Dear members of our communities,

Following the recent civil unrest across the country, we want to jointly express our ongoing commitment to working together to sustain communities where everyone can thrive.

Whilst we may all do very different community-based work, what brings us together as community partners is our shared values and beliefs in fairness and integrity.

We all strongly believe in developing welcoming and inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and connected. Where people of different faiths and cultures can live together in strong and engaged communities.

These values and beliefs are rooted in Bournville’s legacy and the commitment to fairness of its founder George Cadbury and his wife Dame Elizabeth.

The couple were deeply committed to equal opportunities in its many forms. They campaigned together on issues ranging from free access to education and women’s rights to the fair provision of health services and greater opportunities for children and young people.

Dame Elizabeth in particular also welcomed and looked after refugees displaced by war and hardship, finding them homes and supporting them to succeed.

Whilst Quakers themselves, George and Elizabeth also never intended Bournville to be a solely Quaker community which is why there are a range of places of worships across the estate still today.

Over the last few weeks, some members of our communities have expressed concern and fear following the civil unrest across the country.

We want to reassure them and everyone in our communities that Bournville and our surrounding neighbourhoods have and will always strive to be a place where everyone can thrive within diverse and strong communities.

Racism and intolerance in all forms are unacceptable, and we would encourage any member of our communities that has concerns or feels unsafe to contact us or the Police.

Bournville Village Trust is also a hate crime reporting centre and its staff can help and support to report a hate crime to the Police.

Together we, as a broad range of community partners, remain committed to continuing to work together to sustain communities that are diverse, welcoming, and inclusive.

Arthur Tsang – Director of Communities, Bournville Village Trust

Rob Halcrow – Chief Executive Officer, Rowheath Pavilion

Canon Richard Wharton – St Francis Church and St Francis Youth and Community Centre, Bournville

Del Wilford – Chair, Bournville Village Council

John Dolan OBE – Chair, Hub on the Green CIC

Claire Bowman – BVT Trustee on behalf of Bournville Quaker Meeting

Richard Trengrouse – Chair, Hay Green Allotment Association

Paul Levesley – Chair, Weoley Hill Village Council