|
These updates are collated by the Solihull Community Development Team and shared with you, our partners, within the community, to keep you updated with the different opportunities, funding, and activities that are happening in Solihull.
If you have any opportunities/ funding/ activities that you would like to promote,
please complete the Pro Forma, and forward to the Community Development Inbox at cdt@solihull.gov.uk.
Please note, deadline for article submissions is Thursdays at 12pm.
The following items in this week’s newsletter are:
Community Updates
-
Stage and Screen with AD Concert Band in aid of Age UK Solihull
-
SMBC Rough Sleeper Outreach Team – World Homeless Day Event
-
Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show
-
Slip Into Slippers for Age UK Solihull
-
Charity Quiz Night at Eastcote Park
-
Solihull Cultural Education Partnerships Tea Party
-
Circles of Support in Solihull - Solihull Action through Advocacy (SAtA)
- Freedom to Flourish - World Menopause Day event
- Black History Month 2025
-
Families First Partnership Programme
- Unrestricted Funding for Community Organisations in Solihull & Warwickshire
-
Solihull Domestic Abuse/ Sexual Abuse Board and Solihull Safeguarding Children Partnership
Volunteering Opportunities
-
Volunteer Opportunity – Become Chairperson of the KDBH Forum
-
Think Active Leadership and Volunteering Funding Offer
-
Birmingham Mind - Mental Elf Volunteer Roles 2025
Funding
-
Grantfinder Funding Search - Multiple Funding Opportunities
-
Kinghurst Together Grant
-
CEW Net Zero Community Fund
Community Updates
1. Stage and Screen with AD Concert Band in aid of Age UK Solihull
Solihull's symphonic wind band, AD Concert Band, are holding a concert to raise funds for Age UK Solihull. It will feature a variety of music with the theme "Stage and Screen", featuring a vibrant mix of music from beloved films and musicals. The venue is a beautiful new church with excellent acoustics and facilities.
📆Saturday 27 September, 3pm, St Philip's Church, Manor Road, Dorridge, B93 8DX
Tickets are £8 in advance and £10 on the door, with admission free for under 18s. Tickets can be purchased at here
You can find out more about the band at https://adband.org.uk/
If you have any questions please contact Rebecca Jacobs at events@ageuksolihull.org.uk
To view the flyer, please click here
|
2. SMBC Rough Sleeper Outreach Team – World Homeless Day Event
The SMBC Rough Sleeper Team will be hosting a World Homeless Day & World Mental Health Day event. The event will be open for anyone wishing to access services and for organisations and local services to attend to see the work the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team do while also meeting the team and other services attending. There will be stalls to look around and networking opportunities.
📆Friday 10 October, The Loft, West Mall, Chelmsley Wood, B37 5TN
For further information please contact Sophie Perrett: sophie.perrett@solihull.gov.uk
As we approach the winter months, please note you can report anyone you believe to be rough sleeping by:
- THE STREETLINK - this is a self-referral or public referral platform to report someone rough sleeping. On receiving reports, the Rough Sleeper Team will outreach the area and offer support to those they engage with - thestreetlink.org.uk
- STREET SUPPORT NETWORK - this site enables people to find local help across the UK if your facing homelessness or supporting someone who is - streetsupport.net
 |
|
3. Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show
The Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show is an event to help Year 10-13 pupils learn about alternative routes after GCSE such as apprenticeships, Internships and T Levels.
📆Wednesday 22 October, 2.30-7pm, Cranmore Park, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, B90 4LF
Exhibitors include Rolls-Royce, Dodd Group, Balfour Beatty VINCI, HSBC, National Grid, the British Army, Solihull College & University Centre and Solihull Council.
Scan the QR code or use this link to register
For more information, please email lifeready@solihul.gov.uk.
To view the flyer, please click here
|
4. Slip Into Slippers for Age UK Solihull
Local charity, Age UK Solihull, is inviting businesses, community groups, schools and individuals to wear their slippers and make a donation to mark International Day of Older Persons.
📆Wednesday 1 October, All day
The day celebrates older people and the valuable contribution they make to our society. The funds raised will help Age UK Solihull to provide vital advice, friendship and other support to older Solihull residents who need them.
Any money raised can be sent to Age UK Solihull at Age UK Solihull, The Core, Central Library Building, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG. Alternatively, you can donate directly to their Slip Into Slippers fundraising page here on or before the day.
Find out more at Age UK Solihull - Slip into Slippers. If you have any questions please email fundraising@ageuksolihull.org.uk
|
 |
|
5. Charity Quiz Night at Eastcote Park
Join Eastcote Park for a fun-filled evening in support of Knowle Donkey Sanctuary!
📅 Thursday 9 October, 6.30pm (doors open), 7pm(quiz starts), Eastcote Park, Knowle Road, Barston, B92 0JA
- £10 per team (max 6 people)
- Raffle prizes to be won!
- Refreshments available
Get your team together and go along for a great night – all in aid of a fantastic cause!
To book your team spot, call Nicola on 0121 269 1236
To view the flyer, please click here
|
6. Solihull Cultural Education Partnerships Tea Party
This event works like a cultural marketplace, with arts professionals each hosting their own table to showcase their offers to schools and youth services, many of which are free.
It is a chance to meet new providers and discuss ways to include arts in your curriculum, as well as engage in our focused discussions and on the day CPD.
📆Tuesday 7 October, 1.30-4.30pm, The Courtyard Gallery at The Core Theatre, Homer Rd, Touchwood, Solihull B91 3RG
This year, CEP have confirmed over 30 organisations and freelancers, who will be presenting their work. These include: Ascension Dance & Parkour, Artis Foundation, Birmingham REP, Vamos Theatre, Soothing stitches CIC, Loudmouth Education & Training, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Spark Young Writers, Deleata Z CIC circus, ITZATNA Arts and more!
You do not have to stay for the whole day, and you are absolutely welcome to just pop in for an hour if that's all you are able, but they would really value your attendance.
To book please use this link: CEPs Tea party | Eventbrite
|
7. Circles of Support in Solihull - Solihull Action through Advocacy (SAtA)
At SAtA, they know that meaningful friendships and community connections can transform lives especially for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. That’s why they run the Circles of Support project.
Their Circles Developers work closely with individuals to:
- Build trust and understand your interests and goals.
- Explore opportunities to make real, lasting social connections.
- Introduce you to new people, groups and community spaces.
- Facilitate informal “circles” of support to grow personal networks.
They also host regular Coffee & Catch Up sessions where people can come together, feel safe, be themselves and meet new friends:
📆Tuesdays, 1:30-3:00pm, The Core Library, Touchwood, Solihull
📆2nd & 4th Mondays, 1:30-2:30pm, St. Philip’s Church, Dorridge
With the help of local volunteers, they’re creating stronger, more inclusive communities, one conversation at a time!
If you would like to get involved, contact them on office@solihulladvocacy.org.uk or 0121 706 4696
|
8. Freedom to Flourish - World Menopause Day event
A menopause informed wellbeing day that puts YOU at the centre of your journey. Tickets cost £1 which includes a goodie bag, all group activities and talks on the day. Exclusions are products and services in the marketplace hall.This community-driven event brings together expert speakers, holistic practitioners, and local support organisations to break down barriers, bust myths, create connections, and empower everyone with knowledge and choice.
What to expect:
- Goodie Bags filled with wellbeing resources, including your very own copy of the Understanding Menopause booklet
- Guest speakers covering HRT, lifestyle approaches, talking therapies, and alternative medicine
- Experience activities such as sound bath, laughter yoga, and stand-up comedy! Bring your yoga mats and blankets!
- Marketplace featuring local NHS services, VCFSE organisations, and trusted practitioners in wellbeing practices, such as reiki, aromatherapy, yoga, reflexology, and even some stands with scents, skincare and more.
- Find your Tribe - Connect and network with like-minded people in a supportive, community-led environment
Whether you are navigating perimenopause, in the thick of post menopause, or are a partner, family member, friend, or healthcare professional supporting someone who is, this day is designed to help you and them flourish.
