Tag: wellbeing

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Northside Welcome Centre – a heartfelt hub for the Perry Common community

Outside of Northside Welcome Centre on Streetly Road / Photograph supplied by Northside Welcome Centre

Words by Hema Chumber

At 176 Streetly Road, in the heart of Perry Common, Northside Welcome Centre has been a lifeline for the local community since 2005.

Run by the charity Sikh Nari Manch UK, this volunteer-led hub offers a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds, especially those experiencing loneliness, poor health, or isolation.

The Centre has grown to become more than just a building – it’s a place where connections are made, friendships are formed, and lives are transformed.

Offering a wide range of activities from coffee mornings and arts and crafts to Tai Chi, digital skills training, and mental health support workshops, the Centre is rooted in the needs of the local community.

This holistic approach aims to support the wellbeing of everyone who walks through its doors.

Arts and crafts sessions on Northside Welcome Centre / Photograph supplied by Northside Welcome Centre

Satpal Singh, Manager of Northside Welcome Centre, said: “We listen to the community and work to provide what’s needed, whether it’s through social activities or vital services.

“It’s about creating a place where everyone feels welcome and can thrive, no matter their background or circumstances.

“We’re looking forward to unveiling the improvements that will help us better serve the community, and we’re also very proud of our ongoing work and the positive impact it’s having.

“We’re not just about providing a service, we’re here to build relationships, offer support, and ensure people have the resources they need to improve their lives.”

Computer class at Northside Welcome Centre / Photograph supplied by Northside Welcome Centre

One of the Centre’s most exciting projects is the development of Erdington’s first Digital IT Hub.

This initiative will offer essential tech skills to those who need them most, helping bridge the digital divide and improve access to opportunities.

Alongside this, the Centre is undergoing a major revitalisation, which will improve accessibility, signage, lighting, and the overall environment to make it even more welcoming for all.

Northside Welcome Centre has long been recognised for its outstanding work, having earned the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and the Matrix accreditation for its high-quality advice and guidance services.

These accolades reflect the Centre’s commitment to excellence and its unwavering dedication to the community.

Excercose class at Northside Welcome Centre / Photograph supplied by Northside Welcome Centre

Service users and volunteers alike speak highly of the Centre’s impact on their lives.

One visitor shared: “Northside Welcome Centre is more than bricks and mortar – it’s a lifeline for many.

Another added: “I love coming here because I can connect with people, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging.”

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark Northside Welcome Centre’s 20 year anniversary of serving the community – a milestone the team is eager to celebrate with supporters and friends.

Workshop at Northside Welcome Centre / Photograph supplied by Northside Welcome Centre

The anniversary will be a chance to reflect on the progress made and look forward to the next chapter of growth and impact in Perry Common.

Whether you’re looking for a space to socialise, learn new skills, or receive support, the Centre continues to be a place where people can connect, grow, and thrive.

For more information on the Northside Welcome Centre visit www.northsidewelcomecentre.co.uk

Or you can email Satpal Singh at [email protected] or call his mobile on 07963 123 751.

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 SPOTLIGHT: EcoGrow CIC – supporting community and wellbeing through nature

EcoGrow team at Court Lane Allotments / Image supplied by EcoGrow CIC

Words by Hema Chumber

In the spring of 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown, a group of families with young children in Erdington came together with a shared goal: to address the growing challenges their community was facing, including food shortages and the lack of accessible green spaces for children to play and learn safely.

What began as a small grassroots effort evolved into EcoGrow CIC, a community-led environmental education group that focuses on sustainability, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.

Based at Court Lane Allotments in Erdington, with activities now also operating from sites in Moseley and Sutton Coldfield, EcoGrow CIC has expanded to offer a range of programs designed to connect people with nature and promote community engagement.

The group provides adult gardening sessions, forest school programs for children, bush-craft workshops, and art and wellbeing activities.

Outdoor family cooking session at Court Lane Allotments / Pic supplied by EcoGrow CIC

In addition, EcoGrow offers environmental education in schools and community groups, as well as corporate team-building events that incorporate sustainability and hands-on learning.

Naomi Gregory, Environmental Educator at EcoGrow CIC, said: “I believe that by encouraging people to get outdoors and experience the wonders of the natural world, we can better understand our connection to it.

“Once we recognise this, we’re more likely to respect and protect the world around us.”

Celebrating Halloween with home grown pumpkin carving / Pic supplied by EcoGrow CIC

She added: “A normalising skill like gardening and growing our own food is gaining momentum, and it’s rewarding to be part of that in the community.”

One of the group’s standout services is its forest school program, which has become increasingly popular with local families.

Paula Sheldon, a parent whose children attend the sessions, added: “We’ve had the pleasure of being part of the EcoGrow community for nearly four years, and it’s been an absolute delight.

“As a family, we’re passionate about spending time outdoors and getting our hands dirty, and EcoGrow has provided us with the perfect platform to do just that.

“The forest school sessions have been a highlight for our children, who love exploring the outdoors and getting creative with art and nature.”

Children riding dressed up donkies as part of an special ‘unicirn and drago adventure’ / Pic supplied by EcoGrow CIC

She added: “The fire pit and mud play areas are always a hit, but what we appreciate most about EcoGrow is the sense of community they’ve fostered among families.

“It’s wonderful to see my children making new friends and learning valuable skills alongside us.”

One of EcoGrow’s new initiatives is the Salad Bags Project, which will run every Friday during term time from 12:30pm to 2:20pm.

People will help grow salad from seed and package it into bags for local distribution, promoting healthy eating and food security within the community.

