Youth engagement with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Callum Hodson, Community Activity Developer at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB), we believe that listening to young people is one of the most powerful ways to build a stronger, more hopeful community.
When we listen, we don’t just hear words; we understand experiences, dreams and challenges that shape the future of Erdington.
Our recent research found that 85% of young people in Erdington enjoy living in the area, showing how deeply connected they feel to their community. But we’ve also heard that many struggle with low confidence and limited aspirations.
Listening helps us see beyond the surface and respond with compassion, opportunity and support.
At UDB, we are here, walking alongside young people every day. Through our weekly drop-in sessions, we offer safe spaces to talk, create and grow. These conversations are where change begins.
When young people feel heard, they begin to believe that their voice matters, and that belief can transform lives.
With 37% of young people in Erdington facing mental health challenges, listening is more vital than ever. It takes empathy, time and community effort, because it truly takes a village to help young people thrive.
So here’s a challenge: Is there a young person you know who needs someone to listen, to feel heard and seen?
Your time and attention could make all the difference. Together, we can ensure every young voice in Erdington is valued and every young person feels they belong.
UDB Cooking Club at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Ash Porter, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
In the heart of the Wyrley Birch Estate there is a wonderful children’s hub called Lakeside Children’s Centre and on Tuesday afternoon you’ll find the place overflowing with UDB’s team running sessions.
From 3:30pm-4:30pm there’s a brilliant children and families session. Here our team create a safe space for families and primary school children to play, eat our famous toasties, and create lasting friendships.
Our young people in secondary school have their own space from 5:00pm-6:00pm where they too are welcomed and have a space for themselves. These sessions are both free, and open access. We’d love to see you there.
We also run two developmental groups, Cooking Club and SPARK, aimed at young people we work closely with.
At Cooking Club they’ve learnt how bake plenty of sweet goods, but more recently have stepped into learning to prepare full meals. Last Christmas they were involved in cooking a Christmas dinner for over 50 people from the community.
SPARK is a music-based activity, where some of our young people are exploring their musical skills and even learning to write their own songs. One girl, when she first joined SPARK, was shy and could barely even sing out loud to the group. A few months later, she signed up to sing at her school summer showcase.
As young people learn tangible skills and are encouraged in their endeavours. We see them grow as people and in their self-esteem. On Tuesdays at Lakeside, we see transformation, one life at a time.
Paulette Hamilton MP has secured £20m for investment into Kingstanding, as part of the £5bn nationwide ‘Pride in Place’ initiative announced by Government today.
The fund will be allocated across 10 years, with Kingstanding benefitting from an annual £2m pot of money to invest in local infrastructure and projects – such as renovating derelict buildings and shops, and reopening youth centres.
The money will be governed locally, with a with a board of local stakeholders and individuals overseeing how and where it is spent – chaired by Paulette Hamilton MP and including local residents, councillors, and community leaders.
Many Kingstanding locals have been campaigning for the equipment at Conker Island to be replaced and for the public play area to be improved, which is one local regeneration project that could be supported by the ‘Pride in Place’ funding pot.
Paulette Hamilton and Yvette Cooper at Conker Island in Kingstanding, campaiging for Erdington, Birmingham by-election in 2022 / Photograph by Ed King
Other local concerns that could be addressed with the funding could include challenging crime and anti-social behaviour, preserving and maintaining green spaces, and boosting retail hubs and outlets.
The investment will also come as part of a wider plan to empower local communities to have more control over how local assets are used and the types of businesses that move into their area.
At the time of writing, the Government has not confirmed when the local Pride in Place board will be formed – or when the money will be made available to spend on regeneration and projects in Kingstanding.
The ‘Pride in Place’ programme will support the Community Right to Buy initiative – a part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which gives community groups a head start on building a business case for asset transfers.
The Government programme will also boost local powers to enforce Compulsory Purchase Orders on derelict shops and abandoned buildings, forcing absentee landlords to sell neglected properties so they can be brought back into public use.
Paulette Hamilton and PCC Simon Foster at Kingstanding Crime Conference / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Paulette Hamilton MP, who has campaigned for the funding, said: “I promised to fight for investment in our area, and I am proud to have delivered on that promise.
“After securing nearly a million pounds for Operation Fearless in Erdington, I’ve now secured this £20 million for Kingstanding, a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
She added: “But the decisions on how it’s used must come from you, the residents of Kingstanding, who know our community best.”
