At the core of the PDU’s activity, is a belief that the needs of people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage are best met by services which operate within a connected, informed system. In recent years, the Human Learning Systems (HLS) approach (Lowe and Plimmer, 2019) has emerged as a challenge to established means of organising public services. Read more
BVSC Research and Birmingham City University are pleased to present our recently published report, Community based responses to Covid-19 in Birmingham: Insights and experiences. Read more
In mid-December 2020, BVSC two online leadership development sessions for voluntary organisations were held online focusing on navigating change in the third sector. These sessions built on a series of activities we have been running together to provide spaces for third sector leaders to reflect on change within voluntary action, in connection with our ESRC-funded Change in the Making research. Read more
The second ‘State of Economic Justice in Birmingham and the Black Country’, authored by the New Policy Institute and supported by the Barrow Cadbury Trust, revisits themes and data from the first report, whilst incorporating current concerns and interests of local stakeholders. Read more
Ageing Better in Birmingham was a programme that aimed to reduce loneliness and social isolation among people over 50 across the city. It was built upon the strengths and skills of individuals and groups to create sustainable change within communities.
The programme was delivered by a partnership of voluntary and community sector organisations led by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and it was part of Ageing Better, a programme set up by The National Lottery Community Fund. Ageing Better aimed to develop creative ways for people aged over 50 to be actively involved in their local communities, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness. It was one of five major programmes set up by The National Lottery Community Fund to test and learn from new approaches to designing services that aimed to make people’s lives healthier and happier.
The programme engaged with 9,000 people reflective of the 'super diversity' of Birmingham. Participants supported each other out of loneliness and isolation in a way that was verified by independent evaluation and the programme left a transformed landscape for the city. Read more about Age-friendly Birmingham and Neighbourhood Network Schemes.
Over, the last year we have asked people with dementia, their carers, and other health and social care colleagues, what the focus should be to improve the care and support we provide to people, from activities aimed at preventing dementia, through to care at the end of people’s lives. This strategy is a plan that will hold everyone working in health and social care accountable for the improvements we will make over the next five years. Read more
West Midlands Anti Slavery Network, Closing date: 21 July Read more
Retina UK is a national charity supporting people affected by progressive inherited sight loss conditions. We are holding a professionals conference on Friday 9 July at Macdonald Burlington Hotel, New Street and need two volunteers to join us to Meet and Greet our delegates between 8.30-10.30am. Read more
Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline Birmingham currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors. If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in Birmingham and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to click here to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting. Read more
Encourage Tesco shoppers to donate food to the collection. Read more
New Heights, Closing date: 12 July Read more
BVSC, Closing date: 15 July 2022 Read more
BVSC, Closing date: 8 July Read more
Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid, Closing date: 15 July Read more
Join our friendly and supportive team answering mental health and wellness enquiries from the Birmingham and Solihull area on Birmingham Mind's Helpline. Training is extensive and thorough. We are looking for those who can give a long-term commitment and are empathetic and caring. Read more
Guild of Students, Closing date: 4 July 2022 Read more
Hope Community Project, Closing date: 8 July Read more
We are looking for flexible, confident people who can give up to 3 hours per week, during office hours, to give respite to our carers. You will sit with their loved on whilst they take time out from their caring role. Read more
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonah's Project CIC and BVSC are working together to support Birmingham's young people in the criminal justice system through community engagement. Peer Hearings offer an innovative route away from criminal justice system for young people aged 11 -25 in some of Birmingham's most disadvantaged communities who have been arrested for a summary offence with 'no further action' taken. Read more
Did you know 50% of wards in Birmingham rank in the top 10% of literacy need in England? Birmingham Stories (a National Literacy Trust hub) is working to end literacy inequality across the city, but we need your help! Become a Literacy Champion and find out what you can do to change outcomes for young people and adults across Brum. Read more
We are looking for a volunteer to help us with school applications for asylum-seeking children who live in hotel accommodation in Birmingham. Read more
Headway Birmingham & Solihull is a registered Charity, affiliated to Headway UK – the Brain Injury Association. We promote greater understanding of all aspects of brain injury and to provide support, information and services for people with brain injury, their family and carers. Read more
Children’s charity Mentor Link is recruiting Volunteer Mentors from the Birmingham area in particular Northfield and Kings Norton to provide one to one support to children and young people in schools. Mentor Link are keen to hear from people in business and the community, who would be interested in becoming a Volunteer Mentor to support a young person to achieve their full potential. The mentors are specially trained to listen to and support young people and aim to improve their self- esteem. Read more