Tag: The Pioneer Group

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Joining forces to improve children’s play area

Words & pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

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

For more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Announcing Pioneer’s PlaceShapers membership

Words & pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

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

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Success celebrations begin for Ladders of Opportunity applicants

Words & pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

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.

For a chance to receive this bursary and valuable support towards your career goals, click here and head over to Witton Lodge’s website to apply.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Early Help support service granted new funding

Words & pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

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.

For more information about access to Early Help, please visit the website page: www.compass-support.org.uk/our-services/early-help-compass-support

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Engaging with residents about our future plans

Words and images supplied by The Pioneer Group

Later this year we will be celebrating 20 years since the Housing Action Trust transferred our homes on the Vale to what was then called Castle Vale Community Housing Trust. This was then known as Castle Vale Community Housing Association and later renamed The Pioneer Group in 2015.

I can’t begin to capture all the changes that have happened since that time. The early days were all about delivering on promises to invest in homes and develop good landlord services.

Today we continue to deliver on those promises, reinvesting in schemes like our window and door replacement programme and taking steps to reduce our homes impact on the environment.

Decisions about how we invest in our homes and services is set out in a document called our Corporate Plan – the current five-year plan runs until April next year and has been focused on great safe homes and strong vibrant communities.

Over the next three months we will be engaging with all residents, our service users and stakeholders on our next corporate plan. We want to know what you think makes a great landlord and help set our priorities for the next three years.

With continuing economic pressure, it is likely that there are going to be some difficult choices to make, so it’s important that you have your say.

I would encourage you to get involved, have your say and genuinely influence what we do for you and your community.

If you want to come along to a focus group or have some thoughts to share please get in touch through our website (see below) or call into the High Street office.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Paget Rangers return to the Vale

Words and lead image supplied by The Pioneer Group / Supporting pics by Ed King

Birmingham-based Paget Rangers have come home to Castle Vale, playing on Saturday afternoons at Castle Vale Stadium as per league fixtures.

Since leaving the estate in the late 90s, the football club are already re-engaging with the local community by welcoming them to their home games.

The team are also preparing to provide free football training at the stadium, for those living in Castle Vale and surrounding areas.

Dave Travers, Stadium Manager at Castle Vale Stadium, said: “We are delighted to have brought back Paget Rangers to the stadium, as a new club with a big community focus.

“With a junior section of teams from ages 7 to 18, they have a clear pathway into first team football and are producing their first own team players.”

Lee Woods, Stadium Duty Officer, added: “It’s exciting to welcome Paget Rangers back home and see how the club drives forward.

“All of us at the stadium and wider organisation, The Pioneer Group, look forward to the future of this new, bright partnership.”

Almost 25 years ago, Paget Rangers moved to their home, Vale Stadium in Castle Vale, for the start of the 1998/1999 season, after five seasons ground sharing with Sutton Coldfield Town.

Unfortunately, this did not work out – however, The Pioneer Group bought the stadium, maintaining a community sport and social hub for Castle Vale residents.

Sean Feeney, Chairman of Paget Rangers, said: “We believe that Castle Vale Stadium can be the heartbeat of this football club and residents of the local community can be our 12th man.

“We look forward to supporters joining us, so we have decided to offer all residents from Castle Vale a discounted season ticket this year.”

For more from Paget Rangers visit www.pagetrangers.co.uk

For more information about Castle Vale Stadium, visit  www.castlevalestadium.co.uk or follow the venue on Facebook @Castle Vale Stadium

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale Community Housing, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Castle Vale Community Safety Summit

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Castle Vale Community Housing / Pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

In May, I was pleased to represent The Pioneer Group at the Castle Vale Community Safety Summit called and organised by Cllr. Ray Goodwin.

The event was a part our response to residents’ concerns that crime and anti-social behaviour was getting worse on the Vale. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, it was testament to the strength of feeling that nearly 40 residents attended and took an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences.

There was clearly some frustration in respect of the police presence and how thinly spread resources are. Though it was pleasing to hear evidence that crime was actually less prevalent in the Vale than in some surrounding areas.

We continue to play our part in this important issue having recently supported the local policing team to maintain a presence on the Vale, working from one of Pioneer’s local office hubs. Our recent investment in digital upgrades to the CCTV camaras means that they’re all working well.

Residents were supportive of the summit and shared ideas around placement of cameras and the potential for ANPR systems on main access and exits to the neighbourhood and were invited to join a new community speed watch group.

There was a real consensus that we would continue to work in partnership to strengthen the offer around youth work and provision for young people on the Vale.

We remain committed to listening to and acting on feedback from our most important stakeholders, our tenants and residents.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

For more on Castle Vale Community Housing visit www.cvch.org.uk

The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale Community Housing, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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OPINION: A view from the Vale – Cllr Ray Goodwin

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)

It’s been a busy few weeks on Castle Vale.

Work is about to start shortly on Filton Croft and by the time you will have read this we will have held our Crime and Community Safety Summit.

A lot has been said over the last few weeks about politicians not listening to the communities they represent, but one of the things I have done over the last two years has been open and accessible to residents – this is why my regular estate walk abouts are so important, it means I can talk to residents to listen to their concerns and issues and deal with them straight away where possible.

My commitment is to continue to do this and talk to as many people as possible on a daily and weekly basis and discuss what matters to them most, Castle Vale!

