Meet Birmingham Community Rep, Asfana

Asfana's Story

Platform’s involved customers can help influence and shape our services and represent the voice of all our customers. There are lots of opportunities for customers to get involved, including volunteering to become a Community Rep. 

Our volunteer customer Community Reps work with our Community Engagement Team to create strong links between Platform and the local community. Primarily to be an active voice for their community and to help us ensure that their local area is a safe, friendly and tidy place where people are proud to live.  

Asfana has lived in the Tile Cross area of Birmingham for around 5 years and has resided in the local area for most of her life. She became a Community Rep in 2022. 

Below Asfana shares her experience of being a Community Rep. 

Asfana moved into her home when it was newly built in 2019. In 2022, she was looking for employment opportunities and approached Platform to see if we had any volunteer work that she could get involved in. 

“At first, when the Community Rep opportunity became available, I was very hesitant and questioned whether I could do the role.” explained Asfana.  

“My local Community Engagement Officer, Deborah assured me that I could and thanks to her I found the confidence I needed to undertake my new role.” 

 
Covering the Lane in which she lives, Asfana has been involved in keeping her local area tidy by taking part in litter picks, reporting issues around fly-tipping and overflowing bins, along with encouraging residents, who need a little extra help, to apply for Platform’s Wellbeing Fund to purchase white goods. She also takes part in the regular Community Reps online meetings. 
 

“Being a Community Rep can really help improve the relationship between Platform and local residents, as my neighbours can contact me for help. I’m approachable and informative and can provide guidance on communal area repairs.” adds Asfana. 

When asked if she would encourage other residents to become Community Reps, Asfana was very positive and explained: “You will receive full support from Platform, enabling you to build up the confidence to liaise with residents, whether in a small group or a large network of people living within your area, as communication is key!” 

“I really enjoy being a Community Rep volunteer and feel that it has given me an identity and hope for the future. My role is really important to me, as it enables me to make a difference and volunteer at my own pace, in my local area.” 

Platform’s Community Engagement Officer, Deborah Jones inspired Asfana to get involved and has supported her every step of the way in her Community Rep role. 

“I really enjoy working alongside Asfana and would like to thank her for all her support, as she is really committed and wants to make a real difference to the area in which she lives.” said Deborah. 

“Volunteering to become a Community Rep is a great way for our customers to get involved in their local community and to support us in creating strong links between Platform and local residents.”