About Birmingham Care Group
Supporting our diverse communities, encouraging community cohesion and social inclusion.
Who We Are
Our mission is to provide access to the essentials, improving the standard of living of those in need…
We began with a simple idea: a day centre borne out of necessity when widespread shutdowns left service users with nowhere to turn. Hearing the plea from care home providers through the Birmingham Care Consortium, we knew action was needed. Thus, our journey began.
Through our humble beginnings, we forged partnerships with organisations like Greggs, who graciously supplied us with surplus goods. With their support and the backing of generous donors, we expanded our services. Then, when the pandemic struck, we adapted swiftly, transitioning into a vital food bank, providing support to all in need.
Witnessing the profound impact of the food bank, restoring independence and dignity to those we serve, we were inspired to evolve further. Within two years, we outgrew our space, prompting a move to better accommodate our growing mission. Today, nestled in our new location, meticulously chosen with our beneficiaries in mind, we have transformed into a vibrant community hub.
With improved facilities, ample parking, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere, we strive to offer the best possible service. Yet, despite our progress, the demand for our assistance continues to surge. While our funding limits us to support 200 members, we now exceed 400, highlighting the pressing need for additional support.
Our commitment remains unwavering: to do more, provide more, and make a greater impact. However, to ensure the security of our beneficiaries and the sustainability of our charity, we must seek further assistance. Together, let's continue to make a difference, one person at a time.
Goals
UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda
No
Poverty
1
No
Hunger
2
Good Health
& Wellbeing
3
Clean Water
& Sanitation
4
Decent Work
& Economic
Growth
5
Reduced
Inequalities
6
Sustainable cities and communities
7
Life below
water
8
Life
on land
9
Gender
equality
10
Responsible consumption & production
11
Who we are
Meet the Team
Founder
Fiona
Fiona comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the care sector, with her parents establishing a hostel for adults with mental health issues in 1976, followed by a residential care home in 1985. This upbringing instilled in her a profound dedication to aiding the less fortunate and fostering safe spaces. Her ultimate ambition is to forge a lasting legacy for Indo-Caribbean communities in Birmingham, where they can not only find safety but also flourish and gain empowerment. In acknowledgment of her contributions to these communities, Fiona received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in October 2022.
Food Pantry Manager
Rani
For the past 12 years, Rani has dedicated her career to the health and social care sector, specialising in the care of elderly and vulnerable adults. Prior to this, she served as the Chair of Fit4Fun, a non-profit organisation focused on promoting the health and wellbeing of young people. Rani's journey within the Birmingham Care Group has seen her rise from a senior support worker to overseeing operations including the food pantry, managing volunteers, and leading staff members.
Logistics Manager
Rick
For over three decades, Rick has dedicated his career to the health and social care sector. He began by managing a care home in the 1980s and later transitioned to overseeing the Birmingham Care Group day centre for elderly and vulnerable adults, a role he held from 2012 to 2020. With a vast reservoir of experience, Rick enriches our charity with a deep understanding of our mission and a proven ability to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone involved, from staff and volunteers to beneficiaries and visitors. Additionally, he adeptly manages maintenance, collections, and logistics for the group.
Project Supervisor
Sharon
Sharon, formerly a dedicated social worker with Birmingham City Council, offered invaluable support, guidance, and mentorship to vulnerable individuals of all ages. With over 35 years of experience in the health and social care sector, Sharon brings a wealth of expertise to our team. As one of our Senior members, she oversees operations at the Community Hub and Rick's Cafe, ensuring the needs of our members and the wider community are met. Members benefit from Sharon's extensive knowledge in areas such as housing support, budget-friendly cooking, and confidential personal discussions.
Our Aims
Protecting rights & wellbeing
We believe citizens should receive quality support that recognises individuals and their right to make informed choices that will enhance their quality of life, preserve dignity and respect. Every element of our service has been designed and is delivered with this in mind.
Our Aims
Positive Care and Socialising
As well as providing quality foods at subsidised prices, we understand how important it is for everyone, including the vulnerable and elderly to have a safe, warm and socially inclusive space to access and be part of. This is why we aim to welcome and involve as many people into our community as physically possible and so seek continuous support from both funding providers and corporate businesses.
Your questions answered
FAQ
To access the BCG Food Pantry you must have a membership. Membership £15 per annum entitles you to two shops per week at £5 per shop. Items are colour coded so it’s easier to shop, Choose up to 10 items per shop plus any giveaways and clearance items. One membership per household (membership cards provided)
All memberships are subject to 1 per household.
If your membership card is lost/stolen it is £5.00 to replace.
We accept cash, card or bank transfers. We also accept food donations.
We welcome all members of our community as well as businesses to the hub.
Yes, we offer discounts on the food served in the cafe.
Yes, we have space available to hire for local businesses and grassroots organisations.
The staff are so lovely and helpful, they are truly amazing. They open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but also Friday morning everything £1. Highly recommended
The staff are very welcoming. Their warmth is generated in how they tactfully deal
with individuals. Highly recommend for people straggling financially.
Being a member also entitles you to 2 visits during the week, staff are very helpful, and makes all feel welcomed
News
Saturday Night Takeaway
Nominated for services to our communities
Our Founder, Fiona Ramdeen and our team at Birmingham Care Group, including Sharon Sharon were honoured to be recognised by Saturday Night Takeaway as 2023 prize winners!!! Fiona and Sharon were presented with a trip to Florida by Ant and Dec live on TV! You can see the absolute shock on their faces - priceless! Well deserved recognition for the tireless work, vision and support to our community that Fiona has championed (usually behind the scenes) for more than a decade! Well done - great memories!
