The Birmingham Blog

Coming together for the COVID-19 Day of Reflection

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:55:00 +0000

Jo Tonkin, Interim Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council, reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact.

On the COVID-19 Day of Reflection, my thoughts are with those whose loved ones — family, friends, and colleagues — lost their lives as a result of COVID-19. My thoughts are with the health and social care workers who worked tirelessly to nurse, treat, and care for those affected, the educators who worked hard to teach and care for our children, and the volunteers who stepped up and helped out in so many life-changing ways. The pandemic changed us all. Remembering and honouring those who died, returning to that experience and making sense of it, however painful, is part of our collective healing.

When the lockdown started, I was working long and intense shifts in health protection, helping individuals who had picked up the virus while on holiday, but fortunately, were not severely unwell. At that time, my colleagues and I were focused on contact tracing, asking individuals to reflect on their recent social interactions, the bars and restaurants they had gone to, and the flights and train journeys they had taken.

Like many of us, the pandemic shifted my focus from aspirational to practical—suddenly, having food in the house to feed my family, making sure my daughters had access to the schoolwork they needed, and getting outside for daily walks became the defining priorities of each day.

This constant focus on the immediate, while necessary, was unprecedented. Adapting to a ‘new normal’ was overtaken by the cumulative stress of a situation which was not ‘normal.’ It was uncertain. The very basis of our humanity, the ability to connect with others, to reach out, to comfort and to hug was questioned. Milestones like birthdays, exams and major surgeries had to be negotiated in a COVID-19 world.  

I had naively hoped that the pandemic would mean that a risky operation planned for my husband would be cancelled. It was not. The driver who transported him to hospital was in full hazmat. However, unlike in previous operations, I couldn’t accompany him to hospital. The stress, the terror I felt, was so physically painful I could barely stand.

My daughters and I picked him up a couple of days later, driving through London’s eerie deserted streets. It was a relief to have him home, and to know that he was healthy, but the experience was harrowing—enduring his surgery from a distance had made an already terrifying experience all the more unbearable.

The vaccine was of course a gamechanger. Its success meant a fall in deaths and severe illness. It meant our liberty could slowly start to be returned. However, the country’s recovery from COVID-19 brought about new challenges, many of which were rooted in the pandemic’s psychological impact. Young children were not able to socialise and play, while reduced physical activity led to a rise in obesity levels. Many individuals also faced mental health challenges, stemming from anxiety, isolation, and profound grief.

COVID-19 also revealed the stark disparities between communities in our society, highlighting the structural inequalities and racism that resulted in higher death rates within Asian, Black African, and Black Caribbean populations. The pandemic also sent a shock wave through our economy, compounding existing economic challenges with increasing levels of poverty.

Yet, while the pandemic exposed several socio-economic and racial injustices within our society, it also proved that we have the power to protect our families and communities through collective action. And most importantly, it proved that, together, we have the resilience to overcome the most challenging of obstacles.

The COVID-19 pandemic made a profound impact on all of us. Sacrifices were made by many to protect us. Lives were unjustly cut short. It was a traumatising time. While many of us are still recovering, it’s important that we continue to commemorate those who lost their lives, retell those stories, pause and reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, and acknowledge our collective ability to persevere, build connections, and find strength in what matters most.

The Power of Place

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:13:00 +0000

By Sal Naseem, Assistant Director Insight, Policy and Strategy.

40 organisations.
150 people.
1 Marketplace.
100s of new connections made.

On a cold but beautiful sunny Tuesday morning at Highfield Hall in Hall Green, the Public Participation Team held their first Marketplace event which brought all of these people together and made these new connections possible.

The aim of the event was to share information with local people, with local organisations, in a local venue which they might not have been aware of. We wanted to go where people are and not ask people to come to us as we might have done in the past. The hosts of Highfield Hall were incredibly generous in providing their venue and hospitality at no cost to us. This was only possible through the relationship we had built with this organisation, and others, through our work on Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together over the past six months.

And this marketplace event is very much work done in that spirit. That is, the Council using our convening power as a leader of place to bring people and different organisations together. It was great to see how all the organisations who attended made so many useful connections and really took the opportunity to network with others who they hadn’t met before, this was in addition to how useful it was for the people attending.

Collaboration and connection were cornerstones of the entire morning

From Cllr Suleman opening this event to Cllr Khan closing it, the day rushed past us but in a good way. There was such a buzz in the building, and people literally queuing out the door to get in. It was a tremendous day and so great to see so many BCC colleagues join us to make it such a success, and special tribute to the Public Participation Team for all their incredible work here.

