Sandwell is a vibrant and diverse community. Based on the 2021 Census, around one in four people living here were […]
Read MoreInclusive Support
Sandwell is a vibrant and diverse community. Based on the 2021 Census, around one in four people living here were born outside the UK, bringing a wide range of cultures, languages, and experiences to the borough.
We know that unpaid Carers come from all walks of life, and each person’s caring role is different. That’s why we are committed to making sure our support is inclusive, accessible, and shaped around the needs of all Carers in Sandwell.
Our aim is simple: every Carer should feel recognised, understood, and able to access the right support at the right time. We work closely with local communities and partner organisations to remove barriers, improve access, and ensure services reflect the people they are here to support.
Whether you are new to caring, from a different cultural background, or unsure where to start, we are here to help you feel confident, connected, and supported.
Support if English isn’t your first language
Hopefully you will have noticed that at the top of our website there is a button on the top right-hand side where you can change the language displayed throughout the whole website.
There is also support if you would like to learn or improve your knowledge of the English language.
The Sandwell Language Network (SLN) provides a programme of free, community-based English language learning support in each of our six towns in Sandwell.
SLN offers a place of welcome to new migrants living in Sandwell, as well as people who have lived in Sandwell for many years. SLN offers free language learning to those with poor, or no English language and to those who wish to improve their English language. SLN helps people understand our healthcare system and improve access to health care. Also on offer is support with digital inclusion, employability sessions and health literacy classes for people who cannot speak English or cannot speak English well.
Support for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants
Brushstrokes Community Project provides free support to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Sandwell and the West Midlands allowing then to fully settle and establish themselves within the community.
Brushstrokes Community Project can help with:
- Asylum/Immigration
- Housing
- Benefits
- Family Support/Schools
- Employment
- English Lessons
- Digital Skills
- Healthcare (Doctors, Pharmacies, Vaccines, Mental Health)
- Food Parcels
- Baby Milk and Equipment
- Clothing
- Household Goods
- Social Events
Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) West Midlands empowers refugees and migrants to overcome barriers by providing free, expert support for successful community integration. RMC has centres in Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Support for specific communities in Sandwell
West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre advocates for Carers, helping them to access welfare benefit, aid & adaptations, telecare services, council tax and housing. Call 0121 525 9177or email webenquiries@wbacrc.org.uk
Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation provides group and one to one support to Carers to maintain their wellbeing whilst caring for a relative, partner or friend who is from an African Caribbean background recovering from ill mental health. Call 0121 525 1629 or email info@sacmhf.co.uk
ILEYs Community Association is a community organisation working with the local community in Sandwell, the West Midlands and beyond. They provide a range of services for residents and particularly target support at communities from Somalia and other African countries, supporting the rights and wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees.
Sandwell Asian Family Support Service (SAFS) provides a service to maintain the health and wellbeing of parents and Carers in the Sandwell offering pamper sessions, yoga, arts and crafts and music therapy. Parent Carers have access to SAFS minibus and regularly visit local shopping centres, leisure centres, libraries and attractions such as Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Call 0121 558 2198 or email info@safscare.org
Bangladeshi Women’s Association offers an English Learning programme, information, advice and guidance, a healthy lifestyle programme and employment hubs. Call 0121 557 6766 or email info@bwa-org.co.uk
Halesowen Asian Elders offers older Asian men and women, from Sandwell and the Black Country, day care and Carer support, multi-faith functions, gentle exercise and activities to bring the community together. Services run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. Call 0121 559 0137 or email mndar@hotmail.com
Halesowen Husna Group And Asian Elderly Women’s Group runs health and exercise classes, monitors diet, blood pressure and diabetes. They also organise social gatherings and outings. The service operates Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.00am-2.30pm, call 01384 812836 for further information.
Smethwick Pakistani Muslim Association offers a one stop free advice on welfare, debt, immigration and energy support as well as general advice. SPMA also provides a youth club and activities, general sporting activities, women’s exercise, healthy cooking classes and hire of the centre.
Bangladeshi Islamic Centre provides a valuable community facility providing a wide range of services such as benefit, housing, and immigration advice. Health development, information and awareness programmes to combat heart disease, stopping smoking etc. There is support to empower women, a family learning programme and employments support. There’s a play scheme, summer school and youth clubs. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and other courses are on offer as well as a lunch club drop-in for older people once a week. Call 0121 558 8204/8261or email contact@bicentre.org.uk
Confederation of Bangladeshi Organisations, Greets Green Resource Centre has a team of advisors who can deal with queries relating to: general advice, welfare rights, immigration and nationality. Call 0121 500 5441 or email info@cbo786.co.uk
Yemeni Community Association represents and addresses the needs of the Yemeni and other Arabic-speaking communities in Sandwell. The YCA provides cultural orientation, information and advice, educational development and skills-training for children and adults, through the provision of accessible community services and activities. Call 0121 525 3909 or email info@yca-sandwell.org.uk
Sandwell Irish Society offers a wide range of support to organisations, groups, and individuals on health issues with a particular focus on supporting the Irish community in Sandwell. The society provides an outreach support to Irish Travellers who pass through and sometimes settle in the Sandwell area, acting on their behalf as and when required and being the link with local authorities, the health sector, organisations and projects. Call 0121 533 9734 or email enquiries@sandwellirish.org
