Tag: CVCH

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NEWS: “Humbling” first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards celebrates winners at special gala evening

Awards on display at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

On 19 March, the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event was held at Lift Greenwood (formerly Greenwood Academy).

Also known as the Hearts of Castle Vale Awards, the event was the culmination of a campaign to recognise individuals who work tirelessly to support the local community – as organised by local landlords and estate stakeholder, The Pioneer Group (TPG).

After weeks of public nominations and voting, the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards winners were presented with their certificate, trophy, and badge in front of an audience of local residents, community groups, and invited guests – with Lift Greenwood Assistant Principal, Trevor Evans, and local resident Tai Colman hosting.

Lift Greenwood Assistant Principla Trevor Evans announcing winners at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

With all winners announced on the night, the audience was also made up of other hopefuls waiting to hear their name potentially called out.

The evening further presented a dance troupe performance from local youth group YoungStars, as well as a song by the winner of the 2025 Castle Vale’s Got Talent competition, Brooke Haynes.

The Pioneer Group launched the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on 26 January, with support from Nationwide Windows and Doors – who also support the Christmas celebrations on the estate.

TPG encouraged local residents to put forward names of individuals, groups, or organisations worthy of nomination for one of six categories available – reflecting their contribution to the local community.

Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Winners from each category were presented with their awards, followed by a video montage of why they deserved to win the accolade. For winners unable to attend the gala event a representative accepted the award on their behalf.

After her name was called out, Alice Rawlins, who won the Community Connector Award, told Castle Vale Local: “[I’m] stunned actually. I didn’t expect it at all. They were all sneaky, making videos and saying they were other things. So yeah, a big surprise”.

The Volunteer Award was awarded to Sonia Carr for her work in the Upcycle Café. She said: “It was a surprise for me, I didn’t think I would get one actually. But I’m really pleased and grateful to everybody who nominated for me.”

Skylar Orme-Joicey winning Young Ambassador Award / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

The youngest of the award winners was Skylar Orme-Joicey, who won the Young Ambassador Award. At just twelve years old, an inspiration for other young people in the Community, Skylar told Castle Vale Local: “It feels really good. I like helping the community, and winning awards”.

Laura Grigg, Community Hubs Manager from The Sanctuary Community Centre, who was a driving force behind the project, explained: “It’s been fabulous, been humbling to actually hear the stories, we’ve heard stories about things going on that we would never have known apart from this event.

“It truly shows, community is so strong on Castle Vale and just need to be rewarded for the hard work that they do”

Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

She added: “We’re hoping to make it bigger and better next year; we started with six nominations this year… so we’re hoping to go all out next year and truly recognise everything that’s good.”

The full list of categories and winers for the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards are: Unsung Hero Award – Wayne Haynes, Duty to the Community Award – Lee Crofts, Good Neighbour Award – John Shearer, Young Ambassador Award – Skylar Orme-Joicey, Volunteer Award – Sonia Carr, Community Connector Award – Alice Rawlins.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

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PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala evening at Lift Greenwood / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: The upcoming elections

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.

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: Celebrating the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards

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

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

As we look forward to the very first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on Thursday 19 March, I’m filled with pride at what this moment represents for our community.

This is a first of a kind and a chance to recognise the people who give their time, passion and energy to make Castle Vale the place it is today.

This year’s event also arrives at a moment in our shared story. It has been 30 years since the regeneration of Castle Vale began, a turning point led initially by the Housing Action Trust, which transformed the estate’s homes, opportunities and future.

From a time when change was urgently needed, residents and partners worked together to rebuild a community and reputation.

Today, Castle Vale stands as a nationally recognised model of sustainable regeneration, built not simply through investment, but through the strength and determination of its people.

We are proud to continue honouring the promise made during those early regeneration years, to invest in great homes, strengthen its community and support a community where everyone can thrive. But the true credit belongs to the residents themselves.

Not only our customers, but neighbours across the whole estate whose everyday actions, often unseen, make Castle Vale such a special place.

So, as we come together at Greenwood Academy from 6pm, I want to wish every nominee across our six categories the very best of luck.

Thank you for helping make this community exceptional.

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: Reflecting on a year of our Skills Hub

Simon Wilson, The Pioneer Group CEO / Photograph by Phil Greig and supplied by The Pioneer Group

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

Over the past year, our Skills Hub has become something we’re incredibly proud of. The Skills Hub has quickly grown into one of the most valued parts of our community offer.

Back in March 25, we transformed an underused space in Topcliffe House into a dedicated home for training, employment support and partnerships with local providers.

By September, the Skills Hub opened its doors and welcomed residents to weekly courses run by BMet and Birmingham Adult Education Service, alongside our own 1:1 support and job clubs. Since then, we’ve seen almost 300 visits in just the first three months, with more than half coming from Castle Vale residents.

We’ve also embraced digital skills in a big way. During Get Online Week, our session on using AI for job searching was so popular that we now run it regularly. And thanks to new funding through the Digital Innovation Fund, we’ll be helping at least 200 people across the city build confidence with technology, while supporting young people to become digital mentors.

Since refurbishing one of the empty rooms at Topcliffe House, it has allowed us to offer even more learning opportunities, right in the heart of the estate.

For us, it’s simple. We’re here to do more than provide homes. We’re here to help people build brighter futures and the Skills Hub is proof of what’s possible when community comes first.

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: Building momentum across Castle Vale with The Pioneer Group

Simon Wilson, The Pioneer Group CEO / Photograph by Phil Greig and supplied by The Pioneer Group

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

We know that Castle Vale is a proud community with a strong sense of identity, and the Government’s latest data* shows that things are beginning to move in the right direction.

While we remain aware of the challenges many residents face particularly around income, employment and access to opportunities the estate is less deprived than it was five years ago, which shows clear signs of progress.

We are also seeing improvements in community safety. Crime levels remain lower than the Birmingham average, showing the positive impact of local partnerships and a strong community spirit. These shifts matter; they create the foundations for greater confidence, investment and wellbeing.

We know that high‑quality housing and a safe, attractive environment are essential for a thriving community. The latest data highlights that Castle Vale performs better than many similar neighbourhoods in areas such as housing quality and the wider living environment, and we remain committed to strengthening those advantages.

But opportunity also depends on skills. Our Skills Hub, based in Topcliffe House continues to grow, offering CV support, training and pathways to local jobs helping residents build brighter futures right here on the estate.

Castle Vale is changing, and we are proud to play our part in driving that positive momentum forward.

(*Based on the Government’s 2025 statistics on deprivation, for more visit www.deprivation.communities.gov.uk)

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: 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: 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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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: 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: 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.