Birmingham Community First

On Friday 25th November, a meeting was held at Moseley CDT  to discuss forming a community panel for Moseley & Kings Heath ward.  Representatives attended from a range of local groups and organisations:

• Moseley CDT
• Moseley Forum
• St. Agnes Residents’ Association
• Moseley in Bloom
• Kings Heath Centre Partnership
• Kingsbridge Community Sports CIC
• Kings Heath Transition
• Kings Heath Police Station
• Ward Cllrs
• Kings Heath Residents Forum
• New Life Baptists Church
• Moseley Society
• SusMo
• Bishop Challoner Catholic College

Moseley CDT was offered as the Panel Partner (by the current chair) While it has been focused on the Moseley part of the ward, it is well placed to provide the administrative and other support that the panel needs.  Other organisations were also invited to express an interest in being the panel partner.  As none did, the offer of Moseley CDT was accepted.

Those present at the meeting, decided that it was desirable to get  a minimal panel in place so that it could become registered with CDF.  Those present agreed that the following would be the initial panel members:

• Claire Spencer – Moseley CDT
• Jess Phillips – Kings Heath Residents Forum
• Izzy – Moseley Forum
• One of the Cllrs

Further panel members – in particular young people – would be recruited through local community networks.  And, further public meetings will be held in the new year to help do this.

Given the limited funds available to Moseley & Kings Heath ward, the group has decided that resources should be focused on young people.  The lack of youth provision in the ward has already been highlighted by residents groups, and is established in the Moseley Big Plan.  By focussing upon young people, the community first panel would aim to complement activity developed through other ward plans.

For more information, please contact Claire Spencer, via mkhcommunityfirst@gmail.com