---
title: "The Springfield Project, Birmingham"
date: 2026-06-03T15:27:00+01:00
author: Madison Plumridge
canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/places-of-welcome"
section: News
---
---

 

  

# The Springfield Project, Birmingham

The Place of Welcome at The Springfield Project runs every Thursday afternoon during term time, put on by volunteers. Hear from three of the people who attend, in their own words:

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- News
- 03 Jun 2026
 
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### Anna’s Story

 

 

        ![PICTURE COPYRIGHT MATT SHORT / MATT SHORT PHOTOGRAPHY 
Springfield Project Place of Welcome - The Springfield Centre, Springfield Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9NY](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_800x450_crop_center-center_82_none/MSP_CUF_23APR26_8825_2026-09-15-165032_qhoj.jpg?v=1789491034)  

 

 

Anna moved to the UK from India just over a year ago and spent her first months at home on her own. She had been a teacher in India and wanted to find work here. While looking for a job she came across a Place of Welcome, and started coming to the one at Springfield. She took on a volunteer role, got her DBS and gained the UK work experience employers were asking for.

She has since found a job caring for older people. She says volunteering has built her confidence, including the confidence to get around Birmingham by bus.

 

 

 

“I shared the job news at the Place of Welcome. Because of this place I have got everything.”

Anna, The Springfield Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

### Gina’s Story

 

 

        ![PICTURE COPYRIGHT MATT SHORT / MATT SHORT PHOTOGRAPHY 
Springfield Project Place of Welcome - The Springfield Centre, Springfield Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9NY](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_800x450_crop_center-center_82_none/MSP_CUF_23APR26_8864.jpg?v=1789491994)  

 

 

Gina has lived in Birmingham for 58 years. Her niece, a nurse, suggested she come along and teach knitting and crochet to people who were feeling low or isolated – nine years later she is still coming every week.

She has taught a lot of people to knit and crochet, and the group has made hats, booties and cardigans for babies at the local hospital. For Gina, it has become a real social hub and a place to see friends.

 

 

 

“I’ve been coming for nine years. It really is a place to meet friends, and it takes your mind off your worries.”

Gina, The Springfield Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

### Mark’s Story

 

 

        ![PICTURE COPYRIGHT MATT SHORT / MATT SHORT PHOTOGRAPHY 
Springfield Project Place of Welcome - The Springfield Centre, Springfield Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 9NY](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_800x450_crop_center-center_82_none/MSP_CUF_23APR26_8893.jpg?v=1789492658)  

 

 

Mark heard about the Place of Welcome through his occupational therapist, who suggested it might help with his mental health. It took him three months to come along the first time, as he finds it hard when he doesn’t know people.

He has now been coming for around three years and has met people he wouldn’t have met otherwise. He helps set up beforehand and washes up after the meal, and knows he can take a break in the kitchen if he needs one.

 

 

 

“It took a lot of mental strength for me to come, but when I did, I felt welcome.”

Mark, The Springfield Project

 

 

 

## Want to find out more?

 [ Explore Places of Welcome ](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/places-of-welcome)