The Brandhall Community Hub has been officially opened by The Deputy Lieutenant of The West Midlands, John Wood DL and The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Richard Jones. The Mayor was accompanied by his Consort, Councillor Richard McVittie. The grand opening took place on Saturday 1 April 2023 to celebrate all the amazing hard work that has already begun and to acknowledge the true community feel of this thriving community project.

The Hub has been serving the people of Brandhall for several months now, through its Food Pantry, Uniform Bank, Baby Bank and by offering a Warm Space during the winter months, however 1st April saw its grand opening. Almost 100 local people came together to celebrate and to find out what is happening at The Brandhall Community HUB on a weekly basis. Many local residents, Sandwell Councillor, Jay Anandou, local community and Faith leaders and even a local Magician all gathered to share refreshments, stories and support to what is hoped will become the beating heart of Brandhall.

Also available for hire by local groups and organisations for regular or ad-hoc meetings, the Hub is managed and supported by four local churches working together with the community: Christ Church the Quinton, King’s Community Church, Our Lady and St Hubert’s Catholic Church and Church Central West working with Sandwell Churches’ Link.

Rev Rachel Heathfield, Vicar of Christ Church, Quinton, said:

“We at BCH have a strapline "Better together" and it really is true! More wisdom, shared resources, combined energy, and maximum enthusiasm.... what a good way to work.”

Managed by Kath Tranter, The Hub is open for the Food Pantry on Tuesdays with the Uniform Bank open on key dates throughout the school year. The Baby Bank is open as local needs arise, while a friendly welcome awaits at the Warm Space on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm. Volunteers are never too far away to offer a cuppa and a chat.

Kath Tranter, Brandhall Community Hub Manager, said:

“The buzz and warmth in the hub was amazing, so much conversation and joy as we began the journey of finding new ways to do things together. It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of the partnership.”

The Hub can be found at 151 Castle Road West, Oldbury, B68 0EL. Feel free to come along during any of our opening hours to see how we can help you – a warm welcome awaits!

The Brandhall Community Hub is a project which emerged from the ‘Opening New Doors’ initiative, run by Sandwell Churches Link, with support and funding gratefully received from the Benefact Trust and St Peter’s Saltley Trust. The partnership is greatly indebted to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Wates Group, ‘The MADD Men’ and Sandwell Carpets for their invaluable contribution to the project.

Brandhall Community Hub

Photograph: James Lynch, Mayor Richard Jones, Deputy Lieutenant John Wood, Rev Rachel Heathfield, Rev Matt Nott, Fr Roger Peck - Parish Priest at Our Lady and St Hubert.