Our Community Chest brings colour and connection to Birmingham retirement living schemes

Two Birmingham retirement living communities are set to bloom this summer thanks to funding from our Community Chest initiative.  

Colbourne Court in Stechford and Robertson Knoll in Hodge Hill applied to our Community Chest, a funding pot for our customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations for any projects directly benefitting our customers; all applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on our Customer Voice Panel.  

Residents at Colbourne Court have been awarded grants to support vibrant outdoor planting projects that will brighten their shared spaces, promote wellbeing and strengthen community spirit.  

The scheme – home to many older residents – has used the funding to refresh planting areas, install hanging baskets and run planting workshops.  The initiative is designed to encourage social interaction, pride of place and connection with nature.  

The project also supports wider greening efforts in the Stechford area, aligning with local environmental and community initiatives.  

Robertson Knoll has been awarded funds to purchase garden furniture, which has been warmly received by residents and will tackle loneliness and encourage social gatherings.  

Our Community Chest is designed to help customers bring to life ideas that benefit their neighbourhoods and wellbeing.  The programme provides small grants to support everything from social activities to improvements in shared spaces.  

Chris Pinson-Bradley, our Community Engagement Manager said: “These are exactly the kind of grassroots projects our Community Chest was created to support, led by customers, for customers. It’s inspiring to see how a modest investment can yield such positive impacts for residents and their local environments.”   

Photo caption : Planting at Colbourne Court