Partners from across Birmingham came together on the 14th April for the Active Birmingham Learning Exchange & Networking Event, a moment to reflect, connect and look ahead to the next chapter of place‑based working across the city.
The event brought together organisations committed to creating a Birmingham where physical activity is part of everyday life, inequalities are reduced, and systems work better for communities most affected by inactivity. Building on insight gathered by Active Birmingham Champions, Anchors and Connectors across 17 wards, the exchange provided space to share learning, explore what’s working locally and identify the conditions needed to go further together.
From Insight to Action
A central focus of the day was learning from the extensive place‑based consultations led by trusted local organisations. These conversations have highlighted both common and place‑specific barriers and enablers to physical activity, spanning environment, access, workforce capacity, collaboration and inclusion.
Importantly, the findings are not sitting on the shelf. Each place has shaped activation plans, informed by local voice and the National Enabling Learning Framework, translating insight into practical action. All consultation snapshot reports and playback findings are available on the Active Birmingham webpage, supporting transparency, shared learning and collective decision‑making.
Strengthening the System Together
The Learning Exchange also reinforced the importance of distributed leadership through our Champions, Anchors and Connectors – activating communities, convening partners and embedding learning locally. This work is supported by the ongoing Active Birmingham Ops Group, which provides a space for shared learning, alignment and collaboration across partners.
If you’re interested in contributing to this collective learning and strengthening connections city‑wide, you can join the Ops Group by contacting melanie.gibbs@sportbirmingham.org.
Connecting People to Opportunities
The Activity Finder continues to play a key role as a free, accessible platform that helps residents discover local sport and physical activity opportunities, while enabling organisations to promote what they offer. Explore the Activity Finder here.
To upload activities or explore how the Activity Finder can support your work, please contact Jacky.White@sportbirmingham.org.
Looking Ahead
The Learning Exchange marked another step forward in Birmingham’s journey – one rooted in collaboration, local leadership and evidence‑based action. As insight continues to shape decisions and partnerships strengthen, the focus remains firmly on the future: working together to create the conditions for lasting change across our city.
