Tag: Daniel Clarke

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: The Pioneer Group announces two new social housing developments in Erdington and Minworth

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.”

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

The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Barclays Digital Van offering free digital support and advice to Castle Vale community

Words by The Pioneer Group

Barclays Digital Van offering support and advice to local residents / Pic supplied by Barclays UK

The Pioneer Group are excited to welcome the Barclays Digital Van to the Castle Vale community, bringing free digital support and advice to residents across the estate.

Especially these days, it is increasingly important for everyone to have access to digital tools, whether it’s for job searches, staying in touch with family, or learning new skills. That’s why The Pioneer Group are working with Barclays to bring this service right to the doorstep of people living on Castle Vale.

The Barclays Digital Van is coming to Castle Vale on Wednesday, 26 February, offering essential digital support and guidance.

Join the team at 2 Renfrew Square, Birmingham, B35 6JT, from 10am to 1pm – to access free internet, digital skills training, and expert advice on using technology to stay connected, find job opportunities, and access online services.

What’s on offer at the Barclays Digital Van:

  • Employment Support – Help with CV building, job applications, and interview preparation.
  • Healthcare Access – Guidance on using telehealth services to connect with doctors.
  • Social Inclusion – Support to help residents stay in touch with loved ones online.
  • Free Internet Access – High-speed WiFi to assist with job searches, education, and more.
  • Digital Skills Training – Learn computer basics and improve online safety.
    Tech Support – Get help with devices and troubleshooting issues.

The Pioneer Group are committed to making sure local residents have the tools they need to feel confident online.

Whether you’re just starting out or need extra support, many across the Castle Vale community can benefit from this fantastic service.

Renfrew Square is situated next to St Gerrard’s Church, on the corner of Yatesbury Avenue and Turnhouse Road – click here for direction from Google Maps.

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

Compass Support and The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: New initiative from Compass Support to introduce girls to football on Castle Vale

Words supplied by The Pioneer Group / Compass Support

Young girls playing football as a team / Pic from Adobe Stock Images

Compass Support, part of The Pioneer Group, is launching an exciting new initiative to introduce girls to football in the local community.

A special taster session will take place on Wednesday, 19 February, during half-term, offering young girls the chance to experience the sport through fun activities, teamwork, and skill-based games.

These sessions aim to encourage girls aged 8-11 to get involved in football, make new friends, and build confidence in a supportive and engaging environment. The taster session will serve as a launchpad for upcoming FA Wildcats sessions, which will continue in the coming months to help grow grassroots girls’ football in the area.

The Sanctuary community centre on Tangemere Drive, Castle Vale / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group

These sessions will initially be held at The Sanctuary, with plans to move to Castle Vale Stadium, part of The Pioneer Group, as the programme expands into the summer months.

This programme has been made possible thanks to funding from Birmingham FA, after the team successfully completed FA training to become an official provider. This funding will help lay the foundation for long-term opportunities for girls to get involved in football and develop their skills.

Local residents attending football match at Castle Vale Stadium / Pic by Ed King

Jo Fieldhouse, Director of Housing and Community, said: “This wonderful opportunity is made possible by the great community assets we continue to invest in across Castle Vale, The Sanctuary community centre and Castle Vale Stadium.

“I am delighted to see this initiative progressing, the team have been holding some informal coaching sessions for some time, attracting funding will strengthen our capacity to continue supporting girls football”

A spokesperson from Birmingham FA added: “We at Birmingham FA are pleased to support and encourage football. Our purpose is to help the game develop, to boost participation and engage the community. By giving players access to fundamental equipment like footballs makes this possible.”

The ultimate goal is to bring girls’ football to Castle Vale by providing a clear pathway for young players to progress in the sport while fostering a love for the game in a fun and inclusive setting.

For more information or to register interest, please contact Compass Support at [email protected] or on (0121) 748 8111.

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

For more on Castle Vale Stadium visit www.castlevalestadium.co.uk/
For more on the Birmingham County Football Association visit www.linktr.ee/BirminghamFA

Compass Support and The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: The Pioneer Group raises over £2,150 for UK’s leading pregnancy and birth support charity, Tommy’s

Words by The Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group staff Katie and Serina at charity bake sale (750px) / PIc supplied by The Pioneer Group

The Pioneer Group is proud to announce a successful year of fundraising efforts, culminating in a donation of £2,152 to Tommy’s – the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people around pregnancy and childbirth.

Named after St Thomas’ Hospital in London, where the UK’s first ever pregnancy research centre was established from 1997-2021, Tommy’s is dedicated to supporting those dealing with the heartbreak and devastation after losing a baby – and to make pregnancy and birth as safe as possible.

Tommy’s work tirelessly across the whole pregnancy journey to drive change at every level – translating its research breakthroughs into new tests and treatments in clinical care, changing national maternity policy and providing expert information and support for anyone who needs it.

The contribution from The Pioneer Group could fund a month of research by a Tommy’s scientist, helping to prevent second trimester losses and reduce the heartbreak of baby loss.

Staff, stakeholders, and residents of The Pioneer Group came together throughout the year to support this important cause, participating in a variety of creative fundraising activities.

Notable fundraising highlights include:

  • David Bucknall running 60 miles over the month of June
  • Sarah Melaney walking 100 miles during May
  • Kathryn Priest completing 100 skips every day in October
  • A series of community events, including a bake sale, a bake-off by the Executive Leadership Team, a World Cup football sweepstake, Christmas raffle donations, and a sponsored football game
The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group

Simon Wilson, Chief Executive of The Pioneer Group, expressed his pride in the efforts: “This great achievement reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved, from our staff to our residents.

He added:” Supporting Tommy’s vital work to prevent baby loss aligns with our core values of delivering safe and supportive communities. We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”

Sarah House, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Tommy’s, also told: “We feel incredibly grateful to work with amazing organisations such as The Pioneer Group whose support is crucial in helping us to continue our mission to stop the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and make pregnancy and birth safe – for everyone.”

For more on Tommy’s visit www.tommys.org
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.