Calling on city-wide support to host events during Cost of Living Week
Birmingham City Council is supporting businesses, charities and community centres who are stepping up to support residents of Birmingham during the Cost of Living Week (6 - 10 November).
A range of free events and activities taking place to support the cost of living will be communicated during the week by the council and partners.
Events can be submitted for the Cost of Living Week and will be showcased across the council’s communications channels. The partnership approach will help tackle the root causes of poverty, including low rates of employment, a persistent earnings gap, and wider social exclusion.
Since the cost-of-living emergency, last September, Birmingham City Council’s Cost of Living Programme has seen us work with partners to deliver a network of 243 warm spaces across the city; cash contributions to more than 100 foodbanks; energy bill top-ups to 3,400 households; and at least £1,717,285 in income and benefits maximisation for our most vulnerable residents.
The partnership work has previously demonstrated what the city can achieve when we work together. Spearheaded by Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, the Cost of Living Week will include a series of events, campaigns and workshops across the city: including jobs and employment fairs, conferences, voluntary sector workshops and marketplaces of services. The entire week is being designed and delivered free of cost to the council, working with partners across the city.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Cost of Living Week is all about looking to work collaboratively with our partners so we can support the residents of our city to address the longer-term impact of the cost of living crisis for the residents of Birmingham.
“Whether you are a small charity or a large organisation in Birmingham you all play an important role in supporting citizens struggling. We are calling on you for your support to showcase your cost of living project, event, campaign via workshops, employment fairs, marketplaces and more.
“As a city, we must unite during these challenging times and this week will highlight all the great work being done, and how support can take place and start planning for longer-term support.
“It is now time to move away from the initial (successful) crisis response and focus on building longer-term economic and social resilience in all our communities.”
Simon Wingate, Regional Partnerships Director at Lovell Partnership, said: “As one of the UK’s leading housing developers, it is really important to us that we support the communities in the areas in which we build. We have a strong history of work in the Birmingham area, and we’re proud to support the city council’s Cost of Living Week. It will shine a spotlight on the crucial work being done as well setting out a challenge for us all to do more.
“We will be supporting the week with an event to highlight the critical significance of addressing the pressing challenges faced by young people, that are care-experienced and at risk of homelessness, especially in these difficult times. We all need to work collectively to pave a brighter path for Birmingham's most vulnerable residents.”
Professor Paul Cadman Group, Director, Steps To Work Group, said: “Steps to Work and Starting Point Recruitment are pleased to partner alongside Birmingham City Council and are committed to making a positive impact on the community and supporting initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of Birmingham residents. The cost of living crisis is a critical issue and we are confident that by bringing together partnerships and leveraging our combined strengths and resources we can create positive change in our community, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of Birmingham’s residents.”
Brian Carr, Chief Executive, BVSC (Birmingham Voluntary Service Council), said: “The cost of living crisis is far from over and this week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the great work being done by Birmingham’s partner organisations to support local communities in need.”
Henrietta Brealey, CEO, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Rising interest rates and unprecedented levels of inflation has meant the cost of living has come into sharper focus for residents and businesses across the city over the last twelve months. As a living wage accredited employer since 2017, we are proud to be working with Birmingham City Council and other partners for the Cost of Living Week. We look forward to raising awareness of this important initiative amongst the business community and also showcasing the efforts of local firms that are going above and beyond to support their staff in these challenging times.”
Abbie Vlahakis, CEO, Millennium Point, said: “The cost of living crisis is impacting everyone. It’s good that the council is working with its partners to seek ways to address these challenges and to provide support to Birmingham citizens. We are pleased to be working together to deliver this incredibly important event that we hope will provide tangible benefits for all.”
To showcase your event as part of the Cost of Living Week, visit the following page and fill out the form About Cost of Living Week | Cost of Living Week | Birmingham City Council
For further information email: strategicpartnerships@birmingham.gov.uk
