Last week, we bade a fond farewell to Lorna Brewster, irrepressible Chief Officer of Moseley Community Development Trust (MCDT) for the last six-and-a-half years.
While the name ‘Moseley Community Development Trust’ may not be widely recognised locally, the impact of its work reaches right across the community and has mushroomed since Lorna took the helm in 2018.
If you are at all familiar with Moseley you will doubtless be aware of the Arts Market that coincides with the Farmers Market every month; and, because you’re reading this, you probably have a good idea about coworking, office space and room hire here at Moseley Exchange.
But did you know these activities are run by Moseley CDT and help to fund an array of other activities that bring huge benefits to the local community?
For example, Moseley CDT also runs the Moseley Alternative Giving Campaign and Moseley for Ukraine, and employs a Community Outreach Worker (Anji Page) and a Project Officer (Olga Popova) respectively. It also employs a Community Connector (Rhiannon Simpson).
As Community Connector, Rhiannon manages Moseley Hive on the High Street. Moseley Hive hosts workshops, craft days, community suppers, music groups, clothes swaps, and a repair cafe.
But Moseley Hive is also a lifeline for many people in the area.
On Thursdays, the Hive is home to the Community Fridge, where people can get fresh food and ingredients, and to a lunchtime Soup Club that provides a welcome hot meal.
On Wednesdays it operates as a drop-in for Moseley Alternative Giving Campaign and Moseley for Ukraine, as well as other agencies such as the local women’s charity, Anawim.
Anji, the Community Outreach Worker, is there to offer a hot drink, friendly chat, and practical support to vulnerable people in precarious social circumstances, such as those who are homeless or at risk of becoming so.
Moseley for Ukraine is there to help local Ukrainian refugees access the services they are entitled to and support them in building their new lives in Birmingham.
Likewise, Anawim and other agencies are there as vital sources of support and advice.
This is all under the auspices of Moseley Community Development Trust, which Lorna has led with immense warmth and dedication since 2018.
Thank you Lorna, for all you have done for Moseley.
And a very warm welcome to Lucy Kenny, our new Chief Officer – but more on that in another post!