Black Country charity turns to public for help to ensure survival

Brushstrokes Community Project has continued its work during lockdown to help refugee and migrant communities to adapt to life in the region.

While it has been unable to run its regular drop-in services at its headquarters in Smethwick, Brushstrokes have run foodbanks and delivered essential items to families in need.

However, the project needs to raise £85,000 as the pandemic has had a severe impact on Brushstrokes’ clients with many more people turning to the charity for advice and support.

Project manager, Dave Newall, said: "Anyone in need in Sandwell shouldn’t have to struggle alone, isolated at home and scared not knowing what to do.

"Our information, and advice and support are a lifeline to people in need, helping them with any issue that’s affecting their life.

"During Covid, it’s even more important that people can reach us to get the advice and support they need."

But with cancelled events, reduced fundraising opportunities and an increased demand for their help, the project is struggling to raise enough money to fund its services to support more than 3,000 people.

It has opened a public appeal for help with funding to ensure its services, which help people suffering with food poverty, homelessness and destitution, among a range of other issues.

Lucy Clark, resources coordinator, said: ‘With the incidence of coronavirus and so many people struggling to put food on the table in normal times, we’ve seen our food and essential support operation more than double over the last year.

"We’re now feeding almost 400 people a week and making almost 100 deliveries a week to reach the most vulnerable.

"But it’s not just food. We provide advice so people can stabilise their circumstances and not have to rely on food support long term.

"In these Covid times, our support is needed now more than ever."

To find out more, go to brushstrokessandwell.org.uk.