As we mark the International Day of Older People on 1 October, Bridge Point West Midlands CIC is celebrating the contribution older people make to our communities while highlighting a challenge we see regularly: too many older residents are becoming disconnected from the services, technology and social networks around them. One recent moment captured this perfectly. During a digital inclusion session in Yardley, a gentleman was asked what he used his mobile phone for. His answer was simple: “Incoming calls.” With a little practical support, he learned how to find the photographs stored on his phone. It was a small step, but his reaction showed why this work matters. Digital inclusion is not simply about technology. It is about confidence, independence and staying connected. Bridge Point West Midlands CIC was established in 2025 to support older adults, unpaid carers and people experiencing isolation through practical community-based support. During September, we delivered a four-week Healthy Living and Wellbeing programme in Yardley, bringing residents together with organisations working across digital inclusion, carers support, diabetes awareness, falls prevention and men’s health. What we are learning is that older people rarely experience just one challenge. Someone who is digitally excluded may also struggle to access health information. A person with mobility problems may become socially isolated. An unpaid carer may prioritise someone else’s needs while neglecting their own wellbeing. This is why our approach is based on more than simply running activities. We aim to identify needs, build trust, connect people with appropriate services and follow up afterwards. The programme has also shown the value of bringing specialist organisations directly into familiar community settings. Residents are often more willing to ask questions and seek help when support is accessible, informal and delivered alongside people they already know. Alongside our wellbeing work, Bridge Point operates a referral-led mobile food support service, including doorstep deliveries for residents who may be unable to access traditional food provision. We also use community activities and outings to help reduce isolation and strengthen relationships. One of the most encouraging things we have seen is older people supporting one another. Participants with stronger digital skills have helped others. People have shared experiences, encouraged neighbours and built new connections. Older people are not simply recipients of services. They are contributors, mentors and an essential part of our communities. Our next step is to strengthen partnerships with health services, housing providers, voluntary organisations, local authorities and community groups so that more older residents can access support earlier and closer to home. Our message for International Day of Older People is simple:Growing older should never mean growing disconnected. Bridge Point West Midlands CIC welcomes referrals, partnerships and conversations with organisations that share that ambition. Daniel Aliu Director, Bridge Point West Midlands CIC

ChangeKitchen CIC 's Gen22 Food & Social Action Project gives young people aged 16–24 in Birmingham the chance to gain 30 hours of supported volunteering experience with award-winning catering social enterprise ChangeKitchen CIC. Young people can develop practical kitchen, teamwork and communication skills, build confidence, strengthen their CV and gain a valuable work reference, while making a positive contribution to their local community. The experience is tailored to their interests and supported by a welcoming team throughout. Amaan (pictured accepting a certificate from ChangeKitchen's James Leach) took part in the last programme. His mum, Sehreen, shares her experience of seeing Amaan take part, the difference it made to his confidence and skills, and what the opportunity meant to him. “My son Amaan is an exceedingly kind and hardworking individual. He always thinks the best of people and gives his utmost effort regardless of his circumstances or situations. He will go out of his way for others weather he physically can or not. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 10 years old. He has learning difficulties and communicating difficulties. Unfortunately, when Covid hit and the whole world went into lockdown, Amaan got ill. Due to the delay in being seen and getting treatment after 6 months he ended up with lifelong mobility difficulties. He got nerve damage below both ankles resulting in paralysis in both feet. He lost a lot of muscle in his legs and arms. Because he is tall, he finds it difficult to balance without physical support. He lost the ability to write, clothe himself, feed himself. He found it difficult to do the everyday tasks he did daily. His hands had clawed up, and he could not move his fingers due to muscle weakness. Due to safety concerns at college, he did not have many options on which courses he could pursue. He also did not secure the Maths and English level 3 requirements to apply for apprenticeship opportunities. Amaan does not go places he is not familiar with alone. He always has me or his dad with him. There are some places he likes to go alone to, to buy his favourite Boba drinks or buy his anime collectibles. Recently we found out that there were volunteering opportunities available at ChangeKitchen CIC, helping in the kitchen environment. When I told Amaan about this he was very excited as it is something that he loves being able to do. We contacted James and were asked to come and introduce ourselves and to go over any concerns that could arise if Amaan were to volunteer at ChangeKitchen CIC. Amaan was a bit nervous because he had faced obstacles in other settings which ended up in him having to not continue there. But once we went and Amaan had a look around and spoke to James his concern was no longer there. He really looked forward to his first shift. What was even more advantageous was that we live on the same road as where ChangeKitchen CIC are based. It is a 2-minute walk so commuting is not a problem. When Amaan had his first shift he was excited, and when he came home, he was happy, he enjoys being part of a work environment as well as being part of a team. The opportunity has given him the chance of being part of something that he enjoys the most. He was particularly excited about being asked to help at The Workplace Event at the NEC. He really enjoyed working with the team and talking about what was made and serving customers. He now looks forward to his shift times at ChangeKitchen CIC. It gives him the opportunity to be a part of an organisation and being part of a team.” SOURCE: Sehreen, Amma’s mum, April 2026 About ChangeKitchen CIC ChangeKitchen CIC is an award-winning social enterprise event catering company specialising in climate-friendly menus prepared with passion & kindness. Our positive social impact comes from supporting people back to work & cooking healthy free community meals for those impacted by the cost of living crisis. We also work collaboratively with food partners to reduce food waste and improve food justice across Birmingham.

