Tag: news

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Autumn – a season for kindness and consideration

Young people enjoying activities with Urban Devotion Birmingham 9UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

Autumn can be beautiful; crisp mornings, multicoloured leaves, watching the squirrels burying their nuts in the park.

But it also means colder nights, waking up and getting home in the dark… things that can bring a sense of heaviness. A sluggishness that suggests that humans, like bears, should be preparing to hibernate.

As nice as that sounds, it’s not a realistic option to all hunker down under our duvets until the daffodils start to appear. So what do we do?

At UDB we encourage the children and young people we work with to be aware of how they are feeling, the impact of those feelings on their behaviour, and develop skills to help them handle those feelings when they come. Something that’s good for all of us to do!

Something I’ve found helpful is saying aloud three things I’m thankful for each day.

For you it may be music, walking, art, gardening… all of us will have things that give us a boost when we are feeling low, and knowing what they are can really help in those moments.

It also helps to stay active and connected with others.

If you’re a child or young person, we host weekly spaces where you can connect, play, chill, and eat cheese toasties! All for free.

For young people and adults, being part of a team and making a positive contribution to our community can help our mental wellbeing and we’d love you to consider volunteering with UDB or another local organisation.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham scan the QR code above or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

——-

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

Posted on

BACK TO SCHOOL: Slide into learning at Chivenor Primary school’s new nursery!

Staff celebrating the opening of Chivenor Nursery / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

From the moment you walk through the doors of the new Chivenor Nursery it is obvious that it has been created with children at the centre of every decision.

Before even setting foot in the main rooms, the Mini Griffins and Little learners are given the option to either climb down the stairs, or to take the blue slide down to their learning – The slide generally wins!

The nursery rooms have been created to be calm and peaceful, creating an environment where young children can build confidence, make new friends, and develop key early skills through hands on play.

Outside there is a courtyard for children to continue their learning under the elements and a newly fenced off area has also been created on the school’s grass as an extension to their outdoor space.

Chivenor Nursery officially opened last week, following a summer of building work, painting, and preparation and staff are excited to see the new Mini Griffins and Little Learners starting to learn through play with brand new toys and equipment.

“It is great to see the place brought to life by the children. They have adapted remarkably well and are definitely enjoying the environment,” remarked staff. “It’s been great to see how independent they are already”.

Chivenor Primary are delighted to be extending their school to include these young students and are looking forward to a number of shared activities over the year.

If you would like more information regarding the nursery, please contact: nursery@chivenor-gst.org

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Going Underground at Urban Devotion Birmingham’s youth centre

Young people playing basketball at The Underground youth centre / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

On the side of St Martin’s Church, you’ll find a small, door-sized metal shutter. It might not look like much, but behind it is something rather special: a youth centre quite literally underground.

The Underground has been providing a safe and welcoming space for young people for more than 20 years. During the school day, it is used by Oscott Academy, but in the afternoons and evenings, Urban Devotion Birmingham transforms it into a place for young people to meet, have fun and grow.

From open-access drop-ins and development groups to holiday activities, there’s plenty going on. And, perhaps surprisingly, there’s even a sports hall!

Shiloh, a secondary school student who recently started attending, said: “It’s been fun and cool because I’ve met new people. The sports hall is fun – I didn’t expect it to be there. The workers are cool and helpful.”

The sports hall is a particular favourite. As autumn and winter arrive, having an indoor space where young people can run around, be active and burn off some energy is invaluable – especially when it’s cold and dark outside.

The Underground is about more than activities; it’s a place to belong, make friends and spend time with positive role models.

If you know a young person who could benefit from a space like that, take a look at UDB’s activity schedule and send them down to The Underground, we’d love to see them.

For more about Urban Devotion Birmingham scan the QR code or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Working in schools with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Generic images of young people sitting a classroom / Image from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham

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

The Urban Devotion Birmingham team has worked in seven primary and secondary schools this year, delivering a varied programme of activities that support the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of children and young people in our communities.

One of many highlights of this year has been our SAFE Mentoring Project, where through a mix of one to one and small group mentoring we have worked alongside 35 pupils, supporting wellbeing, behaviour, and attendance.

Our mentoring places trustworthy individuals in children’s lives who will explore alternatives with them, instil a belief that something better is possible, and help them to set and achieve goals. We believe that mentoring is a key tool in helping young people and children realise transformation in their lives.

This project has been a valuable opportunity to build trusting relationships with children and young people, several who have found the step up from primary to secondary school a significant challenge.

Here is a small insight from three Year 7 students:

“I have learned how to control my anger and I am calmer”, “Mentoring has taught me how to be in control of my feelings”, “I am happier because I got to talk to someone”

As we reflect on the school year just gone and prepare for the new term to come, we are grateful for the trust schools have placed in us and energised to go further in our care and support for children and young people in the communities we serve.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

Posted on

NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses after motorcyclist dies in fatal crash on Kingsbury Road, “near Manby Road”

MERIT unit responding to a road traffic collision at night / Image supplied by West Midlands Ambulance Service

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was tragically killed in a crash “near Manby Rd” and Kingsbury Rd last night.

