What I love about Balsall Heath
The writer, Toqueer is an award winning Eco activist and blog writer in Birmingham, a volunteer with Retrofit and new writer for the Balsall Heathan:
I first met John Christopher, Zero Carbon House in Balsall Heath at a talk a few years ago, speaking about climate change and the need for real urgency. I got to connect with him and as a volunteer with Birmingham Friends of the Earth and Footsteps at the time. I came across Retrofit Balsall Heath. I love culture and community and a desire to make a difference. I have really enjoyed visiting Balsall Heath Old Print Works and I am a regular visitor at the Balsall Heath Second Saturday, where I enjoy creative stalls and activities. Did you know there is a library too? I love the diversity, there is a large Yemini community, Kashmiri and English people all living together, great food too, something for everyone.
There is a real passion for looking after each other and it was amazing to see all the community and faith communities coming together to help 700 homes in Balsall Heath and Accocks Green to retrofit their homes, its much more than just homes, its about hearts and minds too, supporting families with energy advice, the MECC trust also do a great job and having activities like monthly cycling.
The campaign ‘Raising the slabs‘ was a great success, supporting Melrose avenue to plant fruit trees in their front garden. I recommend local people to consider volunteering and getting involved in your local area, even if you have only a few hours spare a month, Retrofit Balsall Heath is a family, we look after each other and hope to have regular socials.
- MY BLOG. greenfaithadventurer.com
- youtube toqueerquyyam
- facebook greenfaithadventurer