From helping to shape the future of Highbury as a Trustee, to caring for its beautiful gardens or bringing its fascinating history to life for visitors, there are many different ways to volunteer with Chamberlain Highbury Trust. We hear from three volunteers about what brought them to Highbury, what they enjoy about their roles and why they would encourage others to get involved. Charlotte Askew - Trustee (Left hand picture) Tell us a bit about yourself and what attracted you to volunteering at Highbury? I am the youngest Trustee at CHT and have been involved with the Trust for just over a year. Although I am now based in London, I make every effort to attend events whenever I’m back home in Birmingham. Having grown up in a neighbouring area, I would often visited Highbury, so when the opportunity arose to join the Trust, I leapt at the chance! Highbury is a real treasure in the city, and I feel incredibly privileged to play a part in preserving and promoting it. I love how accessible the house and park are to everyone, and there’s nothing better than taking a stroll through the gardens in spring and summer when the rhododendrons are in bloom. Whether you’re relaxing by the water or exploring the grounds, it’s a place that belongs to the people of Birmingham - which is a very unique thing. Being able to help preserve its beauty and history is something I’m incredibly proud of. What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Highbury? What I enjoy most is volunteering alongside like-minded people who care deeply about the future of this historic building. Everyone is united by a shared passion for preserving Highbury and ensuring it continues to thrive as a beacon for the community. It’s incredibly rewarding to work together towards that common goal. What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with the Trust? Absolutely do it! It’s a rare opportunity to contribute to the story of a remarkable house that is so deeply rooted in Birmingham’s history. Highbury is living history, and there’s something truly special about helping to safeguard it for future generations while sharing it with visitors today. It’s also a great way to meet people who share a passion for Birmingham’s heritage. Ian McCallum – Garden Volunteer (Middle picture) Tell us a bit about yourself and what attracted you to volunteering at Highbury When I retired from child mental health nursing I joined several volunteering groups, and one of these was the Highbury Orchard, a lovely, serene space that is a real community project. Through this I learned of the garden volunteers, and I was keen to explore this, as I love the park, and was in need of something a bit more physical. At the time the leader of volunteers, Alan had been cast adrift in the Canadian wilderness (how careless of him!}, but luckily, he survived and resumed his stimulating and fun leadership of the group. What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Highbury The trees and woodland are so beautiful, and it is rewarding to feel I play a small part in maintaining them. The group of men and women are fun to be with and very sociable. As you can see, the coffee break is an integral part of the morning, which allows us to put the world to rights. I have learned a lot from Alan's expertise, and now also from Head Gardener Lucy. The work is varied but much of it involves maintaing the diversity of trees, by removing or pruning ones in the wrong place, to improve the views in the park, but also plenty of weeding, and general maintenance like drainage gully clearing. I feel it does make a difference. It is informal and people are able to contribute according to their interests and commitments. For those who prefer gardening to the more physical work, Lucy now leads horticulture groups in the park. I look forward to the group every Monday, and come back tired but uplifted. What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with the Trust? All the group leaders are accessible and helpful, so talk to them, and come along to try out a group if you are interested. You can do this without committing yourself. I am yet to meet anyone who has regretted joining the group. Janice Bridger – Tour Guide (Right hand picture) How long have you been volunteering with the Trust? I trained with the first group of guides about 6 years ago but we had a long break during the pandemic. Tell us a bit about yourself and what first attracted you to volunteering at Highbury I knew the house after attending retirement meals there when I worked nearby as a teacher. However I knew none of the history and when I came and looked around I was fascinated how the garden seemed to link with the house. Seeing the stained glass and other natural designs made me want to find out more and tell other people about it. What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Highbury? Every time I do a session I meet different people with interesting ideas about history/architecture and it’s great that it goes in both directions- we both learn from each other! What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with the Trust? Do it!! You will meet lots of fascinating people, and build your confidence too. What is the Chamberlain Highbury Trust? The Chamberlain Highbury Trust (registered charity no: 1169845) is dedicated to preserving and restoring Highbury Hall and its grounds, and ensuring that its history and cultural significance are shared. www.highburyhallandpark.co.uk Find out about current opportunities to volunteer at the Trust