Big Local Film Festival trip to the University of Birmingham

By Taz Virdee

Heston West Big Local visited the University of Birmingham on Saturday 1st July 2017 for the Local Trust Film Festival. After a 3 hour journey we gatecrashed the morning workshops - 'How does Big Local negotiate and bring about change?' and 'How does Big Local manage expectations?' The workshops were an opportunity for us to learn from other areas and also give us an invaluable insight how Big Local works for difference areas.

We also had the opportunity to share our story, especially the fantastic and inspiring work from our Youth Action Team. We had 14 young people attend the trip and they were all given a platform to tell their story and how they got involved with community work. Our young people were also interviewed by Local Trust which was a great testament to the Heston West project.

In the afternoon we visited two more workshops - 'Creation of community spaces
- turning local land into parks and a community hub' and 'Involving children and teenagers in Big Local areas.' Ideas flourished, inspiration grew and eyes opened to the possibility of transforming our area visually, physically and mentally. We finished the day enjoying ice cream and networking with other areas before we boarded the coach back to Heston.

Overall the day was enjoyable, a great learning experience - especially for our newest committee members and parents and a day to feel immensely proud of our young superstar volunteers!
Big thanks to everyone who attended and made us feel welcome and also a massive thanks to Local Trust and the University of Birmingham.

Go team HESTON WEST!