EcoGrow will also host seasonal nature walks across various green spaces in Erdington, where people can learn about the environment, and connect with others who share an interest in nature.

Another new project is the fortnightly woodwork group, which will give community members the chance to develop practical woodworking skills, to create simple, yet useful items.

EcoGrow CIC team dressed up for the Spring Fair at Court Lane Allotments / Pic supplied by EcoGrow CIC

For more information about EcoGrow CIC’s services, or to get involved, please visit ecogrowcic.wixsite.com/ecogrow

To contact EcoGrow CIC email [email protected] or call 07421 329 836.

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 SPOTLIGHT: Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group – empowering local men to take control of their health

Words by Hema Chumber

Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group meeting at High Croft Community Centre / Pic supplied by Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group

The Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group, is a group for men looking to improve their health and wellbeing, who meet monthly at Highcroft Community Centre – located at 485 Slade Road, opposite Stockland Green Methodist Church and Stockland Green School.

Focused on providing a supportive and inclusive environment, the group aims to tackle the stigma surrounding men’s health, particularly mental health, and encourages men to actively take charge of their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Founded as a Community Interest Company (CIC), the group offers a range of activities from fitness classes to workshops and educational events, all designed to provide men with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to live healthier lives.

The group is committed to ensuring that men feel empowered to talk openly about their health and to foster a sense of community among participants.
Derrick Gidden, Chairman, said: “We want to create a space where men can feel comfortable talking about their health, without the stigma that often surrounds it.

“By sharing experiences and learning together, we can all improve our health.”
The group’s regular meetings at the Highcroft Community Centre have become a central point for local men seeking both social connection and valuable health resources.

Meetings feature expert speakers, covering topics such as stress management, physical fitness, and mental resilience.

These sessions encourage men to take small, manageable steps towards improving their wellbeing, making healthy living more accessible to all.

The Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group also organises physical activities to encourage men to stay active – including walking groups, football sessions, and fitness classes.

Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group meeting at High Croft Community Centre / Pic supplied by Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group

One of the group’s key initiatives was the Prostate Cancer Awareness Evening, which took place on 22 November 2024, at the Lighthouse Young People’s Centre in Birmingham.

This event brought together local men and women to learn more about prostate cancer, a health issue affecting thousands of men across the UK.

The evening featured expert presentations from Aidan Atkins from Tackle Prostate UK, Lindsay Thompson from Infopool, and Junior Hermans from Prostate Cancer UK’s Black Men’s Health Advisory Group.

After the event, Junior Hermans explained: “Prostate cancer isn’t just a men’s issue; it affects families and communities.

“By coming together to share knowledge and experiences at events like these, we can empower everyone to take proactive steps in their health journey.”

Sign outside High Croft Community Centre, Slade Road / Pic supplied by Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group

This event is just one example of the Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about men’s health issues and to create spaces where men can engage in conversations about topics that are often overlooked.

Its proactive approach has led to growing participation and a strong sense of community among its members.

The group is eager to welcome new participants, including local men looking for support, fitness opportunities, or simply a place to connect with others, with its diverse range of activities and resources.

For more information about the Men’s Health and Wellbeing Group, please visit their website at www.menshealth-wellbeing.co.uk

Or contact their team directly at [email protected]

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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LOCAL AMBASSADORS: It’s not you, it’s the system – navigating the NHS

Words by Jo Bull

My name is Jo, and I dare to exist while disabled. I am under the mental health team and I’m diabetic. I have experience on both sides of the desk in public services.

I don’t think it’s news to anyone that the NHS system is broken. Even before Covid-19 there have been areas of lack in terms of understanding and awareness with chronic illness, sensory issues, trauma informed practice, and hidden disability.

I write this because I need reminding of the following on a daily basis when I am ill. Because the system conditions us to feel like we are a burden, we are often left to manage our own illness – or treated as if we know nothing about our own brains and bodies after a lifetime of living and working within them.

And we can frequently experience unsafe treatment, in terms of both attitude and medication when practitioners are making assumptions or not paying attention.

The system is now so fragmented, overloaded, and traumatised, half the workers within the NHS are in states of fight or flight – and as no one has supported them to self-care, patients and service users often bear the brunt of that.

Sometimes they literally do not have enough bodies to do their job. Sometimes they are not feeling safe and grounded enough in their own selves to listen, absorb information, or keep us safe.

Two overloaded traumatised people meeting in these circumstances often don’t do well together. This is dangerous and distressing for people without complex needs, and even harder for those of us who do not fit the norm. If the system no longer works for the typical and abled it is now a massive hurdle for those of us who aren’t.

We need to pause, breathe, and meet each other – medic and patient – as two humans navigating impossible waters together. We need to have empathy for each other, without compromising needs or safeguarding, and without blaming, shaming, or being dismissive. Negotiating and navigating together, as a team.

As service users, we can tell ourselves the following things: they may not be able to meet our needs, they may not have empathy for us, they may not understand. This is not within our control. However, we do not have to accept or absorb arrogance, ignorance, abuse, or stigma.

We are not to blame for the gaps or lack within the system we keep falling through. The system’s lack is not the user’s fault; we do not need to hate ourselves. We are not a burden.

What we can have control over is how we view ourselves, and learning more about ourselves so we can continue to identify and ask for what we need.

Jo is part of the LOCAL AMBASADORS project, using community journalism to give local people a louder voice – including adults living with disabilities. For more stories from our LOCAL AMBASSADORS visit www.erdingtonlocal.com/category/la-news-features

If you would like to know more about the LOCAL AMBASSADORS project and join the team for free, fun, and friendly workshops on journalism and creative writing then email [email protected]