But it’s not just me who thinks this as we are already receiving some fantastic feedback, including from Moseley Day Centre who attended with a group of citizens with Learning Disabilities. They were delighted how we supported and made all of them feel included.

Their manager told us:

“A huge thank you from everyone at Moseley Day Centre to the SBFT team for a truly fantastic event today! We were delighted to see so many organizations represented and learn about the incredible work they do. We've discovered many promising opportunities for our citizens that we're eager to explore. Moseley Day Centre is always happy to be involved in these events and we look forward to working with your teams again in the future.”

This was the first of 11 events we have organised, and it would be great if you can spread the word about this work or potentially join us at our other events.

Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together is more than a slogan.

It’s a different way of working.

And this first marketplace event reaffirmed the value, the need, and the amazing possibility of this on a cold, but beautiful sunny morning in Hall Green.

Shaping Birmingham's future in arts and culture

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:46:00 +0100

Cllr Saima Suleman, cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, talks about her background, passion and future of arts and culture in the city.

My early cultural memories revolve around lively family gatherings, where food and storytelling took centre stage. I was particularly captivated by my mother’s tales of her childhood in Kashmir. It wasn't until my teenage years that I experienced culture beyond my home, attending productions like The Tempest and The Nutcracker. These performances ignited my passion for the arts, but like many young people in my city, financial barriers made it difficult to pursue that passion further.

Poetry was another strong influence in my upbringing, thanks to my father’s love for Urdu and Punjabi poets, especially legends like Allama Iqbal, after whom my brother was named, and Mohammed Mian Bakhsh. Studying A-level English Literature deepened my appreciation for poets like Shakespeare and John Keats—Keats’ “When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be” left a lasting mark on me.

For me, poetry and the arts have shaped how I see the world. But I also know that, for many young people from backgrounds like mine, the arts can feel like a distant privilege.

As Birmingham carves out its future in arts and culture, its rich diversity stands as both a powerful asset and a complex challenge. With a tapestry of ethnicities, faiths, and communities, it's crucial that the city's cultural landscape not only mirrors this variety but actively engages with it. Promising steps, like the revival of the Birmingham Cultural Compact and the new Birmingham Culture Strategy, are paving the way for a more inclusive arts scene. Yet, with tight budgets and financial pressures on local authorities and the cultural sector, the road to making this vision a reality isn't without obstacles. We need to make cultural exchange programs the norm, not the exception, to unite people and foster.

The Creatively Birmingham Statement of Intent, shaped by deep consultation with underrepresented communities, marks a pivotal move in ensuring the voices of marginalized groups are heard. This is even more important in the wake of the recent riots, it’s clear that culture must service as a bridge between communities. This thoughtful approach recognises the unique experiences of Birmingham's people, aiming to build a cultural sector that truly reflects its vibrant mix. But words alone aren’t enough—these ideas must translate into real, lasting change, not just lofty ambitions.

The focus on inclusivity is constant in the city's current and any future external funding for cultural projects. Applicants seeking funding are required to meet strict criteria, ensuring their work reflects and responds to the communities they intend to serve. Whether it's aligning with Ward Plans or engaging with specific ethnic groups, this approach ensures that cultural activities are rooted in the realities of Birmingham's people. Yet, while these targeted criteria are vital for representation, there’s a risk that over-bureaucratising the process could deter applications. A delicate balance is needed between being responsive to communities and allowing space for innovative, unrestricted artistic expression.

One of the most pressing challenges for Birmingham’s arts and culture sector is financial. The harsh reality is that internal council budgets for culture have mostly been cut but, the councils cultural service has demonstrated resilience by successfully drawing down external funding to support the sector and cultural engagement. Moving forward, the council and its partners must continue to identify new funding streams and advocate for the importance of arts and culture as a priority.

Equally critical is the engagement of younger generations in the city's cultural future. Birmingham has already laid the groundwork through its Creative Futures cultural strategy, which has been adopted across the sector to support children and young people in creative pursuits. More needs to be done to ensure that young people from all backgrounds can access opportunities in the arts -not just as participants, but as future cultural leaders. The council's efforts to include shadow artist programs and support for emerging artists from global majority communities are commendable, but a sustained, long-term investment is required to ensure these programs thrive.

