BEAMING BRANDWOOD

If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours.

Dolly Parton

Beaming Brandwood is a 12 month project which aims to raise smiles and cheer within our Brandwood neighbourhood communities, with creative projects and reasons to bring people together. 

It has been scientifically proven that smiling can help you live a longer and happier life and with the current cost of living crisis as well as an ongoing recovery from the pandemic, we all need opportunities which help us feel happier, and feeling connected to other people in the community can help achieve this. People flourish when they are having fun! 

There are four strands to our programme at the moment – crafting, woodworking, activities which promote being physically and socially active and laughing together at a community pop up film event.

Happiness is... (trail!)

What makes you smile? What makes you feel happy?

This is the question we asked our Good Yarners group as the theme for a post box topper trail, which we launched on International Day of Happiness 2023.

Each crafted topper also has a sound track and a few words! 

This is part of Smiles Made in Brandwood, funded by Selly Oak Neighbourhood Network Scheme 

Details

Laughing together

With thanks to funding from the CoOp Dividend Fund will be running some low cost community comedy movie events in Brandwood which will have us laughing out loud! 

These film event ‘pop ups’ will be part of our Beaming Brandwood programme.  

See what's on

The Good Yarners

Evening creative sessions for the over 50s where we make things from yarn, textile and wood for wider community benefit and to make a difference within our Brandwood neighbourhoods. And, of course, we have a good yarn as we make! Priority to Brandwood residents.

Meet up with crafters of all experience and abilities to create cheer and raise smiles.

This is part of Smiles Made in Brandwood, funded by Selly Oak Neighbourhood Network Scheme.

Details

Brandwood End Cemetery

We are currently developing an accessible trail within the cemetery suitable for people with mobility issues who may need to take rest breaks on a stroll.  Of course, there will be moments to think about things to make you smile along the way, as well as enjoy the wonderful green historic space.  Strange to think that people used to take a bus there for a day out!

We are working with local people to co-design the activity. 

(We’ll be launching the trail with a cuppa tea of course!)

In partnership with the Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery. This was part of Laughter Lines, a project funded by Sport England through the Active Communities fund.

Read all about it!

Dawberry Fields Park

We are currently developing a fun stroll/exercise/natter trail in the park. A chance to get your steps in, be a bit silly and chat to people as you take exercise in this lovely park. 

Great for families or groups of friends to do together – or on your own!

We are working with local people to co-design the activity. 

(We’ll be launching the trail with a cuppa tea of course!)

In partnership with the Friends of Dawberry Fields Park. This was part of Laughter Lines, a project funded by Sport England through the Active Communities fund.
Read all about it!

Lifford Reservoir and Woodland

We are currently developing a discover and do trail/treasure hunt around the res and woodland for families. 

Come get involved! We are looking for local families to come and co-design the activity. 

Great for families or groups of friends to do together – or on your own!

(We’ll be launching the trail with a cuppa tea of course!)

In partnership with the Friends of Lifford Reservoir.  This was part of Laughter Lines, a project funded by Sport England through the Active Communities fund.
Read all about it!
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