Through this strand of work, we aim to reduce individual isolation, break down barriers to cohesion, and connect residents to encourage good relationships between neighbours. Regular 'Know Your Neighbourhood' events have been held to bring together residents and community organisations.
Events
Inspiration Awards
Held at the Parklands Banqueting Suite, Hockley on 19th October 2018, with 150 people in attendance. The event welcomed local MP Shabana Mahmood, Councillors Sybil Spence and Majid Mahmood, Watch Commander Carl Dudley and Diane Mansell, Soho BID Manager.
There were seven award categories including: A young person (7–11), A young person (12–18), Environment Champion, A good neighbour, a community group, organisation or charity, a community minded business and a community ambassador.
View Inspiration Awards
Events
Soho's Got Talent
In April 2018 Soho First hosted a combined Community Picnic and Soho's Got Talent Event at Soho Community Hall and neighbouring Booth Street Park. Auditions were held prior to the event so that those taking part on the day were the finalists.
The event was a showcase of the amazing young talent in Soho and JQ Ward.
View Soho's Got TalentProjects
Environment
The environment is a priority for many people living and working in the area. This theme includes work to reduce waste, fly tipping and litter, and to increase the recycling and reuse of materials. It is also about enabling people to take pride in the area and make a positive contribution through, for example, In Bloom and the It's Your Neighbourhood Awards.
Soho First has worked with other local groups and organisations to organise litter picks and to support residents wishing to set up litter picks in their own streets. We have also worked with schools to raise awareness of waste and recycling issues.
Peace Garden Project
Soho First has been working with the Halow Trust to develop a garden in front of the Prison Visitors' Centre on Winson Green Road. The Halow Trust provides support for families visiting relatives in Birmingham Prison. Work on the garden has included the creation of two large raised beds, new shrubs, a wooden carving, benches and an engraved stone. This has been a collaborative effort involving local businesses and organisations including the Halow Trust, New Leaf, Erdington Youth Offending Team, Wildlife Trust, Companions for Hope and the Prison Service. The garden was opened by Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood on Saturday 15th June 2019.
View Environment workProjects
Thriving Soho
Soho First has been working with residents, businesses and organisations to develop a Community Economic Development Plan for the Ward. Community Economic Development is about communities taking greater control and actively shaping the local economy — in ways that benefit the area, based on its strengths and local conditions.
A draft plan was launched at Soho House Museum on 14th June 2019. Community researchers from the USE-IT project at Birmingham University have since been exploring the potential for encouraging local procurement and developing a maker space for social enterprises. This work is now complete and we are looking to organise another event to take the CEDP a step further.
View Thriving SohoFrequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
What community events does Soho First organise?
Soho First has organised the Inspiration Awards, Soho's Got Talent community picnic, and regular Know Your Neighbourhood events to connect residents across Soho and Jewellery Quarter.
What is the Peace Garden project?
The Peace Garden is in front of the Prison Visitors' Centre on Winson Green Road, created in partnership with the Halow Trust and opened by MP Shabana Mahmood in June 2019.
What is the Thriving Soho plan?
Thriving Soho is a Community Economic Development Plan encouraging local businesses and organisations to procure and employ locally, developed with help from Birmingham University researchers.