Birmingham’s cultural scene is already deeply enriched by the city’s diversity, with past programs such as the Commonwealth Games 2022 Cultural Programme demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusion. The program's emphasis on diversity and youthfulness set a new benchmark for how cultural initiatives can reflect Birmingham’s demographic realities. Events like Black History Month and Windrush commemorations, as well as the work of organisations like Sampad, Centrala, Soul City Arts and the Legacy Centre of Excellence, are testaments to the vibrant cultural expressions emerging from Birmingham's diverse communities. But these successes should not be seen as isolated triumphs. They need to be built upon and embedded into the city’s long-term cultural fabric.

Ultimately, Birmingham’s cultural strategy will only succeed if it truly embraces the city’s complexity. The council must ensure that future commissioning, engagement, and funding models are designed with an eye towards both inclusivity and sustainability. We cannot afford to allow economic pressures to undermine the progress being made. The city's leaders must remain vigilant in ensuring that Birmingham’s arts and culture are as diverse and dynamic as the people who call it home.

As Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture, my vision for the city focuses on ensuring art equity, especially in a city where many young people and families face poverty. It’s crucial to provide opportunities for everyone to experience and pursue careers in the creative industries. We must build on the great work already happening across Birmingham.

While I’ve taken on this role during a time of financial challenges, with the city in the midst of a Section 114 situation, we must find sustainable ways to support arts and culture. My priority is to safeguard funding and help create long-term strategies that ensure the sector thrives. Moreover, I strongly believe in the importance of arts and culture for health and well-being. It’s not a luxury or “nice-to-have” but an essential part of a fulfilling life.

Through initiatives like the Birmingham Culture Compact and their leadership of our city’s new Culture Strategy, we can highlight why arts and culture are so crucial for our community’s overall well-being. In the end, Birmingham’s diversity should not just be acknowledged - it must be celebrated, uplifted, and centred in all cultural planning.

The arts have the power to unite communities, bridge divides, foster a shared sense of identity and, help drive our economy. With the right support, Birmingham's cultural sector can be a beacon of inclusivity and creativity, reflecting the rich mosaic of its people for generations to come

3x3 basketball in Birmingham's parks

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:28:00 +0100

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for transport and environment, talks about the importance of our parks as places to play sport and the Commonwealth Games legacy.

Our parks and open spaces are a great place to get some fresh air and exercise, including playing sport.

We’re working with Sport England and Basketball England to bring the Commonwealth Games 3x3 basketball legacy to Birmingham’s parks.

Together we’re refurbishing 17 courts across the city, with five already completed: George’s Park; Hamstead Playing Fields; Kings Heath Park; Perry Common; Victoria Common.

And on Saturday the Myle Hesson court was formally opened at Hamstead playing fields, in honour of the England 3x3 gold medallist who started his playing career there.

The newly refurbished courts will have a more visible presence through their updated and colourful design, and we want to inspire the next generation of players through local activation and partnerships.

A key priority for the council is to ensure all communities benefit from the investment into local facilities and we are excited to see how these spaces are used and enjoyed for many years to come.

The work to bring these courts up-to-scratch means we are making good on our promise to create free and accessible playing opportunities and will further cement Birmingham as a basketball city.

Shared Lives - have you got room in your home and heart?

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 11:30:00 +0100

Shared Lives deputy manager Andrew Cunningham-Gould talks about what the scheme can add to people's lives - both carers and those being cared for.

Shared Lives is a wonderful scheme where people who need support and can’t live on their own can be a part of a family. It is a different type of social care that is making a real difference to people’s lives – both those who are cared for and those who do the caring.

Here at the city council we work with so many wonderful people who have opened their homes – and their lives – to citizens who need a bit of support, whether older adults with dementia or younger adults, who need support with gaining independence skills and enablement.

It’s important that people feel like they’re part of the family when they stay in someone's home. This can be as easy as going to the park together or going out to lunch. That sense of normality can be just what people need to thrive.

Sometimes the support offered in more formal settings just doesn’t work for people. It is right for some, and it is important we have a range of provision, but Shared Lives is a really important part of the caring landscape. Everyone can fit in somewhere!

If you can support someone in your home for a period of time to give them the opportunity to be part of a family, or as respite for family carers, whether for a short period or for a few years, you will be doing amazing service.

We want people to know that there are options and to not be afraid of trying something new, there are many people out there who just want to help others and being a Shared Lives carer can really change lives for those opening their homes to others, not just those being cared for.

You can think you know about something but until you stand next to someone and stand in their shoes, you don’t really know what life is like for someone who has complex needs, or just needs a bit of support and I know our carers have really had their lives changed for the best.

We really want to recruit more carers to the scheme so we can have as many options for people that need care, so we would love to hear from anyone interested.

