Changing Lives Through Enterprise
Welcome Change CIC is wholly owned by Welcome, a registered charity which is part of the SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Services) partnership offering treatment and support services to individuals whose drug and alcohol use has become problematic; and to their families and friends.
In 2009 the SIAS partnership, which includes Welcome charity, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT), Aquarius and Changes UK, applied for a capital grant from the National Treatment Agency (NTA) to invest in the development of a ‘recovery centre’ for people coming out of treatment, but still in need of support with rebuilding their lives. The application was successful and Welcome was tasked with leading on the project.
Welcome set up Welcome Change CIC (Community Interest Company) and sought the lease of a hall attached to All Saints Church in Shard End. The lease having been agreed, the hall was refurbished and opened in December 2013 as the new Welcome Change Community Centre and Cafe. Since then we have taken on the management of a Community Garden in Tile Cross and a Community Hub in Lea Village. We have also worked alongside Birmingham libraries team to develop a Community Hub at Glebe Farm Library.
Welcome Change is all about making a difference – to individuals, groups and communities. We believe in the value of enterprise to help address social inequalities and boost mental wellbeing.
Our Mission
To provide safe and welcoming spaces in which people can access support, build skills and confidence, improve their health and wellbeing and become actively engaged in society.