More than 800,000 people across the West Midlands are seeing real improvements in their lives thanks to a £13 million investment in grassroots community projects, announced Mayor Richard Parker.

At the heart of this story are the everyday people who’ve directly benefitted—like 19-year-old Amina Malik from Alum Rock, in Birmingham, who now dreams of becoming a youth mentor after taking part in a sports and leadership programme funded by the Inclusive Communities Fund. “This programme changed everything for me,” Amina said.

“Before, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. But now I’ve got new confidence, new friends, and I’m even volunteering as a peer mentor. It’s made me feel like I belong.”

The Inclusive Communities Fund and the Community Environment Fund have backed over 400 community-led initiatives across the region, helping to tackle everything from social isolation to youth unemployment and environmental decay. In total, more than 635,000 people have taken part in free arts, sports, and nature-based events, and thousands more are enjoying refurbished community centres and sports pitches.

700 jobs have been created, 4,000 people have gained qualifications, and 2,000 new volunteers have stepped forward to make a difference. “It’s not just about the money,” said Basharat Dad (pic), founder and CEO of Our Community Foundation in Alum Rock, which received £75,000 to expand sports and mentoring for local youth.

“It’s about trust. This funding allowed us to invest in our community and our people. We’ve been able to bring hope to young people who were feeling left behind.” Founded in 2006, the charity has already supported over 10,500 young people and their families, but this new injection of support has allowed them to employ a new mentor, bring on a sports coordinator apprentice, and plan their next five years of growth.

At a visit to the centre this week, Mayor Richard Parker praised the charity’s work and reaffirmed his commitment to his ‘Growth for Everyone’ plan. “We’ve put £13 million into 400 grassroots groups.

“That’s an astonishing 800,000 lives improved,” he said. “I saw for myself how sport is helping to bring young people together in East Birmingham and set them on exciting new paths in life.” The fund’s impact has been far-reaching:

  • 2,300 tree saplings have been planted
  • 160,000 more people now live within a 15-minute walk of an improved nature site
  • Countless hours of free activity have improved mental and physical health 

Mohammed Qadir, a community volunteer in Dudley, said the funding helped transform a disused field into a community garden. “We’ve got kids growing vegetables, elders coming out for walks again, and neighbours who didn’t speak before now share tea under the new gazebo,” he said.

“It’s brought life back to our area.” Lisa Horton, a mother of two from Wolverhampton, said the after-school arts club supported by the fund had been a “lifesaver.” 

“My youngest was struggling with anxiety, especially after lockdown and this club gave her an outlet and friends. I can’t express how grateful we are.

“You can’t always measure this kind of change in numbers—but I see it in her smile every week.” The funding, drawn from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund, was set up to ensure that the success of the Birmingham 2022 Games had a lasting and meaningful impact across the region.

With backing from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the initiative aimed to empower local people, improve public health, and strengthen community ties. For many, like 17-year-old Reuben from Smethwick, the investment has been life-changing.

“Before the youth hub was refurbished, there wasn’t much to do. Now, I’m part of a coding club and learning skills I never thought I’d have access to.

“It’s opened my eyes.” As Mayor Parker continues to roll out his inclusive growth strategy, this latest wave of community investment stands as a testament to the power of grassroots change.