Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) on residential with young people / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Steph Porter, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
Let me take you back to your first school residential… mounting nerves about a night away from your mom, brewing excitement about the quantity of Haribo you’re going to eat at 11pm and the all-nighter with your dorm room buddies, anticipation of the ‘leap of faith’ which your older brother told you is a death wish, all whilst wondering if you have as much pocket money as your friend, Michael, for the gift shop, where you hope to buy a massive pencil with the camp logo on.
I’ve been running residentials for the last four years and I must tell you, they haven’t changed much! At UDB, it is a crucial part of our work in the community to give our children and young people the opportunity to go away.
As a youth worker, I love connecting with young people outside of their normal contexts because they often let their guards down in a different way to a normal drop-in or mentoring session.
Giving them a spare toothbrush when they forget theirs (frequent), needing a pep-talk pre-kayaking, finding them something different to eat when they don’t like the dinner (also frequent) are all relational luxuries when you’re away together.
We love doing life with the people we work with, and residentials are a wonderful display of this.
Chivenor Primary School main entrance / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
The Chivenor school community is celebrating a major milestone following official confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has approved funding for a brand-new, on-site nursery facility.
The announcement, which reached parents and staff via email this week, marks the culmination of months of dedicated “behind the scenes” advocacy and strategic planning. School leadership expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that the successful bid represents a significant investment in the area’s early years provision.
This new addition will allow the school to support its “mini Griffins” from the very start of their educational journey.
“This achievement is the result of months of hard work,” shared Lisa Guest, Executive Head, who extended gratitude to the staff and partners involved in the complex application process.
While the funding is now secured, the work is far from over and the school is now entering a rigorous phase of preparation to ensure the environment is ready for its first cohort. The project will involve several months of detailed planning and infrastructure development to meet the specific needs of the youngest learners, with the nursery doors opening in September 2026.
Local families have welcomed the news, with many places already being snapped up.
As the school community looks toward the future, this initiative stands as a testament to Chivenor’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality local education for the next generation.
If you would like more information or to request an application pack, please contact the school office or email nursery@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
Generic image of young people working in a classroom / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Emma Winmill, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
If you’ve got teenagers revising at the moment, you may recognise the pattern: procrastination, followed by long hours trying to catch up, and suddenly the whole house feels tense.
It might feel like the answer is to just work longer, but research suggests something different. Most of us concentrate best in short bursts of around 25 to 40 minutes, followed by a proper break.
This approach helps the brain process and retain information more effectively. By contrast, revising for hours without stopping often leads to overload, where much of what’s learned is quickly forgotten.
Breaks are not wasted time. Getting outside, moving around, or doing something enjoyable helps reset focus and reduce stress.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we see every young person as more than how they do at school. Exams matter, but they do not define who someone is or what they can become. Every young person has their own strengths, and part of our role is helping them recognise that.
So this exam season, aim for balance. Encourage steady revision, proper rest, and time to recharge. We will be there every weekday, providing spaces for young people to rest and reset. Visit www.urbandevotion.org/activities for details.
And remember, success is not just about results. It is also about being well, growing in confidence, and holding onto hope for what comes next.
Representation of boulder pulled back from Jesus’ tomb on Easter Sunday / Image from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Joel Goodlet, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
On the very first Easter Sunday, John’s gospel tells us that a woman called Mary Magdalene was alone in the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried.
Two of Jesus’ more famous male followers have found the tomb empty, inspected the folded burial clothes and left with a story they don’t yet understand.
Mary can’t leave. John tells us that she walks into the tomb with tears in her eyes.
When the risen Jesus appears and calls her name, he stands between her and the world she has left behind to grieve him. She turns. In a society that didn’t accept women as legal witnesses, the Bible tells us God chose Mary as the first witness of the resurrection.
This year our TV screens and social media feeds have been filling up with news of violence and abuses of power. The peace of a struggling planet seems fragile. Perhaps you’ve felt like Mary. Perhaps you’ve turned your back on the world. Perhaps this Easter feels like a time of grief.
At UDB, we believe Easter Sunday’s story.
