Testimonials

Independent project evaluation provided by BVSC and Ideas to Impact

"Sophie, Susannah and Becky conducted a project impact evaluation, to help us understand how successful the Practice Development Unit has been in what it was set out to achieve and collate insights and evidence that can support with future business development.

We were very pleased with their collaborative and flexible approach. They took the time to really understand our diverse audience and stakeholders and experience our activities first-hand. Their knowledge and experience of multiple disadvantage was invaluable, and their curiosity and openness was a perfect match for our project’s learning culture. Their friendliness and genuine interest in the work made it a genuine pleasure to work together.

The report produced surpassed our expectations and has given us new perspectives that will with no doubt support us with our strategic thinking and planning as we seek to define priorities and a plan for our future sustainability."

Filipa Santos, Practice Development Unit Coordinator, PDU Nottingham, Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service

Consultancy support provided by the BVSC Research Directorate

“Sophie has provided consultancy support to SIFA Fireside to help us create a values led culture and develop our strategic approach. Sophie spent time getting to know the people that make up SIFA Fireside and her personable approach was particularly noted by staff as we developed our values and strategy. By placing our people at the centre, Sophie was able to help us develop a set of values and strategy that they have felt invested in and committed to delivering. Sophie is professional, responsive and perceptive and her approach is engaging and inclusive. We’ve found the support provided by Sophie invaluable and it has helped to move the organisation forward much more quickly than if we had attempted to go through this process without her help!”

Carly Jones, CEO SIFA Fireside

Latest

'Sharing the Cake' sessions return in June

The Community Development Hub will be hosting quarterly Sharing the Cake face to face events – food followed by learning and networking - supported by monthly 90 min zoom sessions in between.
Sharing the Cake

Quarterly Community Development Hub networking event.
New sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK

Aston University is launching a new sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK. Up to four sanctuary scholarships are on offer, due to a generous donation by prominent businessperson Matthew Crummack, currently chief executive of Domestic & General. They will be known as The Ernest Edward Scholarships in memory of the donor’s grandfather, Ernest Edward Crummack, who left school aged 12 to work in a coal mine.
Register your interest in volunteering with YMCA Heart of England

There are a variety of roles available from learning about rent arrears in our housing department to getting stuck in with our youth programmes. We have sites in Erdington, Aston, Northfield and Coventry, there's never been a better time to volunteer with us.

Household Support Fund open for applications

Support is available to households in Birmingham over the winter using funding from the government’s Household Support Fund.
Become a volunteer

Volunteering involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that is of benefit to others or the environment.
What we do

BVSC works to make a positive difference to the lives of people in Birmingham and we believe that the key to this is found in our communities.
The Weather Model

This model uses the weather as a metaphor for different elements of reflective practice.
Neighbourhood Network Schemes in Birmingham

The aim of Neighbourhood Network Schemes (known as NNS) in Birmingham is to help older adults in Birmingham to lead healthy, happy and independent lives in their own homes and communities.
Become a member

Become part of a growing network of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector organisations in Birmingham.
Quality Standards
Birmingham Holiday Activities and Food Grant Programme 2021

Birmingham City Council has received grant funding from the Department for Education to coordinate a large-scale holiday activity programme with the inclusion of food for children and young people across the city this summer and over the Christmas period.
Promote your organisation
Covid-19 Vaccination Information and Resources for Communities

As part of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, we have compiled below different information and resources currently available with a specific focus on communities that may have experienced marginalisation.