Balsall Heath is an absorbing place to photograph. As part of the Balsall Heath Observation Project, I have connected with many local groups. Several individuals have kindly taken the time to walk with me around the streets of Balsall Heath and share their memories—both past and present—of the area. During these photowalks, I have photographed the surroundings and recorded their stories. I have also spoken with many residents to learn about daily life, how the community works together, and the ways people support one another.
One of the charities that has welcomed me and offered an opportunity to see their work is the MECC on Court Road. The MECC charity supports the local community by offering advice and information on a wide range of topics, including employment opportunities, education, and training. The Trust also provides access to household support funds that help vulnerable Birmingham households with essential living costs. Their website offers further details, where you can learn more about the valuable contribution they make to the Balsall Heath community.
One activity that particularly interested me was the MECC bus. This “energy” bus serves as a mobile base that provides advice and information to the local community. At the invitation of Tony Fox, a volunteer with the Trust, I went to see the bus for myself. The blue MECC bus was parked in Cannon Hill Park near the gates leading to Cannon Hill Road. There I met Tony and Bashir, who were running the information centre for the day. The weather was bright and sunny, and many people stopped to speak with them as they passed by. Several members of the public showed interest, and Tony and Bashir were more than happy to engage, explain their work, and share information leaflets.
I found that we had a great deal in common, and I really enjoyed my time learning about their work. My photographs show the bus along with Tony and Bashir. The MECC charity has many aims, and if you would like to learn more, please visit their website: https://www.mecctrust.co.uk.
If you happen to see the MECC bus on your travels especially when it is in Canon Hill Park then please give Tony and Bashir a shout out. Their work is improving the wellbeing of the community.
Balsall Heath Observation Project
This blog is part of my documentary project taking place in Balsall Heath. The project is a continuation of similar work completed in Stirchley, where over several weeks in 2024 we interacted with members of the local community. The Stirchley Observation Project was very successful, and I subsequently enrolled with the same group of photographers for the Balsall Heath Observation Project. We meet at the Old Print Works on Saturdays for formal lectures and project feedback. Each of us is undertaking a different project around Balsall Heath, an area of Birmingham rich in community activity and spirit. The project is part of the PRISM photography network.
