The West Brom has completed a community grants scheme which saw a total of £37,000 awarded to 111 charities and good causes across the region.

Beneficiaries ranged from care groups helping young families and the homeless to support networks for people affected by illness and disability.

Everyone was a winner with Community Counts because each of charities shortlisted received a donation. Customers at the West Brom’s 37 branches were asked to vote for which of the nominated causes they felt should get a £500 grant. Both runners up were presented with £250.

The West Brom’s communications manager Jim King said: “The beauty of Community Counts was that charities and community groups in all of the areas we represent were able to benefit.

“Many rely on donations in order to continue their vital work and even relatively modest amounts of money can prove to be a lifeline.”

Watch our short video to see examples of how Community Counts has helped charities including:

• The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, a health and well-being charity in Smethwick.
• PROUD, a Walsall based, parent-led support group helping families with children who have Down’s syndrome.
• Where Next of Redditch, which provides work experience for people with learning disabilities or other disadvantages.

Funding for Community Counts was secured through the West Brom’s Community Account and the Mercian Community Trust, a partnership between the Society and the Diocese of Lichfield to support community groups and charitable causes in the region.