Birmingham Locality Small Grants

Together Minds – This Is Us Plus

Sarah, a 32-year-old woman with a learning disability, often felt lonely and lacked confidence before joining This Is Us Plus. Encouraged by her support worker, she attended her first monthly social group, a Boxercise class funded by the Fairer Futures Fund. Initially nervous, Sarah stood quietly at the back, but with gentle encouragement and a welcoming atmosphere, she began to join in. By the end of the session, she was smiling and said, “I didn’t think I could do it, but I did!”

Since then, Sarah has attended every session, enjoying activities like Positive Pottery and forming friendships with other participants. Her confidence has grown noticeably - she now initiates conversations, offers help to others, and looks forward to each monthly event. Sarah says the group has helped her feel “calmer, happier, and not so alone.”

Through This Is Us Plus, Sarah has built new friendships, discovered activities she loves, and developed a stronger sense of belonging. The programme has transformed her day-to-day life, helping her feel valued and connected.

Villa Cross Soup Kitchen

Patrick, a regular visitor to Villa Cross Soup Kitchen, has relied on its services for six months - meals, food parcels, clothing, and footwear. Over time, he built a trusting relationship with a senior volunteer, sharing his struggles with finances, housing, and loneliness. These one-to-one conversations became a lifeline, especially as Patrick oscillated between feelings of hopelessness and hope for change. 

Although Patrick initially avoided speaking in group sessions, a recent Let’s Talk discussion on loneliness encouraged him to share his story about relationship breakdown. This breakthrough marked a turning point, showing the power of compassionate listening and peer support.

Villa Cross Soup Kitchen continues to provide a safe, consistent space where people can access practical help and emotional support. Visitors report feeling more confident and trusting of the community and its volunteers.

RedArts

RedArts runs community workshops and home-based sessions through its Art@YourDoor initiative, supporting people who struggle to leave home due to mobility or mental health issues.

Hamda, referred by an occupational therapy service, lives with COPD, mobility challenges, and PTSD. Initially nervous, she agreed to try a simple drawing activity during her first visit and rediscovered her love for art.

Over six sessions, Hamda explored observational drawing and grounding techniques to manage anxiety. She even completed weekly sketchbook challenges and submitted a pencil drawing for a community exhibition. Although crowds make her anxious, Sarah drove to the venue and sat outside during the event - a huge personal achievement.

Hamda says, “It has been absolutely wonderful. It has encouraged me to have someone in my house and to engage. I never thought there would be a service like this- it has helped me fight my mental health and keep my mind off PTSD.”

RedArts has helped Sarah reconnect with creativity, build confidence, and take steps toward community participation.

Anawim

Nina, an autistic woman, joined Anawim’s hospitality workshop to learn budgeting and cooking skills. Initially anxious, especially about knife skills, she quickly gained confidence with facilitator support. Over three weeks, Nina mastered tasks like preparing vegetables, baking bread rolls, and managing dishes independently.

Her determination and enthusiasm impressed the trainer, and she scored top marks in her exam. Nina also contributed to community coffee afternoons, serving homemade soup and chicken dishes to visitors - often their first hot meal of the day.

Thanks to her success, Nina has been recommended for the Springboard Hospitality Employability course, which includes a work placement and graduation. She says: “I really enjoyed the cooking sessions, and the employability course is something I want to do next. Now that I have learnt all these skills, my partner can chill while I cook for a change!”

Moseley Muslim Community Association

Amina from Balsall Heath had been experiencing hot flushes, sleep problems, and anxiety for two years but never sought help due to cultural stigma and embarrassment. She believed her symptoms were linked to stress and feared judgment from family.

Through the Women’s Wellness Project, she attended a peer-led workshop on understanding menopause. Hearing relatable stories gave her reassurance, and a symptom diary activity helped her track her experiences for the first time. Later, during a session on managing menopause, she was supported to prepare for a GP appointment -her first in over two years.

Amina now attends weekly sessions regularly, shares her experience with others, and has become an informal peer supporter. The project has helped her gain knowledge, confidence, and a sense of community, breaking down barriers to accessing health support.

Noah's Star

When Emily and her baby, Tyler, left the Neonatal Unit, she felt relieved but overwhelmed. Isolation and fear dominated her days, especially worrying about Tyler’s health needs.

Her first activity was a gentle nature walk for parents of premature babies. Initially anxious, Emily found comfort in meeting others who understood her journey. She later joined monthly family sessions, enjoying outdoor play and sensory activities that boosted her confidence and wellbeing.

Paediatric First Aid training was a turning point. Emily said, “For months I didn’t sleep properly because I was so scared something would happen and I wouldn’t know what to do. After the training, I finally felt like I could breathe again.”

Through Healthy Beginnings, Emily gained practical skills, reduced isolation, improved mental health, and built friendships - creating a strong support network for her and Tyler.

Foundation 2 Change

After years of struggling with substance misuse and feeling let down by services, Michael found hope through Foundation 2 Change. The lived experience of staff made him feel understood and valued. He began attending rehabilitation groups, which helped him stay connected to recovery even through relapse.

Michael later joined the Life Skills programme at 6 Ways Baptist Church. Over two months, he learned to cook healthy meals on a budget, batch cook, and plan food effectively. He achieved a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate and a Level 1 Financial Capability qualification, boosting his confidence and independence.

Michael says these achievements gave him purpose and hope. He has now secured a residential rehab placement and feels positive about the future: “For the first time in my life, I feel hopeful and excited as I approach my 29th birthday.”