West Bromwich Building Society Foundation has delivered vital support to local communities across the West Midlands, investing over £465,000 in grassroots initiatives that are helping people build brighter futures.

As the charitable arm of West Brom Building Society, the Foundation has funded a wide range of projects over the past year, focused on creating safe spaces, strengthening communities and providing secure housing for those who need it most.

Its newly published Impact Report highlights the difference the funding is making, showcasing projects that are supporting young people, tackling vulnerability and helping to build stronger, more connected communities across the region.

Jonathan Westhoff, Chair of Trustees, West Bromwich Building Society Foundation, said: “Supporting local people and communities is at the heart of what we do. By backing projects that create opportunities and strengthen connections, we’re helping to deliver lasting, positive change across the region.”

One initiative funded by the charity is the Safe Space Youth Café, based at YMCA Black Country Group’s Coffee at The Clock in West Bromwich. Since opening in 2025, the café has welcomed more than 85 individual young people aged 11–16, with over 2,200 attendances recorded. The café offers a safe and supportive environment after school where young people can take part in a range of activities and access guidance from a dedicated youth worker.

The café has helped local young people build their confidence, develop new skills and take part in workshops ranging from sports to creative activities, with some even beginning basic barista training at the café.

Shantania Colding, Youth Worker, at the YMCA Youth Café, said: “Working at the Youth Café is incredibly rewarding as it provides more than just a space. It fosters a supportive and inclusive community where young people feel safe, valued and encouraged to grow. Seeing their confidence and skills develop is a privilege.”

Alongside immediate community support, the Foundation is also investing in projects that will deliver long-term change. In partnership with Barnardo’s, funding has been provided to support the development of five Gap Homes in Birmingham for young people leaving care.

Care leavers are among the most vulnerable in society, with one in three experiencing homelessness within two years of leaving care. The Gap Homes initiative aims to address this by providing safe, secure and energy-efficient accommodation, alongside ongoing support to help young people transition into independent living.

Construction of the Gap Homes are now underway, marking a significant step towards providing stable homes and brighter futures for care leavers across the region.

Through its funding of local projects, West Bromwich Building Society Foundation will continue to support initiatives that promote safe and stable housing, improve financial wellbeing and create opportunities for local people.