As a leading provider of social and affordable housing, Platform Housing Group recognise the need to make sure new homes are developed and regeneration schemes planned, in the right places for the right people.

It is only by informing, involving and inspiring people and more importantly, listening and acting on their feedback will we connect people to the right homes, in the right location and give them the shared motivation and the means to invest in their local community and help it to thrive into the future.

Which is why we are committed to being an active part of Birmingham Housing Week.

Housing and regeneration is about so much more than bricks and mortar. The added-value activities such as work creation, community development and much-needed support in turbulent times is just as important as a safe and well maintained home. And our work recognises that.

We share the Birmingham Housing Week ethos that apprenticeships are great for young people and our investment reflects that. Our commitment to local skill building opportunities provides a path for young people to build a career in local industry; which is why we are currently investing in 76 local apprentices across the business ranging from level 2 through to level 7. Over the last twelve months 25 young people have started an apprenticeship from chefs to community safety officers; accountants to associate project managers, electricians to gas engineers. This commitment is set to continue with plans to set even more young people on a bright career path in 2024.

We truly believe in their power to inspire and launch amazing careers. That’s why we invest so much time and effort in everything we do around Apprenticeships: from ‘Try a Trade Days’, to work experience, to all of the work we do with local schools - it’s all about giving young people the opportunity to thrive. We believe in rewarding them well too and pay all our apprentices the Real Living Wage.

Investing in local people is just as important as investing in properties. The continuing cost of living crisis has made times hard for many of us, which makes us particularly proud of all the support we offered local people and local communities during the last twelve months. Our Wellbeing Fund is the driving force behind that support. Open to all our customers, it offers help for those experiencing financial hardship and in need of short term support. Last year we spent £1,982,604.49 helping 6,488 customers cover the cost of food, energy, household essentials, white goods, essential furniture, employment, digital inclusion and wellbeing support. We are committed to seeing this support continue during these turbulent times.

Our Community Chest fund extends that support to local community groups. In total we granted a huge £138,999.80 supporting 98 community projects, across the whole of our area. We also donated a further £10,000 to support our Community Warm Hub funding initiative.

We have a team dedicated to engaging with customers and helping them to manage and keep their tenancies, they are instrumental in creating lasting opportunities and changing lives. Last year they helped secure £2,583,000 of extra income through benefits applications and awards, grant applications and rental income. We also offered employment support to help customers get into work. Our network of job coaches gives support and advice to customers facing barriers to employment and have so far helped almost 400 customers into work.

We are passionate about our of work to shape local homes and local services that are fit for the future. By turning up the volume on local customers and communities we can have the conversations that shape and guide local service delivery and ultimately change local lives. It is part of our DNA and will we continue to support initiatives such as Birmingham Housing Week to help make it happen.