A new report outlines growing concerns about the rise in racism, hate incidents and a declining sense of safety across Birmingham’s communities - and sets out a series of recommendations to city leaders for tackling these issues. The report gathers the findings of a Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Community Cohesion Summit held in February 2026 convened by BVSC and BRIG with support from Birmingham City Council. Read more
Businesses, Charities and other Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations came together on 4 June to ‘Compete 4 Community’ in the Birmingham Community Investment Games. The Games, hosted by Pitch2Progress CIC and supported by the Birmingham Business & Community Partnership, brought organisations together not only to compete in a variety of fun sports and games, but also to encourage connection and collaboration to help "make the magic happen" for communities. Read more
BVSC Research are excited to share that our podcast series: CHERP Conversations is now... live! Hosted by our research team, we put the spotlight on our community researchers and explore their journeys into research. We hope it gives an insight into who can deliver research, who *should* deliver research, and how you and your community can get involved. Episode 1 is out now! We talk about what community research is, and what the benefits can be. Read more
Following the launch of the Inclusion Health Living Library initiative, we are looking to identify individuals who may be interested in joining Birmingham’s first Inclusion Health Living Library. The Living Library model is designed to bring together system leaders, practitioners and voluntary sector partners with people who have direct lived experience of exclusion and inequality. We are seeking individuals who may be interested in contributing as Lived Experience Subject Matter Experts. Read more
The Inclusion Health Living Library initiative is a new programme designed to bring together system leaders, practitioners and voluntary sector partners with people who have direct lived experience of exclusion and inequality. The Living Library is being delivered on behalf of Birmingham City Council’s Public Health division by BVSC, and together we’re seeking proposals from suitably qualified academic or evaluation organisations to independently evaluate it. Read more
Together St Paul’s named a winner of the Weston Charity Awards 2026 – a national programme that recognises ambitious charities making a difference in their communities. Selected from more than 180 applicants, Together St Paul's is one of just 22 charities across the Midlands, Wales and the North of England to receive this award. For over 50 years, Together St Paul’s has worked alongside the people of Balsall Heath and Birmingham, supporting young people, families and communities to thrive. Read more
Social investment is becoming an increasingly important tool for charities and social enterprises in an increasingly challenging economic climate. This programme is highlighting how investment can be utilised to scale and support your organisation both financially and to improve your social impact. Read more
Whatever your fundraising goals, easyfundraising can help you get there. This month, they are offering 250 online fundraising packs to community organisations. easyfundraising is a free, easy, and accessible way for your network of volunteers, staff and trustees to raise funds for you by simply shopping online with retailers such as ebay, Tesco, Trainline, Argos, M&S, and 8,000 more via the easyfundraising website or app and the retailer then sends your organisation monetary donations. Read more
The BVSC website now has a Google Translate function at the top left which drops down to offer a range of different languages for translation across all written content on the website. Read more
This Small Charity Week (22–29 June), BVSC is proud to be part of a national celebration of the vital role small charities play in communities across the UK. This year’s campaign, Small charities. Big impact., shines a light on the difference small charities make every day, supporting people, strengthening communities and creating change where it matters most. Read more
The Democratic Engagement Fund will provide grants to civil society organisations (CSOs) to deliver politically neutral, place‑based activities that help people understand, engage with, and participate in democracy. Deadline 31st August. Read more
Stallholders are invited to the MAC's Big Green Weekender, a two-day eco festival on 19-20th September! The Saturday explores climate change, sustainable ways of living (especially sustainable fashion and upcycling), and nature. Sunday will be a creative family fun day with theatre and workshops. Get involved with a stall and provide free information and interactive activities for all to enjoy. Read more
Looking to attract investment and grow your creative business? West Midlands Create Growth is back for 2026, helping creative businesses secure investment, accelerate growth, and build valuable investor connections. Delivered by Creative UK in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the programme provides expert mentoring, practical workshops, and opportunities to build valuable investor connections. Plus various webinars to support the application process. Read more
One million essential items have been distributed to families in need across the region through the West Midlands Multibank since the project was launched just over a year ago. The milestone was celebrated by BVSC, who oversee the West Midlands Multibank alongside funders Comic Relief and Sport Relief. The West Midlands Multibank receives donations from businesses such as Amazon to distribute to a network of over 200 community partners who then distribute them to families most in need. Read more
This quarterly community round-up highlights and celebrates how organisations, businesses and communities are working together to build a fairer, greener and more connected Birmingham. This edition focuses on digital inclusion and highlights partnerships and projects that are looking to ensure everyone has the access, skills, confidence, and devices needed to use digital technologies effectively. Read more
Over £2.2 million has just been given to community and voluntary led organisations using easyfundraising. All courtesy of retailers giving donations when people shop online. You can be part of the next funding pay out in August by setting up a free easyfundraising page for your organisation. Read more
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales officially opened James’ Place Birmingham at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week in May. James’ Place are a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Birmingham. His Royal Highness was able to meet our new team, men that have been helped at our other centres, as well as local supporters and donors that have helped bring James’ Place to Birmingham. Read more
Every day, volunteers give their time, energy, skills and compassion to support communities, strengthen organisations and help people feel less alone. Whether it’s supporting local groups, helping at events, mentoring, fundraising, befriending or simply being there when needed, volunteers play a vital role in the life of our city. Read more
Discover how football drills, poetry performances and wildflower planting are helping to save one of Britain's most threatened birds — and what this pioneering community approach could mean for urban nature recovery. Read on for the full West Midlands Swift Academy: Evaluation Report, carried out by BVSC Research. Read more
StreetGames, a proud Social Impact partner of UK Sport — is inviting community organisations like yours to be part of something special. As excitement builds for the European Athletics Championships coming to Birmingham, StreetGames is offering a fantastic, funded package to bring dynamic, social running sessions to young people aged 12–18 across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Read more
Partners across health, local government, criminal justice and the voluntary sector, including BVSC Research, came together on 20th May to launch Birmingham’s first comprehensive Justice Health Needs Assessment (JHNA). The JHNA highlights the significant health inequalities experienced by people in contact with the criminal justice system and calls for a more coordinated, preventative and trauma-informed response across the city. Read more
The West Midlands Multibank is set to benefit from the latest You Buy. We Donate campaign, which has now expanded into sports and activewear for the first time. The initiative aims to help families across the region access the sports clothing and equipment they need ahead of a busy summer of sport. As one of the Multibank network locations, the West Midlands Multibank will receive donated sports and activewear items that will be distributed to local families experiencing financial hardship. Read more
Although the full picture following last week's local election - in the sense of what the results will mean for Birmingham's residents more broadly, and for the city's Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector more specifically - has yet to fully emerge, of one thing we can be certain: Birmingham's political environment has changed significantly. Read on for the full BVSC Statement on Birmingham City Council Election Results. Read more
How tremendous to see the very first Pioneers 100 list announcement come out from Pioneers Post… and Birgit Kehrer, founder and CEO of ChangeKitchen CIC, included. Read more