Birmingham Retirement Council
Charity 241670
Overview
Summary
Birmingham Retirement Council, operating as Fircone, appears to function less as a conventional advice or care service and more as a member-led social learning infrastructure for people aged 50 and over. Its role is to create regular, low-cost opportunities for later-life connection, shared practice and participation across varied interests. The organisation’s physical base and repeated group sessions suggest that belonging and routine may be as important to its model as the activities themselves.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Hall Green South
Confidence: low
Direct evidence shows Fircone currently runs a programme of regular groups and events and identifies the Norman Leaker Centre as its address. However, the supplied evidence does not directly establish operational activity at ward level, and the centre's location should not be used to infer an operational area.
- Fircone Birmingham official website
The current website advertises regular hobby and activity groups for people aged 50+ and gives the organisation's address as The Norman Leaker Centre, Hall Green, Birmingham; it also invites people wishing to join a group to visit. - Charity Commission register, Birmingham Retirement Council, charity 241670
The current charity record gives the same Norman Leaker Centre address and records that the charity owns and/or leases land or property.
Remaining uncertainties
- The official website identifies Ambling, Photography, and Watercolour & Oils as being delivered at alternate locations, but does not publish those locations. No additional operational areas can therefore be identified confidently.
- The Charity Commission's current record reports that the charity operates in Birmingham City, supporting a citywide overall footprint. However, the available evidence does not identify delivery sites across the city or show whether activity away from the principal physical base is regular, substantial, or limited to a small number of groups.
- No current evidence was found of delivery partnerships or venue partnerships that materially extend Fircone's operational geography.
- The evidence indicates that Fircone has a principal physical base, but does not establish the residential geography of members or whether all advertised groups meet at that site.
Additional evidence needed
- A current programme or venue schedule naming the meeting place for every group, particularly the groups marked as based at alternate locations.
- The latest trustees' annual report or operational report describing the number and locations of delivery venues and the geographic reach of membership.
- Current confirmation from Fircone of any formal venue, referral, or delivery partnerships in Birmingham.
Areas of work
- Economic/community Development/employment
- Education/training
- General Charitable Purposes
Who they help
- Elderly/old People
How they help
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
- Provides Human Resources
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
A social-learning model rather than a single-service charity
The available evidence suggests Fircone uses shared hobbies and peer activity as its main route to improving later life, combining informal education, recreation and social connection rather than separating them into distinct services.
Why it matters
This helps explain why activities as different as woodcarving, computing, bowls and jazz appreciation sit within one organisation: their shared value may be sustained participation and mutual exchange, not just skill acquisition.
Show evidence
“Fircone provides opportunities for people aged 50 and over to enjoy learning, practising or sharing skills and activities in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Source:Organisation“The charity's objects include advancing education and providing recreation or leisure-time facilities for people affected by age or social and economic background.”
Source:Charity Commission
Regularity and affordability appear central to its operating model
Weekly and recurring groups, a free first session, and modest registration, renewal and session payments may indicate an attempt to make ongoing participation accessible rather than offering isolated events.
Why it matters
A recurring, low-cost model can support routine and durable relationships, which may be particularly significant for people navigating retirement or reduced social networks.
Show evidence
“The first taster session is free of charge.”
Source:Organisation“There is a £10 registration fee, a £5 annual renewal fee and a customary £4 donation for each session attended.”
Source:Organisation“The listed subject groups meet on regular weekdays.”
Source:Organisation
The organisation may be a local convening hub for active ageing
Its broad activity range, named centre and programme of special events suggest Fircone may provide a shared civic setting where older residents encounter one another across interests, rather than operating only as separate classes.
Why it matters
This points to potential value beyond individual groups: the organisation may strengthen connections between people who would not otherwise meet, making its venue and cross-group culture strategically important.
Show evidence
“Fircone offers a wide range of subject groups.”
Source:Organisation“The organisation is based at The Norman Leaker Centre, 1237 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.”
Source:Organisation“Special events include a Spring Fayre, a bingo session and first-aid workshops.”
Source:Organisation
- Whether Fircone reaches people experiencing isolation, poverty, disability or recent retirement, or primarily serves already socially connected residents.
- How members influence group creation, leadership and organisational decisions.
- Whether the organisation collaborates with health, care, housing or community organisations in Birmingham.
Remaining uncertainties
- Membership, attendance and retention data, including age, geography and socioeconomic information where collected.
- Evidence from members about wellbeing, friendships, learning and barriers to participation.
- Information on volunteers, group facilitators, referral routes and partnerships.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Provision of hobby and activity sharing groups for people aged 50+.
Charity objects
TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION OF PERSONS WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE AGE OF FIFTY YEARS AND HAVE RETIRED FROM FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT OR ARE REACHING RETIREMENT. TO PROVIDE OR ASSIST IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR RECREATION OR OTHER LEISURE TIME OCCUPATION FOR PERSONS WHO HAVE NEED OF SUCH FACILITIES BY REASON OF THEIR AGE OR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUND WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE FOR THE PERSONS FOR WHOM THE FACILITIES ARE PRIMARILY INTENDED.