News on HS2 in Birmingham

A new project has been awarded funding in Birmingham as part of the HS2 Community and Business Funds.

JABS B8 Football Academy will introduce new weekend football sessions for 25 local young people (aged 13-16), targeting some of the community’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged, including those at risk of exclusion from school, already excluded and disengaged with society.

The sessions will provide a regular, constructive activity within their community, and positive role models in the form of local volunteers who will talk to the young people on a weekly basis, building positive relationships providing guidance. Activities will involve skill development, challenge games and team building. Monthly workshops focused on citizenship and laying the foundations of employability will also be held at a community centre where anyone aged 13-16 can attend.

Our Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) for Phase One are worth £40 million. They give local communities and businesses disrupted by the construction of HS2 the opportunity to receive funding of up to £1 million for projects to improve their local area or support their local economy.

The community and business funds are administered and managed by independent community charity, Groundwork UK. For more information on Groundwork and the funds, including how to apply, visit https://hs2funds.org.uk/ .

You can also watch our short videos which explain how to best demonstrate that your project meets the criteria for the Community, Environment or Business Funds.

If you have any questions about the Community and Business Funds, HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .