Seargent Claire Millard from Erdingotn’s Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Words by Seargent Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
Tackling anti-social behaviour on the High Street is one of our team’s top priorities – and as I’ve mentioned before on these pages, we’re continuing to work hard with our partners to find a solution and prevent it from happening.
This work has stepped up during the school holidays, and we’ve made sure to carry out regular, high-visibility patrols to reassure those who share our aim of making the High Street as safe and welcoming as possible.
Police questioning suspect in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
These patrols include interaction with young people and business owners, and I’m pleased to have heard such positive feedback from locals that they are feeling safer on the High Street.
As ever, what’s important is for the local community to share any intelligence and information with us. Often, no matter how small the issue may seem, we can use this information to adapt our patrol plans and operations to make sure we’re having the maximum impact we can.
We know there’s more work to do on the High Street, and our work is continuing.
What I can guarantee is that we will continue to hold regular police surgeries and information events to offer you a chance to raise any concerns and share intelligence with us – and in turn our team will update you in more detail on how our policing plan.
Safer Towns Summer, which continues, allows us to focus even more on this vital area which we should all be proud of.
This year, we have launched our Safer Towns Summer initiative, and in Erdington this includes efforts being stepped up to reduce violence and anti-social behaviour, tackle town centre crime, solve problems, and provide visible reassurance.
We know that you feel safest when you can see our officers out and about, and understand the work that is being done to protect the community.
The initiative is running until the end of September, and we’ll be keeping you updated as it progresses.
Safer Towns Summer isn’t about introducing something new; it’s about sharing more of an insight into the work that happens every day, in Erdington and across the West Midlands, to reassure that we’re listening to your concerns and acting on your behalf.
Sign at the entrance to Erdington Town Centre by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King
With warm weather, longer days, and lighter nights, we know that issues around anti-social behaviour continues to cause concern for residents, and our patrols will take action against that, as well as drug-dealing, and street drinking.
We’re also working closely with local businesses, as we understand the impact that retail crime has on them. By working with them, we hope that we can tackle crime like shop theft and keep retail workers safe.
We’re also working closely with our partners to directly address some of the causes of this crime and build on the work of dedicated local neighbourhood officers.
We’ll keep you up to date on our social media channels and WMNow as we work to make our area the safest and best place it can be.
Erdington Town Centre sign by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Words by Ed King – Erdington Town Centre Manager
After taking over as Town Centre Manager in March 2025, I spent the first six months meeting with the local Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) and officers from Operation Fearless.
It was an exciting time, with high profile policing in Erdington Town Centre and extensive media coverage about the impact the near million-pound police initiative was making.
And it was working, too.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street during initial launch – Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
But as a rising balloon gets higher in the sky, the easier it can burst. And with a loud pop and dull thud, once the team left Erdington all the good work achieved by Operation Fearless came hurtling back to earth. £880,000 to disrupt the problem. Or move it from Iceland to Borsch Electrical.
So, excitement turned to frustration. Then anger, as I watched revolving door sergeants and inspectors leave no visible strategy, or police officers, on the ground. And for the next six months I had more meetings, and more frustration, mostly ending in the words: “…just do your job.”
Now I don’t know how to run a police force as much as I know how to fly a plane, which (you should know before taking your seat) I don’t. At all. We’d crash before take off.
(l-r) Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
But what I meant was the answer – to me, and to the entire retail, consumer, and residential community in Erdington Town Centre – was simple. Regular, physical, uniformed, and active police presence on Erdington High Street.
Building a network and building trust. Doing their job. Or rather, being left alone, and in place, to do their job continuously. Simple.
And whilst I don’t know how many annual salaries the cost of Operation Fearless could have paid for, I do know without an effective handover to the NPT it counted for nothing.
Sergeant Millard (far left) with members of Erdington BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
I also know, have met, and have seen doing their job, we have some excellent officers working the Erdington patch. The problem is they’re seldom left there for long, and after a list of false starts and promises from those above them you start to switch off.
Then, after the second sergeant in under a year had signed up and signed off, I got a call from Detective Chief Inspector Askew – a copper’s copper who led Operation Fearless, and one of the only boys in blue I still allowed myself to trust.
