Starting Well - Maternity Event Launch Day
Up and Coming Event for January 2022
Posted 21.12.2021
Mr Basil Blackwood
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr Basil Blackwood whose death follows shortly after that of his beloved wife Lorretta. They were regulars on a Saturday night and you never saw one without the other so they are reunited again. The family ask if you knew him come and join them in celebrating his life.
Gone But Not Forgotten
The funeral takes place on Friday 14th January 2022 at 11.30am West Smethwick Methodist Church 32 Holly Lane. B67 7JD
Internment at Rood End Cemetery at 1pm. Followed by
Refreshments at the 99 Club 173 Tat Bank Road Oldbury B69 4NH
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Posted 21.12.2021
Up and Coming Event
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Posted 8.12.2021
JOB VACANCIES
We are currently advertising for the following vacancies:
Weekend/Weekly Relief Caretaker:
Job Summary - To open the Centre when there is a function and put away any equipment not being used in the hall. Show hirer how to use kitchen equipment and be available to hirer during set up times. To be present on-site whenever there is a function at the Centre. To provide a comprehensive range of care taking and handy person services including security, cleaning, monitoring health & safety, arranging rooms and other duties as specified. To ensure that the building is clean and safe to operate. The caretaker will be supplied with a job task sheet and will be expected to phone the centre for a weekly job sheet. Weekend/Weekly Relief Caretaker will also be expected to cover all weekly duties in the absence of main caretaker.
Head Cook:
Job Summary - Under the general direction of the Health & Well Being Divisional Manger, to be responsible for the general supervision and organization of the kitchen, including the supervision and welfare of kitchen employees. Taking an active part in the preparation, cooking and serving of the meals, assisting with the ordering of the supplies, keeping kitchen records of stock, inventories, etc., assisting with the planning of menus; ensuring high standards of hygiene.
If you would like to find out more about these vacancies or would like to receive a copy of the full job description/spec and application pack you can either:
- Call the centre on 0121 525 9177 choose Opt 5 to request an application pack
- Open the following link to apply via our website, once in website use the drop down arrow to select the job you are interested in applying for, leave your details https://www.wbacrc.org.uk/forms.asp?id=2
- Call in person to the centre
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Posted 1.12.2021
Barrie Poole - Gone but not forgotten
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barrie Poole who worked within our Employment and Training Division supporting over 50's into work and training. Barrie will always be remembered for his quirky sense of humour and brought hope and joy to people around him. May he Rest in Peace.
Barry pictured with Shane Ward - CEO
Barry with some of the former Steps to Work Staff members
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Posted 08.10.2021.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our founder members Mrs Victoria I Frank. She worked alongside 13 others in setting up the resource centre and fulfilled the role of Vice Chair for many years. She also had a short spell as the chair. Mrs Frank was a staunch supporter of the charity and her contribution will never be forgotten. On reflection 50% of the founder members are no longer with us so she can take her place and be proud of her contribution in providing a legacy for African Caribbean people within Sandwell. We send our condolences to the family.
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Posted 28.09.2021
As part of Black History Month, we will be celebrating the Resource Centre. We are inviting you to join us as we look back on the past 36 years of the West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre.
Come along to our open day, meet the staff, help us to celebrate our history, present work and future plans.
We hope you can attend and look forward to seeing you on the day.
If you would like to find out more about the day, please feel free to call us on: 0121 525 9177.
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Posted 08.09.2021
RESEARCH PROJECT - Black, Covid and In Lockdown: In our own words.
We are feeling accomplished in that we have now completed our community research: Black, Covid and In Lockdown: In our own words.
An independent report that pulls no punches and is the result of a real team effort. It takes pride in showing what can be achieved when individuals and groups work together. Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding the report.
Who are more vaccine hesitant Black men or Black women? Is there a difference between West Midlands boroughs? What influences decisions to take a vaccine or not? How have the Government, NHS, local government, churches and the charitable sector scored in the support that they have provided? How has it affected families? What is the impact of racism on trust and compliance? What has caused people to change their minds?
Get answers to these and many more questions by requesting your own digital copy complete with expansive links to articles videos and reports as well as saving the trees. We hope you find it interesting and thought provoking. Our Chief Executive and Co-author Shane Ward will be on Newstyle Radio on The Charmaine’s Different Angies show on Friday 10th September at 11am.
To request your copy contact us on 0121 525 9177 or email angela.mahabeer@wbacrc.org.uk
Alternatively, open the link below to download a copy
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Posted 13.07.2021
Without you Marcus thousands of children would go hungry during the summer holidays. Without you Jadon quality young players would linger in reserve football in England rather than take opportunities for development abroad. Without you Bukayo my beloved Arsenal might have been relegated. A team wins together and loses together. Those who resort to trying to racially abuse you never supported you or England in the first place. So carry on what you are doing you are making big waves in and out of sport.
Proud of you and your contributions to the success of England in the Euros 
#euros2021
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ST VINCENT & GRENADINES VOLCANO DISASTER
We are pleased to confirm that our staff volunteers and trustees managed to raise £250 in donations to support the volcano disaster relief appeal for St Vincent and the Grenadines.
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DIRECT MAIL BOOKLET
If you live in West Bromwich and have a B70 or B71 post code you will have noticed our direct mail booklet come through the door. It is a fundraising campaign to support the work of our charity. During Covid we had to close the building to visitors and only opened back to staff in August. Like many charities we have had to change what we do . Many large charities like Prostate Cancer Uk Diabetes Uk Age Uk and the British Heart Foundation use direct mail to boost their income so they can continue the services they provide. We are doing the same thing. We are not closing so please don’t get worried. If you can donate it would be most welcome. The easiest way is to visit our website click on the donate button and follow the instructions . If you are a Uk tax payer don’t forget to gift aid your donation. www.wbacrc.org.Uk
Many thanks.
Pictured: Rajwinder Kaur - Senior Care Officer & Sudeen Blake - Senior Finance Officer
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UK-SVG COMBINED RESPONSE TO LA SOUFRIERE ERUPTION
We are encouraging you all to try and donate to support those affected by the volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines . The target is £250,000 so let’s help them make it.
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Posted 30.03.2021
Today is our final day of our community meal service part of the wrap around outreach service supporting vulnerable people in the local community at the time of the Coronavirus pandemic. Curry Goat and Rice with Veg, a non meat option of Callaloo or Baked Salmon. It is being evaluated and so far we have had a wonderful response. Once the report is presented we will see if it can start again after Easter. After starting with 31 meals we have been making over 100 meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the past few weeks. Many Thanks to #charityaidfoundation for funding the program and #FareShare Midlands for working with us . Special thanks to the staff and volunteers who made it happen.
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Posted 28.03.2021
Thank You Donation Letter
We would like to say a big "Thank You" to the Griffiths Family for thier donation towards the cost of providing PPE for our staff also thank you for your kind words in support of our staff for the care they have provided to you. We appreciate your support and look forward providing care for you in the future. Thank you!
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Posted 28.03.2021
Fried chicken with steamed vegetables, fried dumplings and large sauté potatoes. With over 100 collected or distributed. We have had very good reviews from those who benefitted so it’s been extremely satisfying to deliver this project.
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Posted 22.02.2021
FREE HOT FOOD NEWS Continues.....
We are continuing to provide meal with 44 meals provided on 16th, it was a winter warmer Cottage Pie and Veg. Numbers are going up each day.
Thursday's main meal was Curried Chicken with Rice and Vegetables. The vegetarian option is Ital cooked up Callaloo . We even have fresh Melon for dessert. Free Food all available from Tues/Thurs 1pm - 3pm
Posted 15.02.2021
FREE HOT FOOD AVAILABLE
Tuesday 9th was the first day of our Wrap Around Outreach Service and we gave out 37 meals of curried chicken rice and veg to local people in need. Today we gave out 41 of corned beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes and a vegan curry, all free courtesy of food donated by Fareshare Midlands and funding from the Charity Aid Foundation.
Just some of the types food that we will be cooking for the community over the next 6 weeks all free to those in need via Fareshare. Chicken, Tuna, Corned Beef and Fresh Veg. Delivered and ready. Our latest effort to support people in need during this crisis. Special thanks to @charityaidfoundation for funding this project and Fareshare for making it possible.
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Posted 09.02.2021
HOT MEALS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Our emergency Wrap Around Outreach Service starts providing hot main meals for the local community
We are pleased to announce that we have re-established our partnership agreement with the Fareshare charity and with financial support from the Charities Aid Foundation we will be starting our Wrap Around Outreach Service cooking food for collection starting on Tuesday 9th February and every Tuesday and Thursday until 31st March.
We have been able to do this through funding from the Charity Aid Foundation and donations from the Fare Share Food donation program.
There is no charge, and the food is for local people in need of a hot meal.
Meals can be collected between 1pm- 3pm every Tuesday and Thursday
The first meal will meal will be Caribbean Curry Chicken rice and vegetables. There will be a vegetarian option. We will be providing for up to between 80-100 meals. We hope you enjoy our offering.
We cannot let people into the building, but the meals will be handed out from the front entrance.
There is no charge, and we do not require anything to prove to us that you are in need
Tel 01215259177
Visit our website
Email info@wbacrc.org.uk
Visit is on Facebook
West Bromwich Arican Caribbean Resource Centre, Thomas Street, West Bromwich B70 6LY
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Posted 12.01.2021.
Tomorrow we say a last goodbye to one of or own our original home care workers Jenny Thompson who was one of the first of two home care workers when we established our home care service back in 1995. She of course went onwards and upwards to better things but we are proud that the experiences that she gained with us helped her along her career path.
Jenny was caring, loving, diligent and discreet and her qualities were the foundation of our ACRC care service which now employs over 40 staff and delivers over 1000 care hours a week to 65 clients . Her work enabled us to get a foothold in delivering home care in the community and will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace Jenny from us all at West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre.
Gone but never forgotten 
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COMPUTER ACCESS & STUDY SUPPORT
We are pleased to announce that we have started our 3 month pilot project to promote digital inclusion targeting children and young people who do not have access to computers. Appointments only sanitisation station and temperature checks are in place parents/ carers are welcome to accompany children. Thanks to the Wesleyan Foundation for the financial support.
Wesleyan Foundation
Please call to book your place.
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Posted 15.10.2020
Study Support / Job Search
We are well on our way to providing access to computers and the internet for children at risk of falling behind due to Covid and young people facing unemployment . Looking to start in time for October the half term bookings on an appointment and referral basis.
To find out more, contact our office on 0121 525 9177 and ask to speak to Shane Ward or Angela Mahabeer.
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Posted - 13.08.2020.
Sandwell Towns Fund
Firstly, a big Thank You to all of those who have completed the last survey about getting shutters to deter burglars. Today we are sharing an important survey which could have a positive major impact on the future of our charity going forward. It is an opportunity to make real the desire for a new African Caribbean Resource Centre based in West Bromwich town centre to serve the local community. We are encouraging our friends and supporters to complete the survey and stipulate that we need a new resource centre to better serve young people, support employment, digital skills education entrepreneurship and the arts. we are depending on you. This in addition to the comprehensive social care, health and well-being program we deliver.
Here is how is was announced
Last year, the Government announced that 101 towns would benefit from the Towns Fund deal – including towns in Sandwell: West Bromwich, Rowley Regis and Smethwick. Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: “It is very important that the public get to have their say with ideas that will directly shape the future of Sandwell. I am very excited that we take this once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Sandwell for generations to come”.
Sandwell Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, added: “This is a really exciting opportunity to bring investment into Sandwell, we want to hear from as many people as possible”.
We want you to get involved and have your say in the development of the Town Deal by completing a short survey.
http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200193/council/4490/sandwell_towns_fund
The first survey is now live until 25 August with a phase 2 survey expected in September.
Please feel free to share the survey with your contacts.#
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Coronavirus News
See other Coronavirus news articles on our News and Events page
Last updated: 22.06.2020 - 12:18am
We are starting to prepare for when we will eventually get to re-open our building. Our branded floor spacers are designed courtesy of MRCMedia. Let us know what you think
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Updated 04.06.2020 - 9:01am
A big thank you to Robinson Brothers of West Bromwich for their very kind donation of 10 LTrs of hand sanitizer which will support our home care workers and community care support workers as they provide care food shopping and other support to vulnerable people on Sandwell and Birmingham much appreciated Angie Watkins-Ferguson
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Updated: Monday 20th April 2020 - 10.30am
We are still operating our community support service and our home care service. Unfortunately, since the lockdown we have lost some service users. Please stay safe and follow guidelnes of regular washing of hands and social distancing. If you do get the chance take your exercise and use the time that you have as a result of furlough or other schemes to do something positive for yourself.
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Updated 25.3.2020 3:15pm
The centre will be closed on Friday 27th March until further notice, we will still operate community based services.
Hall hire bookings are also cancelled until further notice and our Day Care and Sapphire Services have been suspended.
Our Community Support Service involving food shopping, telephone support, collection of prescriptions and medications is available for existing service user only.
Our main telephone number 0121 525 9177 will be monitored. Our ACRC Home care service will continue , please contact 0121 525 5436 for any queries.
Post and Emails will be monitored for please bear with us if replies are delayed.
For updates please visit our website www.wbacrc.org.uk
MOST IMPORTANTLY, STAY SAFE
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Posted: 3.4.2020.
Despite having some front line staff having to self isolate we have been working hard in the community supporting the vulnerable . Tomorrow we will post some of the kind things people who have benefited have said about what we are doing. Click onto 'Our Community'>'What They Say About Us' to find out more.
Letter to our Staff Members,
I would like to say THANK YOU to all the staff for their positive contributions, flexibility, continued commitment and I am particularly impressed by the way the staff have responded to the situation. It lays a positive foundation for when we get through this challenging time, so I would like to thank you all for your positive contributions.
Please stay safe and remain positive.
Yours sincerely, Shane Ward - Chief Executive
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Update 23.3.2020
Unfortunately we have to suspend our Health & Well Being Day Care Service for older people due o the COVID 19 virus. Our service included supporting people with dementia. As we get paid by numbers we could lose out on much needed income. We have offererd Sandwell Council and alternative support package to include shopping support, prescription collection, telephone contact and if required, cooking hot meals on site for distributiion as a way of supporting our clients in the community whilst respecting safe practices; if we do not get their support we will be in great difficulty. Our ACRC Home Care service will continue providing personal care in the homes of individuals in need. Life the NHS staff, charities also provide vital services but we are often overlooked as essential workers. Please support your local charity so we can keep making a positive difference. Click onto our DONATE button on our website if you are able to make a donation. THANK YOU.
Latest Government Advice:
Staying alert and safe (social distancing) 12 June 2020
Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 (5th June 2020)
3%
of Britain's population is black (over 2 million people)
of Britain's population is black (over 2 million people)
1 in 4
Black men are likely to get Prostate Cancer at some stage in their life
Black men are likely to get Prostate Cancer at some stage in their life
1985
We became a legal entity
We became a legal entity
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Cert. No. 10229
Quality Management System
