Birmingham 2022 community programme welcomes 50th project

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games community programme has welcomed a further seven organisations, with 50 projects across the West Midlands being accepted onto the scheme since it was launched in March.

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.

Projects are recognised for the work they do and have official usage of the United by programme name and logo in their communications to amplify their activities.

One of the projects recently added is #DoingOurBit - a unique fitness platform launched by the Clinical Research Network West Midlands. The platform was set up during the pandemic to offer unique, individual workouts that are personalised to the needs of NHS staff. With the digital content created by volunteer personal trainers, it gives NHS staff a chance to be more active, accessing relaxation sessions, stretching, low-impact workouts and more high-intensity routines.

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, boosting mental and physical health, but also brings 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.

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, said:

"These projects demonstrate some of the fantastic community work that is going on across the West Midlands and further afield. With 50 projects now signed up to the project, United by Birmingham 2022 will help to deliver a fantastic legacy for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the whole of the UK."

John Crabtree, Chairman of Birmingham 2022, said:

"To reach the milestone of securing 50 different United By partners is significant. We know that these are challenging times for all and to welcome the latest tranche of projects onto our community programme is extremely reassuring.

"The fact that these projects have a distinct focus on improving health and wellbeing, and span both the older and younger generations is encouraging as it’s a tangible demonstration of the common purpose and values we share.

"We’re passionate about inspiring communities to live happier, healthier lives so we are really pleased to be able to play our part and help these projects raise their profile. Could I ask anyone involved in a community project who might be interested in joining the programme to do so – whilst we have reached 50, we want to work with many more and I’d encourage anyone interested to apply on our website."

Ama Agbeze, Team England netball player and Official United by Birmingham 2022 ambassador, said:

"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."

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

"The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games really will have something for everybody. In addition to the sporting and cultural offer, the event will generate jobs, create business opportunities and is a golden chance to bring our communities together.

"So it's really pleasing to see the latest round of organisations being recognised for sharing our aspirations for the Games – and I look forward to many more United by Birmingham 2022 projects being added to this programme in the months and years ahead."

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will bring athletes, officials, spectators and local people together in a unique celebration of sport, culture and business, creating growth and positive change in Birmingham the wider West Midlands.

For more information about United by Birmingham 2022 or to submit your project application please visit: www.birmingham2022.com/United

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