I've recently been introduced to the wonderful people at Turning Point whilst undertaking a charity…read moreproject to help people back into work. The small team at this Custard Factory based charity are lead by the hard working, enthusiastic, Monica who is super keen to help people. Turning Point 'turn around the lives' of those who need it, including those with substance abuse problems, those with mental illness with learning difficulties. They mentor, monitor, befriend and support people through their darkest hours and provide them with path into society. It's an amazing feat that needs amazing people at the helm and I'm very much looking forward to working with them in months to come.

From the owner: EESPro Employment Service exists to assist and enable people who have experienced substance &…read morealcohol misuse to access employment, education and training opportunities in order to enhance rehabilitation and reduce social exclusion. The service also assists Prolific and Priority Offenders (PPO).

This place is your archetypal community centre, providing an important service to the residents of…read morethe Billesley and Yardley Wood area. I used to attend the centre to take my greyhound Tom to dog training classes, the less said about that experience the better. What impressed me was the amount of activities which appeared to be taking place here with the notice board indicating all manner of communal activities scheduled to take place. Whilst the decor itself could do with updating the purpose of the centre is an inherently good one and it is a lead which more local communities should follow.

I went there on Thursday for a Celebration of Life. I have been going to this BCA Centre for over…read more40 years and was pleased to be going there for this event. When I started going there it was for meetings and an Elderly Group where I taught Needlecrafts. For years I voluntarily taught people to knit, crochet, paint fabrics and make baskets. Eventually I left to go back to my fulltime carer. On Thursday we had a beautifully decorated hall surrounded by flags and pictures, getting ready for the centres 50th Anniversary. BCA was formerly known as the Friendly Group when it was formed on 2nd July 1966 at Claremont Rd, Sparkbrook. Initially it was a Saving Scheme. The motto was Pathfinders and they truly were because 30 years later there were 70 other African Caribbean Groups in the city. The caterers included one of our local DJs who served a three course meal consisting of soup, rice and red beans, white rice, chicken, fish, mutton, salad and coleslaw followed by fruit and cake. On each table was a bottle of wine. The music was played by another of our local Djs. It was an enjoyable afternoon and I'd recommend the centre for socialising, playing board games, hiring for meetings and events. There is a large parking space and parking is also available in surrounding streets. There is a park, churches and shops nearby. The staff are very helpful and friendly

A really nice shop which I frequent. Nicely laid out but a little crammed for pushing a pram…read morearuond. Helpful staff. Books, toys, DVDs, bags shoes, plus a range of new things and really nice cards at only 69p. Good value, nice cards, adn supporting charities.

Over 100 artists, including some of the UK's finest graffiti artists, descended onto the streets of…read moreDigbeth to create some epic pieces of art. Having the opportunity to watch this distinctive and creative part of Brum transformed into an eye-popping display of some of the most amazing and beautiful street art was special and it is something not to be missed! I can't even express how colourful and vibrant Digbeth became full of awe-inspiring displays - just wow! What's amazing is that this event is absolutely FREE, so really no excuses for not heading down and take in all that is happening! I've never been so impressed...everywhere you went, from The Custard Factory, Rainbow Arena, Spotlight to Boxxed there was something happening...it created an awesome summer vibe! What's more there was live music, street food (yes Digbeth Dinning Club was on!), performances and workshops, so definitely something for everyone to enjoy. I cannot wait for the festival again next year and look forward to having a wonder around Digbeth to admire the art for months to come! Note to self - next time wait in line for the face-painting, it is so worth it!

City of Colours is my favourite Birmingham event bar none. I am a big street art fan and this…read morefestival brings amazing artists from all over the world to paint on the streets of Birmingham. The first festival was back in September 2014 and left us with some truly beautiful pieces of art dotted all around Digbeth. Sadly the organisers' efforts to bring us another festival a year later were thwarted due to funding difficulties but they have have returned in 2016 with an even bigger and better event. This year's free festival featured around 120 artists painting in various locations around Digbeth, Djs, street entertainers, B Boy battles as well as street food provided by Digbeth Dining Club. It is a very family friendly event, there are loads of events to keep children amused such as a giant colouring in wall and street art workshops. I've had an awesome day watching all of the artists at work, bring on City of Colours 2017!