Every Halloween, the equivalent of 18,000 tonnes of edible pumpkin flesh goes to waste because 60% of consumers do not use the flesh of the pumpkins after carving it. As well as the delicious flesh which can be used for a variety of dishes, you can also roast the seeds
As we face renewed coronavirus restrictions, we’re reflecting on what coronavirus has meant for different groups across Birmingham. Today the spotlight is on young people. While we know young people’s experiences of coronavirus have varied massively, we’ve been lucky enough to chat with a few young Brummies to hear how coronavirus and the lockdown has affected them so far.
We are very sad to announce that The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) have lost a dear friend and valued colleague Helen Baglee. Helen passed peacefully on the evening of 28th September 2020. Our grief and shock at this time is little compared to what Helen’s family must be feeling and
It’s so easy to walk around our local communities and become frustrated by the amount of rubbish scattered around. It’s everywhere and we all wish littering didn’t happen. The good news is that choosing to be part of tidying up our streets and green spaces is brilliant for improving your
Following a surge in local cases, the Government has issued new lockdown rules for Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, as well as reinforcing a strict rule of six in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus. Whilst this rule does allow for some exemptions, such as organised sport, it does
Being part of a community, and having support networks, is really important – especially during a crisis like the coronavirus pandemic. The Active Communities programme is a Sport England Local Delivery Pilot, which is all about building stronger and more resilient communities. Although many of our projects, which help bring
Our Active Streets project is about working collectively with citizens to reclaim public spaces and build stronger, more resilient communities. This is done in various ways, including street closures where local community members can connect with one other, socialise and participate in community activities on the streets of Birmingham. These
Would you like to have your say on your community? Would you like to take part in a discussion with other local community groups from across the city? Active Communities would like to invite you to take part in a 1 hour video call discussing a few topics later on
Aston University has been a key part of the #BrumTogether campaign. Since May, Aston University’s Student Union has housed the food distribution centre which has packed and delivered over 50,000 food parcels. Aston have also organised 250 staff and student volunteers to help pack and deliver food parcels to those
Have you been inspired to try cycling during lockdown? Want your children to learn to cycle in a safe environment with friendly qualified instructors? Bikeability is a national cycling award scheme which incorporates the National Cycle Training Standard. We’re pleased to launch new Bikeability sessions for August and September, that are
Wear and Share was created in partnership with the Aston Villa Foundation in response to a growing need for access to clothing during the coronavirus crisis. Over the last 10 weeks, Wear and Share have delivered secondhand clothing to over 100 people. One of the recipients, Mark, shared his story
Wear and Share is a new project, created in partnership with the Aston Villa Foundation, which collects donations of clothes that have been previously used and loved, and passes them on to new owners. Over the last 10 weeks, Wear and Share have received approximately 700 bags of donated clothing
Spending time outdoors or going for a walk can have a positive effect on our mental and physical wellbeing. Over the last few months, many people have utilised outdoor spaces to exercise, spend time with friends, and just enjoy some time outside the house. We know that physical activity has
Birmingham is slowly rising again after a national lockdown in March that pretty much paralysed my gorgeous, canal laden city. According to the United Nations, this global coronavirus pandemic has emerged as the most challenging crisis since the Second World War. Schools, offices, factories, construction sites, universities and even taxi
Since March, The Station pub in Kings Heath has served as a local foodbank. The owners, Darren and Adele, have been working with Birmingham Community Solidarity to use their pub as a space to store, sort and distribute essential food supplies to people in need all across Birmingham. With a
During Covid-19, we have seen lots of examples of sharing within communities. People have been willing to donate food, share tools and volunteer their time. Local community WhatsApp groups, posters offering support, and mutual aid groups have sprung up to check in with neighbours and arrange donations and deliveries of
Following Government announcements on the easing of social distancing restrictions and lockdown measures, we wanted to give you an update on where we stand on outdoor activity. Over the last few weeks, the government has approved the restarting of outdoor activity within social distancing guidelines, the new guidance allows people
Prior to Covid-19, The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) delivered a range of free and accessible activities, including Tai Chi and Dance Fitness, in parks, green spaces and indoor venues across the city. Back in March, when social distancing measures meant that face-to-face activities were no longer possible, we acted quickly
Manor House, Hay Hall Business Park, Redfern Road, Tyseley, Birmingham,
West Midlands, B11 2BE.
The Active Wellbeing Society Limited (registered no.7595) is a charitable community benefit society