Tag: young people

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Free summer activities for families and young people with Urban Devotion Birmingham

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.

We look forward to seeing you!

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: Thriving through play with Urban Devotion Birmingham

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.

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 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.