Refugee Response
The recent Afghanistan Refugee crisis shook the globe, opening the eyes of many people, possibly for the first time, to the struggles facing hundreds of thousands of vulnerable adults and children as they fled their country in search of a better, safer life. National news showed stories and images that demanded attention; locally we listened and communities around Sandwell stepped up and pledged to make a difference. Here’s a snippet of how…
Sandwell Churches Link is a founding member of Sandwell Borough of Sanctuary, a network of organisations, groups and individuals who formed a working group in January 2020, pledging to build a culture of welcome across the borough as part of the national City of Sanctuary network. Its goal is to create a network of towns and cities across the UK which are proud to be places of safety and which fully include people seeking sanctuary in the lives of their communities.
We are currently developing a Borough of Sanctuary strategy outlining how we can work towards greater inclusion and equality for refugees and asylum seekers whilst raising public awareness. Sandwell Churches Link is committed to working alongside other partner organisations to respond to the growing need for greater awareness, equality and inclusion for refugees within the Sandwell area.
Please visit https://sandwell.cityofsanctua... for more information and a full list of the organisations helping to get Borough of Sanctuary going and the agreed Terms of Reference. If you’ve like to get involved please don’t hesitate to contact info@sandwell.cityofsanctuary.org or contact Sally Taylor via the button below
There are dedicated organisations and individuals across Sandwell, West Birmingham and the Black Country that work with and serve the whole community with kindness and respect, especially vulnerable individuals, asylum seekers, refugees and newcomers.
One such organisation is Brushstrokes Community Project, a partnership project of Father Hudson’s Care, the Infant Jesus Sisters, the parish of St Philip Neri and the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd and managed by David Newall.
Bearwood Action for Refugees is a not-for-profit charitable organisation working with local individuals, groups and schools to help refugees. They deliver a range of community fundraising events, and promote awareness, befriending, support and solidarity for refugees and asylum seekers living in Birmingham and the Black Country and those seeking safe passage across Europe. Bearwood Action for Refugees welcomes volunteers. Contact bearwood@actionforrefugees.org for more information about what’s involved and how you can volunteer.
Barms (Birmingham Asylum Refugee & Migrant Support) is an online directory of organisations, services and groups committed to welcoming, supporting and resettling asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Birmingham. One of the many services listed with Barms is BIRCH, a hosting, UASC befriending, Family Meet and Greet service whooperate across the Birmingham area.