what you are going through.”
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Adam Khan at LGBTQ+ rally in Mexico / Pic supplied by Adam Khan
Adam Khan, LBGT+ activist: “Volunteering helps empower communities to overcome barriers and inaction from other providers and institutions creatively.
“Volunteering helps with community cohesion as it builds trust within the community, and often provides the catalyst needed to provide much-needed provisions for communities, especially for those who feel that they have been left behind due to austerity or lack of commitment from local authorities and the government.”
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First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Stephen Hughes, Short Heath Fields Trust: “We have only secured a one-year licence with Birmingham Education Department… under this licence Shirt Heath Fields Trust (SHFT), in partnership with FC Elite, now cut the grass, paint the lines and maintain the playing fields. But still, due to Birmingham City Council’s financial situation, we are waiting and fighting to secure the long-term future of Short Heath Playing Fields (SHPF).
“Local councillors Jane Jones and Amar Khan (Stockland Green, Labour) and neighbouring councillor Jilly Bermingham (Perry Common, Labour) say they’re supporting what SHFT are doing at Bleak Hill Park and SHPF, but what are they actually doing?
“The simple answer is nothing, while SHFT is working hard to develop sport and secure the future of SHPF and struggle to raise funding because we don’t have a long-term lease, these councillors have done nothing.”
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Rev. Emma Sykes by St Barnabas Church, Erdington High Street – Pic by Ed King
Rev. Emma Sykes, St Barnabas Church: “We are consistently seeing an increase in numbers of people accessing our community hub for support and signposting to other agencies and support services. There are several areas where we pick up the slack.
“We are constantly dealing with and supporting people with complex mental health issues. We provide a place where [addiction] support services can come and meet with their service users – we are able to provide a safe and free meeting point.
“We are often engaging with both the victims and perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and are able to liaise with the police to aid in reporting offences.
“We regularly are engaging with people who need help with poor housing – SIFA are based with us most Friday afternoons to offer housing support – and our Friday Warm Welcome attendance has increased significantly over the last few weeks and we envisage it will increase further as the colder weather sets in.”
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Harold MacDonald-Taylor (3rd right) with Erdington Walking Group (EWG) at Perry Common Library / Pic supplied by EWG
Harold MacDonald-Taylor, volunteer: “I recently volunteered to help out with ‘tarting up’ the outside of the old Erdington Swimming Baths, with Witton Lodge Community Association – who paid for all the materials, wooden planters, soil, bark, plants, shrubs, floor chippings, paint, brushes, etc.
“As well as enjoying the fresh air, exercise, and general banter with the other volunteers, I couldn’t help but notice just how many passersby would go out of their way to come over and say thanks for our efforts.”
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Cathy Crossley, Arts All Over the Place: “There are at least three volunteers working away each week, setting up, making tea, welcoming folk and clearing up. Some teach skills to others, from crochet, to how to manage their phone etc.
“The volunteers say it’s a great way of building their confidence and helping them gain experience which could be included on a job application.”
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Evening of Creativity live streaming at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Jobe Sullivan, Ceol Agency: “We’ve had some volunteers who have donated 100s of hours over the seven years I’ve been around. That being said, sometimes just one volunteer donating one hour, or literally donating resources, can give you such an incredible will and desire to keep going and can really rally the group.”
“Volunteers that come to mind are Rob Tanley for his tireless work setting up the Erdington Traditional Irish Music Sessions, Mig Braithwaite (sp) for extending this into another, first Sunday session, and Tamara Francis, one of our longest serving camera-volunteers. That’s regular, monthly graft for the community.”
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Zuzanna Kiewel, POMOC: “POMOC, a non-profit organisation that organised Eastern European migrants towards justice, safety and community cohesion.
“We have been slowly building our base of Polish migrants in Erdington, aiming to develop a campaign that would eventually involve all residents and create bridges for understanding between different marginalised groups.”
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Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Ray Woods, Erdington Court Bowls Club: “To me volunteers are golden nuggets. They should be treated with respect – and a thank you costs nothing.
“Our Club has no paid staff – we are all volunteers. Some do more than others, but every little bit of help counts when you have a large facility like ours to run.
“At a time when City Council facilities are being cut back, more volunteers than ever are needed in all sorts of ways in the community – including our Club.
“Volunteering can be a great way for younger helpers to build up their CV’s for future employment.”
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Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters: “Volunteering is not only good for the community but can improve a person’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. It encourages someone to learn new skills, to make new friends and above all to give something back to society.
