Bringing Communities Together: NNS Bridging Communities “Getting to Know Us” Event
10th July 2026
Getting to Know NNS Bridging Communities
Bridging Communities is a project delivered by Our Place Support that works alongside underrepresented communities across Birmingham. Our primary focus is on the Deaf/BSL, LGBTQ+, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities. We help strengthen grassroots organisations, connect people to local services, activities and funding opportunities, and support communities to build capacity, reduce inequalities, and have a greater voice in shaping local services.
On May the 7th 2026, NNS Bridging Communities organised and hosted a “Getting to Know Us” event at Birmingham Botanical Gardens for local organisations, community groups and individuals. Guests received a welcome bag with a personalised notebook, a personalised pen and an information leaflet about NNS Bridging Communities. With 48 attendees joining us throughout the day, the event brought together people supporting Deaf BSL users, LGBTQ+ communities and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities, alongside organisations passionate about creating more inclusive services across Birmingham. The event focused on accessibilities, inclusion, partnership working and networking.
Accessibility at the Heart of the Event
Creating a welcoming and accessible environment was one of our main priorities. BSL interpreters supported communication throughout the event and attendees were invited to share any accessibility requirements in advance to help ensure everyone felt comfortable participating.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Connections
The Bridging Communities team delivered a presentation introducing the project, the aims behind the work and the wider role of Neighbourhood Network Schemes (NNSs) across Birmingham. Funding opportunities available through NNSs were also discussed to help attendees better understand the support available within the city.
We were also pleased to welcome Birmingham Community Matters (BCM), who delivered a presentation introducing their organisation. BCM help charities and community organisations develop through training, funding support, governance advice, and capacity-building. They also facilitated group discussions around topics such as governance, organisational development, and grant funding support available for community groups and organisations. This gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about the support available and ask questions relevant to their own ideas, groups, or organisations.
Important Conversations Around Representation and Inclusion
One of the most impactful moments of the day came from Abeline McShane, who shared insight and lived experience as a member of the GRT community. Her speech challenged stereotypes, misconceptions and the importance of support needed for the underrepresented communities.
Throughout the event, many conversations focused on:
- Accessible communication
- Co-production and community voice
- Safe and welcoming spaces
- Building trust with underrepresented communities
- Understanding barriers faced by different groups
These discussions highlighted how important it is to listen to lived experiences and work collaboratively to improve inclusion across Birmingham.
Networking, Partnerships and Future Opportunities
Following lunch, attendees explored the NNS Marketplace, which included representatives from Ladywood, Hall Green, Hodge Hill, Erdington, Yardley and Digital NNSs. This created fantastic opportunities for organisations and community groups to exchange ideas, showcase services and build new partnerships.
Representatives from Heart of England Community Foundation also attended the event, offering advice around funding opportunities and helping attendees identify grants that may support their projects and community work.
Guests were also able to enjoy free access to the Botanical Gardens throughout the day, creating additional opportunities for informal networking and conversation in a calm and welcoming setting.
Looking Ahead
The “Getting to Know Us” event marked an important step in strengthening relationships between organisations and communities across Birmingham. It also reinforced the importance of accessible, community-led approaches when supporting underrepresented groups.
Most importantly, the event created new connections, encouraged future collaboration and helped continue important conversations around inclusion, accessibility and representation across our city.
