Communities
Our communities are at the heart of everything we do.
We care about people and places, and express this through long-term commitment to communities across Erdington. Home to more than 98,000 people, Erdington is a collection of distinct neighbourhoods each with their own character, stories, and strengths.
Our work is grounded in building strong relationships through listening and collaboration, partnering with communities to support long-term, positive transformation.
Explore the communities we serve in Erdington:
Perry Common
Perry Common is where UDB began in 2003, when youth crime rates were among the highest in Birmingham. Through prayer, partnership, and positive relationships, UDB has played a part in turning things around. Our base, Hope House, sits beside St Martin’s Church, and we run a variety of activities from Hope House and at The Underground, a vibrant space within the church - remaining rooted in the community as it continues to grow and change.
Short Heath
Just up the road from Perry Common lies a collection of neighbourhoods surrounding Short Heath Park. New builds mingle with beautiful period properties, a 20th century sink estate and post-war high rises. Pockets of this area are in the poorest 1% across the entire nation but there is a vibrant and unmistakable sense of community. We run street-based activities on the Topcroft estate.
Wyrley Birch
Wyrley Birch is a small estate of 800 or so homes situated next to the beautiful Witton Lakes. Services and resources have been gradually removed from the neighbourhood over the past 20 years and it is one of the most statistically disadvantaged places to live in the UK. Working with local people and other organisations we are beginning to see things shift. We run activities at Witton Lakes & within the Lakeside Centre.
These 3 communities are central to our work, but our weekly connections extend into the wider Erdington area:
Erdington Hall
Near Spaghetti Junction, the Erdington Hall estate has been a focus of our work since 2009, when we launched a youth project based at St Chad’s Church. Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships and meaningful connections in the area. While our activities there have evolved, we remain committed to supporting the community through prayer and ongoing partnerships.
Pype Hayes
In the southeast of Erdington lies the Pype Hayes estate. In early 2021, we partnered with Lighthouse Church | St Mary’s to connect with local children, families, and young people. Starting outdoors during Covid restrictions - with just three team members and a pizza oven - we’ve since grown to offer a weekly Family Drop-In inside the church, creating a welcoming space for the community.
Erdington Central
Erdington High Street is a popular gathering point for young people after school. In late 2021, we partnered with Churches Together Erdington and St Barnabas Church to start connecting with local young people. We now run a weekly youth café at the church to hang out, play games, connect, and enjoy hot chocolate and cheese toasties.
Volunteer With Us
To apply to volunteer simply click the ‘ Sign Up’ button below and one of our team will be in touch!
