Additional Support

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Voice Team

The Voice and engagement team works with our children, young people, and staff to make sure everyone has a voice.

They have developed the innovative ‘Working Together ‘guide and are passionate about empowering the children we care for, our care experienced young adults and anyone else we are working with.

Sandwell Leisure Trust

We work closely with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to make sure young people and families in Sandwell have the best support and opportunities. Together, we use our resources to improve lives and wellbeing in the community.

Sandwell Leisure Trust helps everyone feel included by hosting community events and free activities for Looked After Children and their carers.

We also work with:

  • Sport and leisure governing bodies
  • Funders like Sport England
  • Local authority teams
  • Schools and colleges
  • Community and voluntary organisations.

These partnerships help us provide more activities, support, and opportunities for you.

Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s will provide a keyworker/short term intervention approach to conduct assessments and then deliver a co-ordinated package with your wider support systems.

An assessment tool, will be applied with a proposed 4 session follow up model, using advocacy and identification/representation of your needs, determining a co-ordinated workplan with the social worker/care.

Brushstrokes

Brushstrokes is here to help people understand the asylum process and feel more confident about it.

The project provides Asylum Guides – these are trained volunteers who give you information and support at important stages of your asylum journey.

If you want an Asylum Guide, we will match you with a volunteer who will meet with you when you need help. We also accept referrals from other organisations for asylum seekers living in Sandwell and West Birmingham.

You can find Brushstrokes in Smethwick, West Midlands.

Forum for Independent Young Adults (FIYA)

FIYA is a group for young people in care. Together, we:

  • Listen to what young people say about being in care with Sandwell Children’s Trust.
  • Speak up to decision-makers about what works and what doesn’t.
  • Get involved in events, groups, and meetings to make services better.
  • Make sure your voice is heard by professionals.
  • Help change things for the better.
  • Raise concerns at the Corporate Parenting Board.

And yes… we have fun too!

Sandwell Virtual School

The Virtual School is here to support your education if you are in care. It doesn’t replace your school – it’s an extra resource to help you succeed.

The Virtual School:

  • Gives advice and support to you, your school, and your carers.
  • Runs clubs and activities outside school.
  • Offers special programmes like the Boarding School Pathfinder.
  • Uses Pupil Premium funding to help with learning.
  • Trains and advises schools, council staff, and carers.

Red Cross- Family Tracing Service

If you have lost contact with family members, the Red Cross can help you try to find them. This service is for people who have been separated from loved ones because of war, natural disasters, or migration.

The Family Tracing Service works internationally, so even if your relatives are in another country, the British Red Cross may be able to help.

Refugee Council

The Refugee Council is here to support you during your asylum journey. They can:

  • Help you find an immigration solicitor to work on your asylum case.
  • Give you advice and guidance about your rights and the asylum process.
  • Support you with education, including finding schools, colleges, and training opportunities.

The Refugee Council works to make sure you feel informed and supported. If you have questions or need help, they will listen and guide you to the right services.

Places of Worship

Your faith and beliefs are important. We will help you find a place of worship that feels right for you, whether it’s a mosque, church, temple, or another space.

If you need items for prayer, such as a holy book, prayer mat, or other essentials, we can provide these for you.

We can also:

  • Show you where local places of worship are.
  • Help you connect with faith leaders or community groups.
  • Support you in attending services or events if you want to.

You are free to practice your religion, and we are here to make sure you feel comfortable and respected.