About Soho First

Soho First is about connecting the gifts, aspirations, skills and capacities of people in Birmingham’s Soho and Jewellery Quarter Wards so that collectively we are better able to identify needs and priorities and act in response to them. Soho First aspires to work alongside residents, and partners to make a difference to local priorities – social, economic and environmental – to create a place that is even better for all to live and work in. 

 

 

 

Soho First is currently focussed on three main strands of work:

  • Environment: ensuring that we have a clean, safe place to live, work and play
  • Bringing People Together: building a stronger and more connected community through organising events that bring people together, connect neighbours, reduce isolation and celebrate the gifts, talents and cultural diversity of people in the area
  • Thriving Soho: working to make the local economy work better for local people by maximising how much money circulates in the area; encouraging organisations and businesses to procure and employ locally and promoting social enterprise in the area.

Soho First has dedicated task groups working on each of these areas.
If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with us.

Soho First is also a partner in the Neighbourhood Network Scheme alongside Birmingham Settlement, Karis Neighbourhood Scheme and Nechells Pod.

The Soho First Team

Andrew Simons – Chair
Robert John Higginson – Secretary
Rhona Rouse – Treasurer
Rev. John Mall
Shaheed Pervaz
Monique McKen (Observer)
Pat Whyte (Birmingham City Council, Observer)
Carlene McKenzie (Ladywood Neighbourhood Network Scheme)

Soho First Community Development Trust (working title: Soho First) was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Association Model (Charity Number: 1173499) in 2017.
The trustees are elected by the membership at the annual general meeting.