BVSC Research, the University of Birmingham, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) are launching West Midlands (WM)-Adapt: a groundbreaking project tackling climate change challenges in the West Midlands.

Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), this project will work directly with communities to find practical solutions to extreme heat, flooding, and other climate risks.

So far, we’ve trained 20 community researchers to help co-facilitate some interactive World Café* style events across the West Midlands. They’re local people who understand the areas we’ll be working with, and they’re all really excited to meet local residents and hear their stories.

Now, we’re looking for local residents to join us at these events for group discussion and interactive sessions. The idea is to listen to their stories and experiences of extreme weather and climate emergencies, and use these to inform the next stages of this project. The research and information we gather will make a difference to future planning in the area.

We want to meet with people living in the following wards, and will be booking local community venues to host the events:

  • Solihull: Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst & Fordbridge, Lyndon, Elmdon
  • Dudley: St Thomas’, Brierley Hill, Wordsley South
  • Sandwell: Tipton Green, Smethwick
  • Walsall: Pleck, Willenhall South
  • Birmingham: Castle Vale, Ward End
  • Wolverhampton: Graiseley, Bilston
  • Coventry: Foleshill & Longford, Radford, St. Michael’s

Attendees will be provided with lunch, and payment for their time and contributions. If you, or someone you know may like to attend, please get in touch. If you require support for childcare/travel to the event, please also reach out to us on the email address below.

Click for Events

For more information and for any questions, get in touch: [email protected]

*World Cafés are defined as: "groups of people discussing a topic and sharing their stories at several small tables like those in a café."