Community Development Team - Community Updates

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

1. Barnardo's - Solihull | Understanding & Addressing Collective & Community Trauma

2. International Women’s Day @ Fountains Care Home

3. Inclusive Next Steps - Club Night

4. Neurodivergence and the Criminal Justice System

5. Colebridge Trust Events

6. Solihull Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS) Annual Review 2026

7. Spring Celebration Concert

8. FREE Climate Fresk workshops for sports/activity and Faith Organisations

9. The Solihull Expo 2026

10. The Uplift Initiative CIC Events

11. FREE PSA testing - Men's Health Event

12. Musicals Matinee at Knowle Village Hall

13. Solihull Active Cycling Information

14. FREE Energy Awareness Training

15. The Solihull Awards 2026

16. Run, jump or ride for a local cause - Age UK Solihull

17. Would you like to boost your expertise during County Lines Awareness Week?

Volunteering Opportunities

1. Volunteers Needed at Brightside Forest School Club

Funding

1. Grantfinder Funding Search - Multiple Funding Opportunities

2. Nearly £400,000 of community funding now available

Community Updates

1. Barnardo's - Solihull | Understanding & Addressing Collective & Community Trauma

2. International Women’s Day @ Fountains Care Home Enjoy an afternoon of inspiring conversation, light refreshments and a special talk from a local guest speaker Solihull Mayor celebrating women who are making a difference in our community.   📅Friday 6 March, 11am-12.30pm, Fountains Care Home 1355 Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 4EF   To book a place call 0121 733 8602   To view the flyer, click here

3. Inclusive Next Steps - Club Night Join Inclusive Next Steps for their new Club Night for a disco, bingo and chill time for neurodivergent individuals aged between 20-40 year olds.    First session Tuesday 10 March 📅Tuesdays, 6.30pm, Three Trees Community Centre, Hedingham Grove, B37 7TP.     To book your place and for further information, email andy@inclusiveeducate.com or visit Inclusive Next Steps   To view the flyer, click here

4. Neurodivergence and the Criminal Justice System Would you or someone you know be interested in being part of a webinar as part of national Neurodiversity Celebration Week? The webinar will have a focus on neurodivergence and people's experience (positive or negative) of the criminal justice system.    📅16 March 2026 (Please note, expressions of interest close on 2 March 2026), the session will be 1.5-2 hours, online.   We are inviting participation from: Individuals, with or without a diagnosis, who have had prior involvement with the police (in the community/ police custody), youth justice service, magistrate, crown or youth court, prison, probation services or any other resettlement service Parent carers of neurodivergent children or young people who have been affected by these systems Participants will be reimbursed with a thank you voucher reflective of their time. Email carmen.stokes@solihull.gov.uk to book your place.

5. Colebridge Trust Events

Smiths Wood Community Forum The Smiths Wood Community Forum brings together residents, community groups, and local organisations to share information, build connections, and support positive outcomes for Smiths Wood and the people who live there.   📆Monday 16 March, 1-2.30pm,  Auckland Hall, Smiths Wood, B36 9JR   There is no cost to attend, and people can take part as much or as little as they wish. Register your interest here   To view the flyer, click here

North Solihull Volunteer Celebration & Engagement Event Volunteers from across North Solihull are being invited to attend a special celebration event recognising the vital role they play in supporting local people, projects and communities.   📅 Saturday 21 March, 1-3pm at Colebridge Trust, Junction, 100 Chapelhouse Road, Chelmsley Wood, B37 5HA .    Volunteers give their time, skills and energy in countless ways across North Solihull. This event has been designed to recognise those contributions while also creating space to reflect on how volunteering can be better supported and sustained in the future.   Food will be provided by Twisted Kitchen Wood Fired Pizza, giving attendees the opportunity to enjoy refreshments while networking and sharing ideas. Free to attend, spaces are limited! All registrations must be submitted by the organisation or group the volunteer supports. Local organisations are encouraged to identify volunteers who would benefit from attending and secure their places as soon as possible.   Email Becci to find out more: becci@colebridge.org   To view the flyer, click here

