You’ve already seen some of the results of the Flip training with a number of local citizens, including footage from Local Democracy Week events. Here’s a round-up of some more of the videos submitted, starting with the video above which finds Glyn Selwyn, Chair of Bournbrook Neighbourhood Forum, interviewing people about the litter problem in the Bournbrook area of Selly Oak.
Thanks to being trained in using a Flip camera, Glyn was able to capture evidence of some of the affected areas, as well as reflecting the litter picking work being done by volunteers to combat the issue. (more…)
All of the winners at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards
At the Council House last Friday evening (22nd October), a special awards dinner was held to celebrate the nominees for the 2010 Local Hearts Awards, and announce the award winners. Giving praise and recognition for all of the work done by these unsung heroes intheir communities, the evening was hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Michael Wilkes and the Deputy Lady Mayoress, Mrs Vivienne Wilkes and compered by local poets Spoz and Matt Windle.
All of the winners and highly commended nominees received prizes which will help them to continue their great work in the community and help to make future projects become a reality.
Mick Williams, winner of the Active Citizen (Male) Award at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards
Winner of the Active Citizen (Male) Award at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards, Mick Williams talks about the commitment to renwable energy sources, and the role that development of organic produce can have as an educational tool for children in the community.
Nick Reynolds collects the Community Learning Award at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards
At the 2010 Local Hearts Awards Nick Reynolds received the prize of the Community Learning Award, sponsored by Residents University and Birmingham City Council’s Take Part programme.
Along with a handful of other residents, Nick Reynolds set up the Roman Way residents’ group in Edgbaston about five years ago. Thanks to Nick’s efforts, the group has gone from strength to strength and is now a community interest company (CIC), with Nick as its company secretary.
Nick never misses an opportunity to learn and to enable others to do so by sharing his knowledge and experience. He sits on the council of the Resident University, which provides a programme of events and learning opportunities for people who live and work in Birmingham’s neighbourhoods. (more…)
Sister Helen Ryan collects her award for Active Citizen (Female) at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards
Sister Helen Ryan sums up the impact of her work and that of fellow volunteers as social cohesion, and helping the most vulnerable people in communities is clearly at the forefront of this. Sister Helen was talking to us after accepting her award for Active Citizen (Female) at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards. You can hear the interview in full below.
Representatives of Balsall Heath CATS at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards
Nazreen Bi, of Balsall Heath Children Action Team Support (CATS), talks on behalf of the organisation about the origins of the organisation and the impact of young volunteers on the work they do, as well as how they serve children and families in the local area. Nazreen’s passion for the work is obvious during the interview, and it’s clear why the organisation is held in such high esteem within the community.
Visibly thrilled with his award, Luke McClean beamed while talking about some of the projects he’s been active in, including a community cafe and a youth club for young people, as well as his future as a social entrepreneur. Asked about how it feels to win an award, he grinned:
“You don’t do it to get an award and you don’t do it to get anything out of it; you do it because you see people’s faces and the kids are so enthusiastic. It’s such a buzz and it makes you feel amazing.”
Joan Knowles, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Local Hearts Awards, talks about the enjoyment she’s got from working for the benefit of the community. She reflects on life as a foster parent and the opportunities that are open for other people to get the same satisfaction Joan has derived from helping others. You can listen to an interview with her in full below.
Shaun from Voice is Power feels empowered thanks to the work he does campaigning on issues affecting young people and the community as a whole. He spoke to us at the showcase event launching the new Voice is Power website, as part of Local Democracy Week.
Shaun talks about the impact different media forms can have in communicating messages, and his own hopes for the future. Particularly active in campaigning about pressures affecting young people in education, Shaun is enthusiastic about the impact youth volunteering has in the community, as well as enjoying the feeling he gets from raising awareness of these issues.
You can see the full interview with Shaun by watching the video above.
Claire Spencer of Chamberlain Forum attended the Voice is Power website launch showcase and spoke to some of the young people involved in their campaigns. This selection of videos charts the work ViP is doing on behalf of young people, focusing on the key issues which were raised by their peers.
In the video above, Manni discusses his role in leading on a campaign tackling the education pressures which face young people. Manni and his colleagues have already met with councillors and elected representatives to address the issues, and they will be working with schools to bring in a series of recommendations. (more…)
