The launch of "Changing Places: stories of innovation and tenacity in five Birmingham neighbourhoods" will be from 1pm to 5pm on Friday 23rd March at the Priory Meeting & Conference Centre, Birmingham
This event will launch the report of Social Life's work in Birmingham exploring how five neighbourhood organisations have proved adaptable and resilient in meeting local needs and adapting to change. It makes the case for a much more substantial focus on neighbourhood place-based working.
- In the case of Bournville Village Trust we see a story of how a neighbourhood has grown over a very long period of time underpinned on the one hand by the values of the Cadbury family and on the other by a particular model of neighbourhood housing stewardship.
- In the case of Balshall Heath Forum we see how a particular set of issues around prostitution and anti social behaviour was tackled by grass roots action, and sustained by a powerful model of neighbourhood management for 25 plus years.
- With Castle Vale Community Housing we see a model of long term neighbourhood regeneration, catalysed by the physical transformation of the neighbourhood, through a housing action trust in the 1990s, and which is now sustained by a number of neighbourhood anchor institutions.
- In Stirchley Baths we see a story of how a major community heritage refurbishment of the old Stirchley baths in 2015 has created a 21st Century Community Hub, and breathed new life into the wider neighbourhood through an array of co-produced community activities. This is a story of how an asset can bring sustainability for 25 years ahead.
- And in Lozells, we see how a group of committed activists have come together to improve their neighbourhood after formal neighbourhood management structures withered away after 2010.
