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?
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.
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.
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.
Families and young people enjoying summer activities with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Emma Winmill, Co-Director at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB
Looking for free, fun things to do in Erdington this summer? Urban Devotion Birmingham is here for you all year but in summer we have a range of activities for children, young people, and families to bring people together.
There’s plenty happening right on your doorstep. We have a variety of drop-ins to play games and sports, play PS5, get creative with crafts, enjoy some food, and connect with friends in a safe and welcoming space – all for free.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been before. Bring your friends or come on your own. You’ll always get a warm welcome.
As well as drop-ins we’re running The Leap: a group just for Year 6s who are about to start secondary school. It’s a chance to build confidence, make friends, and get ready for what’s next. You’ll need to sign up, so click on the QR code (above) or head to our website to do so.
We know that having somewhere safe to be, with people you trust, makes a difference – not just in summer, but all year round. So come and see what we’re about.
Scan the QR code (above) for more details – and keep an eye on Instagram and Facebook (@urbandevotion) for any last-minute updates or plans.
Young people enjoying group sports and play, as organised by Urban Devotion Birmingham / Photograph supplied by Urban Devotion Birmingham
Words by Amy Heyes
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
One of the lasting impacts of the Covid pandemic was a nationwide Play Deficit, as lockdowns limited opportunities for children and young people to play.
Play is vital for healthy development with wide-reaching benefits including emotional regulation, cognitive development, social skills and resilience.
To help address this locally, we partnered with Compass Support to launch Play Lists, a three-year project funded by The National Lottery which comes to an end next month. Designed to help young people in Erdington recover from the effects of the Play Deficit, it’s been a huge success.
Over the past three years we have registered young people engaging with play over 1,500 times, 250 new hobbies have been introduced and 60 young volunteers have been recruited and trained.
Scan QR code for more on the activites and services from Urban Devotion Birmingham
Play has enriched all that we do at Urban Devotion Birmingham, and that legacy will continue long after the grant ends.
Here’s what some of the young people involved have said:
“It’s one of the highlights of my week and has really boosted my mental health.”
“I feel like I’m becoming more creative.”
“[It] has made me realise how creative children can be and the part I get to play in helping that.”
“I like that I can learn something new here then go home and try it out myself.”
It’s clear; play helps young people thrive. We’re committed to continuing to make space for children and young people to play, explore, and grow in the years to come.
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.
People gathering at St Barnabas Community Hub / Photograph supplied by St Barnabas
Words by Hema Chumber
Since reopening in summer 2023, the St Barnabas Community Hub has established itself as a regular meeting point for residents on Erdington High Street.
Located inside the St Barnabas Church Centre, the Hub offers a weekly programme of free activities aimed at improving wellbeing, reducing isolation, and encouraging social connection across different age groups.
The space was previously run as a café, but the operation became unsustainable following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, the building was repurposed into a flexible community hub.
St Barnabas Churc, viewed from the churchyard on Erdington High Street / Photgraph by Ed KIng
Since its relaunch, the number of users and activities has steadily increased, as the Hub runs weekly sessions targeted at various demographics.
St Barnabas Community Hub’s goal is to provide an inclusive space where local people can access support, meet others, and take part in low-pressure group activities.
Natalie, Community Hub Manager at St Barnabas, said: “I think it’s so important for the people in the community to feel like, and know, that they have a safe and inclusive space here.
“We’ve gotten to know so many people and groups in the area over the past years, and lots of these actively volunteer with us – we’re looking at hosting an event in June to celebrate those who do, with it being Volunteer Week in that month.”
She added: “We also do a lot of signposting, as it’s important for us to help people in the local area get access to support if they need it.”
A service user, who asked not to be named, described St Barnabas Community Hub as a big part of their weekly routine.
They told: “I don’t know what I’d do without having the Hub here. It has really helped me.”
A 200 year anniversary celebratory cake with St Barnabas logo / Photograph supplied by St Barnabas
On Monday mornings, Barny Babies provides a term-time stay-and-play group for parents, carers, and pre-school children.
Tuesdays and Thursdays host Community Coffee Mornings, which are open to anyone who wants to drop in for a free drink and conversation.
Wednesdays begin with the Wellbeing Café for the Over 50s, a session focused on promoting healthy habits and peer support among older adults.
That afternoon, secondary school students can also attend the Urban Devotion Birmingham youth café, which offers a supervised space with free snacks and drinks, during school term time.
Thursday mornings are reserved for fitness-based activities.
Inspiring Fitness Women Only Circuit Training starts the day with a group workout, followed by Chatty Chairs, a seated exercise session for those with reduced mobility.
On Fridays, the Welcome Space offers a drop-in session with food, games, and opportunities for informal socialising.
The programmes at the Community Hub are reviewed regularly, and adapted to suit community feedback, allowing the Hub to remain responsive to local needs and offer relevant support.
For more information on St Barnabas Community Hub, please visit their website at www.stbarnabaserdington.org.uk and follow their Facebook page @StBarnabasErdington.
To get in contact with a member of the team, please email [email protected] – or call the Community Hub reception on (0121) 306 4820.
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]
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.
