The Colebridge Trust has an ambitious portfolio of ideas; some of these have already started, some are still at the "I wish" stage. This page has been designed to let you know what the project officers are up to and tell you how you can get involved with the Trust and help your community.

Current Projects

How to get involved

Ideas & Suggestions

"The Colebridge News" (Appointed officer - Dave Pinwell)

As Project Officer of the Newspaper I oversee all aspects of each publication.

I work very closely with my colleague Linda Nugent in bringing together a team of local volunteers who produce editorials relating to activities and issues which effect the lives of people within North Solihull.

The Newspaper is distributed to 25,000 addresses free of charge.

We want to know what you think should be in the Colebridge News. This is your newspaper. It’s not Solihull Council’s, it’s not the Colebridge Trust’s. It’s yours.

What should our articles be about and who should be interviewed?

Should we be airing a view on subjects of controversy, like the future of Birmingham International Airport?

We want you to take ownership of newspaper, to make it what you want it to be.

We are looking for volunteer reporter and sub editors, sports writers and interviewers, sales reps and distributers. email: news@colebridge.org

Community Bus (Appointed officer - Dave Pinwell)

We are hoping to purchase a Community Bus which will be used for a whole range of community activities such as music workshops, business advice, councelling sessions, educational support, performing arts, careers advice, beauty therapy, training in journalism and much more. The bus will allow us to reach out into all areas of the community making it accessible to all.

Colebridge.net Project (Appointed officer - Wayne Davis)

This is an innovative approach to community development and regeneration, based on the delivery of IT based services to North Solihull. This community Web Site that you are currently using is the focus of the project! It will be complemented by a community E-mail network, and supported by provision of education, support and other IT services provision. This is an extremely exciting project which has a focus on involving and informing communities in a contemporary way. There are loads of different aspects to this project and we would gladly welcome anyone who would like to get involved. Experience is not really necessary as we can help you with the relevant training; it's more important that you have enthusiasm and commitment!

Colebridge Cleaning Company (Appointed officer - Linda)

The cleaning company has been set up with the intention of providing employment for people living in North Solihull. To date we have a couple of small contracts, but this year we intend to grow the company as fast as we can, and I’m busy working on a marketing strategy.

Colebridge Cleaning Company’s objective is to be a good employer by providing above average salaries and pensions to encourage staff loyalty and retention.
It also aims to provide excellent service to its customers by ensuring that personnel are properly trained in health and safety and use of equipment and materials, ensuring that staff absences are properly covered, setting quality standards and ensuring these are communicated to staff, close monitoring of work to ensure quality standards are met and maintained and employing local people to ensure a high degree of local ownership and instil community pride.

Waterloo (Appointed officer - Linda)

Waterloo Woodwork is a social enterprise based at Bacons End in Chelmsley Wood and run by manager, Dean Bash. It recycles timber and manufactures high quality wooden items, providing work placements for ten people with learning disabilities, teaching them woodworking and work skills. Up to 80% of the goods are then sold locally at reasonable prices.

Over the next few years we will work together with Dean to increase the product range offered and also expand the company into other areas so that we can increase the placements we can offer and also provide full-time employment to some of the students.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Trust has set up a volunteer database that provides opportunities for volunteers and local organisations. It involves setting out specific roles and duties and identifying training and support needs for those involved. This process will enable the Trust to match specific volunteers’ and their skills to the right organisations.

Linking to Opportunities (Appointed Officer - Bev)

The Trust is able to provide advice and guidance on training and employment opportunities. For more information about this service contact Bev Doyle at the Trust Office.

How to get involved

If you are interested in getting involved in any of the projects listed above please contact the appointed officer for more information or drop in to the Colebridge Trust office in Smith's Wood. See contacts page for more information.

Ideas & Suggestions

Here at the Colebridge Trust we are always looking for new ideas and we'd value your comments and suggestions. They help us to address the issues that really affect you and the local area. If there are any projects or problems that you feel we should be addressing that we currently are not please contact us.