How Stirchley Circle 22 Began

FROM OUR FOUNDER

The group was founded in 2022, in the wake of COVID. I started it after realising that loneliness among older people had long been overlooked, and that lockdown had brought the challenges of living alone into sharper focus.

We established a not-for-profit constitution and formed a committee of local people: Lisa, Sue, Michelle and me.

Birmingham City Council supports community groups working to reduce loneliness among older adults, primarily by funding and coordinating Neighbourhood Network Schemes (NNS) across the city. We were approved for funding through Selly Oak NNS and also receive support through the Warm Welcome Scheme.

There’s no charge for members to attend our coffee group. Any donations we receive go towards our attendees, including funding extra fun activities.

We first met at Stirchley Baths, but as the group grew, the café area could no longer accommodate us. We then moved to our current home at St Andrews Hall, Cartland Road, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2RD, where the custodians have made us feel very welcome.

The Secret to Our Success? Our Amazing Volunteers.

People often ask what makes our group so vibrant and successful. The answer is simple: our incredible team of volunteers. They’re the heartbeat of everything we do.

Our volunteers make it their personal mission to ensure that no one feels like a stranger. They’re always on hand with a warm hello, a friendly chat, and a helping hand to help you settle in.

We measure our success not just by the number of people who join, but by the comfort, joy, and lasting friendships that grow right here in our community.

You belong here.

Come on in and discover what makes our group so special!

Susan MacLean
Founder, Stirchley Circle 22