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.
Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photograph supplied by Erdington bid
West Midlands Police have confirmed they have arrested two men over an attack by the Village Green in Erdington Town Centre last week.
The force further confirmed the men are “in custody” and will be facing questions on “suspicion of wounding”, which can carry maximum jail terms of between five years to life imprisonment – depending on the severity and intent of the assault.
On Wednesday 2 July, emergency services responded to a call regarding a violent altercation between individuals on the pedestrian area near Oikos Café and The Swan Pub, with police cordoning of a large section of the High Street whilst investigating.
Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
Erdington Local was also at the scene and was by told by staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the incident, how one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout beer from a rubbish bin and used it to attack another man following a verbal altercation.
An Erdington Street Warden, who works with Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) to help support and secure the Town Centre, was also at the scene and administered first aid to one man – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming from his back.
Police tape off pedestrianised area around crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
After a week of investigating and enquiries, a spokesperson from West Midlands Police has now confirmed that arrests have been made and those responsible for any crime will be questioned and processed accordingly.
West Midlands Police told: “Operation Fearless officers have arrested two men after an assault on Erdington High Street, where a man was attacked with a glass bottle outside a pub on 2 July.
“He was taken to hospital with injuries that thankfully, were not life-changing.
“We’ve been carrying out a thorough investigation and this morning (9 July) officers from Operation Fearless arrested two men aged 35 and 58.
“They are both currently in custody being questioned on suspicion of wounding.”
Suspected blood and broken glass on the pedestrianised area inbetween Oikos Cafe and The Swan pub / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
They added: “Operation Fearless, which recently expanded to the Southside area of Birmingham, continues to support colleagues in Erdington and together they are committed to making it the safest possible area for people to live and work.
“Fearless and our dedicated Erdington High Street team will be continuing patrols around the area as we support #SaferStreetsSummer.
“If you have information about crime in the area, call us on 101.”
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID, which is supported by local retailers and businesses, told: “There are legitimate concerns from local businesses that the space by the Village Green is in danger of becoming a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour.”
“Over recent weeks, there has been a rise of incidents and reports made over issues around the Village Green area, after Operation Fearless has driven certain activities and individuals out of the centre of the High Street.”
Area between The Swan pub and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph suppliued by Erdington BID
They added: “Erdington BID is in constant talks with the local police teams and wider units, as well as the Operation Fearless team and other partners, to increase police presence and enforcement in the area.
“We welcome the extra efforts being made and the increasing partnership work between uniformed officers on patrol in the Town Centre and our own Steet Wardens – alongside our incredibly resilient retailers.
“There has been a very positive change made on Erdington High Street after Operation Fearless and everyone, including the police, are 100% committed to moving forward and not backwards.”
Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local
Words by Erdington Local editorial team
An “incident” on the pedestrianised area by the Village Green left part of Erdington High Street cordoned off by police on Wednesday 2 July.
Blue and white police tape stopped shoppers from walking through the crime scene at around 1:30pm yesterday, as emergency services responded to a 999 call from a local business – following reports of two men fighting in the street.
Blood and broken glass could be seen in the centre of the High Street, with several local people reporting a man had been “stabbed” with a broken bottle.
Police tape was finally removed from the area and members of the public were allowed back onto the concourse at around 3pm.
Broken glass and what is believed to be blood seen behind blue and white police tape aftre incident on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We were called to Erdington High Street at around 1.30pm yesterday (2 July) following reports a man had been assaulted.
“It’s believed he was attacked with a glass bottle… and he was taken to hospital with injuries thankfully not believed to be life-changing.”
They added: “A full investigation has started with officers reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses.
“Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting crime reference 20/295081/25.”
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an incident on High Street in Erdington at 1.30pm and sent an ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene.
“On arrival, crews found a man who they treated for serious, but not life-threatening injuries, before conveying him to hospital.”
