Sandwell African Women Association [SAWA] is based in Smethwick near Birmingham. The registered charity was formed to support African refugee women and children affected by wars, sexual violence, exploitation and abuse. The group delivers a range of services to improve safety, help those who are homeless and support young people who face barriers to work.

 

SAWA previously offered two main programmes; The Community Development Programme and The Refugees and Migrants Forum.

 

Under The Community Development Programme there are a number of activities that the women and children can get involved in such as; sewing and tailoring, job club and cookery club. The women and children can access various elements of support for their health and wellbeing such as general help claiming benefits and help to access health and social care services. Support can be accessed through community-based, one-to-one, group sessions and outreach projects.

 

The Refugees and Migrants Forum provides a voice to the women and encourages networking with other Women Refugee groups. Again providing a multitude of activities to get involved in; an after school club to support children and young people with behavioural problems, befriending coffee club to deliver classes on the use of the internet, debts awareness and money management as well as community social events to reduce isolation.

 

Since the pandemic, women from SAWA have mobilised themselves to proactively provide emergency support to socially isolated and vulnerable elderly women from the African community. The group have been delivering essential food, toiletries and basic necessities to women all over Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell.

“Throughout the Coronavirus crisis, we have worked to keep the elderly women who need our support safe. We’ve received feedback letting us know the huge difference the association’s support is making in our community – help we wouldn’t be able to provide without the funds given by the National Emergencies Trust.”

 

A Representative of SAWA

The National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal was launched in partnership with the British Red Cross and with the support of HRH Duke of Cambridge on March 18, 2020. In the event of a national emergency, the charity allows financial awards to be made quickly and efficiently to people who need it most.