Tag: UDB

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating our young volunteers at Urban Devotion Birmingham

Young volunteers at Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Callum Hodson

At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB), we are proud to celebrate two inspiring Year 9 girls from Erdington Academy who have recently achieved their Youth Volunteer Silver Award—recognising over 60 hours of dedicated community service and leadership.

Their journey with UDB began in Year 4, regularly attending our drop-in clubs and becoming familiar, friendly faces in our spaces. Over the years, we’ve seen them grow in confidence, character, creativity, and commitment.

They’ve taken part in residential trips, collaborative creative projects (including spray paint murals), and numerous skill-building activities—gaining various awards and certificates along the way.

Their volunteering has mainly taken place in the junior drop-in club they once attended as children. Now, they help lead creative play sessions, organise drama and storytelling, host craft activities, and serve food and drinks to the younger children—many of whom now look up to them as role models.

In addition to hands-on volunteering, they’ve completed specialist training in autism awareness, creative play, and safeguarding, all of which have supported their development as compassionate and capable leaders.

Within their friendship circles and local community, they are recognised as ambassadors of UDB, young people who give back with generosity and joy.

At UDB, we believe in walking with young people over time, providing space for them to belong, grow, and lead.

These two girls embody everything we stand for. Their passion, service, and personal growth are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of consistent, community-rooted youth work.

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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating and supporting friendship at Urban Devotion Birmingham

Words by Steph Porter / Pic supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

Friends playng at youth group run by Urban Devotion Birmingham / Pics supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham

Friendship is a vital part of life.

Having people to share experiences with and talk to creates a sense of belonging that can be deeply grounding. Not only does friendship support social wellbeing, it’s also linked to improved brain function, lower anxiety, and even longer life expectancy.

For many young people, friendship is everything – messages from friends that wake them up, football at break, deep conversations at lunch, time in the park, or evenings at their local youth club. It’s how they explore the world, build social skills, and develop a sense of self.

You rarely see young people alone, and that’s something to be celebrated. We want young people to experience the joy and growth that comes through connection.

Recent programmes like Adolescence on Netflix have highlighted just how formative these years are, and how vital it is for young people not only to experience healthy friendships, but also to have safe, trusted adults walking alongside them as they navigate the highs and lows of growing up.

Of course, friendship isn’t always easy. Peer pressure, feelings of exclusion, and the pressure to fit in can make it complicated.

That’s why, at UDB, we are passionate about creating spaces where friendship can truly thrive, whether that’s in our clubs or out in the community.

We’re also committed to being a listening ear when young people face worries or fallouts, and we’re privileged to walk alongside them as they figure out this essential part of life.

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.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Supporting young people across Erdington with our Mobile Youth Venue

Words by Ash Porter / Pic supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

UDB Mobile Youth Venue in Perry Common / Pic supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham

If you’ve ever seen a big blue van cruising through Erdington or parked near your home, you might have witnessed something special—UDB’s Mobile Youth Venue (MYV) in action!

At UDB, we believe in young people. We invest in them, support them, and create spaces where they can be themselves, connect with friends, and have fun.

Through our youth drop-ins and activities, we offer a welcoming environment where young people can relax, enjoy a snack, and feel at home. But we know that not everyone finds it easy to step into a youth club—so we bring the youth club to them!

Our MYV is more than just a van — it’s a moving safe space. Step inside, and you’ll find comfy seating, heating, game consoles, and even a small kitchen.

Whether parked by some local houses, outside school, a community hub, or a park, it allows us to reach young people where they are, making sure no one is left out.

Maybe you’ve seen us parked up near a shop, by a park, or at an event — if you ever do, come say hello! We’d love to meet you and show you around!

So, next time you see the big blue van, give us a wave or stop by — because every young person deserves a place to belong.

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.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Urban Devotion Birmingham – empowering local youth and communities

Words by Hema Chumber

Urban Devotion Birmingham team photo outside Hope House / Image supplied by UDB

Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) is a Christian charity working in North East Birmingham, with a mission to empower young people and their families. Founded in 2003, and officially registered as a charity in 2005, UDB supports over 2,500 individuals each year.

The charity aims to help those it engages with to become confident, well-rounded individuals, while building strong and supportive relationships within the community.

It runs various programs, such as drop-in clubs, mentoring, therapeutic support, detached youth work, and educational services in schools. UBD also runs faith-based groups for those who want to explore spirituality, aiming to help young people become confident and well-rounded individuals.

Urban Devotion Birmingham in session at St Barnabas Church, Erdington / Image supplied by UDB

Urban Devotion Birmingham is based at Hope House, 148 Witton Lodge Road in Perry Common – but its services span across several areas of the community, including Pype Hayes, Stockland Green, and neighbouring areas.

One of UDB’s key vehicles for outreach is its Mobile Youth Venue – a converted van that travels to different locations in the community during the week. This mobile service makes youth programs more accessible to young people by meeting them where they live and spend their time.

Amy Heyes, Co-Founder of UBD, said: “Our work is about removing the obstacles that hold people back. The children and young people of Erdington are brilliant, and we love getting the opportunity to support them as they grow.”

Urban Devotion Bimringham in kayacking session / Image supplied by UDB

Amy added: “At UDB, we believe that everyone has something to contribute, and we want to encourage people to play their part – our work wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers, who are all central in helping to provide the services we do, to the local community.

“We welcome any one who’s interested in getting involved to stop by Hope House and say hello, our friendly team are always up for a chat.”

A parent, whose child attends many sessions at the charity, also told: “I don’t know what my boys would have done without UDB – they wouldn’t have had the experiences they have had here, without them.

“It’s a fun and inclusive environment for children and young people, especially to meet new people and make friends. It’s like a family here, and my boys love being a part of the UDB family.”

Urban Devotion Birmingham team next to Mobile Youth Venue / Image supplied by UDB

UDB’s focus is not just to provide services to the community. With a strong emphasis on empowerment from a young age and creating opportunities, the charity also works to ensure young people are playing an active role in shaping their futures.

Volunteers play an essential role in the charity’s work, from mentoring young people to helping run events and practical activities like transport or gardening.

Those who wish to support Urban Devotion Birmingham can also donate goods and help in spreading the word about their work.

For further information on Urban Devotion Birmingham and a calendar of its upcoming events and programmes, please visit www.urbandevotion.org or call 0121 350 9370.

Click here to follow UDB on Facebook, X, and Instagram

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]

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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.

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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.