Sandwell's three Pride in Place areas are continuing to make significant progress as Neighbourhood boards work with residents to shape investment plans and deliver projects that benefit communities.
Smethwick Pride in Place Programme
The Smethwick Partnership Board has been focusing on delivering the ambitions set out in its 10-year Regeneration Plan, which received Government approval in April this year.
One of the Board's key achievements has been the launch of its first Small Grants Programme, offering grants of between £500 and £25,000 to Smethwick community organisations and groups. Launched on 1 July, the fund was designed to support smaller, "quick win" projects that can be delivered within 12 months of receiving the grant and provide immediate benefits for local people.
The programme has generated strong interest, with more than 25 Expressions of Interest received from Smethwick organisations. Applications are being independently assessed against an agreed set of criteria before recommendations are presented to the Board's Community Engagement and Funding Subgroup for final decisions.
Details of all successful projects will be published on the Smethwick Partnership Board's website.
The Board is now beginning to explore more strategic investment opportunities that will support the long-term delivery of its ambitions and will plan its next funding round in the new year.
Find out more, visit the Smethwick Partnership Board website.
Friar Park Pride in Place Programme
Since they were formed in May 2026, the Friar Park Neighbourhood Board has been working to understand the priorities of local residents and build momentum behind the programme.
The Board have completed comprehensive engagement with the community involving pop-up stalls, conversations at doorsteps, workshops, and conversations led by local groups. An online survey has also gathered views on what matters most to people living in Friar Park. This was complemented by a large-scale community event held at Friar Park Millennium Centre on 19 September.
More than 900 residents attended the event, which featured free meals, bouncy castles, live entertainment, support from Go Play and a special appearance by Baggie Bird. The event also showcased the community spirit at the heart of Pride in Place, with local volunteers providing free face painting for children throughout the day. Board members spent the day speaking directly with residents about how they would like to see the area's £20 million investment used over the coming years.
The event also provided an opportunity to celebrate local creativity, with the winner of the Board's "Design a Logo" competition being announced along with the re-branded Board name, ‘The Future of Friar Park’.
The Board is now developing its priorities for investment based on all the feedback from the community.
The Board is also developing their Future of Friar Park website, which will provide residents with regular updates on progress, upcoming events, funding opportunities and ways to get involved. Once launched, the website will become a central hub for information about the programme and the Board's work to ensure local people remain informed and engaged as plans for the area continue to develop.
You can also follow the Future of Friar Park Board on Facebook for latest updates.
Tividale Pride in Place Programme
Tividale's Pride in Place programme, announced in March 2026, continues to gather pace following the establishment of its Neighbourhood Board in June.
The Board has been busy developing its engagement programme and recently hosted a Family Fun Day at Tividale Park on 20 September. Residents were invited to learn more about the programme and share their ideas for the future of the area.
Families enjoyed a range of free attractions, including fairground rides, bouncy castles, a dinosaur and gorilla show, as well as complimentary refreshments. Throughout the day, Board members spoke with residents about local priorities and gathered valuable feedback to help inform future plans.
Alongside the event, the Board has launched an online survey and is planning a series of community workshops to enable more detailed discussions on local issues and opportunities.
Find out more, visit the Tividale Neighbourhood Board website.