I want local democracy to be at the heart of everything I do, and this is the best way to do this. I see residents on a daily basis for appointments. But, also, I hold a monthly advice surgery for residents as well.

Whilst over the last two years a lot of good things have happened – including securing a new bus route to the fort shopping centre.

There is now, however, more to do, and I will be leading the charge to the West Midlands mayor that there is a train station and that station is called ‘CASTLE VALE’.

For more from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin visit www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale 

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: New Mayor, new approach to housing supply

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Castle Vale Community Housing / Pics supplied by The Pioneer Group

With a new Mayor elected in the West Midlands I very much look forward to seeing a reinvigorated approach to the need for more social housing across the region.

The new Mayor, Richard Parker, speaking in Inside Housing made clear his commitment to “having the biggest social housing development programme we’ve seen for 40 years in the West Midlands”.

Whoever had been elected the combined authority is set to get new devolved powers to deliver central governments affordable homes programme from 2026 and a £400m investment to transition to that implementation date.

This hopefully will help Mr Parker deliver on his commitment to build 2,000 social rented homes by 2028. Social rent is usually set at about 60% of market rent and is therefore the most affordable tenure on the market.

Here at Pioneer we will support not just the combined authorities priorities in this area but also continue to work with Birmingham City Councils ambitions to work in partnership to deliver more homes in the City.

As I Have discussed previously the city has a chronic shortage of such homes leading to huge waiting lists.

I wish Mr Parker and all the newly elected officials across the region all the best in their new roles and look forward to their ambitions for the region being delivered.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

For more on Castle Vale Community Housing visit www.cvch.org.uk

The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale Community Housing, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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NEWS: Castle Vale Councillor to hold ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ at Greenwood Academy on 18 May

Words & pics by Ed King / Profile pic supplied by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) is to hold a special ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ to address concerns of crime and policing on the estate.

Scheduled for Saturday 18 May, the event will be held in Greenwood Academy’s main school hall from 1:30pm – open to all and free to attend.

Local residents and community groups will be invited, as will the local police force, representatives from the estate’s main housing provider The Pioneer Group, and the Erdington constituency MP Paulette Hamilton.

Cllr Goodwin has informed Erdington Local he will further be inviting the sitting West Midlands Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, who will both begin their new terms in office from 2 May.

Cllr Goodwin has organised the public meeting after being “fed up” with the “hands off approach” to policing on Castle Vale, and the dangers a lack of visible police presence can allow.

Having held a previous public meeting about safety on the estate in 2023, Cllr Goodwin has pushed forward this year’s ‘crime summit’ after police seemingly ignored local witness reports of gun shots following a “violent disorder” on the High Street on Thursday 5 April.

According to the police’s initial statement issued on Friday 6 April, the attack, which took place in broad daylight in and around the Nisa convenience store, was isolated to “four masked men – understood to be carrying machetes”.

However, multiple Castle Vale locals reported hearing what they believed to be gun shots and took to social media to warn others about the incident.

Cllr Goodwin repeatedly petitioned police to escalate their investigation and take seriously the potential involvement of firearms, even taking them to where spent shotgun cartridges had been found near the scene of the crime.

Days later and after heavy rainfall, police returned to continue with forensic investigations, stating they had received “a report of a firearm being discharged” and were “keeping an open mind” about the nature of the assault.

Cllr Goodwin told Erdington Local: “Like many residents, I am fed up with what feels like a hands off approach from the police when it comes to crime on Castle Vale. I understand budgets have been cut, but the lack of police presence on the estate is a serious concern.

“Plus, the seeming unwillingness to listen to local residents is totally unacceptable – we should be working together to keep Castle Vale safe; residents should not have to push the police into action over reports of serious crime.”

Crime on Castle Vale is often a cause for concern amongst the local residents, businesses, and civic stakeholders who live and work on the estate. In a recent Ward meeting, one of the action plan points was how to make Castle Vale ‘bold and safe’ – with a formal request to see the estate’s CCTV upgraded featured on the meeting minutes.

The absence of a local police station in Castle Vale has also often been criticised, following its closure after West Midlands Police announced an initial 28 community stations were getting axed in 2015. The building, situated at the end of Castle Vale High Street, has now been converted into apartments.

But whilst the impact of crime and the loss of community policing is felt across the city, there are a mix of opinions about how these issues directly affect life on the north Birmingham estate.

One Castle Vale resident told Erdington Local: “I don’t think the policing on Castle Vale is any worse than other areas of Birmingham. The recent incident (on 5 April) highlighted the fact that the police need to listen to the residents more and take on board what they say. 

“If it hadn’t been for Cllr Ray Goodwin and Erdington Local, they would not have investigated the firearms involvement. A bigger police presence would be appreciated at night when the street cruising and racing around the estate is rife.”

However, another Castle Vale local and young mother added: “I can’t let my children play out on the estate due to the amount of violent crime which goes unchecked. If there was a more visible police presence there wouldn’t be as many teenagers out to cause trouble. 

“Youngsters on motorbikes race round the estate and, even if reported, the police don’t come to investigate or find them. We also need the CCTV system to be fully functioning and monitored 24 hours a day.”

Organised by Cllr Ray Goodwin, the ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ will be held at Greenwood Academy from 1:30pm on Saturday 18 May – free to attend and open to all.

Updates will be posted online at www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale and on Erdington Local