About Legacy West Midlands

Our shared heritage shapes our legacy

Legacy West Midlands is a registered charity that has its roots in celebrating the heritage of post-war migrant communities in Birmingham. Our work highlights their relationship to the industrial, architectural, and cultural heritage of the city.

We are based at the community heritage site of Soho House in Handsworth, and deliver projects in the northwest inner-city wards of the city. These areas have faced long-term economic disadvantage but are rich in diverse cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. To reflect this, our projects focus on food, architecture, migration, and industrial history.

In this way, Legacy West Midands goes beyond recording and celebrating heritage. Our work uses this heritage to engage with local people – young and old – to increase their awareness of the cultural resources around them, using this as a means to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

Following the success of early projects, Legacy West Midlands adopted four key priorities:

These interconnecting areas enable Legacy WM to develop and deliver a range of culturally diverse, creative and interactive projects. We are based in the community that we serve at Soho House in Handsworth, with a delivery scope across the northwest Wards of Birmingham. Legacy WM goes beyond recording and celebrating heritage; our work uses Handsworth to inspire, engage and empower the community and to be a part of the story of regeneration of the Handsworth area.

In September 2015, we secured funding from the Big Lottery for our Family Fit health and wellbeing project. Following its successful delivery, Legacy West Midland was successful in extending this funding for a further three years. Our innovative approach combines different strands including a successful partnership between wellbeing and heritage, which has been recognized and awarded both nationally and internationally. Legacy West Midlands is continuing to grow the Arts strand of our work in partnership with Culture Central and Transforming Narratives. All of Legacy West Midlands work has a foundation in community cohesion.

Testimonials

During my time as a community champion I have participated in the Mason mile as well as holiday play schemes. I also had the honour of partaking in the Freedom50 exhibition, which opened my eyes to the true beauty of my culture. It has not only boosted my confidence, but it has also allowed me to feel more connected to the community around me.

Zara, Community Champion
Clover HR are genuinely pleased to be able to support the work done by Legacy WM. We have been involved with Aftab and his Team for several years and know their tireless efforts directly and positively affect peoples lives everyday.

Michael Doolin, Chief Executive Officer for Clover HR
I had the best time on this trip! I had the amazing opportunity to learn and grow in many different ways, as well as meet some wonderful people along the way for the first time. Thank you.

Hana , Freedom50 Cyclist
Volunteering for Legacy WM has been an incredible experience. The respectful and friendly environment of Legacy WM allows you to flourish in what you do best. Working in marketing has not only made me more confident in my skills but awakened a new passion for it as I can use it to help people and even give back to my community. Legacy WM ensures that I and everyone else like me, are proud of our cultures and continue to be.

Ikra, Community Champion
Your coaches are doing a tremendous job with our children. Not only are you training them to become great badminton players, but you are also teaching them great discipline and behaviour, making them understand the importance of healthy competition as well as developing a strong passion for the game.

Kids Badminton Attendee, Parent

Diversity and Legacy

Legacy WM is committed to creating a diverse environment reflecting the communities in which we work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where all job applicants will be considered for employment irrespective of our differences.

The values and beliefs at Legacy WM enable our employees to bring their full self to work, develop their potential and engage in a world full of inclusion.