2025 at Together St Paul’s
A message from our Chair
“2025 has reminded us of the extraordinary strength that exists within the community of Balsall Heath and across the city. Every achievement – big or small – has been powered by people who care deeply and act boldly. Together, we have shown what hope, compassion and collective action can build. The future feels brighter because we are building it side by side, and we look forward to the new year with enthusiasm. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to that success”.
– Pat Wing MBE/ Chair of Trustees
2025 has been an incredible year for Together St Paul’s – a year of major milestones and everyday moments that truly show the heart of our organisation.
One of our biggest achievements was securing National Lottery ReachingCommunities funding for our new four-year youth programme, RISE, which will launch in April 2026. We were also honoured to win the Locality Transforming Lives Award, recognising our work with children, young people, and families across Balsall Heath. This national recognition reflects the passion of our staff, volunteers, trustees, patrons – and above all, our community.
But the real story of 2025 lies in our day-to-day impact. Here are some highlights:
Our City Farm
This spring, the farm celebrated 45 years, welcoming more than 4,000 visitors.
- 34 pre-school children got hands-on at Tiny Farmers Club
- 24 adults joined Evergreen Gardening and Compost Culture
- Fresh herbs and vegetables grown onsite went straight to our nursery kitchen and community
- Our volunteers contributed more than 750 hours to keep the farm thriving, as well as supporting other services
Our Families
We’ve supported families across the community through learning, play and practical help:
- 142 families benefited from parenting programmes
- 91 expectant parents joined our Antenatal Group
- 57 parents attended Family Health events
- 568 parents and children enjoyed Stay & Play sessions
- 500 toothbrush packs were distributed, and daily toothbrushing took place in nursery
- Children enjoyed trips to the Sea Life Centre, Think Tank, Hickory Dickory and our own farm
- 48 health and nutrition workshops were delivered
- Our Speech & Language Programme supported 187 families
- The Family Support Team delivered 139 household grants and completed 62 Safe Sleep referrals, providing essential items like Moses baskets and cot beds
Nursery children also enjoyed a wonderful year of learning — from forest school adventures to summer graduation and a festive carol sing-along.
“My son has learnt to play with different toys. He enjoys singing nursery rhymes, story time and exploring with other children in different environments. It has helped improve my children’s mental health and social skills. Thank you to everyone involved.“
– A parent of one of our nursery children
Our Young People
Our specialist school continues to offer a nurturing environment for 37 pupils, helping them learn in a way that works for them. We have also refreshed and strengthened the school governing body to ensure robust support and oversight of improvements.
Holiday programmes were buzzing with activity, with 200+ children joining Bring it Brum schemes — enjoying sports, arts, games, sensory rooms and cuddly guinea pigs.
Every weekend, 10 girls take part in Girls Club, a safe space for creativity, friendship and fun.
During term time, The Nest Out of School Club provided childcare for 114 children.
Our Community
Adults across Balsall Heath have been supported through our wellbeing services:
- 75 women participated in our Wellbeing Group
- 95 women attended our Healthy Women’s Group to learn English and boost their health knowledge
- 10 adults improved confidence and wellbeing through Creative Writing
- Chai & Chat continued to be a warm, friendly space for connection and creativity
Our Site
This year brought major improvements across our site:
- Repainted classrooms and basketball court
- Refurbished outdoor play equipment, art room, and buggy store
- New stable doors at the farm
- New springer installed for the playscheme
- Sail shades added to Early Years gardens for summer shade
- A new boiler keeping the Children’s Centre warm
- Security upgrades throughout to keep everyone safe
Our Team
Our team has grown! This year, we welcomed:
- A new CEO
- 2 new Trustees
- Five new school staff
- A Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
- A Volunteer Coordinator
- A Playworker
- A Maintenance Assistant
- A Social Media & Marketing Officer
We’re thrilled to have you all with us.
Thank You
As 2025 draws to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our staff, volunteers, trustees, patrons, partners, funders – and most importantly, our community. You are the reason this year has been so special.
Here’s to building an even brighter 2026, together.
A message from our CEO
“Joining Together St Paul’s this year has been nothing short of inspiring. I have witnessed resilience, creativity and pure heart in every corner of our organisation. Our children, families, volunteers, trustees and staff remind me daily that community is our greatest power. As we look to 2026, we step forward with ambition, unity and a shared belief that we can transform lives – together.”
– Manjit Dehal