You can get more information on the Shared Lives web pages.

This blog was posted on 25 June 2024.

Empowering our future generation: National Careers Week

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:25:00 +0000

Birmingham’s Deputy Leader Councillor Sharon Thompson highlights the career-focused week and the importance of getting involved.

National Careers Week (NCW) is a great opportunity to raise awareness and empower people of all ages to explore and embrace diverse career opportunities. The dedicated week focuses on providing tools and resources required to help inform decisions about professional futures.

NCW allows Birmingham, and other cities to promote awareness about various industries, professions, and vocational paths. Plus brings employers, and job seekers together and share knowledge, opportunities and experiences in all different professions.

I believe it’s an excellent opportunity to network with peers and our city’s employers, creating a space for mentoring, collaboration, and exchanging of ideas – a key influence is helping you to progress through your ladder.

Having mentors and a support network around you can make a huge difference however, we are all aware of how tough the job market is currently with many available roles receiving hundreds of applications, the NCW and Birmingham’s dedicated week – provided by Birmingham Careers Service – supports development for future professionals providing impartial careers guidance, workshops and resources to enhance both technical and soft skills. Ensuring our young people are well-equipped and supported for the challenges in the modern workplace.

Here in Birmingham, National Career’s Week is providing a fantastic platform for Birmingham Careers Service to help young people, aged between 16-19 years old (extended to age 25 for those with SEND/additional needs) who might be concerned about the next step in their careers. The week has lots of activities and ways to get involved, plus a lot of online resources.

I hugely encourage everyone to explore National Careers Week. There’s a very useful toolkit, list of events and other resources you can get involved with here: https://www.birminghamcareersservice.co.uk/ncw/

Please use the toolkit to check eligibility for different events in advance.

Post published on 4 March 2024

New Year letter to the city from the leader of the council

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 11:59:00 +0000

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, has written to the city and its residents about the year ahead.

Dear Birmingham

As we begin the New Year, I would like to wish everyone across our city a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024.

I also want to promise you all - residents, communities, businesses and partners - that I will do everything in my power over the next 12 months to address Birmingham City Council's major challenges and deliver the services and support that you all deserve.

We all know that 2023 was a tough year for the Council and the wider city, and I'm truly sorry for that. But I vowed when I became leader in May that I would be upfront and honest about the challenges we face, and I will do what it takes to transform your council for the better.

Work is well underway to ensure that we return to good financial health, and while I can't pretend that the New Year won't be hard, my team and I will do everything possible to get us firmly back on track.

In the short term, we face some very painful moments, but Birmingham still has a bright future, and we will continue to attract investment to create job and opportunities. We will continue to tackle climate change and air pollution. And we will still work with investors and developers to provide the quality homes needed for a growing city.

I was born in Birmingham, and I've lived here for 50 years. I love this city and I'm determined to work with our many brilliant partners to ensure that we bounce back from a very difficult 2023.

I promise I will work around the clock to lead the recovery and I want to thank every community group, every business, every volunteer and every single person who is joining us on this vital journey.

Happy New Year

John Cotton

This blog was posted on 2 January 2024.

International Migrants Day: Why being a City of Sanctuary is so important to Birmingham

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:34:00 +0000

Today is International Migrants Day and Cllr Nicky Brennan looks at how Birmingham continues to honour its commitments as a City of Sanctuary.

Every year International Migrants Day provides an opportunity to celebrate migration and how migrants have helped to build and shape our world.

In 2023, now more than ever, we need to counter the overriding national narrative that migration is wrong – it is not, it has always been part of human behaviour – and many of those who arrive in the UK are escaping, injustice, violence and war.

Birmingham is a city that has been built on migration and our city’s diversity is its greatest strength – the bedrock of thriving businesses and its flourishing arts, culture and sports.

Our city’s very fabric is the product of centuries of migration woven together to make a city famed for its Balti triangle, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, thriving Chinese quarter, and a myriad cultures such as African Caribbean, Central, South and East Asian, and Centra and Eastern European.

This is why our status as a City of Sanctuary is so important – Birmingham has long been known for its warm welcome and being a place where people can seek refuge and build new lives free from persecution and war.

Last year Birmingham City Council became the first local authority to sign up to pledges in the national campaign against the Illegal Migration Act.

The ongoing war in Gaza has led the council to recently back a motion calling on the Government to provide aid into the country and to help British nationals, and to engage with any Government schemes to ensure that all refugees are given a warm welcome in Birmingham.

