Community Development Practice Hub

The Community Development Practice Hub is a resource for people and organisations who ‘work with’ people in Birmingham so they can take collective action to make changes to things that are important to them and their communities.

We aim to connect, inspire and upskill community development practitioners across Birmingham.

Come join us on this exciting journey, as we collaborate with the sector to offer a tailored approach with a focus on Birmingham-specific learning, challenges, and achievements.

The Weather Model

This Weather model was developed by social work students and Siobhan Maclean in 2016. The model uses weather as a metaphor for different elements of reflective practice. The concept being that in England people talk about the weather every day, and so it’s easy to relate to.

It provides a simple but effective model for reflective practice by inviting you to reflect on an event or experience using the following stages:

Sunshine: what went well with the event/experience? What was successful?
Rain: What didn’t go well? What was challenging?
Lightening: What came as a surprise?
Fog: What didn’t you understand? what weren’t you sure of?
Wind: Did anything throw you off course during event/experience?
Storm: Was there any conflict during the event/experience? What caused it? How did you respond?
Thunder: Did the noise (other peoples views) impact on your practice? How?

Siobhan Maclean talks a student through the process in this video clip

Give it a go!

Think of a recent work event or experience. Maybe something that had a positive outcome. Now use the seven elements of the Weather Model to reflect on it.

Latest

Calling all runners! Take on a fundraising challenge for disadvantaged children

We need your help to fight education inequality. Can you support by fundraising for us in the Birmingham 10K on 5th May? At Action Tutoring, we believe in the power of tutoring. We’re dedicated to ensuring more disadvantaged students receive the support they need to reach their full academic potential, and achieve important pass grades in English and maths. But we cannot do it without you.
Awareness Ambassador

As an Awareness Ambassador, you can play an important role in increasing awareness of diabetes locally and online. You will support Diabetes UK campaigns by taking leaflets and posters along to local community venues such as libraries and community centres and like and share on our social media.
Events Volunteer

Events volunteers help raise awareness of diabetes and Diabetes UK at events around Leicestershire. Events volunteers talk to members of the public in a friendly and enthusiastic manner to raise awareness of diabetes and Diabetes UK, offer appropriate Diabetes UK materials and answer general queries.
Birmingham Hospice Charity Shops - Volunteer Vacancies

Volunteers needed at Birmingham Hospice retail stores. We have 21 shops and are always in need of volunteers.

Introduction to Reflective Practice

Reflective Practice is a method of assessing your own thoughts and actions, for the purpose of learning and personal development.
The Simple Model

A simple and memorable model that offers a very flexible process for using Reflective Practice, and especially for getting started and experimenting with the concept.