Police tape on lamppost near crime scene on pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local
West Midlands Police were also quick to attend the scene, with people in the area saying the response teams arrived “in a few minutes” and began gathering local intelligence.
Erdington Local was also at the scene and was told the incident had been filmed by members of the public and it was hopped the man responsible for the attack could be clearly identified.
It was also reported that the Erdington Street Warden on duty at the time was one of the first at the scene and was quick to administer first aid the victim – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming out from underneath his clothes on his back.
Staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the reported assault, told Erdington Local how after a verbal altercation between two men, one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout from a rubbish bin and used it to attack the other man.
Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local
Erdington Local could see broken parts of a Dragons Stout bottle – a high percentage beer that is mainly sold in off-licences and not in any of the neighbouring licenced premises – on the ground next to a small pool of what looked like drying blood.
People in the area further informed our reporter that before the fight they had seen the attacker sitting on a small wall in between the Borch Electrical store and The Swan pub – where the rubbish bin is located.
Neither businesses have been implicated in the incident by any emergency service.
The bin had been put there by local volunteers to help tackle the rising rubbish, including empty bottles and fast-food packaging, around the growing hotspot for street drinking and visible drug taking.
Several local residents and businesses vocalised to Erdington Local they believe the area is becoming troublesome in part after anti-social behaviour has been displaced from other areas of the Town Centre by the recent police initiative, Operation Fearless.
Area between The Swan and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local
The sunny weather is also cited as a potentially exacerbating factor, although people are known to gather in the area during all conditions.
A spokesperson for the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), which is supported by local retailers and pays for the Street Wardens, confirmed the area has been highlighted to local law enforcement who took the situation “very seriously” and had promised to address concerns over criminality there.
Only a few days previously, on Tuesday 24 June, police had responded to reports of another “disorder” in the area, where officers confirmed they “arrested two men aged 32 and 39, and recovered two knives” – adding that “thankfully, no-one was seriously injured.”
Area covered by the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in a around Erdingotn Town Centre / Image supplied by West Midlands Police
The High Street around the Village Green falls inside the ‘restricted zone’ of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), that covers Erdington Town Centre and some of the surrounding streets.
A PSPO is a widely used law enforcement tool, which gives local police more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and to remove repeat offenders from the designated area.
Erdington Local has asked West Midlands for any updates or developments surrounding the incident on Wednesday 2 July.
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.
Paulette Hamilton MP with officers at Erdington Police Station / Photography supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
This month, I’ve been standing up for our community, putting Erdington on the national stage in Parliament, while standing shoulder to shoulder with local volunteers and campaigners at home.
In Westminster, I led a debate on police presence, shining a spotlight on Operation Fearless, our local success story. Since securing £880,000 from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, this initiative has led to 140 arrests, and helped reduce antisocial behaviour on Erdington High Street.
It’s a model other MPs are now looking to replicate in their own constituencies. But our work doesn’t stop here. I’ll keep pushing for the long-term investment we need to regenerate our town centre and support safer streets.
Paulette Hamilton MP meeting residents at Erdington Methodist Church / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Back in Erdington, it was a pleasure to meet residents at my recent coffee morning at Erdington Methodist Church. These events are a brilliant way to share updates and listen to your concerns. I look forward to welcoming residents at the next one in Pype Hayes!
I’m also proud that our petition to improve Kingstanding’s Conker Island Park has now passed 150 signatures. In partnership with the Friends of Conker Island, we’re calling on the council to repair play equipment, install bins, and tackle antisocial behaviour, because every child deserves a safe place to play.
And finally, I was delighted to join the police and volunteers at Erdington Police Station to thank them for their service. Their dedication keeps us safe.
From Erdington and Kingstanding to Castle Vale and South Oscott, our strength is in our people. Let’s keep moving forward.
If you would like to develop new skills, meet new people and enjoy new experiences, then you should try volunteering.
Whether your passion is gardening, cooking, DIY, engineering, IT, marketing or childcare, there’s something for everyone.
