Guest speakers included representatives for the 2011 Census Birmingham Team who provided residents with invaluable information on the significance of completing the 2011 census form and the type of help available .  Additionally, a representative fromDigital Uk gave a presentation on the big switchover from analogue to digital TV informing residents of the processes and benefits.

Local Residents

The highlight of the night was the Community Awards which commended residents , key stakeholders and staff for their commitment and hard  work in making Soho a safer, cleaner , healthier and greener place to live.  

Street Champions receiving awards from Cllr Spence

The awards ceremony was also a celebration of the Soho Finger Forum  achievements and successes over the past 3 years the chair mentioned that this “was an opportunity to show residents and key stakeholders appreciation for their hard work, and we hope to make this an annual event for the people of Soho Finger and the wider soho ward”

Forum Secretary receiving award from Cllr Lal

 I was really touch at receiving 2 very prestigious accolades for work carried out as Neighbourhood Manager in the Soho Finger and Gib Heath locality. Soho is a place close to my heart, having spent my formative years in and around Soho and Handsworth ward it was always  my ambition to work with the people of the area and with my post coming to an end in April , I will look at volunteering my services where possible in the future.

Neighbourhood Manager receiving awards from ward councillors

 The past 18 months has been very challenging but rewarding period , I really enjoyed working with Residents, Cllrs and key stakeholders in delivering activities against key strategic objectives such as environmental, crime related and worklessness issues in making Soho a cleaner, safer , greener  and prosperous place to live.

Soho Finger Forum Chair receiving award from Ward Councillors

Local organisations such as the Matthew Boulton Forum and Soho Finger Forum have developed their organisational capacity and now in a position to play an integral role in Soho.

Over the past twelve months there has been an increased in robbery and other anti social behaviour in this area, working in partnership British Transport Police, West Midlands Police, Centro, Ward Councillors, Residents and Soho Neighbourhood Management team have put in place measures that have now seen a reduction.  

In the Summer of 2010 , residents attending the Soho Neighbourhood Forum meetings raised concerns about mugging and assults that has taken place along the walkway and had demanded that something is done immediately to alleviate the problem in hand. Measures to tackle these  issues was then implemented by both of the police team mentioned above, and also the Soho Neighbourhood Tasking Group.  

Overgrown area along Walkway

Hotspot

Following a series of  meetings between the Neighbourhood Manager, Forum Chair, BCC Planning Officer and Centro team, action was taken to cut back overgrown bushes which had become  hotspots for criminals to lay wait their victims.  

The clearance of the land was the responsibility of Centro who have work closely with key partners and residents to put measures in place toward addressing residents concerns.

Transformed Area

Ongoing surveillance will be carried out in and around the Metro station to ensure safety of local residents, the Police have identified the area as a priority and is working with key partners to make the area safe. To quote the Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum Chair ” we will not tolerate criminal activities or anti social behaviour in our neighbourhood , so through our actions we will continue  to give  crime the Soho Finger”

Transformed area -2

Mental Heath Awareness

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course will benefit anyone who might encounter someone (either in the workplace or in their life outside of work) who needs ‘first aid’ assistance because of a mental health problem. That is potentially any one of us.  

In October 2009, I was contacted by a very irate resident over a derelict land next to her house which was vermin infested and had become a regular spot for fly tipping. After visiting the site it became apparent why residents  from Milton Grove was livid with the Council Housing team.  It is evident that while the land had been cleared annually a long term strategy was needed to reduce the problems experienced by residents living in close proximity of the derelict site.

Overgorwn Site-Milton Grove July 2010

Following continuous campaigning from residents, particularly Sheila Edwards, who went as far as bringing this issue to the attention of local Councillors and Senior Officers,  I can gladly say that all her hard work have paid off,  the Soho Housing Liaison Board has since invested in the clearance, turfing and fencing  of the area.

Transformed Milton Grove Jan 2011

This is a good example of residents playing an active role to influence change in their locality. The actions of these residents  not only help to tackle environmental issues but also contribute to making the area a cleaner and safer place to live, I suppose this is one aspect of  social capital which fit nicely with the concept of “big society” in the sense  that it is partnership working  between service providers and residents in tackling local issues.

* Find out what funding is available for community/voluntary organisations/social enterprises

* Find out what funding is available for individuals/social entrepreneurs

* Helpful tips and presentations by key funders

* Opportunity to share good practice: in this period of economic downturn this event will promote joint working and touch upon the ‘Big Society’ theme.

* Opportunity to Network: we will have representatives from Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery, Lloyds TSB, UnLtd, European Funding Team, West Midlands Police, PCT, Regional Development Agency, Sandwell and Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council, Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and many more…

  Click on link for flyer -UL Funding Fair

If organisation wish to attend they will need to confirm their attendance by sending a reply email to sue_hall@sandwell.gov.uk .

 The Soho community equivalent of the Oscars recognised the active citizenship and volunteering achievements of shortlisted individuals and groups, highlighting the strengths of Soho and the positive aspects of the neighbourhood, at a special celebration dinner held at West Bromwich Albion Football Club.  