The council’s Refugees and Migration team recently awarded Sanctuary Grants, funded by the Home Office to 15 local community and third sector organisations to help provide essential services for people seeking asylum in Birmingham.

The council also supports the Lift the Ban campaign, calling for the right to work for people who have sought asylum in the UK, many of whom have valuable skills and experience that they want to use.

On International Migrants Day, you can join in by sharing positive messages on X using hashtags #ItTakesACommunity #Migrants Day and tagging @IOM_UK @IMIX_UK @UNMigration. Social media resources are available online support you.

Cllr Nicky Brennan is Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities.

This post was published on 18 December 2023

Birmingham Schools Climate Conference

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:05:00 +0000

Cllr Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment, talks about tackling climate change - and the importance of young people having a voice.

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world this century. That is not being overly dramatic – if anything it is an understatement.

So it was really encouraging to see so many young people engage with this issue at the Birmingham Schools Climate Conference 2023, discussing and exploring our collective mission to reach net zero emissions in the city.

They understood that as a city we need to come up with ideas and plans that help us get to the point at which Birmingham is no longer adding to carbon emissions.

You only need to look online, watch the television news or pick up a newspaper to see the impact climate change is having.

Far too often there are reports of flooding or drought in other places, though we may have friends and families in some of the places that have been affected.

But it is impacting us here too. In the summer of 2022, we had temperatures reaching 40 degrees. Lots of activities had to be cancelled for the couple of days we hit those peaks.

The hot, dry summer also saw a serious fire damage Lickey Hills Country Park in the south of the city, damaging our natural environment.

As a council, we’ve seen these risks coming – that’s why we declared a climate emergency in 2019 and set a really challenging goal to become net zero by 2030.

Progress is being made, but there is still much more to be done.

Young people from schools across Birmingham acted as politicians and decision-makers at the climate conference. They represented 16 different states from across the world and experienced first-hand the barriers and challenges to international action and how to deal with some difficult topics.

They also looked at national and local climate action, exploring how students and schools can make a difference in support of Net Zero.

I hope these amazing young people understand how powerful their voices can be.

They will live through the effects of our actions today, we all have a responsibility to act – and they can make a real difference.

This blog was published on 13 December 2023

Abusive relationships don’t necessarily leave cuts and bruises

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:23:00 +0000

As a survivor of domestic abuse, Cllr Nicky Brennan is passionate about work being done across the city helping people in finding a way out of abusive relationships – this is her story.

My story isn’t unusual – in fact it is far too common, and more often than not the ‘toxic behaviour’ or red flags are explained away, because they are regarded as ‘normal’ relationship behaviour.

Without going into specifics, I have survived two abusive relationships – and have managed to come out the other side, determined to help those who feel they are trapped in similar situations.

My first experience of domestic abuse was of physical violence – there was no hiding or explaining this away as loving behaviour. I knew it was wrong.

What followed was less obvious, more insidious behaviour – controlling my finances, access to my friends family – which seemed normal due to the way it was presented as helping me out and wanting to spend more time ‘just with you’

It took time and many conversations with experts at Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWAID) to realise this was coercive control – it wasn’t loving behaviour, it was abuse – but the kind that doesn’t come with cuts and bruises.

Domestic abuse can mean any kind of violent, threatening or controlling behaviour between people in a relationship – be that a partner, ex-partner or family member – and it can happen to anyone.

This is why empowering women and girls by improving access to vital information about support available and how to access it is so vital.

Through the Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign, which was launched in partnership with The Carter Centre in the US and BSWAID last week, we hope to educate and enable women to realise what is happening and how they can get help to escape abusive relationships.

Violence against women is often perpetrated by someone close to us, and a perpetrator is rarely abusive from the very start. It can start with gifts and compliments, known as love bombing.

In Birmingham women and girls face disproportionate levels of violence, due to their gender.

In the incidents of domestic abuse recorded by West Midlands Police in 2022/23, nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of victims were female. We need to tackle gender-based violence to make our city safer.

As a local authority, we are committed to tackling all forms of domestic abuse – investing in services and a city-wide prevention strategy which aims to highlight and address abuse wherever it is found or reported.

We all have a role to play though – checking in on friends and loved ones if you think something is ‘off’, as often those experiencing abuse may not see it as abuse or feel unable to take action themselves.

You are not alone. Never be afraid to ask for help or support – we are here to help. Specialist support services can be found on dedicated pages on our website.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress call the police on 999.

Cllr Nicky Brennan is the Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities.

This post was published on 4 December 2023