Anti-knife crime group 'so grateful' for makeover

A centre run by anti-knife crime campaigners is due to be refurbished by volunteers.

Birmingham Says No to Knife Crime and Youth Violence helps vulnerable people at a hub and food bank in Handsworth Park.

It was contacted by warehouse company Prologis which offered to send dozens of staff to carry out the work as part of the firm's commitment to help local communities.

New doors and shelves were due to be installed, the walls would be painted and a decking area with space for outdoor cooking would be built, the campaign group said.

Rachel Warren, managing director of the charity, said when they got the unexpected offer she told the firm: "We'll rip your hand off."

"It's going to be a full makeover so we're really grateful," she said.

Speaking about the work her charity does, Ms Warren said: "Our organisation is very aware of the link between crime and poverty so by helping to reduce those that are experiencing poverty, we see a natural link in the reduction of crime also."

That included being able to provide "valuable resources such as food and household items" from their hub, she added.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]