The February/March edition of Erdington Local features the latest news and updates from Witton Lodge Community Association.

Chief among the stories is the support our stop smoking campaign, Break the Habit, is receiving from an Erdington organisation dedicated to supporting Polish residents. There is also a chance for local residents to become Community Health Champions and help people gain better, quicker, cleaner access to important health services.

People for People Supporting Break the Habit

Since September, we have been supporting residents across Erdington and Sutton Coldfield to Break The Habit and quit smoking. WLCA has been actively engaging with partner organisations, community groups and venues across our communities to deliver this free stop smoking support project.

The campaign is now stepping up a gear with one of Erdington’s respected local organisations supporting us to effectively share the project with our local Polish community.

People for People CIC supports Polish residents to access practical advice services and become better engaged and active within their local community. Alongside Witton Lodge, they will be hosting a special Break the Habit information session on Thursday 19th February.

Steve Sharma, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator at Witton Lodge Community Association said: “Sessions like this are being established to ensure the support being delivered under Break the Habit is easily accessible for all residents across our communities.”

Magdalena Zielinska at People for People said: “Smoking is still normalised and a massive issue within the Polish community. However, there isn’t any support delivered in Polish. Therefore residents don’t have much knowledge of what help is available to them. I am very happy to partner with Witton Lodge to present this opportunity to the Polish community.”

Could You Be a Community Health Champion?

Residents are being invited to join the Birmingham Community Health Champions programme, an initiative empowering local people to share trusted health information and support their communities to live healthier lives.

Funded by Birmingham City Council’s Public Health Team, the programme is delivered through Witton Lodge Community Association.

It offers free monthly training on health topics including mental health, nutrition, physical activity, vaccinations, diabetes, cardiovascular health and alcohol awareness among others.

Community champions don’t need any prior experience, just an interest in helping others. Volunteers learn practical, accessible information and then share it through everyday conversations. The role is flexible, fully supported and travel expenses are reimbursed.

If you’re interested in becoming a Community Health Champion call us on 0121 382 1930 for further details and support.

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