We are a group of volunteers that care about our local area. Below you can find out a bit more about the team
The team
Tamika Gill
Chairperson
Tamika is a resident in one of the Tower Blocks in Druids Heath and Chairperson of the Forum. She is a confident and optimistic chair, steering the group of brilliant individuals who also volunteer their time to help run the Forum. Tamika believes in unity and that residents voices should be heard in a community. Tamika will challenge an unjust situation and thinks working collectively to make decisions gives the forum strengthen when challenging any issues, such as the local Library closure, safer streets, and defending social housing.
Esther Brown
Secretary
Druids Heath resident and Forum Secretary. Passionate about community, health and well being. Esther is leading the Plant A Seed Project across the Druids Heath Estate.
Les Kuriata
Treasurer
Les is a resident on the Lindsworth estate. He’s alarmed by the chronic housing shortage and particularly the loss of social housing and lack of affordable accommodation not to mention the unaffordability of homes for first time buyers.
He’s frustrated that too many of our political representatives being more motivated by self-interest than serving our communities.
Jayne Murray
Vice Treasurer
Jayne was co-opted onto the committee at the Forums inaugural meeting as vice treasurer.
Jayne works in the ward delivering Arts projects and lives close by in Brandwood.
Jayne is passionate about equality and social justice, and believes that the people who are affected by decisions should be the ones involved in making the decisions.
Matthew Knight
Committee Member
Loves living in Druids Heath and Monyhull, is passionate about social justice and riding bikes! Matthew is leading on the Druids Heath and Monyhull Safer for Cycling, Walking and Children (CWC) project.
Ray Ward
Committee Member
Resident Owner on Druids Heath and a member of Monyhull Church.
Diane Capewell
Committee Member
I am a senior citizen was born and grew up in the Maypole area. I am married with two grown up children. I live in the Monyhull part of our Druids Heath and Monyhull Ward. I remember Druids Heath as being a small estate of war time ‘Prefabs’ and open land grazed by cattle belonging to Bell’s Farm.
My working life has been within the National Health Service at Selly Oak Hospital then Monyhull Hospital.
I care very much about my surroundings and the people who live locally. Being part of this group gives me the opportunity to participate in discussions that will effectively, maintain and where necessary improve the Druids Heath and Monyhull Ward.
Alice Draisey
Committee Member
I’m Alice, I’m currently a student studying Politics and Anthropology. I’ve loved being a part of the Forum over the past couple of years, pushing for changes that work for residents. I think that bringing our voices together and making them heard will create a society that works better for everyone.