What Mary discovered remains true today. The hidden and the hurting have not been overlooked. There is a reason to turn your gaze back out to the world. It’s worth letting the sunrise show you how this day might look more hopeful.
There are so many sad, terrifying stories all around us in 2026. But there is another story, too. There is a hope that outlasts them all.
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) team outside Hope House, Perry Common / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) we know how important places of safety and play are for children and young people in our communities. We aim to provide places like this across Erdington, utilising brilliant shared spaces like Family Hubs and churches, and teams of faithful, friendly volunteers.
Play is often an underrated activity for young people and adults alike! Play involves fun and enjoyment, builds bridges between different people and helps to relax the body. Play fires up the brain, boosting resilience, creativity and well-being.
At our Youth Café, based at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street, our team of Youth Leaders listen to, care for and engage young people in play – and have a great time!
Through the ups and downs of life in secondary school, plus the dark, cold winter months, we are present and available for young people to come and play, leave the day behind for a short time and find rest for their mind, body and spirit.
“Thank you for giving us a safe and fun place to hang out…”
“Thank you all for being there for us when we needed a safe place to talk about our day…”
“I appreciate your effort in making Youth Club a place where I can unwind…”
Do you know a young person in need of a safe place to play, find rest and have fun?
For more information about Youth Café and other activities visit www.urbandevotion.org and get in touch – or scan the QR code above.
Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current pupils / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words supplied by Chivenor Primary School
History leaped off the pages of dusty logbooks, as two former students returned to Chivenor Primary School, marking a nostalgic start to the school’s heritage project. The alumni, who first entered the school over fifty years ago, provided a living link to a vanishing era for today’s local youngsters.
Current head boys and girls bombarded the past pupils with questions, eager to compare childhoods across the decades.
While football was popular then and remains a firm favourite today, the visitors explained to the pupils that they also used to play “marleys” – a traditional game of marbles. When asked about the teachers, the men fondly described Miss Palmer and Mr. Fletcher as “kind and fun”.
Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current school staff / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
However, they noted that Mr Fletcher also had the job of disciplining the pupils, recalling classmates receiving “the slipper” for misbehaviour. This contrasted to the nicer memory of a birthday biscuit during assemblies.
The highlight of the day was when the gentlemen looked through the school archives, delighted to find their names in the official register. They also read the school logbook, which chronicled milestones including the time they were filmed for a television segment regarding energy conservation.
They also spoke warmly of school trips to the farm, laughing as they remembered constructing a giant papier-mâché cow.
Chivenor Primary School was originally opened in 1965 before an official opening in 1967. If you attended in the 60’s 70’s or 80’s please contact the school to share your stories and take part in their heritage project: heritage@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
Chivenor Primary School pupils outside Lyceum Theatre in London / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by 4Cadbury — Chivenor Primary School’s Junior Correspondents
On Wednesday 7 January, students from Chivenor Primary School swapped their traditional classroom lessons and books for a “dazzling, once-in-a-lifetime experience” in London’s West End.
Departing by coach early in the morning, the group journeyed to the capital, where they were lucky enough to catch glimpses of iconic landmarks including the London Eye, Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square.
The highlight of the excursion was a visit to the Lyceum Theatre to see the world-renowned production of The Lion King. As the “heart-beating drum beats” began and the r curtain rose, the atmosphere became “spine-tingling”.
Students were fascinated by the “magnificent” giraffes, enormous elephant and various other animals in hand-crafted masks that brought the African savannah to life.
The performance was a powerful retelling of Simba’s journey from childhood to king of the Savannah. Pupils watched intently as the story unfolded, from the “animal parade” at the start to the darker moments where the villainous Scar led Simba toward a “disgusting” hyena-filled trap.
Despite the complexity of the plot, one student noted that the “captivating” production ensured even those at the back of the theatre felt like they were part of the action.
After the final curtain closed, the group began their long journey home enjoying the lights of London as they passed.
While the day was long, the students returned with “dazzling” memories of a ‘soul-stirring’ performance that perfectly complemented their current studies on the continent of Africa.