📆Saturday 18 October, 9.30am-4pm, Crowne Plaza, Stratford upon Avon, Bridge Foot Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YR
See Agenda and FAQs on the Eventbrite booking page here. For more information or to reserve a place please contact: aline@menopauseknowledge.org
To view the flyer, please click here
|
9. Black History Month 2025
The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.
At Solihull Libraries:
- There is a permanent list of Black History Month books for children and young adults on the Solihull Libraries web catalogue site, as part of a page hosting curated lists covering many different subjects. These are updated each year to reflect newly added stock available
- During October, a list of books from the adult fiction and non-fiction collections will be on the front page of the web catalogue available here
- There will be a display dedicated to Black History Month in the main display area, in the entrance to the Core Library for the month of October.
For more information on Black History Month and ways to get involved visit Black History Month 2025
10. Families First Partnership Programme
In March 2025 the Government published the Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme Guide delivery expectations for safeguarding partners in England.
This guide was produced to support safeguarding partners to implement Family Help and multi-agency child protection reforms and make greater use of Family Group Decision Making. The rollout of these reforms represents a significant change in providing children with the best start in life.
The workshop will provide the opportunity to explore ideas for these transformations in Solihull and is suitable for those with responsibility of safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children within their settings/ organisations.
There are various online and in person dates available so please click here for more information and to book onto a session.
11. Unrestricted Funding for Community Organisations in Solihull & Warwickshire
Community organisations, including CICs and social enterprises, can access unrestricted funding all year round through easyfundraising. 8,500 popular retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Argos, Boots, eBay, John Lewis, trainline and Booking.com, will donate money to your organisation when you and your supporters shop with.
Funds are paid directly into your organisation’s bank account every three months and can be used however you choose – from covering running costs to buying equipment or improving facilities. easyfundraising is trusted by 200,000 god causes already and is a member of the Institute of Fundraising.
To take advantage of this free, unrestricted funding, register your organisation , it’s free and very straightforward.
To register please use this link: easyfundraising.org.uk/warwickshire
12. Solihull Domestic Abuse/ Sexual Abuse Board and Solihull Safeguarding Children Partnership
Solihull Domestic Abuse/ Sexual Abuse Board and Solihull Safeguarding Children Partnership are working together to implement the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse response pathway into the West Midlands multi-agency safeguarding procedures, and embed it in Solihull multi-agency practice, to create a consistent approach for any children who are experiencing any type of sexual abuse.
This is a start of a journey, and if you work or volunteer in Solihull, we would value your involvement and invite you to complete this survey, designed to understand your confidence and experience when recognising and responding to child sexual abuse.
Your responses are confidential and will be used to guide decisions to achieve a more timely, sensitive, and coherent multi-agency response to child sexual abuse.
They survey is available here.
Volunteering Opportunities
1. Volunteer Opportunity – Become Chairperson of the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum (KDBH)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new Chair to lead the KDBH Neighbourhood Forum, following the retirement of the current Chair. The Forum is an independent body (non-political). It is recognised in planning terms, and so plays a vital role in planning decisions and the shaping of new development within KDBH, through the policies in the Neighbourhood Plan, which sets out the vision for the area. The Forum also has an important role in the allocation by the Council of NCIL funding on community projects with the area.
The Forum is looking for someone who lives (or works) in and is passionate about the KDBH area; who can provide leadership and strategic direction to the Forum; who can help continue to foster strong relationships the Forum already has with key stakeholders, with the aim of ensuring the voice of our community is heard and respected. It is a volunteer role, for which the Chair would on average be expected to spend around 10 hours per month, including evening meetings and some community events. Some periods (e.g. major planning consultations) may require greater availability.
For more information about the role visit Volunteer Opportunity - Become Chairperson of the KDBH Forum - Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum
If you are passionate about where you live (or work) and have the experience, energy, drive and skills to chair the Forum team or wish to explore the role in more detail, then please email kdbhforum@gmail.com
For more information about the work of the Forum visit Home - Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum
|
2. Think Active Leadership and Volunteering Funding Offer
Think Active are launching its second cohort of leadership and volunteering places using the e-Learning platform Skills 360 to support young people in developing transferable skills that can benefit them in the workplace. There is a range of skill development opportunities, including taking responsibility, being adaptable, and developing communication skills.
