Community Partners
As one of our four school values, community is at the heart of all that we do. As a Christian school, we take guidance from the Bible. Of community, the Bible states:
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:3-16
Handsworth is rich in terms of talent, love and commitment. The people of Handsworth want the very best for their friends and family. They want to support their neighbour and help others. As such, there are many charities, community groups and grassroots organisations in and around Handsworth who share a common purpose - to provide a place of welcome, inclusion and social cohesion for those who live in the community. As a school, we are blessed and fortunate to work with several of these organisations.
About Newbigin Community Trust: A charity based across three sites in Winson Green and Handsworth where the community gathers and connects via a range of programmes. From advocacy, to food, from youth groups to animal therapy, Newbigin empowers members of our community to make best use of their talents and experiences.
What Newbigin supports us with: In short...lots! Anji and the Newbigin team have been an ardent supporter of what we are trying to achieve at St. Michael's. From our alpacas, to a shared minibus, from advocacy to support and guidance with bid writing, Newbigin have made a massive difference to the lives of so many St. Michael's families.
About Legacy West Midlands: Legacy West Midlands is a charity that has its roots in celebrating the heritage of post-war migrant communities in Birmingham. Their work highlights their relationship to the industrial, architectural, and cultural heritage of the city, especially Handsworth and West Birmingham.
What Legacy West Midlands supports us with: Apart from providing us with invaluable experience and guidance when setting up community projects, Legacy West Midlands has provided our families with essential support related to diet, fitness and nutrition via their Family Fit project.
About Shelter: Shelter provide advice and support services; they offer one-to-one, personalised help with housing issues and homelessness. Their solicitors provide free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.
What Shelter supports us with: Shelter deliver a monthly forum / drop-in session for the families of St. Michael's. During these sessions, they take referrals from parents who are experiencing housing issues, before acting on their behalf and providing legal support and advice.
Southfields Farm is a working farm in Coleshill, Warwickshire. We have worked with Southfields since 2022, with the farm loaning us animals for our school farm, including lambs and goats. Thanks to Southfields, St, Michael's pupils get to share their school with animals, the like they would never encounter otherwise.
About Humanify: The charity’s focus in the UK is to provide opportunities to individuals in the community who have experienced challenges while navigating life, especially young people. Some issues experienced by these youngsters include trauma, environmental factors, mental well being, or wrongful choices, and much more.
What Humanify supports us with: Like Newbigin, Humanify has been a staunch supporter of St. Michael's and enabled us to provide families with the kind of support that would not be possible without their commitment, expertise and manpower. From decorating homes, to clearing gardens, from enhancing our Family Support Team to volunteering time and wisdom, Humanify has enabled us to support our community in a way hitherto seen before.
About Handsworth Association of Schools: HAOS exist to enhance the life chances of children, young people and families by bringing together diverse communities in Handsworth and across Birmingham. They manage a broad range of community and educational projects, working alongside school association members and community partners to improve the lives of families.
What Handsworth Association of Schools supports us with: HAOS has supported St. Michael's across a broad and varied range of projects that have helped improve the quality of teaching and learning, provided children with much to smile about, and brought comfort and assurances to many of families. HAOS provides us with food parcels each week, organises and delivers holiday camps at St. Michael's, and connects us with like-minded schools and professionals from across Handsworth.
About Magic Breakfast: Magic Breakfast provides healthy school breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the UK.
What Magic Breakfast supports us with: The support of Magic Breakfast enables us to provide all pupils, regardless of family income, with a free, nutritious breakfast each morning.
Community Allotment
Our community allotment offers a way for a broad mix of individuals to work together, sharing tasks, skills and experiences. It has also created opportunities for extra benefits such as educational enhancements, social gatherings, parental engagement and community cohesion. Opened in March 2022, the community allotment has helped connect the school with local residents and brought the school and out mission to them.
The aim of growing succulent fruit, vegetables and flowers has dovetailed with social, educational and environmental ambitions and aspirations.
As a school, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Engineering firm, Watermans Aspen. Through their Corporate Social Responsibility project, we have received support to transform what was once an unloved and unused space into a genuine community asset.