Women’s Wellbeing Group  A safe and supportive space for women of all ages in North Solihull.   📅 Weekly sessions, Wednesdays, 9.30-11am, Junction, 100 Chapelhouse Rd, Chelmsley Wood, B37 5HA   There doesn't need to be anything 'wrong' just a safe space to connect, chat and feel supported. Free one-to-one support is also available if you'd like help setting personal health or wellbeing goals.    For more information contact Rebecca on rebeccaa@colebridge.org or call 07442092775 or just turn up - no referral needed.    To view the flyer, click here

6. Solihull Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS) Annual Review 2026

Reflecting on Impact • Strengthening Partnerships • Shaping What’s Next

Solihull Council invites system partners and VCSE organisations to the SIAS Annual Review, highlighting progress, learning and future priorities across alcohol and drug services in Solihull.

This session will demonstrate how strong partnership working across statutory, NHS and VCSE sectors is improving outcomes for residents with substance use needs — and how continued collaboration is essential to reducing harm, unmet need and inequality.

Who should attend:

• Solihull Council colleagues
• NHS and Public Health partners
• Mental Health and Acute Trusts
• Criminal Justice and Housing partners
• Employment and skills
• Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations
• Strategic and operational leads with an interest in reducing harm and improving outcomes

The learning from this review, alongside our collective system discussions, will help shape the priorities and direction of the 2026/27 Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Board delivery plan.

Your partnership is vital to reducing harm and improving lives in Solihull.

📅 Wednesday 18 March 2026 Time: 10am–12pm Venue: OH:G-01, Solihull Council House, Manor Square, B91 3QB

Please confirm attendance to Joanne Coxon: joanne.coxon@solihull.gov.uk

7. Spring Celebration Concert AD Concert Band will present a ‘Spring Celebration’ Concert. The music will cover many genres, including items from films and musical, classical, popular and traditional items written or arranged for wind band. The concert will begin a year of celebration events marking the band’s 50th Anniversary.   📆Saturday 21 March, 3pm, St Philips Church, Manor Road, Dorridge, B93 8DX   Profits will be donated to local charity Age UK Solihull. Adult tickets will be £8 in advance or £10 on the door, with admission free for Under 18s.    Tickets can be purchased online here   To view the flyer, click here

8. FREE Climate Fresk workshops for sports/activity and Faith Organisations  

Solihull Council are excited to invite you to an upcoming Climate Fresk workshop-a creative, interactive experience designed to deepen understanding of the climate crisis and empower meaningful action. Climate Fresk is a globally recognised, science‑based workshop that uses a collaborative card‑game to unpack the causes and consequences of climate change.

During the workshop, you’ll work in small groups to connect key components of the climate system, reflect on real‑world impacts, and consider practical steps toward positive change. It’s hands‑on, thought‑provoking, and suitable for all levels of knowledge—no expertise required.

You’ll leave with greater clarity about the climate emergency, a shared sense of purpose, and actionable ideas.

📅For anyone - 23 March, 2pm at the Core Theatre, Touchwood, B91 3RG

📅For sports and activity groups - 23 March, 6pm at Shirley Golf Club, Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 4EW

📅 For local businesses - 12 March, 2pm at Birmingham Business Park, B37 7YN

📅 For Faith organisations - please enquire by email

Join to learn something new, and help build momentum toward a more sustainable future.

Email Andrew Greenall to enquiry or to book your place on: agreenall@solihull.gov.uk

9. The Solihull Expo 2026

The Solihull Expo will welcome local and regional businesses to exhibit, connect and collaborate with the wider Greater Birmingham network.

Our expo is a great opportunity for you to:

• Boost awareness and visibility of your organisation
• Make new contacts and share business practice
• Explore potential new collaborations
• Find out how the Chamber can support you in the growth of your business

📆Thursday 26 March 2026, 10.30am-1.30pm, Cranmore Park, Cranmore Ave, Shirley, B90 4LF