In a statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the ‘Pride in Place’ initiative will see 339 “overlooked areas” receive millions in funding over the next decade.
The MHCLG wants the money to help “breathe new life into neglected communities” and encourage areas to “come together, rather than be divided” and choose “renewal… over decline”.
Road sign for Kingstanding and Sutton Coldfield / Photograph by Ed King
The department further stated the fund “lets local people call the shots” and would help in “restoring local pride” and support residents who want to “reclaim their streets.”
Steve Reed MP – the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – confirmed “£20m pounds is coming to Kingstanding, thanks to your Labour MP Paulette Hamilton.”
He added: “That’s a huge amount of money [and it’s] going to make such a difference to the area, but best of all its local[s] who will decide how it will get spent.”
Steve Reed MP – the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
West Midlands Police (WMP) have appealed for witnesses after a woman suffered “life threatening injuries” following a road traffic collision on Marsh Lane, on Tuesday 23 September.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 5:15pm yesterday evening, after reports that a car had struck a pedestrian.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) reached the scene minutes after being called, sending an ambulance crew – with a paramedic officer – and a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic.
Close up of MERIT badge on emergency response vehicle / Photograph supplied by WMAS
According to WMAS woman was found with “serious injuries” and emergency crews administered “specialist trauma care” at the scene before moving her to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman told: “On arrival, crews found the pedestrian, a woman, had suffered serious injuries.
“She received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with MERIT travelling on board to continue treatment.
They added: “There were no other patients.”
Rear view of ambulence in transit / Photograph supplied by Adobe Stock Images
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and has been helping police with their enquiries, who are now calling on any members of the public for further information.
Specially trained officers have also been supporting the woman’s family.
A statement issued from WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for the public’s help after a serious collision that has left a victim with life-threatening injuries.
“We were called to Marsh Lane, Erdington, at 5.25pm, yesterday (23 Sept), after a collision between a car and a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a woman in her 20s, was taken to hospital and remains in a serious condition.”
They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are currently working to establish exactly what’s happened and are appealing for anyone with any doorbell footage, or anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting incident number 4152 of 23 August.
Alternatively, anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Urban Devotion Birmingham team photo – summer 24 / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Emma Winmill, Co-Director at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Pic supplied by UDB
As we head into autumn, we’re celebrating all the children and young people stepping into the new term with courage – and those who cheer them on.
A new term can bring a jumble of emotions: excitement, nerves, fresh opportunities, and the challenge of getting back into routines. It’s normal to feel a mix of things all at once, and sometimes it takes a little time to settle in.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we want children and young people to know that whatever this season holds, there’s always space to slow down, connect, and be themselves.
Our free drop-ins continue across Erdington, with games, sports, crafts, PS5, and plenty of snacks. They are a chance to have fun, try new activities, and meet friends in a safe and welcoming space. Everyone is welcome, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been coming for years.
These sessions are a reminder that taking a moment to play, relax, and connect can make a real difference as the term gets underway.
We have a variety of activities in Erdington for young people, children, and families.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Town FC, aka the Spitfires, played their first game of the season against AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August – with the match played at their home ground, Castle Vale Stadium.
Established in 1998, and currently seventh in Division Three of the Midland Football League, the Castle Vale club recently signed four young players – including Rayarn Henry – who enjoyed their first competitive debut this month.
Minutes into the first half a visitor injury halted play, but as the game continued both sides fought hard to keep possession of the ball. A breakthrough for the Spitfires came shortly before half time with Josh Pitters scoring the first goal.
The second half created some good chances, and the team built momentum with Jordan Mackenzie scoring a second goal and setting the pace for the rest of the game.
Despite a missed penalty, five minutes later Owen Reynolds leapt into the box scoring the Spitfire’s third goal. An altercation between Zaman and one of the visitors created friction but was quickly diffused.
Just three minutes before full-time, Edam Suliman scored an impressive fourth goal, securing a win for Castle Vale Town FC before backflipping to celebrate the victory.
At full time the score was 4-0 to Castle Vale.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Manager Luke Evans told Castle Vale Local: “I’m really, really happy, we didn’t know what to expect from them today but they’re always a good side.
He added: “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and we prepared well, the kids that come off the bench did a really good job also, it was just a good day really, a good day in the office.”
