Bench refurbishment benefits retired residents

DIY residents at a block of flats in Birmingham have used funds granted to them to refurbish a number of existing community benches.  

Customers at Colbourne Court in Stechford applied to our Community Chest to request financial help to restore the unloved benches.  

The grant comes from a funding pot for our customers and local charities, clubs and not-for-profit organisation; applications are welcomed if their work or project directly benefits our customers.  All applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on our Customer Voice Panel.  

The funding has helped to restore a number of wooden benches in the grounds which have not been treated or protected for a number of years.  

Resident Gaynor Steele – who was instrumental in securing the funding – said: “We are so pleased to have been awarded this funding from Platform Housing Group.  Keeping the existing outdoor furniture is much more cost effective than replacing it and all the hard work was done by our residents; it certainly helped our sense of community and belonging!” 

Marion Duffy, our Chief Operations Officer said: “This project has been such a worthwhile one and the end result is really beneficial for both our customers at Colbourne Court as well as the environment.”   

Photo caption : Residents can now enjoy their revamped communal space