“There’s a new sergeant coming to Erdington… give her a chance, you’ll like her. She gets the job done.”
Sergeant Millard (third from left) standing outside St Barnabas Church with of the police and local community stakeholders / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Operation Fearless showed what high impact policing can do, after it launched in Erdington Town Centre in January 2025 and bit off a chunk of crime from the battle-weary High Street.
But since then, the remaining Neighbourhood Police Team has seen a revolving door of officers, sergeants, and inspectors come and go, leaving little but public mistrust and criminal hubris to fill in the void.
Enter Sergeant Claire Millard, who cut her teeth in the London Met and is now heading up Erdington’s local police force.
Erdington Local went for a coffee and a chat with Sgt Millard on Erdington High Street, to find out who she is, how she operates, and why things might once again be starting to change for the better.
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Profile picture of Sergeant Millard / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Shaun Hand
I meet Sergeant Millard at Oiko’s Café on Erdington High Street, her arrival heralded by high volume banter from two smokers outside The Swan pub across the concourse. Sgt Millard smiles and acknowledges the loud ladies in question, taking it all in her stride, and we sit down with a coffee. Over the background hum of Oiko’s lunchtime trade and the occasional crackly chatter from Sgt Millard’s radio, we start at the beginning.
“I’m from East London, Walthamstow,” she explains, her Estuary accent undented by five years in the Midlands. “And where I grew up, you had two choices: you either did the bad stuff, or you got out…
“I realised quite early on that it was all down to the choices that I made. It didn’t matter what type of environment you grew up in or what your background was, you had the ability to make those choices.”
“And if you saw it through,” she adds, “even in the hardest times, there was always something positive you could do.”
Having considered careers in policing and education, Millard initially pursued the latter, planning to become a secondary school teacher – “If you get people young, you can educate them [and] give them the right advice” – but by the time she went back to college, to re-sit the necessary exams and take an access course, she was a single mother in her late twenties, balancing parenthood and studies with 12 hour shifts as Deputy Manager in a local bookies.
Police from Operation Fearless questioning local man / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
It was a customer in the betting shop who told her about the Metropolitan Police’s then-latest recruitment drive, and despite having secured a university place to study in Canterbury, Claire Millard decided to apply for a place on the force. And she got in.
“I’ve found my hands are less tied [as a police officer] and I can be more honest,” she says of her deciding to channel her passion for helping young people through policing. “And they can relate to that. I can say to somebody, ‘If you want to end up in custody, carry on. But talk to me to like a human being, and we’re going to walk away from this and forget about it.’”
After seven-and-half years of working for the Met in Barking & Dagenham, as a schools officer and responding to 999 calls, Millard relocated to the West Midlands, working on complex investigations at West Bromwich before being promoted again to her current position as the Sergeant responsible for Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT), which she took up in January this year.
As well as getting up to speed on what her predecessors had put in place, or not, the now Sgt Millard said she also had to learn “how best to reach the local community. What to do and what not to do, which is key in a place like [Erdington].”
“Partnership work is key here, too,” tells Sgt Millard, who has already established more of a relationship with local stakeholders than both of her predecessors combined – according to those we speak to. “Most people want Erdington to be a nice place, a safe place. Somewhere you could not just come and grab something and run off again, but actually spend time here: sit outside, have a coffee, meet friends.”
Police car attending crime scene / Photograph by Ed King
An admirable approach to neighbourhood policing, and one that – on paper at least – would seem to work. But the tacit implication is that despite a well-publicised investment of £880,000 and double dose of Operation Fearless, alongside other promises that failed to materialise (the fabled ‘High Street Police Team’ being one) people in Erdington Town Centre still don’t feel able to do those things.
So, what does the area’s new police sergeant see as the reasons, and the answers?
“Unfortunately, the High Street has its…” She pauses.
While our conversation generally flows freely, a chat straying into everything from ‘90s reggae to the Irish spelling of names, Sergeant Millard becomes very considered when answering questions about her approach to policing in Erdington.
“I don’t like to say that it’s the homelessness or the street drinking, because those people are vulnerable within themselves. But sometimes… the loud music puts people off; [As well as] the kids, and adults, on bikes or e-scooters.”
