Outline how local community groups can shape the place in which they live. (6)

Question 1

Point 1: Community groups can improve public spaces

Answer 1

• Improving public spaces: Community groups can work to improve public spaces such as parks, playgrounds or public buildings. This could involve organizing clean-up days, fundraising for improvements, or advocating for changes to local planning regulations.
• Charities such as The Canal River Trust have played an important role in the preservation and restoration of Birmingham’s canal system, improving the hygiene and appeal of the canals in the city. By working with local communities, The Canal River Trust has been able to reopen 35 miles of canal along 180 different communities in Birmingham, creating new opportunities for recreation and tourism. The charity receives £3 million in donations each year and has over 13,000 volunteers who contribute over 140,000 days of time each year to support its work.

Question 2

Point 2: Preserving historical buildings and landmarks

Answer 2

• Community groups can advocate for the preservation of historical buildings and landmarks that have significant cultural or historical value. This may involve organizing fundraising campaigns, petitioning local authorities, or partnering with historical societies or preservation organizations.
• Heritage associations, such as the Birmingham Heritage Forum, have also played a key role in shaping the place in which they live. These groups coordinate meetings, share best practices, and assist with publicity to promote the city’s rich cultural heritage. For example, the Back to Backs museum, restored in partnership with the Birmingham Conservation Trust, showcases the city’s industrial past, while the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter celebrates the city’s legacy as a center for jewelry making. By promoting local heritage, these associations help to create a sense of place and identity, shaping the cultural and social fabric of a community.
• The museum attracts over 50,000 visitors annually