Castle Vale Town FC are based at Castle Vale Stadium, behind Farnborough Road on the Castle Vale estate.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Stadium has been managed by The Pioneer Group since 2014, after the prominent estate landlord took responsibility for the sports facility from Birmingham City Council and saved it form closure.
Castle Vale Stadium also hosts local squads including Concords FC and Romulus FC.
PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Town FC beat AFC Birmingham at Castle Vale Stadium / Photographs by Tracy Fisher
The next Summer Fun Day comes to Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).
Completely free to attend, the August Summer Fun Day runs from 12noon to 5pm on the pedestrianised area between Wilton Market and the B&M Superstore.
Hosting a range of free games and activities for children, there will be arts and crafts sessions, live music from local artists and choirs, and a bouncy castle for young people – all free to enjoy and paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.
Children on bouncy castle at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
Alongside the activities for young people, local community groups and services will be hosting tabletop displays, introducing residents to the volunteer and support activities they can access across the constituency.
Groups that have been present at the Summer Fun Days include Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Walking Group, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Aquarius, Hope in Action, POMOC, Make a Change, Incredible Surplus, Arts All Over the Place, Erdington Arts Forum, Witton Lodge Community Association, and Erdington Local.
Erdington Lunar Society stall at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
Erdington BID will also be hosting a special pop-up kitchen, cooking up some burgers, hotdogs, and baps with fresh produce from longstanding Erdington butchers, City Meats – located in Wilton Market.
All money raised for the sale of food will be reinvested straight back into Erdington Town Centre, supporting future community events and projects on and around the High Street.
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will also be hosting a constituency surgery from a branded gazebo between 12noon and 2pm, inviting residents to talk to her directly about their concerns and issues affecting them on the local area.
Community groups stalls at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
Members of the local police team will be at the event, meeting local residents and talking to people about the work carried out by the Neighbourhood Police Team across the Town Centre and wider constituency.
West Midlands Fire Service Green Watch will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station and inviting people to explore the emergency response vehicle and meet the fire fighters.
Organised over the summer months, the Summer Fun Days have run from June to August – brining hundreds of people and families to Erdington High Street, as part of a programme of community focused events from the new Town Centre Management team.
Children and families sitting on hay bales at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Darren Dodd
Erdington BID has organised the Summer Fun Days as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – encouraging people to celebrate the positives of Erdington Town Centre.
As the autumn and winter months come in, future events will be held that reflect the seasons – utilising the pedestrianised area and others spaces up and down the High Street for community activities and engagement.
A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “We’re looking forward to another fantastic Summer Fun Day and hope to see families, residents, and shoppers back in the Town Centre for another free afternoon of family fun.”
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY banner and volunteers at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
They added: “We’ve had a lot of fun over the summer months, and it’s been amazing to see so many people have such a good time back on Edrington High Street.
“Now we’re looking at what we can do in autumn and winter, how we can build on these first community events, how we can better celebrate our Town Centre, and how we can continue to encourage people to LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.”
Check out some pictures from the previous Erdington BID Summer Fun Day events.
PICTURE GALLERY #1: Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day on 21 June / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Selina Gooden
PICTURE GALLERY #2: Erdington BID’s second Summer Fun Day on 26 July / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Ed King
For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]
Staff and volunteers at Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Amy Hayes, Co-Director at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Okay, not me personally; I’m well past 22; but this September marks Urban Devotion Birmingham’s 22nd birthday, so I think that Taylor Swift song might just be our theme tune for the year.
Back in 2003, a group of mostly volunteers took to the streets in Erdington, connecting with young people who were out and about. That led to our very first youth drop-in, and over the years our activities have taken so many different forms.
Some of the parents, aunties, and uncles of the children we now welcome to our drop-ins were young people themselves back then; looking for a space to belong, deepening friendships, sometimes testing boundaries…
It’s such a privilege to have been able to offer safe spaces to multiple generations of children and young people over the past 22 years.
All these years later, we’re still here, and we don’t plan on going anywhere. We remain passionate about Erdington and committed to standing with, encouraging, and supporting children and young people as they grow and discover more of who they are.
We’re just as eager to come alongside parents and carers, cheering them on as they raise these wonderful humans. It’s no easy task!
As we step into our 23rd year, we’d love it to include supporting any children, young people or families you care about who haven’t yet connected with us.
On your marks, get set and go go go and enjoy an Active August at Witton Lakes Eco Hub!
Our action-packed schedule of fun family-friendly activities means there something for everyone to savour, every weekday from Monday 4 to Friday 29 August.
You can unleash your creative instincts with our arts and crafts sessions and Bulls in The City workshops; get closer to local wildlife with Duckling Watch and give those green-fingers a good work out with gardening activities which include growing fruit, herbs and vegetables.
You can also learn how to build your own planter.
Family enjoying summer activities with Witton Lodge Community Assocation / Photograph supplied by WLCA
For the more adventurous of you why not share your detective skills in our scavenger hunts or put your imagination to good use with our creative sessions or in our newly opened Makers Yard!
With a range of outdoor games, workshops and a food/gardening events, every appetite is catered for – so get involved and make sure this August is your most active yet!
Most Active August activities are FREE – check the flyer for full details.
It all kicks off on Monday, 4 August from 1pm at Witton Lakes Eco Hub, off Faulkners Farm Drive, B23 7XX.
If you have any questions or need further information please call our friendly team on (0121) 227 3200.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Fire Service and working fire engine at community evemt / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Fire Service
Words by editorial team
Erdington Fire Service will be coming to the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street this Saturday (26 July), giving locals a chance to meet the team and explore a real-life working fire engine.
A crew from Erdington Fire Station, situated on the corner of Orphanage Road and Edwards Road, will be driving the fire engine onto the High Street for 2pm.
Parked up alongside B&M Superstore, children and families attending the Summer Fun Day event will be invited climb aboard and explore the fully kitted emergency response vehicle.
Working fire engine out on call / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
Fire crew will also be offering helpful advice and guidance around issues including fire safety and safer driving. The team will also be offering support around water safety – as concerns over children and young people plating around open water are heightened in the summer months.
A spokesperson from Erdington Fire Station confirmed: “[Erdington Fire Service] will be attending in the afternoon from about 2pm.
“We will be showing children around the appliance (fire engine) and giving out advice around home fire safety, safer driving and water safety.”
Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is organising it’s second Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street – running from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 26 July.
The event is part of a wider year long programme of activity in the Town Centre, in line with the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.
Completely free to attend, the Summer Fun Day will offer free games and activities for children – alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.
Face painting at Erdinigton BID’s Summer Fun Day in June / Photograph by Selina Gooden
Young people will be able to get their face painted free of charge, with free arts and crafts sessions also being run by local creative group Arts All Over the Place.
Inclusive sports charity Make A Change will also be running games that people of all physical abilities can enjoy, including wheelchair basketball and soft play archery – helping to promote inclusivity through sport and encourage physical activity.
There will also be a free bouncy castle for young people to enjoy, with event staff on hand to keep all the activities safe and make sure everyone gets a go. Very small children will be able to enjoy the front space of the bouncy castle, under supervision of a parent or carer.
Bouncu Castle at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd
The Summer Fun Day will also have a series of tabletop displays and stalls from local community groups, engaging with local people and letting them know about the community activities and services in their area.
Attending the Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July will be Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Local, and members of the Erdington local police force.
There will also be displays from POMOC – a local charity that represents Erdington’s Eastern European community, and Incredible Surplus – offering some free food and snacks, as part of their mission to challenge food waste.
Stalls from local community groups and services at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden
Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.
Taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin, the Lazy Fifty gig will be completely free to attend – with tickets allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.
Erdington BID is organising a yearlong programme of events and activities as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, encouraging people to celebrate the positives of the Town Centre and to and support local business on and around the High Street.
New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty – performing a free live gig at Okos Cafe on Saturday 26 July
A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “The first Summer Fun Day in June was a really lovely day, with a great atmosphere and lots of fun for local families and children.
“We’re excited to be back on the High Street for another free and family focused event on Saturday 26 July – and hope to see lots of smiling faces again. And a few painted like tigers and butterflies.”
They added: “Erdington High Street, as with High Streets across the country, has seen businesses rise and fall over recent years – with both shoppers and retailers moving online.
“But the community spirit is as strong as it has ever been, and the BID events are all about breathing life back into our Town Centre.”
The first Summer Fun Day was held in June, with another free event planned for Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August.
Erdington BID is supported by local businesses and retailers, raising extra money for the Town Centre through from community events and fundraising.
PICTURE GALLERY: Games and activities at Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day / Photographs by Selina Gooden and Darren Dodd
For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]
