As part of a Bfriends priority to work directly with the community, a network of partners, key stakeholders, community leaders and staff across the city, we have been developing our first Community Hub in the Small Heath area.
We have been working in consultation with young people, communities and families over the last six months on what this should look like and importantly listening to our children and adults from across the Children’s Trust on what’s important for them in the community.
There are three social value projects that the charity is working on with its partners, one being an indoor kitchen and activity space, the second a reception area, and the third, an outdoor area.
Bfriends is proud to have worked with Jacobs Engineering and Arcadis Birmingham on renovating the garden area of the Community Hub.
Twelve members from across both organisations came together and donated their social value hours as part of a full day working to transform the outside area. This included painting, gardening, planting and DIY activities to make the space nicer and great for young people.
The day was supported by young adults from the Children’s Trust who also took part.
Members of the Trust’s Care Leavers service and everybody had a celebration at the end with food and refreshments and were joined by partners from across the city and the Trust chief executive, James Thomas.
Natalie Loon, Operations and Fundraising Manager, Bfriends Charity said: “It is critical that partners support us as part of their social value, volunteering and volunteering hours play a critical part in ensuring that we can undertake projects such as this. We are proud to have Jacobs and Arcadia as leading partners with Bfriends across the city.
“This work and activity will create a legacy for young people and importantly, provide them with a secure outside and a bright space for the summer.”