Emergency services responded to a road traffic collision (RTC) at around 7:30pm on Sunday 23 August, where a man in his thirties riding a motorbike and a BMW car collided on the A38 near the entrance to the north end of the Castle Vale estate.

Despite a major response from West Midlands Ambulance Service – which included two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor with critical care paramedic and an emergency helicopter from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – the man was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

Manby Rd and Kingsbury Rd Junction / Image taken from Google Maps

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “On arrival, crews found the motorcyclist, a man, in a critical condition.

“Ambulance staff immediately provided advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, he could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene.”

West Midlands Police are now appealing for any information that might aid them with their enquiries around the incident, asking anyone who may have eyewitness accounts, ring door bell or dash cam footage to get in touch.

Air Ambulance helicopter / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

A spokesperson from West Midlands police stated: “We’re appealing for information after a motorcyclist died following a collision in Tyburn.

“We were called to Kingsbury Road, near Manby Road, Tyburn, at around 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday), following reports of a collision involving a motorbike and a car.

“It’s understood the rider collided with a BMW 1 Series before coming off his bike. We have spoken to driver of the BMW, and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the motorbike.”

They added: “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.”

Manby Road runs along the north side of the Castle Vale estate and feeds into the busy A38 throughfare, with the Kingsbury Road connecting the M6/M42 motorway junctions near Curdworth to Birmingham City Centre.

Close-up of blue light flasher on roof of ambulance car of emergency medical service on road / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

Local residents and stakeholders have long warned about issues over road safety around the area, with measures to control and calm traffic an ongoing concern.

At the time of writing no arrests have been made and police are still investigating the causes of the accident.

West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information that may help their enquiries to call 101 and quote log number 3618 – alongside the date of the incident, 23 August.

Report can also be made through the live Chat facility on the West Midlands website or by emailing investigators directly at: SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk

For full details on how to contact West Midlands Police visit: www.westmidlands.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us

Posted on

NEWS: Bungalow fire on Tangmere Drive puts two Castle Vale residents in hospital

Concerned Castle Vale locals gather whilst emergency services attend incident at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Photograph supplied by local resident

Words by Ed King

A fire that ransacked three bungalows on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale yesterday has put two local residents in hospital.

Both initially attended to at the scene by ambulance crews a man was treated for a “medical incident” whilst a woman was also treated for “potentially serious injuries”, before being dispatched for hospital care.

No further casualties were reported, and it is believed the two people conveyed for hospital care are in a stable condition.

At around 1:15pm on Thursday 13 August, fire was seen coming out of the front of a bungalow on Tangmere Drive, before quickly spreading to the two neighbouring premises.

Local residents called the emergency services, who attended the scene and quickly controlled the blaze before it spread further.

Fire at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

The properties are owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social landlord with over 2500 residential homes in its portfolio.

In a public statement issued at 5:25pm on the day of the fire, The Pioneer Group stated their “staff have been on site supporting those affected” and asked for “members of the public to avoid the area if possible.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Castle Vale Local: “We were called to a fire on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale, Birmingham at 1.24pm and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a critical care paramedic to the scene.

“On arrival, crews found a man who was treated for a medical incident and conveyed to hospital. A woman was also treated for potentially serious injuries and was also conveyed to hospital.”

Fire Service responsing to blaze at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service added: “Shortly after 1.20pm on Thursday (13 August), we responded to Bond Drive, Castle Vale, Birmingham.

“Five fire engines and two brigade response vehicles attended, arriving to find a house fire in a single-storey terraced bungalow. The fire had spread to two neighbouring properties.

“Two casualties were treated by paramedics at the scene. Police colleagues attend to assist with traffic management.

“Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and at present, one fire engine remains in attendance damping down hotspots.”

Damaged roof at one of the bungalows on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by local resident

Occurring on one of the hottest days on record, the fire at the residential properties came only a few weeks before a suspected arson attack saw a large part of Castle Vale Meadows destroyed – with police believing the dried out nature reserve was deliberately set alight.

The cause of the fire at the Tangmere Drive properties has yet to be confirmed.

Castel Vale landlords, The Pioneer Group, further asked for “people to avoid speculation” whilst the incident is investigated by the responsible authorities

Fire destroys bungalows on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale – footage supplied by local residents

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Get outside this summer with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Outdoor activities with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

The football World Cup was an exciting time, and all the way from England’s dramatic victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo to their sad farewell from the tournament after losing to Argentina – people shared the experience together.

And whilst it wasn’t always an easy watch, the celebrations or commiserations at the final whistle showed just how much sport can make us feel. Joy, disappointment, excitement and hope can all come in the space of 90 minutes.

