Community Development Practice Hub

The Community Development Practice Hub is a resource for people and organisations who ‘work with’ people in Birmingham, supporting them to take collective action to make changes to things that are important to them and their communities. It aims to connect, inspire and upskill community development practitioners across Birmingham.

The hub is funded by Birmingham City Council, led by BVSC and supported by Thrive Together Birmingham.

Come join us on this exciting journey, as we collaborate with the sector to offer a tailored approach with a focus on Birmingham-specific learning, challenges, and achievements.

Community development

Community development is a broad term given to the practices of active citizens and professionals to build stronger and more resilient local communities. It is Rooted in principles of empowerment, inclusion, self-determination, collective action and social justice.

Community development enables people in communities to take collective action, allowing them to change things that are important to them. It is a continuous process led by community members aiming to improve the quality of life of their community.

Latest

Small Charity Week - 22-29 June 2026

This Small Charity Week (22–29 June), BVSC is proud to be part of a national celebration of the vital role small charities play in communities across the UK. This year’s campaign, Small charities. Big impact., shines a light on the difference small charities make every day, supporting people, strengthening communities and creating change where it matters most.
Fully funded 3 week Teaching Support Roles programme

PET-Xi Training, in partnership with Applebough Education, is running a fully funded 3 week Teaching Support Roles programme in Coventry and Birmingham. The programme is designed to get motivated, work-ready clients and participants into employment as Teaching Assistants in local schools. It is for those who are unemployed, economically inactive or on Universal Credit.
BVSC Research's podcast series CHERP Conversations is now... live!

BVSC Research are excited to share that our podcast series: CHERP Conversations is now... live! Hosted by our research team, we put the spotlight on our community researchers and explore their journeys into research. We hope it gives an insight into who can deliver research, who *should* deliver research, and how you and your community can get involved. Episode 1 is out now! We talk about what community research is, and what the benefits can be.
Social Value – Business and Third Sector Networking Event

BVSC and Colmore BID invite all businesses with an existing or upcoming presence in Birmingham to join us for this collaborative networking event. If you are a business or non-profit organisation that would like to attend then please contact us to book your place.

Social participation

a person's involvement in activities that provide interaction with others in a community
Social Value

viewing activities holistically and considering their positive economic, social, and environmental effects that contribute to the long-term wellbeing and resilience of society
Social Prescribing

when frontline healthcare professionals refer people to 'services' in their community
Social Capital

human relationships and networks that facilitate co-operation within or among groups
Social Action

people coming together to tackle an issue, support other people, or improve their community
Strengths-based community development

a way of thinking about the world that views people and communities as resourceful and resilient with innate abilities and capabilities
Participatory research

hand power from professional researchers to research participants
Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft

German words that mean community and society
Deficits-based approach

a focus on the perceived needs, weaknesses, and deficiencies of a community
Community of Interest

a group of people who have shared experiences, characteristics or common interests

Crisis and Resilience Fund

Help for Birmingham households experiencing financial hardship is being developed as part of Birmingham’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (previously known as Household Support Fund/ Hardship Grant Community Fund) programme.
Become a volunteer

Volunteering involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that is of benefit to others or the environment. Find out how you can get involved in volunteering in Birmingham.
The Weather Model

This model uses the weather as a metaphor for different elements of reflective practice.
What we do

BVSC aims to support a vibrant and resilient sector which in turn ensures that people from across the city feel included and engaged and have access to appropriate support from people who understand the issues and challenges they face.
Join BVSC

There are several ways that you can engage with BVSC to stay informed, grow your organisation and connect with others.
Neighbourhood Network Schemes in Birmingham

The aim of Neighbourhood Network Schemes (known as NNS) in Birmingham is to help older adults in Birmingham to lead healthy, happy and independent lives in their own homes and communities.
Funding

Find out how BVSC can help you with fundraising
Compliments, Comments and Complaints Process

At BVSC we strive to provide our customers with the best service possible. We know that some of the best ideas come from people outside of our organisation and we therefore welcome feedback at every level to help us continuously improve what we do. This means that we want to hear from you when things go well, and when things could have gone better.
Quality Standards
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