In a world where second chances are often hard to come by, Jamil Ahmed is proving that real change is possible. Once known for living the dangerous life of a gangster, James has turned his back on crime and dedicated his life to helping some of the most vulnerable people in his community. Today, instead of fear and violence, his name is becoming associated with compassion, generosity, and hope across the Sparkhill area and surrounding communities. Every single week, Jamil and his team distribute tonnes of food to homeless people, struggling families, and individuals facing hardship. From hot meals to…

For more than a quarter of century Ikram Mirza has dedicated his life to community broadcasting, public and media services, and supporting the people of Alum Rock and the wider Birmingham community. Being the founder and leading voice behind Aap Ki Awaaz Community Radio station he has helped create a platform that entertains,performs and unites people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. His journey started inn community radio during the mid-1990s, whem Ikram Mirza became passionate about giving ordinary people a voice , especially communities often overlooked by mainstream media. Through years of hard work, dedication, and voluntary service, he…

Wakefield, UK – March 2026 Award-winning Chairman Mohammed Jahangir has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Wakefield, recognising his outstanding contribution to the global humanitarian sector. Previously decorated by the Right Honourable Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in recognition of his contribution as a social worker and community leader, Mohammed Jahangir has dedicated over 30 years to giving back to the communities that shaped him. During his tenure as Global Chairman (2021–2024), he strengthened governance, shaped strategic direction, and helped grow Penny Appeal into a vital lifeline for vulnerable communities in the UK and…

Birmingham, UK – Desire Community Hub (DCH), a well-established community organisation based in Balsall Heath, has proudly opened a brand-new community centre on Warwick Street, Digbeth. Founded over three years ago on Runcorn Road, DCH has built a strong reputation for supporting the local community through a wide range of projects, including mental health support, sewing and computer classes, fitness sessions, and Quran studies. The organisation also works closely with young people to tackle issues such as knife and gun crime, while hosting regular events, community trips, and educational workshops. The new Digbeth branch aims to extend these efforts, with…

Community Plaza Opens in Bordesley Green: A Beacon of Hope Against Crime and Inequality Bordesley Green, Birmingham — 5 September A powerful new chapter has begun in Bordesley Green with the official launch of Community Plaza, a community centre designed to tackle inequality, reduce crime, and bring people together — and the first to open under the Community Plaza™ national franchise and licence model. The launch night attracted over 250 local residents, families, and community leaders, creating an atmosphere filled with optimism, unity, and purpose. Among the distinguished guests were West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who also…

Visiting housing tenants and asking them how they are has been the focus of an intensive week of activity by Birmingham City Council. Housing officers have visited around 2,000 council tenants in just one week to check in with people, to get to know them face-to-face and to ensure they are receiving the support they need. Officers visiting properties have been able to refer tenants for financial advice, identify potential savings on energy costs, determine if properties or gardens require any repair work, and identify tenants interested in being involved on local tenant boards. The visits are an opportunity for…

Birmingham City Council tenants are enjoying discounts at over 100 national retailers, thanks to a new money-saving app called Housing Perks. Earlier in the year, the council conducted a trial partnership with Housing Perks. This app provides tenants with exclusive offers and discounts at retailers such as Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, and Argos. During the trial around 5,000 tenants downloaded the app, which generated savings for these households of £17,722. The trial has been a success, and the council is looking to continue with Housing Perks while implementing a new feature where tenants are able to put their savings towards rent…

Birmingham City Council is backing the UK-wide campaign for Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week 2025, taking place from 30 June to 6 July. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the impact of ASB, support victims, and promote stronger, safer neighbourhoods for all. The week, led by community safety organisation Resolve, is supported by the UK Government, Local Government Association, police and fire services, housing providers, and community partners across the country. As part of the city’s contribution to this year’s campaign, Birmingham City Council is launching a series of actions under the theme #MakingCommunitiesSafer, with a strong focus on:…

Birmingham City Council is backing a national campaign to reduce knife crime by encouraging residents to surrender dangerous weapons anonymously and safely. As part of the national knife surrender scheme running from 1 to 31 July 2025, residents are urged to dispose of knives and other dangerous weapons using dedicated surrender bins across Birmingham, designated police stations, and a mobile van unit – all without fear of prosecution. In Birmingham, a mobile weapons surrender van will be stationed at Handsworth Park car park on Wednesday 2 July from 9am to 12pm. Residents can surrender knives and any other dangerous weapons…

Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together, a bold vision setting out the shared ambitions of the city, its partners and citizens, and the Corporate Plan setting out the council’s priorities, were approved. Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together (SBFT) approved at full council (17 June 2025) – which is a partnership plan for the next decade – aims to address challenges, grasp opportunities and tackle inequalities Birmingham and its residents face. This vision – produced through consulting and engaging partners and communities across Birmingham and which will be delivered by working closely with city partners – is for Birmingham to be a city that…