And of what happened before Sgt Millard caame into post, she admits, “Operation Fearless leaving left a massive gap”, but also that, “Them coming back [in April 2026], and introducing the Neighbourhood Team the way I’ve done, has hopefully built more confidence back.
“But we need to hold that now. We need to show what we’re doing is going to work.”
(l-r_ Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
The impression Sgt Millard gives, from her working-class background, her passion for education and helping young people, and her approach to local policing, is that she’s not a mandarin – full of well-meaning theory, but no real-world experience.
But nor is she a Clint Eastwood type, riding in to ruthlessly clean up the town on her own. She’s far more pragmatic and community minded.
“This High Street’s got to be about all of us,” she explains. “We (the police) can uphold the law and we can get involved, but we need to make this a better place for everybody, and it’s going to take all of us to do that.
“Teenagers are welcome to be here [as long as they’re] respectful about it. And that again comes down to education.”
Sergeant Millard is full of praise for local groups in the area too, particularly the Erdington Street Pastors, Erdington Litter Busters, and the Erdington Business Improvement District.
“There are so many people here that want to make a positive difference,” she adds, before coming back to how, under her watch, the police going to play their part.
“We want to create the Street Watch again,” continues Sgt Millard, “where we get some of the High Street owners involved. I think there was one, but it hasn’t [continued], and I don’t know if that’s through lack of trying or just lack of interaction.
“But we now have a Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer (DNO) just for the High Street who’s willing and able to do whatever he can to get things up and running.”
Erdington Police Station / Photograph by Ed King
And what about the old-fashioned ‘boots on the ground’ style of policing so many yearn for? “That’s on my wish list,” she responds firmly. “What I would really like is to have [at least] two officers visible on the High Street, Thursday through to Sunday, ten ‘til six. Just so there are two bobbies [always on patrol] at the busiest time.”
At the moment, however, Sergeant Millard believes her Neighbourhood Police Team are three officers short. “I’ve got vacancies I’m hoping to fill,” she explains, wanting to get officers on the High Street in time for the six-week school holidays.
And whilst funding is usually the biggest stumbling block in local police teams, and Sgt Millard accepts “the world’s a different place now”, there is still hope West Midlands Police higher ups will agree securing the legacy of Operation Fearless is worth the investment.
And some things do stay the same, Sgt Millard’s common-sense approach to community policing being one of them.
Police patroling Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
“It’s not rocket science,” she says. “It really isn’t. It’s about having bobbies on the street; somebody you can turn to. You know their name and if you have a problem, you can speak to them. You haven’t got to go through 111.
“Obviously, if it’s an emergency dial 999. But if you have a worry or a concern, you know that Andy (PC Boyle, one of Erdington’s DNOs) is going to be on your street or in the community hub, and you can pop your head in and say, ‘I’ve had this happen; it’s slightly worrying.’ And you can get advice on what to do next.’”
After an hour’s honest conversation, and continued radio chatter, Sgt Millard’s phone also pipes up. Her advice is needed on an ongoing case. “I’ve got a lot to do,” she admits of her new role. as she rings off and gets ready to head back to Erdington Police Station.
“But if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.”
Sergeant Millard (far left) standing outside Creative and Community Hub on Erdingotn High Street – with members of Erdingotn BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
PICTURE GALLERY: Policing in Erdington Town Centre – from the launch of Operation Fearless to present day / Photographs by Ed King, West Midlands Police, and supplied by various local stakeholders
West Midlands Police (WMP) are appealing for information from any witnesses, following a fatal crash between two cars by Chester Road train station on Bank Holiday Sunday (24 May).
In a statement issued by WMP, the force told: “It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz” on the Chester Road.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9:20pm where officers confirmed the driver of the Kia Sportage had tragically lost his life in the collision, whilst the passenger in that vehicle was taken to hospital “as a precaution”.
A third man, the driver the Honda Jazz, was also taken to hospital with injuries that WMP stated “aren’t believed to be life threatening”.
Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)
Officers investigating the road traffic accident are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), and to check CCTV, Ring doorbells, or dash cam footage for anything that may help with their enquires.
