Groups across Birmingham came together for a "powerful" celebration of unity to highlight everyday acts of kindness and care amongst the community. On Saturday, May 16, the West Midlands embraced the Million Acts of Hope campaign, with Solihull one of the areas holding an interfaith event hosted by charity Entraide, with former asylum seekers amongst the guests.
Community Strength in the Face of Adversity
Jehangir Malik, interim director of Together With Refugees and a member of the Solihull Hub Mosque management team, said he was in the Mosque when it was threatened with attack during the 2024 riots. In August of 2024, riots and immigration protests occurred in several areas of the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visiting Solihull on August 8, 2024 to meet with faith, police and community leaders following violent scenes across the country.
"It's frightening to be on the receiving end of that kind of hostility," Mr Malik said. "But it is through the strength of the community and deep connections across people of all faiths and backgrounds that we stay strong and hopeful. I see ordinary people quietly taking acts of hope every day here – whether it's volunteering, looking out for a neighbour or speaking out for refugees. These acts of compassion so often go unseen. We must shine a light on the millions of small acts of solidarity happening in every community."
Positive Actions Across the West Midlands
Felix Kupay, Founder of Entraide, said: "It's all too easy to believe the headlines – that this country is full of division and hate. There has never been a more important time to celebrate the positive and make sure people know all the good that is happening."
Elsewhere in the West Midlands, residents of Birmingham B29 joined together to celebrate community and nature with a range of activities at the fourth annual Weoley Castle Earth Day. Paul Tucker of organisers Love Weoley Castle said: "We don't talk about what we're against, we say what we're for, we do it by positive actions. It's all about celebrating who is in our community and their gifts and talents. The hope element is really important. We have conversations about who we are, and we bring people together in an area that's increasing massively in its diversity."
Empowering Women Through Community Initiatives
Fanniza Begum of Community Interest Company Caring for the Earth added she was "really glad" to see Million Acts of Hope celebrating unity and the strength and capacity of communities. Ms Begum runs programmes in Ward End to build the ambition and skills of local women from both recent and established migrant backgrounds, using creative exercises to help them speak with more fluency and present themselves well at job interviews. She carries out activities outdoors as much as possible, and upcycles material for arts and crafts sessions.
Ms Begum spoke of the increase of confidence many of the women have experienced as the initiative has taken them around different locations, such as eco projects at Hodge Hill Church. "These women, over time, have come out of their comfort zones and mixed with others not of their own faith or culture," she said. "I have seen a big difference in positive behavioural change, as well as developing genuine interests and hobbies. Courses and training are not enough on their own. It's about how we look at things."
About the Million Acts of Hope Campaign
A Million Acts of Hope is a UK-wide campaign running until 20th May 2026, designed to combat social division by celebrating everyday community acts of kindness, solidarity, and care. It is an alliance of more than 200 charities including major charities representing a diverse range of sectors and causes, including Crisis, Save the Children, Trussell, The Wildlife Trusts, Refuge, Mencap, Together with Refugees and HOPE Not Hate.
