'Invaluable’ donation to community centre in deprived area of Birmingham

A sports and community centre in one of Birmingham’s most deprived areas has been awarded much needed funds to support its work within the local area.  

The centre, in Bromford and Hodge Hill – run by the charity Community Actions for Local Opportunities, or CAFLO – has been given the grant from our yearly Christmas Kindness campaign, which will see us support 18 local specialist organisations, charities, food banks and events across our West Midlands communities, totalling £10,250.  Overall the campaign will donate £82,135 this year.  

Deborah Jones, our Community Engagement Officer explained: “We have been working in partnership with CAFLO for some time now, encouraging our customers to utilise the centre and what it offers. Together we aim to tailor services to meet our customers specific needs, developing a place for our customers to have a voice.  The centre is an invaluable part of the wider community and plays a vital role in improving the conditions of life for local people.”  

Tina O’Dell, Manager at the CAFLO Centre said: “We are immensely grateful to Platform Housing Group for providing us with much needed funding.  The area is one of the city’s most deprived with high unemployment.  Being able to provide worthwhile activities and a warm and safe space to visit is therefore absolutely vital.  As a charity we often rely on donations and would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Platform for its support.”  

CAFLO was formed in 2018 and supports the community centre in its aim to help people come together, enjoy activities and provide opportunities for people of all ages.  The centre provides spaces for meetings, lectures and classes, different forms of sports, recreation and leisure activities as well as providing a food bank, chat clubs and access to mental wellbeing services.    

Photo caption : l to r, Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer, Platform Housing Group; Joanna Griffiths, Leisure Assistant, CAFLO Centre; Tina O’Dell, Manager, CAFLO Centre; John Weguelin, Chairman of the Board, Platform Housing Group and Craig O’Dell, Assistant Manager, CAFLO Centre.