Who we help
It takes a village to raise a child. But how can that happen, if the village is neglected and dysfunctional? We need to support everyone, enabling and equipping them to raise our children together.
This is what free@last does. Our focus is on the children, but we achieve that by supporting all those involved with their journey. We provide support and resources to the adults in our community, including a daily café and coffee mornings to foster relationships, ESOL education, workshops to develop digital or trade skills and financial advice.
At free@last we do not believe that any family should live in poverty, especially those on the edge of the UK’s second city centre. Together with our families and neighbours, we are shaping an area of poverty into a community of prosperity and opportunity.
We believe that with your support, we can end child poverty in our neighbourhood.
Our journey together
Above all else, the heart and soul of free@last is to help kids navigate their journey through childhood, education and the difficulties they face on a daily basis. We provide opportunities for the children, teenagers and adults that engage with us, from fun activities and different experiences to developing practical skills, enterprise, therapy and advice.
Our purpose is to empower the people in our community to become resilient and independent – ultimately helping the next generation to find the strength and determination to visualise and achieve a better future.
The core of our work is based around our youth groups. We run seven groups a week for different age groups, for kids to try new activities, learn, have fun, play and build friendships.
Inside our centre, we have a full-size climbing wall, DJ booth, recording studio, video suite, arts and crafts and workshops for skills-based learning. We even have a functioning mini-flat for developing independent living skills.
Our regular attendees have access to day trips and residentials. In recent years we organised trips to the theatre, days out in the countryside, hiking and mountain biking, and our hugely popular annual residential.
The impact we make:
One of the challenges our kids face is mental poverty. They have no frame of reference or exposure to the wider world to visualise a different future. We know we’ve made a difference when one of our young people not only imagines what they can become, but they want to achieve it. We aim to provide the education and opportunity and go on the journey of discovery together.
With the help of our sponsors, we’ve helped individuals get started: learning a musical instrument to play in a band, stepping onstage in a theatre production, training in Scotland as an outdoor activity instructor or taking their first plane journey to work on a hospital ship in Sierra Leone.
Casey Bailey grew up in Nechells, just like many of the children free@last has supported over the years. As a young boy, he found friendship, guidance, and inspiration within our walls. Free@last gave him the space to dream, to grow, and to believe in his voice. Today, Casey is an acclaimed poet, writer, and educator—but he’s never forgotten where he came from. To mark our 25-year celebration, Casey penned a powerful and heartfelt poem capturing the spirit, struggle, and strength of our journey. His words reflect not just his own story, but the story of a community transformed by hope.
Watch VideoThe journey of free@last began 25 years ago with a simple but powerful vision—to bring hope and opportunity to the children of Nechells. It started with one man’s passion to make a difference and a deep belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive. From those early days in a small community space, free@last has grown into a trusted charity, built on love, faith, and determination. Over the years, we've faced challenges, celebrated victories, and stood beside families through it all. What began as a dream has become a lifeline for many—and the journey continues, stronger than ever.
Wacth VideoResidential trips give children and young people from Nechells the chance to experience life beyond their everyday surroundings—often for the first time. Whether it’s exploring the countryside, trying new activities, or simply spending time away from home, these trips offer a safe and supportive environment to grow.
At free@last, our trustees play a vital role in guiding the vision and ensuring the long-term impact of our work with children, young people, and families. Their diverse experience and deep commitment to the community help shape the direction of the charity, ensuring that every decision supports our mission to bring hope, opportunity, and change where it’s needed most. Together, they help us remain transparent, accountable, and focused on creating lasting positive change in Birmingham and beyond.
Watch Video