An appeal issued by WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for witnesses and footage after a fatal collision in Erdington.
“We were called to Chester Road, near Chester Road Train Station, at around 9.20pm [on 24 May] to reports of a collision.
“It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz.
“The driver of the Kia, a man aged 33, was tragically confirmed dead at the scene.
“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”
Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)
They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage from around the area, and anyone who saw the crash should get in touch with us.
“You can call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website, or email SCIU directly at sciu@westmidlands.police.uk”
After the accident, reports on social media claim the Chester Road was closed from the interchange with Boldmere Road right up to the four way traffic lights by Sutton New Road – with the police, ambulance, and fire service all at the scene.
Messages of condolences flooded the internet for the young man who lost his life, with those who were at the “awful scene” expressing concern for anyone affected.
It is reported trains were blocked for stopping at the Chester Road station whilst initial investigations took place, but at the time of writing normal service has been resumed.
Birmingham’s Local Conservatives have published an ambitious plan they claim would see the “transformation” of Erdington High Street if they win a majority in the upcoming Council elections on 7 May.
The proposal is to relocate the Birmingham Museum Collections Centre, currently in Nechells, to nearby Six Ways Island, and to open up the storage centre of rare antiquities to the general public as a tourist attraction.
Birmingham Museum Collections Centre houses 80% of Birmingham Museum Trust’s stored collections, featuring everything from exotic animals and old steam engines to ancient sculptures, tools and weapons.
The huge archive, akin to the closing scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark, totals to ‘around a million items – many offering a real insight into life in Birmingham and the West Midlands over the centuries’, according to the Museum Collection Centre’s website.
AI generated image of byzantine artifacts preserved inside museum / Image from Adobe Stock Images
This drastic development would help “unleash Erdington’s full potential” and encourage outside investment into the area – according to Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who is also Leader of the Birmingham Local Conservatives group.
Erdington has a rich history of Birmingham luminaries that helped shape both the county and city, including William Wilberforce, Josiah Mason, Thomas Holte, and Sir Benjamin Stone.
The High Street also houses the two century old St Barnabas Church, a Carnagie built library, and was once the location for globally recognised music venue Mothers – which showcased rock legends such as Black Sabbath, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.
Looking up Erdington High Street from St Barnabas Church to Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King
Cllr Alden added: “The High Street has been neglected for a number of years and what we constantly get on the doorstep are local residents saying they want to see the High Street returned to how it used to be.
“The idea of this plan is to bring in somewhere where people will spend their time – so increasing dwell time – and would help a café/restaurant culture develop on the High Street, as you’d have more people around.”
When quizzed about the potential damage such a large scale development would have on the existing retail community – which is a mix of national brands including Dixons and Peacocks and independent convenience stores and take aways, Cllr Alden was clear about his party’s vision for Erdington High Street.
Sign at the entrance to Erdington High Street by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King
“The idea of this is those businesses that provide a useful service to the area we would try and relocate elsewhere on the High Street,” told Cllr Alden.
“But frankly, those businesses which are a drain on the local area we would look to be getting rid of as part of this.”
He added: “What we want to see is a step change in transformation, bringing back a High Street that is a vibrant place that people want to take their families and hopefully resolve those long term anti-social behaviour issues.”
The plan to relocate Birmingham Museum Collections Centre was published in a 20 page manifesto outlining how the Local Conservatives group would “clean up” everything from housing to transport across the city, if they took control of the Council after the local elections on 7 May.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham City Centre / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Museums Trust
In a section outlining their plans for ‘Culture & Heritage’ across Birmingham, the Local Conservatives list a 22 projects and proposals they would drive forward if elected as Council leaders.
These include supporting St Partrick Day and St George’s Day celebrations across the city, developing an “Armed Forces Community Garden” and “veterans’ village”, and promoting the city’s musical lineage through the global UNESCO heritage sites network.
The document also clarifies the Local Conservatives’ position on the promulgation of Union Flags and St George’s Cross flags, following a series of unauthorised campaigns that have attached the flags to street furniture across the city.
