The Aston Villa Foundation is proud to have acted as the delivery partner in the Aston and Newtown Neighbourhood Action Coordination Fund.
Working with 18 local organisations and groups, the aim of the plan looked to achieve five overarching objectives, making a difference to the quality of life for the residents living in the vicinity of Villa Park.
A total of £44,000 was provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, with 81 activities and events delivered to 651 local people.
GameChangers AfterSport CIC were commissioned to lead on the delivery of a careers and skills jobs fair at Villa Park on Wednesday, March 5. The event attracted 150 individuals from the local Aston and Newtown areas to connect with local business and employers with live job vacancies and training opportunities.
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Seven young people recently finished a videography and entrepreneurship course with Birmingham United Foundation CIC, creating a video illustrating their view of growing up in Aston, the importance of initiatives like Premier League Kicks and the positive impact it has had on them and the local community.
Participants will continue to work closely with Birmingham United to develop their learning, with the aim of being signposted for potential intern and freelancing opportunities.
This included Mohammed, who had had a keen interest in content creation. He has since gained an internship with Birmingham United FC to continue his development in the area.
Mohammed said: “I feel my skills in editing and camerawork have improved, as well as my confidence in my own abilities. I'm excited about my future as I want to combine my passion for football and video content for my career or own business.”
During February half-term, four activity days were arranged at King Edwards VI Aston School, with external organisations collaborating with the Foundation to engage local youngsters and their families.
These provided greater visibility and reach for the organisations, showcasing their wider services to residents. Bangers and Mash Up CIC, who run the food truck Kerbside Cobs on matchdays, provided food for 74 young people across the week.
Communities Engage and Thrive (CET) CIC were commissioned to oversee several active wellbeing groups and health-related campaigns. This included 12 community family-friendly fitness afternoons, with 30 women attending weekly Zumba and Yoga sessions.
The ‘supporting’ pillar of the Foundation’s strategic functions explores how we can play a vital role in empowering micro-community and charitable organisations within Birmingham, becoming an advocate for the wide variety of work they cover. The plan specifically offered control to residents at a local level, and use of knowledge to shape delivery of services.
James Lowbridge, Senior Programmes Manager for Community Relations, said: “Utilising the funding we received from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we've been able to empower and benefit residents within the Aston ward.
"Achieved through the collaborative efforts of third-sector community organisations and local authoritative figures such as the ward councillors and West Midlands Police, we have collectively taken positive action across several key societal issues and concerns in the area.
"We're delighted to have increased our connections with like-minded community organisations, all of whom have a shared vision of having a positive impact on the people who reside in Aston.”