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
Team from Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) talking to young people / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Ash Porter, Volunteer Co-ordinator and Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At this time of year many of us are inevitably drawn into thinking about what our dreams and goals are. What do you want to happen? What would you like to achieve? What are your dreams?
And it isn’t just adults who ask these questions. Children and young people across Erdington will be asking them too.
Last year UDB did a piece of research with over 110 young people, asking them questions about their dreams and ambitions for the future. We found that 88% of those questioned had goals or dreams for the future.
Some talked about traveling more, others about becoming musicians, and some simply wanted a family of their own one day. There was a vast range of dreams and hopes, all full of unique hope for the future.
At UDB we passionately believe that every young person is full of potential, and we want to see them work towards achieving these dreams. Schools play their part by educating and equipping young people. Families provide a home and support from which to build on.
At UDB we provide spaces for young people to grow in confidence and self-esteem, build lasting relationships, try new things and grow as individuals. All of this builds a foundation for young people to pursue their purpose and reach their full potential.
Do you know what the children and young people in your life dream of for their future, and is there any way you could help them achieve their dreams this year?
Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale residents are still not receiving vital post following weeks of Royal Mail ‘service disruption’, with some not having had any mail since before Christmas.
But according to the Royal Mail, the Erdington constituency no longer has a problem with deliveries and has been removed from the list of affected areas highlighted on the national postal service’s website.
Areas across the region still listed as affected include Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth.
But missing post continues to have a serious impact across the Castle Vale estate – with residents not receiving important letters such as hospital appointments and offers of school placements, alongside parcels containing Christmas gifts and cards.
Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street – full of letters with / Photograph by Ed King
One resident, living on Tangmere Drive, told Castle Vale Local they have not received any mail for over a month. Whilst a further group of nine residents – all over 70 – explained they had not received any mail for over seven weeks.
Adding to local concern, the Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street has been left unemptied for so long that letters can no longer be posted into it, with the backlog so dense that mail can be seen bursting out of the slot.
Royal Mail has also stated that the ‘service disruptions’ of postal deliveries across the UK is ‘due to severe weather’.
However, Storm Goretti – the recent adverse weather that would have most affected roads and logistics networks across the country – only reached the UK on the 8-9 January, according to the Met Office.
Royal Mail van driving through snow covering the road / Photograph sourced through Adobe Stock Images
Castle Vale Local has heard further conflicting reports from sources at Royal Mail delivery offices, stating that whilst some lorries were unable to make scheduled deliveries due to snow and ice on the roads the delays are due – at least in part – to a lack of staff across the national mail network.
Internal sources have further told how agency staff have been brought in to work on behalf of Royal Mail elsewhere in Erdington constituency – alongside unbranded vehicles, and not official Royal Mail vans, being used to collected parcels from a High Street Post Office.
Existing employees at local depots also share customer frustrations, with one member of staff saying the disruption has been internally flagged up as unacceptable by staff and aimed at Royal Mail management.
Royal Mail post box covered in snow / Photograph sourced through Adobe Stock Images
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin initially contacted Castle Bromwich Delivery office “in relation to residents’ concerns about letters not being delivered”, recognising the delays in deliveries are “causing much frustration” across the North Birmingham estate.
Cllr Goodwin added: “I took it upon myself to go down to the [Castle Bromwich] delivery office to speak to someone.
“They said there has been a backlog of parcels and letters since Christmas and with the snow, they’re doing their very best to sort it by the end of the week (25 January).”
While there are reports that residents have started receiving some parcels and post, albeit dated from as far back as December 2025, Castle Vale Local has been unable to identify an official timescale as to when delivery issues will be fully resolved.
With Birmingham’s Local Elections fast approaching, and the deadline to apply for a postal vote on 31 January, the backlog of mail and delays to deliveries could also block those without digital access from being able to vote in May.
Royal Mail, now run by International Distributions Services, is owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group, following a recent £3.6 billion takeover.
Castle Vale Local has reached out to Royal Mail for further comment.
If you have any comments or responses to the issues raised in this article – or any other news from Castle Vale – please get in touch with Castle Vale Local reporter Tracy Fisher at: tracy@erdingtonlocal.com
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.
