Walsall Black Sisters Collective praised during mayoral visit
A Black Country organisation working to help vulnerable people has been praised by the Mayor of the West Midlands.
The Walsall Black Sisters Collective (BSC) was visited by Andy Street as part of the Mayor's Community Weekend, an event designed to celebrate diversity.
The mayor singled out the collective for praise for the resilience they had shown and the way they had repurposed their community support during the coronavirus pandemic during his visit .
He said: "It’s been brilliant to meet Walsall Black Sisters Collective and to see how their work has changed in response to the challenges of Covid-19."
The BSC has been supporting communities in Walsall since the 1980s, with its focus shifting from issues affecting black women and their families to the whole community.
During the pandemic, the organisation has delivered more than 300 food parcels with hot, home cooked meals and had increased its Befriending and Counselling service in response to the crisis.
Chief executive officer Maureen Lewis said BSC had been there to support all parts of the community during the pandemic and spoke about the visit from the mayor.
She said: "We will respond where there is need as this pandemic affects everyone and we have to work together to get through it.
"We were honoured to receive a visit from the Mayor of the West Midlands and to be recognised for the work we are doing here in Walsall."
Councillor Garry Perry, portfolio holder for culture and communities, accompanied the mayor on his visit and offered his own praise for the work BSC were doing.
He said: "BSC have a long established reputation among the people of Walsall and have again been a shining example, dedicating themselves to help at a pivotal time of need."
