Our story
2013 — The Birth of an Idea
It all began in 2013, when one of our founding members, S, was living abroad and exploring how communities could support each other as they aged — especially when maintaining a home became difficult. After speaking with a friend in the UK (who had experienced two no-fault evictions in under 18 months), their conversations turned to how housing could be made fairer, safer, and more secure. The idea of creating a housing co-operative was born.
2014 — Building the Foundations
To turn this vision into something real, S took a Social Permaculture course to learn how sustainable systems could support long-term, community-led housing. From this came ideas that still shape BCCH today — such as consensus-based decision making, shared resources like gardens and tool libraries, and the importance of mutual support within a community.
2015–2020 — A Growing Urgency
In the years that followed, S faced instability firsthand — moving frequently, sofa-surfing, and struggling to find affordable, secure housing while living with health challenges. Despite their need, they were denied access to social housing because they lacked a “local connection” after living abroad. These experiences revealed just how many people fall through the cracks — and how urgently fair, accessible housing options were needed.
2020 — Finding Purpose Through Challenge
Another member, B, became a single parent in 2020 and faced damp, neglectful landlords, and isolation while working from home through the pandemic. Their rent was below market rate, leaving them trapped in poor conditions without other housing options. Hearing about BCCH gave B hope — and they joined the project to help build a future where families could live in safe, affordable homes designed with care.
2021 — Learning, Adapting, and Expanding
n 2021, R, one of our members, had a life-changing medical event that made their home inaccessible. After years of battling for adaptations, they were moved to another unsuitable property — highlighting how deeply flawed and inconsistent accessible housing provision can be. That same year, our group took part in a cohousing course, which initially seemed promising. But the model relied on members having substantial capital — something that would exclude many of us. We realised we needed a structure that truly reflected our values of inclusion and equality. R also trained in access auditing, helping us better understand how to design environments that work for everyone.
2022 — Becoming Official
In 2022, our group grew — and so did our determination. We became a Company Limited by Guarantee, explored joining secondary co-operatives, and began preparing to register formally as a co-operative or community benefit society.
2023 — Taking Shape
By 2023, new members M and C joined us after struggling with poorly designed disability adaptations that left them trapped in unsuitable homes. Their experiences reaffirmed why our project matters — and the need for accessible, well-maintained housing designed around real people’s needs. That same year, we started working with external partners to refine our plans and officially registered as a Fully Mutual Co-operative Society with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) — a major milestone in our journey.
2024 — Planning the Future
We began assessing potential sites, exploring whether retrofitting existing buildings or starting new builds would be more practical and affordable. We also worked with a development worker to explore financing options and started engaging with the local community to raise awareness and build support across the Black Country.
2025 — Continuing the Mission
Today, BCCH continues to search for a suitable site to make our vision a reality. We’re reaching out across the Black Country and wider West Midlands, sharing our story, and inviting others to join us in building a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive co-housing community — one that truly puts people before profit.