this shop is the best run charity shop in Sutton coldfield the staff are very friendly welcoming…read morewe are regulars and it's got a lovely family atmosphere and we love it -I go to this shop most days and wouldn't shop anywhere else! they sell great clothes and shoes excellent presentation! well done Shirley and all her team EXCELLENT from Mo and Keira

One of Sutton's oldest charity shops as far as I know (I first ventured in there in about 1994) and…read moreone of it's smartest and most welcoming, Save the Children has always been a favourite charity shop of mine because it's the sort of shop it's almost impossible to find a bad word for (not that I'm trying). This shop deals in a lot of clothes, a fair few books, some children's toys and board games and a handful of records. It's recently had a refit but still exudes the same warm, charity shop charm it has always had. This being Sutton Coldfield, the quality of the cast-offs is pretty damn high so you can be sure that the books are usually in good nick (and usually quite modern) although I'm in no position to comment on the quality of the middle-aged women's blouses or skirts.

A wondeful charitable organisation that is truly dedicated to ensuring Sutton Coldfield remain one…read moreof the most beautiful areas to live in!

Crisis, you may be aware are a national charity that supports the single homeless, however, this is…read moreabout their brilliant local set up, Crisis Skylight Birmingham. I've recently found out about this outreach service that works with homeless and vulnerable adults - those who are in danger of losing the roofs over their head. They run a fantastic 12 week programme that consists of lots of elements, taster sessions to find out about new skills people can learn that may lead to new job and career options. Crisis Skylight work with many organisations to ensure anyone that goes on this programme gets the maximum from it. Having met the Director, Matt Green recently, I know that volunteers are much needed as well as links with local organisations that can help their members. They also have a dedicated person to support those who are interested in the arts so there is great scope for those who shy away from traditional corporate routes to find a career for them.

I've worked with St Basils on a number of occasions, usually in connection with a charity I work…read morewith, which helps put people into work. Each time I have an opportunity that could help any of the young people St Basils look after, the staff have spread the information to their colleagues and before I know it I'm getting calls from them or their clients looking to find out how they can get involved. ST Basils work with young people (up to 25) who are either homeless or indeed are in danger of losing the roof over their head. An active charity, full of energy and enthusiasm and keep to help those who have lost their way a little back onto the path that suits them best. Highly recommend if you can support them in anyway.

I am a big fan of Birmingham Conservation Trust, because I am a big fan of historic buildings - and…read moreBCT seem to be the only organisation that are doing anything remotely useful in terms of preserving some of Birmingham's architectural gems. It is they who did the restoration work to Perrott's folly, which was in dire danger of collapse: replacing oak beams and re-grouting the entire tower. They also restored the Brewmaster's House off Broad Street and, most famously, worked with the National Trust to restore the Back to Backs in the city centre. They've also got a watchful eye on Highbury Hall, Moseley Road Baths and the Curzon Street Station entrance building. Personally, I think that they would be in very safe hands, if given the funding and the go-ahead to preserve and restore these amazing buildings.

I've just come across the great work that the Jericho Foundation do. The charity focus on helping…read morethose who have lost their way back on track. The main way is to help people back into employment. Jericho Foundation support people who through lack of skills or confidence cannot find work. They were fantastic when I was working on a project recently aimed to get people work experience with a view to work. Not only did they talk to their clients but they also sent me details of other charities I should contact. What's unique about Jericho is that they are also involved in social enterprises so they literally creating jobs for people. A great charity to support.

Perry Common Community Hall is a little treat nestled not far from Conker Island in the midst of…read morePerry Common / Kingstanding. The reason this place is so fab (aside from having had money from Advantage West Midlands, Birmingham City Council and Witton Lodge Community Association which has been used to make an amazing shiny new airy lovely space) is because the staff who work there are just passionate courageous people. You've all seen the knitted bull at the bullring at xmas, and more recently in a Union Flag getup? Well Witton Lodge and Perry Common worked together a couple of YEARS ago and managed to borrow the original lifesize maquette of the bull from it's current owner. It was installed in their carpark for an agreed period of time, during which they motivated local knitters to send in patches of knitting and then cobbled them all together to create a beautiful patchwork coat for the bull. THEY DID IT FIRST! They covered benches on the island, and lamposts and trees, and the residents were all so proud, and local shopkeepers would shoo away anyway picking at the knitting, and it was such a great community cohesion project done with very little money but lots and lots of love! Since then, the teams have continued working together to run other community events in their space and have continued building the social capital of the area! If you fancy popping along to the centre, there are plenty of classes that are run on a regular basis, and the rooms are also available to hire.

A community hall that has had a facelift makes this an even bigger gem than just a good community…read morehall. This one sparkles even brighter because it is supported by the Witton Lodge Community Association, which means right there that it is ran and supported by people from the area. Not only is it a great space with a hall and meeting rooms to hire but the staff are fantastic. They are passionate, helpful and enthusiastic. They are always eager to give new things a try, support people to get something happening in the community, and subside activity during trial periods to determine interest. Nestled in the heart of Perry Common, Kingstanding, on the edge of Conker Island, it is a greta place to visit and if something is happening on the island it's bound to be them that's doing it. They have knitting groups that were the first to fully cover the Bullring Bull, and if there isn't a group for something and there is interest then they'll get it happening. IJoin their Facebook group, find out when they are up to something and turn up and support them.

Charityzine is a Birmingham based online charity news and events website…read more I've known of them for a couple of years since I started writing for them although in recent months have had so much other work, not had the chance. Thankfully they've have a little army of volunteers who write about charities, volunteering, events, local not for profits organisations as well as pieces about the local community. The aim is to encourage people to support charities and local community projects. Have a look if you're a charity, want to work or volunteer with a Not for Profit or indeed want to volunteer a writer.