Birmingham families enjoy seaside getaway thanks to Community Chest funding

Families from two Birmingham communities enjoyed a much needed day at the seaside this summer, thanks to our Community Chest funding.

Community Actions for Local Opportunities - or CAFLO - brought residents from Bromford and The Firs together for an inclusive day trip to Bournemouth on Saturday 8 August, giving people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to enjoy a day away, meet others and make new memories.

The trip was supported by funds from our Community Chest, which provides funding for projects making a difference within the communities we serve.

CAFLO used the funding to help make the trip affordable for local people at a time when household budgets remain under pressure. Discounted places were made available, including to our customers, with more than 150 people able to take part.

Three coaches were organised for the day, including accessible transport for people using electric wheelchairs, helping ensure the experience was open to people with disabilities.

The charity also arranged volunteers on each coach, first aid support and refreshments for those taking part.

Debbie Jones, our Community Engagement Officer said: "We have worked closely with CAFLO for some time and know just how important the organisation is to people living in Bromford, The Firs and the surrounding communities.

"This trip was about much more than having a day at the seaside. It gave families and individuals the opportunity to spend time together away from their everyday routines, meet new people and enjoy an experience which, for some, simply wouldn't otherwise have been affordable.

"We want our Community Chest funding to support projects which respond to what local people tell us they need and which help bring communities together. CAFLO has done exactly that, while making sure the trip was an inclusive and accessible as possible."

CAFLO was established in 2018 and supports its local community through a range of activities and services from its sports and community centre in Bromford and Hodge Hill.

The charity had received repeated requests from residents for a community day trip and wanted to ensure

that cost or individual circumstances did not prevent people from taking part.

Tina O'Dell, Manager at the CAFLO Centre said: "It meant so much to us to be able to give local families and residents to chance to get away for the day and make some fantastic memories together.

"For some people, household bills have to come first and days out simply aren't something they can afford. Some rarely have the opportunity to get away from Bromford, so being able to make the trip affordable and accessible to as many people as possible was really important to us.

"We're incredibly grateful to Platform Housing Group for supporting us. The whole purpose of CAFLO is to bring people together and create opportunities for our community and it was wonderful to see people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities enjoying the day together.

Our Community Chest supports local organisations and projects which help improve the lives of customers and communities across the Midlands.

Photo caption : Families from two Birmingham communities enjoyed a much needed day at the seaside this summer, thanks to funding from Platform Housing Group.