 The event was sponsored by Be Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, Morrisons supermarket, Soho Ward councillors and Urban Living. It was organised by the Soho Finger and Gib Heath and Winson Green, Brookfields and West Summerfield neighbourhood management teams.  

 Before the awards were presented, guests were entertained by local poet Moqapi Selassie, singer Eddie Masih and a dance performance by Ouidah Arts. The master of ceremonies was Radio WM broadcaster Bishop Dr Joe Aldred.  

 The charity raffle held on the night raised nearly £300 for Children in Need.  

 All the winners were presented with Oscar-style trophies and certificates.  

 Below are photographs of some of  recepients :  

 Dolores Pinkney and Hector Pinkney (Active Citizen Award)  

 Sister and brother Dolores (60) and Hector Pinkney (58) have been community activists for over 20 years. Together they run the DOJO community project in Handsworth, helping the community by running activities such as jogging sessions on Tuesdays and Sundays, as well as securing the lease to build a community playcentre on the derelict site of the Hockley flyover.  

Active Citizen Award

Dolores and Hector led the fundraising which made over £2,500 to pay for the funeral of local homeless person, Lester Kidd, who died in a fire in November 2009.  

Adessa Reid (Golden Citizen Award)  

 Adessa Reid has been a volunteer for the Soho Over Fifties Club (formerly known as the Soho Elders Group) for 15 years.  

Mrs Adesssa Reid receiving Golden Citizen Award

Mrs Reid encourages elderly members of the community to join the group, to take part in keep fit sessions and to have their say on issues that concern them. Not only does she provide administrative support for the running of the group, but she also uses her culinary skills in the kitchen to ensure that members get a nutritious and tasty meal at the club.     

Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum (Most Developed Neighbourhood Forum)  

Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum

 Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum was formed in 2006 and now plays a significant role in the neighbourhood, being the first port of call for local residents to raise issues and concerns about their area. The forum has secured funding for innovative projects that have benefited the neighbourhood, including home improvements and gating schemes.  

Forum members have organised litter picks with local schoolchildren, entered the “In Bloom” competition and campaigned for local jobs for local people with Morrison’s supermarket.  

      Knightstone Neighbourhood Watch (Most Developed Resident-Led Group)  

 Knightstone Neighbourhood Watch was formed in June 2009 and has quickly developed into an active and caring group in the Brookfields area. Working in partnership with the police and the city council, the group has helped to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour. It has implemented a number of successful projects, including an annual street party. 

Knightstone Avenue receiving award

 The group also encourages local children to take ownership of their community and has supported the development of the Soho Young People’s Forum.   

 Sport 4 Life UK, Soho Extended Links and Winson Green, Brookfields and West Summerfield Neighbourhood Management Board – joint winners (Partnership of the Year)  

Sport For Life

With a vision to change lives through the power of sport and the support of Birmingham City Council, local charity Sport 4 Life UK brought together representatives from statutory and voluntary groups to deliver the Soho Games 2010.  

This huge inter school sports competition enabled children from the Soho Ward to experience top quality competitive activities including football, athletics, uni-hockey and handball.  

180 children from local schools including Benson, Wattville, James Watt, Matthew Boulton, Foundry and St James took part.  Local hero kick boxing champion “Kash the Flash” presented the trophies and medals.  

 Soho Extended Links  

Soho Extended Links works to deliver extended support for children, young people and families in their local community. These services can be before school, at lunchtime and after school and include childcare, study support, parenting support (including family learning) and the provision of swift and easy access to specialist services.  

Soho Links receiving Award

Soho Links co-ordinator Daljit Hayre has overseen the delivery a range of diversionary activities that have helped to reduce antisocial behaviour and also enhance the personal and social development of young people.   

Soho Neighbourhood Management team has funded North Birmingham Development Agency to deliver Step Up Youth Leadership Programme. The is an exciting opportunity to develop and sustain the next generation of community leaders from the Soho Ward and neighbouring communities. Birmingham’s demographic profile has changed considerably in recent years and as well as being one of the youngest cities in Europe it will soon become a diverse city.

The project aim is to begin to develop the next tier of leadership which will give young people an understanding of how and why community leadership happens in practice and its effectiveness in creating positive change for communities.

The programme is free and we are seeking to recruit approx 10 young people (18-25) from the Soho Finger and Gib Heath locality and surrounding areas. We are also seeking mentors to assist who can support the young people. We will provide the training and support.

If you would like to know more on this new and exciting initiative  please click onStep_Up_leaflet[1] or give Derek Douglas a call on  07968064081. For application form please click on Step_Up_Application_Form

The  entrepreneur will work with these families to explore and realise their untapped potential; he’ll motivate them, build their confidence, and help nurture a different way of thinking in terms of how to financially support themselves without having to rely completely on welfare. This series is all about discovering and unlocking ability; it’s about helping families, and individuals, to realise an ambition, aim high, and to forge a better way of life for themselves and their children. Ideally, the entrepreneur would really like to help families who’ve become reliant on benefits to start their own businesses and become their own bosses, so that they are potentially completely self-reliant.

To find out more about the scheme please contact Claire Parry on 07921 609 491 or email claire.parry@lovewest.co.uk