Book your place to attend via this link: https://loom.ly/KwFopTg

10. The Uplift Initiative CIC Events

Easter Table-Top Fayre The Uplift Initiative CIC is delighted to announce their very first fundraising event. This event will help them continue providing dignity‑first wellbeing support, pre‑loved clothing, and community connection for women and families across North Solihull.   📅Thursday 28 March, 12.30-3pm at Smith’s Wood Primary School Sports Hall, Burton's Way, B36 0SZ   They’d love your support in spreading the word. Please feel free to share the attached poster.    They are looking for donations of easter eggs for the kids colouring competition, raffle and tombola prizes.    They have sold out of stalls but if you would like to be considered for future events or have any questions email theuplift.org@gmail.com   View the event here or visit The uplift Initiative CIC | Facebook   To view the flyer, click here

The Uplift Initiative's Community Wardrobe  The Uplift Initiative CIC is running its Community Wardrobe weekly across North Solihull throughout 2026. Residents can pick up free adults’, children’s and baby clothing, enjoy free refreshments, and take part in a clothing repair workshop and a fun tombola.   No booking is needed—just drop in and bring a bag. Clothing donations are welcome on the day, though not required. Please note that card payments can’t be taken for the tombola. Dates, times and locations will be shared on The Uplift Initiative’s Facebook page and via the QR code on promotional materials.   For agencies and partner services to refer individuals or families in need of clothing support click this link Clothing Referral form- The uplift Initiative   To view the flyer, click here

12. Musicals Matinee at Knowle Village Hall Join the Knowle Village Hall Association for a ‘Musicals Matinee’ celebrating the hall’s 65 years serving the community. The event features the talented local singer AMY PRICE who will perform songs from popular classic musicals spanning the last 65 years. Amy will have your feet tapping and will encourage her audience to participate and join in the celebration.   📅Sunday 12 April, 3pm, Knowle Village Hall, St Johns Close, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0NH   Tickets £10.00 each and will be available from box Office – 01564 779445 or 01564 779898. (Admission by ticket only)   For further information please see poster or visit the website - Knowle Village Hall   To view the flyer, click here

13. Solihull Active Cycling Information

Community Cycling Hub Asset Transfer - Expression of Interest

Solihull Council is seeking a local organisation to take on a Community Cycling Hub - an opportunity to spark local activity, support healthier lifestyles, and strengthen neighbourhood connections.

The community cycling hub includes a 20ft secure shipping container, 14 adult bikes, 6 children’s bikes, 18 helmets and bike maintenance tools.

The hub will need to be based in one of the following areas:

• North Solihull wards
• Hobs Moat North (Lyndon)
• Green Hill (Shirley East)
• Solihull Lodge, Olton South, or Ulverley East (considered)

The successful applicant will need to use the container for bike storage and provide low-cost activities. They will need to hold land ownership or at least two years’ landowner permission for the hub location. Applicants are expected to keep the container, bikes and equipment for a minimum of five years. Applications supporting disabled people, carers, or people with long term conditions will be prioritised.

Solihull Council will not be involved in the running or use of the cycling hub, unless the above requirements are contravened.

Local organisations can apply here. See full Eligibility Criteria.

The deadline for applications is Friday 27 March 2026

Any questions about the cycling hub and application process should be emailed to solihullactive@solihull.gov.uk

Donate a Bike or Volunteer to Support Refugees

The Bike Project urgently needs unwanted bikes to refurbish and donate to refugees and asylum seekers, enabling access to education, healthcare, employment and essential services.

Donate your bike here

You can also volunteer as a ‘Bike Buddy’, supporting a refugee on three guided rides to build confidence and reduce isolation, or help in the workshop as a volunteer mechanic.

Apply here

14. FREE Energy Awareness Training 

Act on Energy are holding a series of Free Energy Awareness Training sessions for anyone working with people living in the West Midlands area.

Are you a frontline professional, carer or volunteer working with people who may be struggling to pay their energy bills and stay warm this winter? The sessions are a great chance to boost your skills, learn new tips, and support your community better. Don't miss out on this free opportunity to stay informed and be energy-savvy!

Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment, several dates available! They will be covering key issues including:

• How to spot fuel poverty in your community
• Understanding energy bills and saving energy at home
• Making homes more energy efficient
• Dealing with the rising issue of damp and mould
• How Act on Energy can help

For further information please contact administration@actonenergy.org.uk

Free tickets can be booked on Eventbrite - Act on Energy Training Sessions

15. The Solihull Awards 2026

The Solihull Awards are back and applications are now open! Join them in celebrating the very best of Solihull businesses this coming September. 