The manifesto states: “British and English flags are a unifying force, celebrating our shared heritage, culture and history. We would fly our national flags and City Coat of Arms from all Council buildings. Where communities would like [we would] install formal displays of our national flags.”
(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
When speaking to Erdington Local, Cllr Alden also highlighted the Local Conservatives plans to increase high street security networks, support Business Improvement Districts, and “to reconvert exempt accommodation back into family homes” across the city.
Councillor Robert Alden is seeking re-election as Erdington Ward’s representative on 7 May – alongside his Conservative running mate Councillor Gareth Moore.
Officers from Operation Fearless, West Midlands Police Mounted Unit, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green talk to Erdington local residents, shoppers, and business on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by DCI Askew
“Operation Fearless has stepped up its activity in Erdington again – and it’s leading to positive results.
“Officers are continuing their work tackling the crimes we’re told matter most to locals, and have been building on a successful day working with partners and colleagues from across the force for Operation Advance on the High Street.
“It was great to be able to speak to so many of you during the day, and as ever our team are grateful for the feedback and information offered to us.
“We haven’t let up in Erdington, and have recently made arrests leading to charges for suspected drug dealing around the High Street.
“Our team also worked at pace to investigate a reported robbery on a bus, and the investigation again led to three people being charged and brought before the courts.
Operation Fearless, Erdington BID Street Wardens, and partner agencies at morning briefing with Detective Inspector Tom Lyons on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
“Separately, stop and searches near the High Street have led to two boys being arrested, and a quantity of drugs seized alongside a machete.
“We are very clear that we are here for you: tackling the type of crime that you tell us matters.
“We will continue to work closely with your team of dedicated local officers in Erdington – as well as partner agencies and Birmingham City Council – to do this.
“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to us, and we look forward to chatting with you as our Erdington patrols continue.
“Thank you for your continued support.”
Detective Chief Inspector John Askew / Operation Fearless.
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PICTURE GALLERY: Operation Fearless and Operation Advance on Erdington High Street / Photographs by Ed King
Seargent Millard – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Sergeant Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
Hi everyone.
I’m Claire Millard, your new Neighbourhood Sergeant for Erdington.
I’ve been in the seat for about a month now and while I know I have some big shoes to fill following Sgt John Reeves, I’m ready to hit the ground running.
I’ve spent twelve years in policing starting at the Met before transferring to WMP and moving into Public Protection, so I’ve seen a lot in my time. But my goal here is simple: I want you to feel safe in your own neighbourhood.
I know there have been concerns recently about anti-social behaviour and drug dealing, particularly around the High Street. We hear you and we are taking action.
Operation Fearless is back.
Local police and Operation Fearless officers patrolling Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
This month, you’ll notice a major boost in boots on the ground. We’re teaming up with both uniformed and plain-clothes officers from Operation Fearless for regular High Street patrols.
Whether you see us in high-vis or we’re working quietly in the background, we are out there disrupting the people making life difficult for the rest of us.
I don’t want us to be just a passing siren. I will make sure we’re making regular use of the community hub outside B&M.
Please stop by to chat to us, report any concerns, grab some crime prevention advice, or just say hello, we’re here for you.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all out on the beat.
On Saturday 28 February, between 11 am and 3pm, Oikos Church and Café will be hosting a free Community Fun Day outside their venue on Erdington High Street – with stalls, games, live music, family friendly fun, and a special Community Meal.
The special event is to celebrate the 10 and 15 year anniversaries of the Church and Café respectively, and the many years that Oikos has been a vibrant and cherished part of the Erdington community.
Ahead of the anniversary Fun Day celebrations, Nicola Murray shone our COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT at this long standing and well loved local stakeholder.
Words by Nicola Murray
A decade of coffee and community is being celebrated on Erdington High Street as Oikos Café marks its 10 year anniversary, as well as 15 years of Oikos Church serving the area.
Since opening its doors in 2006, Oikos café has grown into far more than a place to eat and drink, it has become a vital “third space” – a place between home and work where connections are formed and cemented.
Pastor Dan Mandley, who has been part of Oikos since its origin, says the vision was always people focused. He explains the church “started the café because we love the Erdington community, we see that there is a great need for a space where people can come and just be, and be known.”
