Funding helps bring movies, music and movement to Birmingham communities
Residents in Birmingham will be able to enjoy outdoor cinema screenings, silent discos and wellbeing activities thanks to funding from our Community Chest programme.
Our Scene Community Interest Company has been awarded funds to deliver its Bringing People Quietly Together Through Movies, Music and Moves project, creating new opportunities for local people to connect, have fun and build stronger community relationships.
The project is taking place in a neighbourhood in Brandwood, building on the success of Dawberry Corner Community Garden – a once neglected area transformed into an award winning community space through the efforts of local residents and partners.
The funding has enabled Our Scene Community Interest Company to purchase silent disco equipment and they are delivering a programme of outdoor family film screenings, Glow in the Dark silent discos for all ages and wellbeing activities designed to reduce loneliness, improve mental wellbeing and encourage greater community participation.
Importantly, the use of wireless headphones will allow events to take place without causing noise disturbance to neighbouring residents, making activities more accessible for people who may be sensitive to sound, including those with additional needs.
The project is ongoing and expects to benefit hundreds of local people, including many of our customers, while helping to build community pride and create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together.
Dr Suzanne Carter, Founder and Director of Our Scene CIC, said: “We know from experience that creative activities have the power to bring people together, strengthen relationships and help people feel more connected to where they live.
“The success of Dawberry Corner Community Garden has shown what can be achieved when residents work together to transform local spaces. This funding will allow us to build on that momentum by bringing accessible cultural activities directly into our neighbourhoods, creating opportunities for people to connect, have fun and make new memories together.
“The silent cinema and silent disco format are brilliant solutions because it allows us to create exciting experiences while being respectful of local residents and ensuring activities remain inclusive for people who may find traditional events overwhelming. We’re incredibly grateful to Platform Housing Group for its continued support.”
Debbie Jones, our Community Engagement Officer said: “This project is a fantastic example of community led innovation. Suzanne and the team at Our Scene CIC have already demonstrated how creativity can transform spaces, strengthen communities and improve people’s wellbeing.
“What makes this project particularly exciting is that it combines culture, inclusion and community engagement in a way that is accessible to everyone. It will create opportunities for residents to come together, reduce isolation and build stronger neighbourhood connections while supporting the long term vision for these local spaces.
“We are delighted to continue supporting Our Scene CIC and look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have across our communities.”
The project forms part of wider efforts to strengthen community connections within Brandwood.
Our Community Chest fund supports a wide range of local projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, community cohesion and opportunities for local people. The pot is for our customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations for any projects directly benefitting our customers; all applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on its Customer Voice Panel.
Photo caption : An outdoor cinema screening in Birmingham, funding by Platform Housing Group