| Description | Grant file containing correspondence, newspaper cuttings, reports, minutes, agendas, plans, property valuations, newsletters, accounts and funding requests relating to the Afro-Caribbean Self Help Organisation (ACSHO), the West Indian Federation Association (WIFA) and the Handsworth Debating Forum (HDF). Funding source(s): Barrow Cadbury Fund Ltd. Applicant overview: ACSHO describes itself firstly as a community orientated organisation devoted to maintaining a healthy community with egalitarian relationships regardless of race or age. According to the ACSHO's Social Endeavour constitution the objects of the organisation's social programme are: to work to the needs of deprived parts of the community, and, to work on behalf of the immigrant community, particularly young people by the creation of a library, recreation facilities, community projects, sporting activities and discussion groups. Its activities are based in the Handsworth area. WIFA has a similar community agenda though, unlike ACSHO involves whites in its activities and places a greater value on the particular island heritage of its membership. WIFA operates a community advice centre (dealing with queries from birth control to immigration) and is involved with youth education projects. The primary catchment area for WIFA includes Aston, Handsworth, Edgbaston, Balsall Heath, the city centre, Sparkbrook and Sparkhill. The HDF is a humanitarian organisation formed by West Indians with the aim of creating more, and better, opportunities for social and cultural activities in Handsworth, to provide support in matters of housing, racial problems, adult and youth employment and in any other area as appropriate. Nature of support: Most of the grants to the ACSHO, WIFA and HDF were made by the Fund and related to improving accounting practices, securing property and hiring staff. The matter of finding suitable premises for the ACSHO and for a WIFA community centre feature prominently in this file. Early support for ACSHO included monthly £50 grants to rent premises on 97 Leonard Road and later support in the form of a loan and grant for improvements for larger premises elsewhere. The Fund supported the employment of a warden and secretary to improve the effectiveness of outreach work and record keeping by WIFA as well as providing some support for premises subject to receiving audited accounts. As of 1973 the Fund was considering a £5,000 loan to HDF subject to legal and programme considerations. Minutes: B&GSCT 3365, B&GSCT 3388, B&GSCT 3429, BCF 994, BCF 1040, BCF 1106, BCF 1155, BCF 1156, BCF 1202. Notes: The rather fractious nature of the relationship with the ACSHO underscores some of the challenges in working with politically motivated groups engaged in productive community work. File organised by date from newest to oldest. File numbered '3/3'. |