Outside of Oikos Cafe on a sunny day on Erdington High Street / Yellow Mustard Photography
To mark the milestone, Oikos will be hosting a free Community Fun Day on Erdington High Street, outside the café, to “celebrate all of the amazing people of Erdington.”
This event will bring people together through food, activities and family entertainment. The celebration is designed as a thank you to the community that has supported Oikos Café over the last 10 years – and the people they have reached through their church over the last 15 years.
Community focus is what makes Oikos shine, with many customers remarking it is what sets the café apart. Loyal customers often call it “one of the best things about Erdington,” reiterating the café’s reputation as a social anchor on the High Street.
It has become a real community hub where people feel known, and a part of something bigger.
Staff serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photgraphy
Over the years, the café has opened its doors to a variety of groups and events. “It has been so great to see so many different groups using the space, from the Women’s Institute to schools and music groups,” said Mandley.
Oikos Café plays a significant role as a flexible venue where different parts of Erdington life intersect and are celebrated.
One of the main highlights of the decade has been its regular and free Community Meal, held on the last Thursday of each month.
“It is an evening where we feed over 100 people from all walks of life and backgrounds,” adds Mandley. “The diverse community of Erdington is represented on these evenings and people get to know each other; many friendships have been made off the back of those events.”
The success of Oikos Café would not be possible without their volunteers, who have been central to making the vision of Oikos a reality.
Oikos Café reflects the church’s long-term commitment to Erdington. In a time when many public social spaces are disappearing, Oikos has left its mark on the community.
There are over 30 volunteers every week that make the café function. Over the past decade, more than 250 volunteers have offered their time, supporting everything from events to daily hospitality.
The café has helped offer paid work, and the ability to develop skills.
Outside of Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography
And as the 10 and 15 year celebrations begin, the focus is not only on the past but the future, “We have loved doing it over the last 10 years and we are looking forward to the next 10 years” Mandley remarked.
The Oikos anniversary Community Fun Day will be held on Saturday 28 February, between 11am and 3pm – outside Oikos Church and Café on Erdington High Street.
The event is partnering with the Erdington BID as part of LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – with support from Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Mayor’s Market Fund.
On Thursday 29 January, Oikos Café opens its doors for its first free Community Meal of 2026 – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.
Located at 58 Erdington High Street, opposite The Swan and near the Village Green, Oikos Café serves meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturday.
Held on the third Thursday of every month, the free Community Meal invites people in from 5pm until 6:30pm – with the first event taking place on Thursday 29 January.
Community Meal at Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography
Delivered as part of Oikos Church’s ministry – using their time and resources to reach out to the local community and build positive relationships – the Community Meal is a friendly and popular event that brings people together from all over Erdington
Local families and individuals of all ages are invited to drop in at any point for a healthy hot meal and a chance to sit and chat in the café.
One Erdington local told: “Oikos do a great job with their Community Meal, it’s a lovely atmosphere and the food is always a hearty homecooked meal. There’s no judgement or pressure and it’s a really mixed crowd of all ages and stages.”
They added: “I love going, and even though I go on my own I’ve started to make friends from some of the regular faces you see there. It’s a truly special event.”
Staff and volunteers serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography
Oikos Café and Church are a longstanding and cherished part of the High Street community, having opened their doors 10 and 15 years ago respectively.
To celebrate the double anniversary, Oikos will be hosting a special Fun Day community event on Saturday 28 February – held outside their venue on Erdington High Street.
Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be supporting the Oikos anniversary events as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positive aspects and community of Erdington Town Centre.
Outside of Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography
A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “If anyone ever asks me to sum up the community spirit in Erdington, I tell them about the Oikos Community Meal – it’s a really special event, delivered from a place of absolute love and goodwill.
“It also tastes great and is genuinely a lot of fun.”
They added: “Oikos Church and Café are fundamental part of Erdington Town Centre and amazingly supportive of our local community – they do so much for so many, we are truly blessed to have them on our High Street.
“It is with great pleasure and friendship that we will join them at their upcoming anniversaries on the High Street – we hope everyone else will come along on Saturday 28 February and join in the celebrations too.”
