DCH partner with Yardley Library to offer their community services  From empowering women and helping older people embrace technology to offering free business advice and launching an innovative community discount card, Desire Community Hub is proving that community centres can be a powerful force for change. Desire Community Hub (DCH) has been named Community Observer’s Best Community Centre 2026, recognising four years of community work, growing partnerships and an ambitious vision for supporting residents and local businesses. Based on Runcorn Road in Birmingham, DCH has developed a wide range of services designed to help people learn new skills, improve their…

The council leader and cabinet members have written an open letter expressing extreme disappointment and concern that Greensquare Accord are no longer willing to sell at the initially agreed price. Dear Ruth Cooke, CEO of Greensquare Accord. We are writing to Greensquare Accord as Birmingham’s new political administration, in relation to the Stirchley Co-Operative Development. We note that Greensquare Accord stepped into develop out the site on behalf of the Stirchley Co-Operative Development after the previous developer pulled out to support the growth of community led housing in the city. We are, therefore, extremely disappointed and…

Birmingham City Council has hailed the success of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships following a wonderful week of sport in the city. The event reached its climax on Sunday after a week of bumper crowds both in Alexander Stadium and the city centre. Ticket sales surpassed targets set by event organisers, with a total attendance of 218,135 across seven days of competition, finishing with three successive sold-out evening sessions. The weekend also saw fans given the opportunity to experience the excitement of Birmingham 2026 free of charge, with Saturday’s race walking events and Sunday’s marathons taking…

Celebrate like a champion at the city-centre official fan zone of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships, taking over Centenary Square from 13-16 August. Birmingham is getting ready to Go for Gold as new plans are revealed for Champions Square, the official city-centre fan zone for the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships. Taking over Centenary Square from 13-16 August, Champions Square will bring the excitement of the Championships into the heart of Birmingham. Visitors will be able to watch the exciting sporting action live on a giant screen alongside four days of FREE family-friendly performances, workshops and more…

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…

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…