Categories that may be of interest:

• Solihull Breakthrough Business 2026 - This award celebrates start -ups and SMEs who demonstrate exceptional achievements, have overcome obstacles and/or risen to business challenges.
• Solihull Community Builder 2026 - This award celebrates contribution to the community and is aimed at businesses going above and beyond to make a committed and proactive contribution to the enhancement and benefit of their community. It recognises businesses prioritising their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices.
• Solihull Non-Profit Champion 2026 - This award celebrates excellence in the third sector. It is open to and includes charities, voluntary and community groups, social and creative enterprises and cooperative organisations who have made a significant contribution and impact in Solihull through social, environmental and community initiatives.

To begin your application, please visit the awards event page here.

16. Run, jump or ride for a local cause - Age UK Solihull

Local charity, Age UK Solihull, invites local residents, businesses, community groups and families to sign up to one of their sponsored challenge events and raise vital funds to help older Solihull residents. There are several challenge events to choose from, from fun runs and family‑friendly activities to adrenaline‑fuelled skydives, marathons and overseas adventures.

The charity has free places in the Great Birmingham Run for Age UK Solihull runners. Complete a half marathon or 10k run on Sunday 3 May in our second city.

Other events on offer in 2026 include:

• Tandem skydives – 9 May
• Run Drayton Manor 5k or 10k – 12 April
• Inflatable Obstacle Course – 25 July
• Tough Mudder – 4 or 5 July
• Solihull Half Marathon – 9 August
• Bungee Jumps – Various Dates
• Overseas Cycle Challenges such as London to Amsterdam and London to Paris
• Overseas Marathons & Half Marathons including Paris, Milan and Barcelona
• Hikes, Trail Runs and Virtual Events suitable for all abilities

The funds raised from Age UK Solihull’s challenge events will help the charity continue its work supporting older residents of the borough through services such as befriending, information and advice, winter warmth support, and other practical help.

See all challenges at www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/challenges

17. Would you like to boost your expertise during County Lines Awareness Week? Boost your safeguarding expertise with a week of expert led online sessions for County Lines Awareness Week. Topics include: disrupting exploitation, safety planning, cuckooing, neurodiversity, and more; all designed to strengthen real world professional practice.   All sessions are free, online, and delivered by leading partners across the region. For more information and links to book, please click here.

Volunteering Opportunities

1. Volunteers Needed at Brightside Forest School Club

Brightside Forest School Club are looking for volunteers who have a current DBS check to support at our Brightside Forest School club at Ulverley School.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved, help children explore the outdoors and support hands-on learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Forest school sessions involve activities such as den building, nature crafts and tool use. Extra adult support enable us to give children the best possible experience. If you can spare some time on a Monday afternoon whether regularly or occasionally, we would love to hear from you. 

Click here to view their Facebook page.

To apply, please email samhalton112@outlook.com

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: February 2026

2. Nearly £400,000 of community funding now available

Groups in Solihull can now bid for a share of nearly £400,000 to improve their local neighbourhoods.

This funding comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which this year is available for community groups in five wards (Elmdon, Knowle, Shirley East, Shirley South and St Alphege). 

The money is collected from new developments as part of the normal planning process. It is intended to support community projects in areas where development has taken place. 

The CIL money collected has been added to any unallocated funds from previous years.

The funds are either distributed directly to 13 parish and town councils in the borough or placed into ‘ward pots’ (in areas without a parish council).

The CIL fund is now open to ‘bids’ from local communities in the five wards, which must be submitted by Friday 22 May 2026.

To be considered, groups and organisations must be formally constituted; have a bank account with two unrelated signatories; at least two unrelated management committee members if they are an unincorporated organisation or a voluntary group and show good financial management procedures, including records of income and expenditure.

For more information visit the Neighbourhood Proportion - Solihull Council.

If you are interested, please contact the CIL team via cil@solihull.gov.uk or call on 0121 704 8008.

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. 

If you have been forwarded this newsletter and would like to sign up, click here

Follow the team on Facebook and Twitter or contact them at cdt@solihull.gov.uk