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 :
- Initial Enquiry: Get in touch to speak to a member of the ENNS team to determine eligibility.
- 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.
- Review Process: An external grants panel will review applications for small grants and the ENNS team for microgrants.
- 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)
Click Here For Online Form
Reference:
NNS Edgbaston Fund Factsheet September 2023
Click to Access
- Younger Adults with Additional Needs (18 –49)
NNS Younger Adults | Heart of England Community Foundation (heartofenglandcf.co.uk)
Click Here For Online Form
Reference:
NNS Younger Adults Fund Factsheet September 2023
Click Here to Access
Microgrants:
Click Here to Download
the Microgrants Application Form
Alternatively you can request a microgrant application by emailing
nnsedgbaston@ageukbirmingham.org.uk
(click to email)
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.
Harborne Baptist Church (HBC)
We have funded two activities at HBC - Move It or Lose It and Creative Wellbeing Arts & Crafts Morning. These FREE to attend groups encourage good physical and mental health and opportunities for social connectivity to combat isolation.
Move It or Lose – Every Monday 11:30 – 12:30 OR 13:00 – 14:00 providing ability-adapted exercises to improve balance, mobility, flexibility and strength for all levels and abilities.
Creative Wellbeing - Every Friday morning 10:30 – 12:30 led by an Arts Therapies UK facilitator providing varied craft activities.
Digi Kick
We have funded Digikick for a new Tea and T’Internet project. It is a friendly beginner internet group which supports people to develop basic internet skills and reduce isolation, held weekly at Cerebral Palsy Midlands. This 12-week project will provide weekly support to approximately 15 people aged between 18 and 49 and living with disabilities. For more information call Kev on 07340701551.
Birmingham Central Synagogue
Shalom Socials: Connecting & Thriving in Community aims to combat social isolation and improve the well-being of elderly Jewish community members (aged 60+). The initiative will provide structured social activities and traditional gatherings that foster connection, mental stimulation, and engagement within the community, while promoting emotional and physical well-being. This will include weekly workshops, including a book club, painting sessions, and baking workshops. For more information, email irina@milacic.co.uk
Upcoming Capacity Building Events
Dementia Awareness Training
Two dates available
Wednesday 2nd 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Edgbaston Community Centre
40 Woodview Drive,
Birmingham B15 2HU
(61 and 63 bus route from Birmingham City Centre and a 8-10 minute walk)
Parking available on site
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ebkH1VePWhZwTk2YA
Wednesday 16th July 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
St.Germain's Church
City Road
Birmingham B17 8LE
(13 and 12A bus route from Birmingham City Centre via Five Ways)
Parking available on site
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJwuDRAWfkmsZwYd9
Click Here To Book
Public Health Data Reporting
Wednesday 16th July 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Edgbaston Community Centre,
40 Woodview Drive,
Birmingham
B15 2HU
Click Here To Book
Thursday 17th July 1:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Online on Zoom
Click Here To Book
Wednesday 06th August 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Online on Zoom
Click Here To Book
Emergency First Aid at Work
Thursday 11th September 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Harborne Baptist Church,
Harborne Park Road,
Harborne
B17 0DH
(23 and 24 bus route from Birmingham City Centre via Harborne High Street)
Parking on surrounding roads.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mvHhzu7YRDY6BzHq6
Click Here To Book
Safeguarding Adults
Tuesday 30th September 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Venue: TBC
Click Here To Book
Equality & Diversity Training
Wednesday 15th October 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Venue: TBC
Click Here To Book
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.
The March 2025 edition includes
We invite you to browse the completenewsletter for the full story and to explore more in-depth updates, by clicking the blue button below: Click here for the
|
 |
The March 2025 edition includes
We invite you to browse the complete newsletter for the full story and to explore more in-depth updates, by clicking the blue button below: |
 |
The January 2025 edition includes
We invite you to browse the complete newsletter for the full story and to explore more in-depth updates, by clicking the blue button below: |
|
In our first edition, we covered key highlights, including:
We invite you to browse the complete newsletter for the full story and to explore more in-depth updates, by clicking the blue button below: |
 |
Meet our team
|
Project Manager |
 Faraza AndersonCommunity Development Worker |
 Jay AllsoppCommunity Development Worker |
 Natalie LavinService Lead: Social Prescribing & Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme(ENNS) |
