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]
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
Active Arts at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Sqaure, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Adam Khan at LGBTQ+ rally in Mexico / Pic supplied by Adam Khan
Arts All Over the Place welcome table / Pic supplied by Arts All Over the Place
Arts All Over the Place workshop at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Arts All Over the Place
Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Street Pastors on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Walking Group at Perry Common Library / Pic supplied by Erdington Walking Group
Evening of Creativity live streaming at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Evening of Creativity at Oikos Cafe, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
Friends of Bleak HIll Park / Pic by Ed King
Helping Hands of Birmingham by St Martin Church, Bull Ring, Birmingham City Centre / Pic supplied by Helping Hands of Birrmingham
Kaleidoscope/Active Arts volunteer at Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Short Heath Fields Trust volunteer on Bleak Hill Park / Pic by Ed King
First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Short Heath Residents Action Group at public meeting with Cllr Ian Ward, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
The Recovery Foundation exhibition at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by The Recovery Foundation
Volunteers whitewashing boards in preparation for community mural around old Maplins site, Sutton New Road / Pic by Ed King
Volunteers working on 'Pocket Park' outside Erdington Enterprise Hub, Mason Road / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
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]
Since 2018 the community centre at Falcon Lodge, Sutton Coldfield, has been managed by local charity and part of The Pioneer Group, Compass Support.
The charity took over management of the site initially on a three-year lease. This was later extended and they have been using the site to work with local partners to deliver events and services for the local community.
Compass’ lease with Birmingham City Council is due to end on the 13 September and a decision has now been made to return the building to the council.
Chief Executive of The Pioneer Group, Simon Wilson said ‘We are sad to be unable to renew the lease at Falcon Lodge Community Centre, but the building has now become financially unviable for us to continue managing as a small charity.
“While we are withdrawing from the building, we are committed to working closely with our stakeholders, partners, and the community to look at what can be done to secure its future.
“Discussions with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, and Birmingham City Council, who are all committed to finding a permanent solution for the future of the building are ongoing with a further survey of the building due to take place next week.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners to keep the community updated once any final decisions have been made.”
Earlier this year, a full structural survey exposed major risks relating to the building’s roof structure and much of the centre was closed to members of the public.
Jo Fieldhouse, Housing and Regeneration Director said: “After the initial survey, our team at Falcon Lodge have worked with partners to find alternative venues for our community services while we have been in discussions about the future management of the building.
“We are continuing to deliver a wide range of services to the local community working closely with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, both having awarded funding to the centre and service provision over the years.”
For information about where services have relocated to please contact Compass Support at The Sanctuary 0121 748 8111 or [email protected]
Compass Support and The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
A local painting team and several staff volunteers, have been working hard to deliver a much-needed revamp to the children’s park on Blenheim Way in Castle Vale.
The Pioneer Group are a community based housing association providing 2,500 homes in Castle Vale, Birmingham.
During the makeover, all children’s play equipment and railings were given a fresh coat of paint, as well as litter-picking and general cleaning up in the local area.
Painting Team Leader, Liam, said: “All of the painting team at The Pioneer Group enjoyed completing this project at Blenheim Park and it was fantastic to hear the positive feedback from residents in the local community.”
“We would like to say thank you to all of the staff volunteers who joined us – it’s clear to see the impact we have had so far!”
The team of volunteers spent three days on site preparing the existing play equipment, painting and tidying the area last month.
Head of Facilities, Irfan, added: “Revamping the park on Blenheim Way was a great team effort.
“This is just one example of the additional value we can bring to the community, making real improvements to Castle Vale.
“We hope children and families will enjoy using it more!”
For more information about The Pioneer Group’s and the services they provide visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk
Castle Vale Community Housing, The Pioneer Group, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
The Pioneer Group is excited to announce its’ new membership with PlaceShapers.
As Castle Vale’s main landlord, Pioneer is committed to making the lives of tenants and residents in communities better, aligning with the work of PlaceShapers.
PlaceShapers is a national network of around 100 housing associations across the country, helping to support communities.
Alongside partner not-for-profit businesses, Pioneer will be part of a collective voice on the issues that matter to residents.
The organisation will get help, inspiration and ideas from a network of like-minded organisations to support it in its’ place-shaping role.
Simon, Chief Executive Officer, said: “All of us at The Pioneer Group are proud to be part of PlaceShapers again and look forward to what our membership will bring.
“This will allow us to share our views and experiences with more housing associations, as well as PlaceShapers helping us to further tell our stories.”
For more information about the PlaceShapers network, please visit their website at www.placeshapers.org
Castle Vale Community Housing, The Pioneer Group, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
The Pioneer Group had the pleasure of attending Witton Lodge’s celebration event for the Ladders of Opportunity bursary scheme.
The first round of successful applicants from Castle Vale, Stockland Green, Kingstanding and the Erdington areas were invited to celebrate their amazing achievement!
Successful applicants represented a wide range of career goals and were each awarded £1,000 to support their career aspirations.
Jo, Housing and Community Director, said: “We were really pleased to meet those who were successful with their bursary, alongside our partners Witton Lodge Community Association, IM Properties, BMet and Urban Devotion.
“This bursary is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain support towards their educational needs and career goals for the future.”
The Ladders of Opportunity scheme is available for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 to apply for, where they can financial support up to £1,000, coaching and mentoring towards their education or employment.
The fund is in memory of MP Jack Dromey and Councillor Penny Holbrook, with many of their family and friends attending to witness the positive impact of their legacy.
A second round of funding is now open for applications for young people between 16 and 25 living in Castle Vale and the surrounding areas mentioned above.
Castle Vale Community Housing, The Pioneer Group, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
The Pioneer Group is committed to ensuring families have access to the essential support and information they need.
The Early Help offer, led by the Family Team at its’ charitable arm, Compass Support, has been granted new funding.
Erdington Families Early Help has been operating since April 2020.
However, with this new funding, the charity is now able to provide our services to families in Sutton Coldfield, as well as Erdington.
Tracey, Head of Operations at Compass Support, said: “We are incredibly pleased Early Help has been granted this funding.
“Early help is an important service for us to help those children and families who need it most.
“This new funding allows us to continue to support families at the heart of the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield communities.”
Early Help aims to support the well-being of children and families.
It builds on family’s strengths and interests, offering practical support to thrive.
The service provides a helpline for families and professionals to access Early Help, as well as information on resources and services for children and families in the area.
Castle Vale Community Housing, The Pioneer Group, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.