Tag: UDB

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: 14 February was Valentines Day – a day to reflect on love

Words by Amy Heyes / Pic supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

Urban Devotion Birmingham team shot, summer ’24 / Pic supplied Urban Devotion Birmingham

Languages, like Japanese, Sanskrit, and Arabic have multiple words for different kinds of ‘love’. In English we only have ‘love’. Has ‘love’ lost some of its meaning? I love both chocolate and my children—but not in the same way!

At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we believe that God loves every person in Erdington, and we seek to show that love to everyone we meet. Jesus said that loving your neighbour as yourself was one of the most important commands.

But here, it’s a care that doesn’t stop, a desire for the absolute best for that person, a willingness to have the difficult conversations for their better, a readiness to put others first.

Every time we walk the streets in our UDB blue clothing, connect with children and young people in their schools or run activities, this love drives us. We do it not just because it’s good, but because we care about the children, young people and families here.

As I walk through Erdington, noticing the people and places around me, I often wonder—what if we all chose to show a little more love to one another? It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it starts with a friendly ‘hello,’ thanking shop staff, or simply holding onto litter until we find a bin.

Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Let’s show Erdington a little  more love and see what happens.

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

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Come and say hello – a message from Urban Devotion Birmingham

Words by Amy Heyes, Co-director at UDB / Artwork by Ash Porter

For the last 20 years we have been engaging with young people, children, and families in Erdington.

You may see our team out walking the streets in our blue coats and hoodies, or with our Mobile Youth Venue (MYV) – come and say hi if you do! In addition to this we work with local primary and secondary schools and run weekly free, open access drop-ins for children, families, and young people in partnership with the churches that host us. Snacks are included and if you’re a child or young person we’d love to see you there.

Between Monday and Tuesday, we run a children’s and two youth drop-ins from the basement of St Martins Church on Witton Lodge Road.

On a Tuesday we also host a youth cafe from St Barnabas’ Café on Erdington High Street.

We have a Wyrley Birch family drop-in on a Wednesday. In the summer this is on Witton Lakes, through the winter Lakeside have hosted us.

On Thursdays we take our MYV to Erdington Oaks Play Park on Topcroft, and we also run both a family and youth drop in at Lighthouse Church in Pype Hayes.

Every Friday we finish the week with a children’s and a youth drop-in from St Chads Church on Stoneyhurst Road, Erdington Hall.

Please scan our QR code to see more information including sign up forms and a link to our Instagram and Facebook accounts where we share updates and last minute changes – please check before attending, especially in school holidays.

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.