On Thursday, 12 June, a Volunteer Recruitment event takes place from 11am to 2pm at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street.
A range of organisations will be attending to promote all their volunteering opportunities and offering advice and guidance on how you can support local people and local communities while learning something new.
So, if you have a few hours to spare each week, why not start a new adventure. Volunteering has so many benefits.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Operation Fearless has set out the national debate around high street policing, after being presented as the centrepiece of a sitting in a Westminster Hall to discuss the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour affecting retail hubs across the country.
Raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton on Thursday 5 June, and chaired by MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough Gill Furniss, the committee heard how Operation Fearless had provided “a proven model” for community policing in retail areas – and how the achievements of the policing initiative had introduced “a new era… for Erdington High Street.”
Operation Fearless was announced in January 2025, supported by £880,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspots across the city – with a dedicated police force working in partnership with local stakeholders and retailers.
Westminster Hall debate into high street policing – as raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton / Image taken from Parliament.tv live feed
Launched in Erdington Town Centre, Operation Fearless made over 140 arrests in its first few months and seized hundreds of thousands of pounds worth off illegal drugs and contraband from incidents on and around the High Street – alongside an arsenal of offensive weapons.
In a wider operation to tackle knife crime in the area, the Polce and Crime Commissioner’s office further reported “a total of 415 weapons were deposited in a single [weapons amnesty] bin” outside the New Testament Church of God on Goosemoor Lane from January to March 2025.
Addressing the Westminster Hall Backbend Business Committee on 5 June, the Erdington Member of Parliament also celebrated the “incredible leadership” of both the Operation Fearless Lead, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, and local Inspector Shameem Ahmed – who worked alongside DS Munro during Operation Fearless and continues to oversee policing across Erdington.
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster by weapons amnesty bin / Photograph supplied by the OPCC
Paulette Hamilton MP further explained how “the lesson of Operation Fearless is clear” and the “Erdington’s story proves that change is possible”.
Positioning the Erdington launched policing initiative as a blueprint for combatting a nationwide crime crisis, she added: “But let’s be clear, this is not just about one high street. It’s about every community fighting for safety and pride.
“It’s about recognising that policing must be visible, proactive, and rooted in partnership.”
Since Operation Fearless has wound down its work in Erdington Town Centre, as the core team move to tackle crime in Birmingham City Centre’s Southside, Erdington High Street has welcomed the introduction of a dedicated police team to support the retail hub.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Led by Seargent Gray Grove, the Erdington High Street Police team are now working alongside the Neighbourhood Police Team, Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), and the Erdington Street Wardens to maintain effective police presence and community support in the Town Centre.
After establishing the High Street team Sgt Grove previous told Erdington Local: “Since taking over at the start of April, we’ve had a strong start, making more than 17 arrests for various offences, executing warrants, and seizing illegal items.
“Our vehicle stops have led to the discovery of cash and drugs, while stop and searches have helped us remove dangerous weapons and knives from the streets.”
He added: “We know these issues matter to the community, so we’ll be taking strong action to stop them.
“You’ll see us on patrol, listening to the community and acting on intelligence. We’re here to help and if you see us out and about, please do say hello.”
Sgt Grove and the Erdington High Street police team, with Erdington BID Street Wardens on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID added: “There has been a remarkable improvement in Erdington Town Centre, and the levels of crime have dropped significantly – but we must stay vigilant.
“Our Street Wardens have been standing on the front line against violent shoplifters and anti-social behaviour for years. But following Operation Fearless, and with Sgt Grove and his High Street Police Team now in place, there is a real show of force in and around Erdington Town Centre.
“And with some great family friendly street parties and events planned for across the summer, Erdington High Street moving away from the problems of its past and looking towards a much brighter future.”
Erdington BID are hosting the first in a series of Summer Fun Days on Saturday 21 June, held outside the entrance to Wilton Market on Erdington High Street – with free children’s games and activities.