The tournament also reminds us that summer has arrived. And not long after the World Cup was over, children and young people finished school and have six weeks stretching out ahead of them.

While a slower pace can be welcome, it’s also a great opportunity to get outdoors.

Scan the QR Code above to find out more on Urban Devotion Birmingham

Playing outside, being active and spending time with friends does far more than fill the hours. It builds confidence, strengthens friendships, encourages creativity, and supports good mental wellbeing.

Whether it’s football in the park, games, or simply exploring, outdoor play helps children and young people grow in healthy ways.

At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we’ll be running activities across Erdington throughout the summer holidays, creating safe spaces where children and young people can have fun, make friends and try something new.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor School pupils launch interactive digital treasure hunt to uncover Castle Vale’s rich history  

Artwork and QR code for The Case of the Lost Legacy Keys

Words by Chivenor Primary School

Chivenor School pupils have officially launched a brand-new, interactive digital treasure hunt app designed to turn their area’s rich local heritage into an engaging summer holiday activity for local families.

The app features a specially mapped one-hour walking route that allows users to learn about the neighbourhood’s rich history.

To create this unique trail, children from the Pupil Parliament embarked on a community walk to pinpoint key historical locations. They then devised a clever series of interactive questions and trivia challenges that participants must successfully answer as they complete the outdoor hunt.

School reception and entrace to Chivenor Primary School / Image supplied by Chivenor Primary School

This innovative digital trail marks the exciting culmination of a deep heritage project. Enthusiastic students spent months thoroughly researching the vibrant evolution of Castle Vale, successfully tracing its ancient roots all the way back to Saxon times.

The young researchers also conducted several insightful interviews with long-term community members, capturing valuable and vivid personal stories from the past about the estate’s dramatic regeneration period during the 1990s.

Organisers shared that the project aims to give residents an entertaining and highly educational way to explore their surroundings over the school break.

While the initiative directly stems from the school’s ongoing anniversary celebrations, the primary focus always remains on providing a lasting, free resource for everyone to enjoy.

Local people can easily join the adventure by scanning a simple QR code, which instantly launches the application.

School leaders noted that the dedicated pupils are incredibly proud to see local families discover the wonderful hidden stories of beautiful Castle Vale today.

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

Posted on

BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor School celebrates 60 years of history, heritage and community spirit

Chivenor Primary School 60 year anniversary event / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

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 Chivenor Primary School

Chivenor School officially marked its 60th anniversary year with a vibrant Heritage Evening, bringing together generations of students, staff, and community leaders to honour six decades of local education.

Co-Heads of School Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett opened the evening by reflecting on Chivenor’s unique beginnings in 1965. Originally designated as ‘School Number 1’ under founding headteacher Mrs Wise, the institution famously had no pupils when it opened. However, growth was rapid; by 1967, enrolment soared past 1,000 children, prompting the opening of a second school on the Vale.

The celebration seamlessly blended past and present, highlighting the revival of beloved traditions like balancing a sweet tin on children’s heads for their birthday.

Recognition was a central theme, with certificates awarded to the Head Boys and Girls, Pupil Parliament members, and dedicated ‘Heritage Heroes’ who championed the history project.

Attendees, including current and former staff, alumni, and community representatives, enjoyed uplifting performances from the school choir and the St. John’s Ambulance Brass Band who had the children dancing in the aisles.

Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett shared that the event aimed to honour Mrs Wise’s 1965 vision for Chivenor. A newspaper article stated that she wanted Chivenor to be “A place of happiness where children grow in body, mind, and spirit”.

Sixty years later, the joint heads noted that these core values remain alive through the school’s modern pillars of High Achievement, Wide Horizons, and Proud Traditions and they hoped these values would remain strong in 60 years time.

PICTURE GALLERY: Chivenor Primary School’s 60 year anniversary event / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Supporting young people across Erdington with Urban Devotion Birmingham

Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) group photo, outside Hope House in Perry Common / Supplied by UDB

Words by Amy Heyes, Urban Devotion Birmingham

Here at UDB, we believe that every child and young person in Erdington is important, unique and worth our time. This is rooted in our Christian faith and overflows into our care for and support of everyone, regardless of their religion or background.

We know that life has its ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, and we want to be there for children, young people and their families through it all.

That’s why you can find us in local schools throughout the week, as well as running free clubs and activities for families, children and young people.

It’s why young people drop in to chat with us at Hope House on Witton Lodge Road. It’s also why you might see our team in blue UDB hoodies alongside the Mobile Youth Van, parked roadside or out walking the streets.

If you’ve not joined us before — or haven’t been along for a while — we would love to see you.

You can find all the latest information about what we’re doing at www.urbandevotion.org/activities

Our activities don’t stop when schools close, either. We’re here throughout the summer holidays, and most other holidays too.

In July, we’ll update the webpage with details of our summer activities, so do check back to see how you can get involved.

We would love to see you.

For more on Urban Devotion Birmingham scan the QR code or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.