The offer is open to young people between 14-25 years of age; and in particular these groups:
- People who live in areas of high deprivation
- Disabled young people
- Those people who work with disabled young people.
- Girls
Organisations that apply for this offer will receive £200 per young person who enrols on Skills 360.The money you receive can be used in any way that supports your club/group or organisation. This includes supporting young leaders with extra qualifications, buying new equipment, or paying for any extra capacity needed to support the young people.
To find out more information and apply, please access their website: Leadership and Volunteering - Think Active.
If you have any questions or need support, please contact the Partnership Manager, Bradley Jacques on bradley.jacques@thinkactive.org.
3. Birmingham Mind - Mental Elf Volunteer Roles 2025
Birmingham Mind are hosting their 3rd Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 📆Sunday 30 November, Cannon Hill Park, and they have various volunteering roles available to support on the day. Some of the roles are:
- Volunteer Team Leader
- Route/event set up/take down
- Team Leader-Registration desk
- Registration desk crew
- Team Leader-Route Marshals
- Route Marshals
- Finish line crew
To view the descriptions please click here: Mental Elf volunteer roles 2025.pdf
(Although it is not a requirement, they encourage all of their volunteers to join in with the festive spirit and wear fancy dress).
To find out more about the event please click here.
to find out more about volunteering or to sign up to become an elf volunteer please email fundraising@birminghammind.org.
Funding Opportunities
1. Grantfinder Funding Search - Multiple Funding Opportunities
The team have access to Grantfinder, a funding database, where there is a wide range of funding opportunities that cover a variety of topics. In each newsletter, one of the team will be pulling together a list of funding available.
Please see link to view the various funding opportunities at present: September Funding 2025
2. Kinghurst Together Grant
Kingshurst is a resilient, close-knit community in Solihull, rich in pride and potential. With exciting regeneration underway and green spaces like Babbs Mill Park, its greatest asset remains its people—friendly, supportive, and community-minded.
The Kingshurst Together Fund offers micro grants (£300–£500) to support initiatives that strengthen local spirit, celebrate the area, and make use of community spaces.
Projects must focus on children and young people in Kingshurst, promoting inclusion, diversity, cohesion, wellbeing, and environmental awareness. Whether it’s a creative project, event, or new use of a local building, we want to hear your ideas.
The fund is administered by Colebridge Trust, a charity with over 20 years of experience in North Solihull, working alongside partners like Seeds of Hope and Solihull Council to improve lives. A grants panel will support applicants in developing realistic plans.
To apply, please complete the following Google Form https://forms.gle/fXCcNrckPyuwBVRs6. The deadline is 14 October 2025.
For help with your proposal, please contact: beccif@colebridge.org.
|
3. CEW Net Zero Community Fund
The fund aims to support organisations in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire looking to improve their energy efficiency. The CEW Net Zero Community Fund will offer grants between £5,000-£10,000. Applications must meet one of the following aims:
- Improving the energy efficiency of community buildings through e.g. insulation, energy efficient heating and lighting systems.
- Community renewable energy generation e.g. solar PV and battery systems.
- Encouraging community food production through sustainable use of natural resources e.g. rainwater harvesting and other infrastructure improvements at allotment sites and community gardens.
- Promoting carbon-neutral transport through electric car sharing schemes, community EV chargers, improving cycle and walking routes etc.
- Reducing waste of food and other resources through e.g. community larders/kitchens, repair cafes, libraries etc
All proposed projects should begin no earlier than January 2026. To provide time for the panel to review applications, the deadline is Friday 7 November 2025. Deadlines for the additional panels in the New Year will be announced soon.
Information about the fund can be found here Net-Zero-Fund-Factsheet.pdf
To apply and find out more information please use this link: CEW Net Zero Community Fund
My Solihull Map
With the My Solihull Map, you can find places to go, things to do and people to talk or listen to in your neighbourhood.
Please use this link to access the map: My Solihull Map
If you have any opportunities/ funding/ activities that you would like to promote, complete the Pro Forma, and forward to the Community Development Inbox at cdt@solihull.gov.uk.
Please note, deadline for article submissions is Thursdays at 12pm.
|
