Over the past week, Witton Lodge Community Association was honoured to host distinguished guests, Cllr Mariam Khan, Jo Tonkin, Interim Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council and new MD of Birmingham City Council (BCC) Joanne Roney, who came to experience firsthand the vital work we do in supporting our communities across Erdington.

Cllr Mariam Khan’s Visit

Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, visited three of our key hubs: Perry Common Community Hall, Sycamore Court, and Witton Lakes Eco Hub. Joined by Jo Tonkin, this comprehensive tour provided her with a thorough understanding of the diverse services we offer, from health and wellbeing initiatives to housing and employment support. Her visit highlighted the importance of our community-based approach in addressing local needs and fostering a sense of community.

Cllr Khan’s engagement with our services underscores the value of collaboration between local government and community organisations in enhancing the quality of life for residents in Erdington.

The Witton Lodge team welcome Cllr Khan to Witton Lakes Eco Hub.

 

Health by Stealth

With years of experience in delivering tailored support through our ethos of “Health by Stealth”, Witton Lodge are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our community. In response to the growing demand for benefits and welfare advice, we have expanded our team to include dedicated welfare advisors. These advisors provide essential support both in-person and online, ensuring that everyone has access to the guidance they need. Our Social Prescribing referrals have seen a remarkable increase of over 30% in the 2023/24 period compared to the previous year. This significant growth reflects both the ongoing demand for our services and the effectiveness of our refined Community Support Pathways, which ensure our services remain relevant and impactful, contributing to better health and wellbeing outcomes for those we serve.

Additionally, by collaborating with Birmingham City Council Adult Social Care and integrating Occupational Therapists into our network, we are establishing a comprehensive support system for Erdington residents to easily access in the heart of their community.

Joanne Roney’s Visit

Following Cllr Khan’s visit, we were delighted to welcome Joanne Roney, the newly appointed Managing Director of Birmingham City Council, to the Witton Lakes Eco Hub. During her visit, Joanne engaged in discussions with our Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain and Resident Chair Linda Hines, MBE focusing on the essential services we provide to bridge the gaps left by reduced statutory services across Erdington and North Birmingham.

A key aspect of the conversation was the role of community asset transfers in providing local organisations with opportunities, support and encouragement to deliver place-based support. This approach helps residents to access vital community hubs easily, helping to grow a more connected and supported community within their local neighbourhoods.

Joanne Roney meets the Witton Lodge team at Witton Lakes Eco Hub

Shared Appreciation for Witton Lodge’s Work

Both Cllr Khan and Joanne Roney expressed their admiration for the breadth and depth of services offered by Witton Lodge. They recognised our organisation as a vital Community Anchor, supporting residents across a wide range of essential service areas. Their visits not only highlighted the impact of our work but also reinforced the importance of partnerships between Community Organisations and Local Authorities in creating resilient and thriving communities.

As we continue to grow and evolve, these important visits serve as a testament to the reputation of Witton Lodge Community Association and the value we place in enhancing community wellbeing and addressing local challenges. We look forward to ongoing partnerships and collaborations that will further enrich the lives of those we serve.