“Getting out into the local area will develop a sense of connection to others, enhance one’s confidence, improve how things work for the better and above all, show commitment.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Community groups and volunteers from across the Erdington constituency
Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Evening of Creativity at Secret Art Space Studios as lockdowns ease-min
First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Local is looking to expand its network of COMMUNITY ANCHORS, volunteers, and community groups. If you are an active member of the local community we want to hear from you.
Please email our Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS correspondent, Hema Chumber: [email protected]
A new Small Grants Programme could see community groups across the Erdington constituency get up to £10k support from government funding.
Launched in Erdington on 3 January and managed by Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA), the scheme aims to support local organisations and charities extend their existing reach and to encourage new projects.
With sessions running from 11am to 7pm, the day will “provide full details of the fund, give help and advice as well as the opportunity to access face-to-face support with completing the grant application.”
Interested groups are asked to email WLCA Wellbeing Officer Fauzia Begum at [email protected] or to call (0121) 382 1930.
Aimed at community and voluntary groups across the whole constituency – including the wards of Castle Vale, Erdington, Gravely Hill, Kingstanding, Perry Common, Pype Hayes, and Stockland Green – the Small Grants Programme funding is available to help grow existing programmes and services, but also to encourage work that tackles issues around mental health, employment, community engagement, and environmental issues.
The specific “themes” that funding would be available for are outlined on the WLCA website as: Organisational capacity building, Community events, engagement and reach, Health and Wellbeing, Job, Skills and Enterprise, and Environmental Activities and Improvements.
A statement from WLCA further confirmed: “This new programme will build community capacity, capability, and networks in Erdington Constituency.
“Grants of up to £10,000 will be available to develop and deliver services for vulnerable residents and groups, and successful applicants will be encouraged to join local networks that share knowledge and collaborate on future opportunities.”
The Small Grants Programme is funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a £2.6 billion pot of money to support ‘local priorities’ and ‘empower local leaders and communities’.
Launched in April 2022 by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is set to run until March 2025.
For more information on the Small Grants Programme, or to book a place for the workshops on 11 January, please email [email protected] or call (0121) 382 1930.
Today (Thursday 20 October) a special community group showcase will be held at Erdington Court Bowls Club – introducing activities and services supported by the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS).
Running from 11am to 1pm, with a light lunch and refreshments provided, ‘Let’s Get Together’ is totally free to attend – and a chance for people over 18 to discover, and get involved in, activities and programmes in their area.
From local art groups, coffee mornings, and adult swim classes, to support groups for carers and people suffering with Alzheimer’s, ‘Let’s Get Together’ will be an opportunity to learn about local services and community groups operating across Erdington.
There will also be a chance to meet an Adult Social Care Team and Occupational Therapists Team, alongside ENNS networkers who will help people find the right groups and services.
Further organisations attending the ‘Let’s Get Together’ event include: Midlands Medical Partners (Eaton Wood), The Alzheimer’s Society, Cuppa Squad, Salus Fatigue Foundation, No.7 Arts, Erdington Court Bowls Club, Compass Support, Care for Carers Group, The Meeting Place Café, Arts All Over the Place, CAMEO, and AquaBabes
The Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) is delivered by Witton Lodge Community Association and Compass Support, helping community groups access funding and support.
Chantelle Holmes, WLCA Project Monitoring & Quality Officer, told Erdington Local: “The ENNS Let’s Get Together event is a fantastic opportunity for residents of Erdington over the age of 18 to find out what groups and activities are happening in the local area that help to reduce isolation and help them to live independent and connected lives.
“It is predominantly aimed at the over 50’s and for adults who have additional needs, the activities range from things like arts and crafts, day trips, groups for carers, swimming sessions, music lessons and many more.
“It is also an opportunity to meet some of the Occupational Therapists, some of the Adult Social Care Team and Social Prescribers too.”
Erdington Court Bowls Club is a registered charity, part of the Erdington Recreational Trust, and one of the few flat lawn bowls clubs in the area.
Ray Wood, trustee of the charity and Marketing Officer for Erdington Court Bowls Club, added: “The objectives of the charity have always been to support the local community. Earlier this year we decided to increase our local links in a number of ways.
“Our lounge has been under utilised in recent years and we were delighted when officers of the nearby Witton Lodge Community Association approached us to host their exhibition of local neighbourhood support groups.”
‘Let’s Get Together’ will be held at Erdington Court Bowls Club on Thursday 20 October, between 11am and 1pm. Free to attend, a light lunch and refreshments will also be provided.
