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Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme

Creating a network of support in Edgbaston.

About Us

What is the Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS)?

The Neighbourhood Network Scheme is a community project dedicated to combatting loneliness and isolation among adults 50+ and those adults aged 18 – 49 with additional needs, within the Edgbaston constituency. The Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS for short) works with community assets to ensure that citizens have activities on their doorstep which help them connect to their communities and lead independent, happy and healthy lives. We also work closely with local Social Work teams to help them access local services and activities for the people they support.

What areas are covered?

  • Bartley Green
  • Edgbaston
  • North Edgbaston
  • Harborne
  • Quinton

How can Edgbaston NNS help?

If you run or are part of a group/activity (or are thinking of setting one up), our NNS team can support you with the following:

 

Helping you set up a new activity

Guiding you through every step to ensure a smooth start.

Accessing small grant funding

Unlocking essential resources to fuel your projects and ideas.

Training

Empowering you with the skills and knowledge to excel.

Networking opportunities

Connecting you with the right people to expand your horizons. Joining the citywide asset register Integrating your resources into a community-wide network for greater impact.

Grant Application

The Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme aims to support local groups, grassroots organisations and individuals who are passionate about enhancing their communities through provision of activities. We provide grants for projects that have a strong community focus and a well-developed project idea, promotes community engagement, foster social connections, and improve the wellbeing of local residents.

 

Who Can Apply ?
  • Registered Charity: established for charitable purposes and registered with the Charity Commission.
  • Company Limited by Guarantee: An incorporated firm without share capital, in which the liability of its members is limited by the amount each one of them undertakes to contribute at the time the firm is wound up, usually £1.
  • Unincorporated groups: Informal community groups of individuals or local associations working together for community benefit e.g. residents association
Eligible Activities ?
  • Health and Wellbeing: Activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health, such as fitness classes, mental health workshops, and wellness events.
  • Intergenerational Projects: Activities that foster learning opportunities or skill development between younger and older adults.
  • Arts and Crafts: Activities that promote wellbeing through various arts.
  • Environmental Initiatives: Projects focused on sustainability and community gardening that bring people together.
  • Social Inclusion Activities: Initiatives that bring together diverse groups, including seniors, youth, or marginalised communities, as well as LGBTQ, BAME, and refugee communities.
  • Digital inclusion: Projects that support digital literacy
Funding Amounts?
  • Small Grants: Up to £10,000 for projects that run recurring activities with long-term community benefits and broader impact.
  • Micro Grants: Up to £500 for use as seed funding or pilot projects
Application Process :
  1. Initial Enquiry: Get in touch to speak to a member of the ENNS team to determine eligibility.
  2. Full Application: If eligible, complete the full grant application. For small grants, complete the application online on the Heart of England Community Foundation website, requiring a detailed project plan, budget, and expected outcomes. For microgrants, download the form and return the completed forms to the team member you spoke with.
  3. Review Process: An external grants panel will review applications for small grants and the ENNS team for microgrants.
  4. Notification: The Heart of England Community Foundation for small grants and the ENNS manager for microgrants will inform applicants of the outcome.
Evaluation Criteria ?
  • Community Impact: How will the project benefit the community and does it address one of the ENNS priorities? What are the anticipated outcomes?
  • Feasibility: Is the project plan realistic and achievable within the proposed timeframe and budget?
  • Sustainability: Will the project have a lasting impact? Is there potential for the activity to continue beyond the grant period?
  • Inclusivity: Does the project promote inclusion and engagement across diverse community groups?
Reporting Requirements ?

Grant recipients will be required to provide a report on the project’s outcomes, including how the funds were used and the impact on the community. This may include photos, testimonials, or other supporting materials. For microgrants, applicants will be expected to share stories of difference.

How to Apply ?
  • Small grants: Apply online

Older Adults (50+) Edgbaston & Northfield NNS Fund | Heart of England Community Foundation (heartofenglandcf.co.uk)
Reference:NNS Edgbaston Fund Factsheet September 2023

Younger Adults with Additional Needs (18 –49) NNS Younger Adults | Heart of England Community Foundation (heartofenglandcf.co.uk)
Reference:NNS Younger Adults Fund Factsheet September 2023

Important Note:

Please also refer to the full grant guidelines on the Heart of England Community Foundation website before applying to ensure your project meets the eligibility criteria. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Artscoop Central – ‘Out and About’
Artscoop Central on behalf of Edgbaston Local Arts Forum delivers ‘Out & About’ - a creative workshop with shared outcomes - enabling residents across Edgbaston to literally and metaphorically get Out & About through engaging in creative activities. The aim is to bring different people together and prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation. Workshops are conducted in six venues including faith and community centres, care homes and sheltered housing through co-production. This Autumn, participants will visit all six venues by coach for tea and talk sessions sharing what they have been doing and conclude with a celebratory show of people’s achievements at IKON Gallery.

 

Digi Kick
A small grant was awarded for a beginner internet group (Tea and T’internet) targeted at people living with Cerebral Pasly. Delivered in partnership with Cerebral Palsy Midlands, the project is aimed to help people with a greater understanding of using the internet to support them while providing a social space. If participants do not have their own equipment, DigiKick are able to lend equipment to use during the sessions. Referrals from Social Workers and Social Prescribers are encouraged. Please contact Lewis Bradshaw on 07726 302 138 or email lewis@digikick.co.uk

 

St. Francis Centre - Therapeutic Creative Arts
Weekly creative arts sessions are run at the St. Francis Centre in Barltey Green every Wednesday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The sessions are led by the Centre for Art Therapies UK and are based around citizens interest. The workshops range from embroidery and card making to jewellery crafts and claywork. Citizens attending the craft workshops are also welcomed to join the coffee morning that runs alongside and help themselves to tea, coffee and refreshments. All workshops are free; no need to book, just turn up at the St. Francis Centre, 36 Glen Side, Birmingham B32 3RU.

Latest Quarterly Newsletter

Explore our quarterly newsletter to stay informed about the latest updates from our organisation. Each issue brings you the most recent news, events, and developments within our services, along with valuable insights from our community.

In this edition, we cover key highlights, including:

  • Updates on our ongoing projects and initiatives
  • Inspiring stories from service users and staff
  • Upcoming events and opportunities to get involved
  • Recent achievements and plans

We invite you to browse the complete newsletter here for the full story and to explore more in-depth updates.

Meet our team

Sandra McNairSandra McNair

Project Manager
Faraza Anderson

Faraza Anderson

Community Development Worker
Jay Allsopp

Jay Allsopp

Community Development Worker
Natalie Lavin

Natalie Lavin

Service Lead: Social Prescribing & Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme(ENNS)