Supporting a community response for Sandwell.
Monday, 23 March 2020
The breadth and diversity of Sandwell's Voluntary and Community Sector is an undoubted strength in these unprecedented times, particularly in supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.
As a result, we’re doing all we can to support the Sector as it works to ensure support is available to those who need it.
Working alongside Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Public Health, West Midlands Police (Sandwell Borough), West Midlands Fire Service and the NHS, we’re coordinating the community response to COVID-19 in Sandwell.
Our role has three distinct themes, which you can see at our website:
• What’s happening where you are: Details of activity taking place across each of the six towns - it would be hugely helpful to know what response activities are taking place in your neighbourhood. Keep us up to date at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll make that information more widely available under this section - including developments like Mutual Aid groups, new service delivery etc.
• Can you help? Could you, as an individual, help to support local people at risk? We’re compiling a register of people who can offer help (in lots of different ways) and will do our best to match volunteers with local groups requiring assistance. Register your information through our online form or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Please don't worry if you don't hear back from us immediately, we want to make sure that we're matching the right offer with the right need ... but we WILL contact you).
• Information for voluntary and community groups: We’re compiling a list (regularly updated) of information, guidance and resources that are relevant to voluntary and community groups, including emerging funding opportunities for local groups.
There's also practical information to support staff and volunteers who may be self-isolating or working remotely. It's also worth saying that SCVO is still very much 'open for business' and here to assist in whatever way we can - whether it's helping existing groups to think about different ways of delivering their services, supporting new groups/activities to emerge or anything in between. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0121 525 1127 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your needs. Sandwell has a long tradition of strong and vibrant community support, reaching out to the most vulnerable among us. We're already seeing and hearing how communities are responding in these difficult times. Everyone has something they can contribute - however big or small that might be - so 'thank you' to everyone stepping forward to support Sandwell.
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