Launched in March this year, United By Birmingham 2022 brings together innovative community projects that have a positive impact in the communities they serve. From improving skills and providing volunteering opportunities, to benefitting the environment and encouraging participation in sport, the chosen projects all share a common purpose with Birmingham 2022.

Among the newly added projects is #DoingOurBit, a unique fitness platform launched by the Clinical Research Network West Midlands. The platform was set up during the Covid-19 pandemic to offer unique, individual workouts that are personalised to the needs of NHS staff.

Also promoting physical activity is The Jet Singh Trust, set up in memory of wrestler and fitness trainer Jatinder Singh Chatha to provide opportunities for the most disadvantaged young people in the community. Based in Wombourne in South Staffordshire, the charity promotes sports for all through its MMA centre (pictured below), boosting mental and physical health, but also bringing the community together to combat crime, social inclusion, discrimination, bullying and loneliness.

Using dance as a means to combat social isolation, Ladywood Dance to Health is a community dance programme for people aged over 55 years. It combines evidence-based strength and balance exercises with the creativity, expression and energy of dance. In recent months, the group has had to move its services online.

Other projects which have recently been added include; Run Brum Crew, a free and supportive running community in Birmingham with England Athletics licensed Run Leaders and three projects led by Sport Birmingham, a charity that uses the power of sport and physical activity to improve lives, have also been welcomed onto the programme.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that regular exercise is more important than ever to keep us feeling fit and healthy – both physically and mentally. I think it’s great that Birmingham 2022 is shining a light on local projects that promote this and my hope is that more people are inspired get involved in the various activities on offer in their community.
Ama Agbeze, Team England netball player and Official United by Birmingham 2022 ambassador

United by Birmingham 2022 supports and highlights projects delivered by charities and community organisations. This can include projects improving skills, offering training and development, providing volunteering resource, benefitting the environment, encouraging sport participation or delivering youth engagement activities. Successful projects can use the official community programme logo to amplify their activity.

For more information about the United by Birmingham 2022 programme, to see details of some of the projects that have recently been added or to submit your project application please click the link below.