Brushstrokes Community Project

Brushstrokes is a joint project between Father Hudson’s Society, the Order of the Infant Jesus Sisters and the Catholic Parish of St Philip Neri, Smethwick.

The work of Brushstrokes was pioneered by Sr. Margaret Walsh I.J. who still lives in the immediate vicinity and is active in the work of the project.  Her vision was to be in solidarity with the hidden poor of this neighbourhood: to live, work, sorrow and celebrate with them; a vision that Brushstrokes endeavours to continue today.

The Project is here for the hidden poor of this very deprived area.  But who are the hidden poor?

There are many people in great need who still do not know how to access the help that is available to them. They are the people who are not noticed and whose voices are not heard.  This can be for any number of reasons but most commonly we find it is due to lack of knowledge and understanding of what help is available to them, or lack of language or communication skills necessary to access it.

The team seeks out the hidden poor by visiting houses in the local area, going out to the people in need, rather than waiting for them to come to us.  As the relationship between Brushstrokes and the individual grows, so does mutual trust and confidence.  The individual may begin to learn language or other skills to enable them to emerge fully into the world.  The Project helps them to grow and learn, show them where to access vital help and provide friendship and support along the way.  Whilst the individuals and families we help grow and change so do we as individuals and as a team.

Mission

Based in the heart of Smethwick, Brushstrokes has always strived to affirm and defend the rights and dignities of the people of this vibrant community.  Whilst recognising that every member of the community is of vital importance, Brushstrokes places special emphasis on supporting asylum seekers, refugees and newcomers, in adapting to a new life here.

Its mission is not only to lend practical assistance to those in need, but also to realise the fullest potential of each individual.  Through befriending, listening, helping and teaching of skills both confidence and self-esteem are greatly developed.  Brushstrokes believes that by sensitively guiding each person into an awareness of available options life choices are enhanced and lives empowered.

In its efforts to facilitate such change and hope in the lives of individuals and families, Brushstrokes enthusiastically works with a range of organisations and a team of dedicated volunteers.

Services

Brushstrokes has been offering a variety of services since it started in 1999.
Main Services and Activities

• Seeking out the most hidden individuals and families in the neighbourhood.
• Offering friendship and hospitality
• Helping parents and pre-school children to play and learn together.
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), including free crèche provision operated by Tipton Toddlers and Surestart, for learners’ children.
• Networking among local agencies and supporting those which best enhance the life of the community.
• Enabling people to access education, health and social provision.
• Providing food, clothing and household essentials to those most in need.
• Challenging structures which are keeping people in poverty.
• Reflecting together and evaluating our activities in the light of the Gospel.

The Project also offers:
o Instruction in computer use.
o Help with CV’s and application forms.
o Information and signposting to other agencies.
o Home visiting and befriending service.
o Free distribution of living essentials (food, clothes, baby equipment, etc.)
o Volunteer work opportunities.
o Social events and trips.
o Twice weekly Citizen’s Advice Bureau surgeries at Brushstrokes
o ESOL classes, including intensive speaking and listening courses and ESOL in the home.
o IT classes
o Toy library

The Centre

Brushstrokes is based at the St. Philip’s Parish Centre in Smethwick.  Here we have a large classroom, with built-in computer suite, and a designated crèche where parents can leave their children to play whilst they study ESOL.  Space is at premium so the crèche doubles as a confidential consulting room for Citizens Advice Bureau sessions and Housing Advice Clinics.
There are also two large containers, filled with various household items, extra stocks of food and baby equipment.
Brushstrokes also has use of a council owned flat nearby where we store and distribute clothes.
Brushstrokes is based on the first floor of the St Philip’s Parish Centre, however we do use the hall on the ground floor for ESOL classes and occasional meetings and events. 

Funding

Brushstrokes receives ongoing financial support from Father Hudson’s Society, one of the Foundation partners, who has also helped secure external funds from the Home Office, Charitable Trusts and the Big Lottery Fund and provides its own funds to contribute to other staff salaries. Father Hudson’s Society also supports Brushstrokes with Finance and Personnel support, supervision, organisational development, resources and recruitment.

The Sisters of the Infant Jesus also work with their contacts and supporters to draw in financial and other support for Brushstrokes.

Brushstrokes has received substantial and vital support from:

The Big Lottery Fund, the Lankelly Chase Foundation , the Henry Smith Charity, the Home Office, Harborne Parish Lands , Sure Start ,Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and the NRF.

There are numerous private funders who provide a lifeline with their smaller donations.

Donated Items

Amongst other services, Brushstrokes assists those in need with items of food, clothing and household equipment. Brushstrokes would not be able to provide this full range of assistance without the generous help of many donors. Some individuals and groups donate items regularly to us whilst others offer occasional or one-off help with donations of old clothes, food items and household equipment.
There is an ever-present demand for essentials, including pushchairs and other baby equipment, clothing and food, etc.  Occasionally we may have a real need of a specific item such as tinned food. If you or your group would like to make a donation of any kind to Brushstrokes please telephone.

Contact information: