Smart urban intermediaries came together in Birmingham in May 2019 for their final ‘local lab’ workshop. The event was a chance for participants to reconnect with one another and share their thoughts and experiences.
The rise and fall of community capacity – making a difference in Birmingham
This blog is based on Abdullah Rehman’s experience working as a capacity builder during his early days at the Balsall Heath Forum (BHF) and his thoughts on the current situation facing the community.
‘IN IT TOGETHER’ – Reflections from Birmingham’s Second Local Lab
On Tuesday, July 3rd the second Birmingham Local Lab convened at the Women’s Enterprise Hub. It was attended by eight ‘smart urban intermediaries’ (SUIs), three people from the co-operation partners.
A Day in the Life…of a Community Organiser: Guest blog from Mahmooda Qureshi
When Mahmooda Qureshi was first contacted by HOPE not hate, she was already very active in her community, a mother and foster carer for children from challenging backgrounds. In 2007, she received an award from the City Council for her community work within the Islamic Society of Britain. Here, she explains what her life is like as a HOPE not hate community organiser.
Discovering Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath
Alison Gilchrist, the research fellow on the Birmingham team, describes her initial explorations of their ‘anchor neighbourhood’ just to the east of the inner-city. She shows how the combined Sparkbrook/Balsall Heath area meets the project’s criteria for somewhere that is vibrant, diverse and active in finding solutions to local challenges.