New Beginnings Community (NBC) have been awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service under the category for Community Hubs and Services. This celebrates voluntary organisations which enhance, build cohesion, and empower those who are marginalised at the edges of the community, and is the MBE for Voluntary Groups. NBC are based in the hall attached to St Mark’s church in Londonderry, a residential area in Smethwick.
The NBC Trustees are delighted with the recognition:
“To say that we are over the moon at this award is an understatement.”
NBC has built a hub of support for parents, children, and the elderly, with services ranging from providing New Beginnings Baby Bundles and an extensive under-5s Play Programme, to being a Warm Space and offering flexible domestic abuse support.
Revd Mike Sermon, Area Dean of Warley and Edgbaston Deanery, observed:
“New Beginnings is a bold and inspirational piece of community ministry that has emerged from what was effectively a closed church site. Whenever I have visited, it has been wonderful to see resurrection and transformation taking place, as the group flourishes and serves local people. This recognition is richly deserved”.
Further information about New Beginnings Community can be found on their website, here.