One of the reasons Solihull has long been regarded as such a strong and settled community is that people here have always believed in pulling together and helping one another. Long before the modern welfare state or large public institutions existed in their current form, much of community life in towns and villages across the United Kingdom depended on local people giving their time freely for the benefit of others.
That tradition is still very much alive across Solihull today, as I was reminded at the weekend when I spent time with Solihull Guide Dog volunteers.
Whether it is the volunteers helping to run scout groups and sports clubs, residents supporting charities, or people organising events at churches and community centres there are countless examples of people giving back to their community. Much of it happens behind the scenes, but it plays a huge part in making our area the place it is.
That is why I was pleased to see Solihull Council promoting its Volunteering Fair at The Core between 11am and 2pm on June 2. It is a simple idea – to bring together local organisations and residents who may be interested in helping out.
Volunteering has always been closely tied to Britain’s sense of civic responsibility. In previous generations, local associations, church groups, working men’s clubs, women’s institutes, and charitable societies formed the backbone of community life. They created a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Whilst society has changed enormously over the intervening decades, the basic principle remains the same – communities are strongest when people take an active interest in the places where they live.
Importantly, volunteering does not have to mean making huge sacrifices or giving up endless hours every week. Many organisations are simply looking for dependable people who can help occasionally or lend particular skills and experience. A small amount of time can still make a very real difference.
Crucially, volunteering benefits the volunteer as much as the wider community. It introduces you to people from different backgrounds and generations, gives a stronger connection to the local area and, in many cases, creates lasting friendships. In a world where so much interaction now takes place online, there is something refreshing about doing something practical and rooted in the local community.
The character of places like Solihull is not only shaped by the Council or Parliament. It is shaped by the people who give up their evenings, weekends, and spare time to help others and improve the area around them. They rarely attract attention, but they are one of the main reasons our communities remain strong, resilient, and welcoming places to live.
