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.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Testimonials

Freedom50 charity bike ride in Bangladesh was one the greatest moments of my life, which I will cherish for as long I live.

Nasir, Freedom50 Cyclist
I’m delighted to be joining Legacy WM board of trustees both to support the development of a brilliant grass roots organisation in our city, and to connect The Rep with more local communities and learn how we can better serve them through our work as a major city institution.

Rachael Thomas, Executive Director at Birmingham Rep and Trustee Member
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
Riding with the Freedom50 group is amazing, its great company, mostly enjoyable (when it’s not too hilly, but hey, that’s where the best memories are made and where you get the best laughs!). It’s a brilliant way to stay fit, and coupled with charity rides, a great way to raise money for a needy cause.

Kois, Freedom50 Cyclist
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

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.