How to help people in Bearwood, Smethwick and Beyond

Like many, we are feeling increasingly dismayed at the rise in poverty and mental ill health where we live. We've noted a few ideas here if you are wanting to help but you're not sure how. There will be many more and if you'd like to add to this list please just drop us a line at hello@bearwood.cc.

1. Smethwick Foodbank ran out of food last Wednesday. If you are able, please consider setting up a direct debit or one-off financial donation by clicking here.

To give non-perishable, in-date food donations, please drop at collection points at Global Foods or Thimblemill Library - or after 25th April, at Bearwood Community Hub.

2. Spread the word about Bearwood Free Shop to those who might need it. Thanks to generous support from Fiona Pitt of We Are Bearwood it will now be housed at Bearwood Community Hub from 27th April, every Wednesday 11am-3pm. Collect clothes and items you need. Leave a donation if you can.

We do not need clothes donations yet but will let you know when we do!

3. Follow Brushstrokes Community Project on Facebook to hear what donations they need for newly arrived refugees. They are supporting many people from Afghanistan at the moment.

4. Volunteer to base yourself at Bearwood Community Hub for one day a week, a fortnight or a month. To greet people who may drop in, make a cuppa for them with a warm smile and offer company and signposting. Subject to DBS checks and references of course! Email Sally at hello@bearwood.cc.

5. Start collecting medicines, thermals, baby clothes for Ukranian refugees and soldiers. After our Easter break we'll let you know on which day you can drop them at the Hub. They will be added to truckloads being driven to Ukraine each week from Birmingham.

6. Share this newsletter with a friend, on social media or with a neighbour. It's our Community that makes us!