1st Sheldon (144th Birmingham) Scout Group
Charity 1090603
Overview
Summary
1st Sheldon appears to be a locally rooted, early-years-to-preteen youth-development organisation operating through the Scout model. Its role is not only to provide structured activities, but to create a gradual pathway in which children practise belonging, teamwork and small leadership responsibilities before moving through later Scout sections. The available evidence suggests a deliberately reassuring offer to families: experienced leaders, a safe welcome and a clear progression model are presented as central to participation.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Sheldon
Confidence: high
The group’s own current contact page gives its address as Sheldon, Birmingham. Birmingham Scouts independently lists the 144th Birmingham Scout Group in Sheldon, Birmingham. This is direct evidence of a regular physical base and local delivery location in Sheldon.
- 1st Sheldon Scouts official website – Contact page
Lists the group address as “Sheldon, Birmingham” and provides the group’s contact telephone numbers. - Birmingham Scouts official website – Leader Training page
Lists “144th Birmingham Scout Group” as a Birmingham Scouts venue/location in Sheldon, Birmingham. - 1st Sheldon Scouts official website – Homepage
Describes ongoing weekly-style Scouting provision for children, including Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts, delivered by the 1st Sheldon Scout Group.
Remaining uncertainties
- The available evidence establishes a base in Sheldon but does not define a formal beneficiary catchment, so it is not possible to determine how far beyond the neighbourhood children routinely travel to attend.
- The group states that it is affiliated with Enigma Explorer Scout Unit for young people aged 14 to 18, but the available evidence does not identify that unit’s delivery venue or show that the affiliation creates a separate operational area.
- Scouting activities may include camps, visits and district events outside Sheldon; the supplied and reviewed evidence does not establish these as regular service locations.
- The Charity Commission contact address is in Solihull. As it conflicts with the group’s published Sheldon operational location and may be a correspondence address, it is not treated as evidence of an operational site.
Additional evidence needed
- A current programme, annual report or section timetable identifying all regular meeting venues and off-site activity locations.
- Confirmation from the group or Birmingham Scouts of the normal recruitment or membership catchment.
- Official information from Enigma Explorer Scout Unit confirming its venue and the practical nature of its affiliation with 1st Sheldon.
Areas of work
- Education/training
- General Charitable Purposes
Who they help
- Children/young People
How they help
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
A developmental pathway, not a one-off activity provider
The group appears to use age-based Scout sections as a progression route: children begin with supported participation, take on simple responsibilities, and move towards subsequent sections with recognised achievements.
Why it matters
This suggests the organisation's value may lie in sustained development over time, rather than individual sessions. Its effectiveness may therefore depend on retaining children through transitions between sections.
Show evidence
“Beavers caters for children aged 5 years 9 months to 8 years.”
Source:Organisation“Cubs caters for children aged 8 years to 10 1/2 years.”
Source:Organisation“Both sections describe preparation for moving to the next stage of Scouting.”
Source:Organisation
Belonging is treated as an active capability
The group appears to see inclusion and peer support as part of its developmental method, rather than simply an assumed outcome of attendance.
Why it matters
This distinguishes the offer from activity provision alone. It may make the group particularly relevant for children who need help settling into group settings or building confidence with peers.
Show evidence
“Families are greeted by experienced, caring leaders who help children settle in.”
Source:Organisation“Children are encouraged to assist other children to fit in.”
Source:Organisation“The Beaver motto is "Fun and Friends".”
Source:Organisation
Recognition is used to structure motivation
Badges and Chief Scout awards appear to provide a visible framework for effort and personal achievement alongside adventure-based activities.
Why it matters
This indicates an operating model that combines informal learning with clear milestones. It may help explain how the group makes broader aims—such as responsibility and confidence—tangible to children and families.
Show evidence
“Children take part in activities and earn badges and awards.”
Source:Organisation“Beaver badgework culminates in the Chief Scout's Bronze Award.”
Source:Organisation“Cub badgework culminates in the Chief Scout's Silver Award.”
Source:Organisation
- Whether the group provides Scout sections beyond Cubs, or relies on onward movement to other local groups.
- Which communities in Sheldon participate, and whether any children face barriers to joining or remaining involved.
- Whether the group works with schools, families, youth services or other local organisations.
Remaining uncertainties
- Membership, waiting-list and retention data by section and local area.
- Information on fees, financial support, accessibility and inclusion arrangements.
- Evidence of local partnerships, volunteer capacity and onward progression routes after Cubs.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Normal Scouting activities as agreed with the national body.
Charity objects
TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN ACHIEVING THEIR FULL PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL POTENTIALS, AS INDIVIDUALS, AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND AS MEMBERS OF THEIR LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES