On this page, you will find useful updates and information that we feature in our newsletter. If you'd like us to email you directly please register via this online form and we will be in touch.
January News
Summer Internship
The Civil Service is offering an 8-week paid work experience for 200 Autistic Young People. Applications close 14/01/2025 – Apply at: https://bit.ly/4iWPoi6
Parents Advocacy, Guidance and Empowerment (PAGE) – Service announcement
For the last two years, the PAGE project has supported over 100 Sandwell parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism. Focusing on parents whose children were subject to interventions from Children’s services, we provided support by offering Independent Advocacy and Independent Living Skills support. We are pleased to share that in 2025 we are expanding this service offer to support to any parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism in Sandwell (not just those subject to interventions from Children’s services), through the provision of bespoke one-to-one holistic support, helping parents to overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals.
This support can help these parents to create healthier, happier and safer homes and increase their confidence, skills and support networks all of which maximises the chances of keeping the family unit together. We are continuing to support Sandwell parents/guardians with learning disabilities and/or autism who are subject to interventions from Children’s Services through our Independent Advocate, who supports parents, ensuring their voices are heard and to help them navigate discussions, meetings and court hearings related to their case. The PAGE project is delivered by our partners Sandwell Advocacy and Ideal for All. Please share this through your networks as appropriate.
For more information please visit our website: https://communitiesinsync.info/our-services/page/ or Download our referral form
WorkWell Project
Just to provide a brief overview, WorkWell offers:
- Early intervention and holistic support.
- Assistance with finding work, returning to work, succeeding in work, and accessing other local support services.
- Holistic and personalised support plans based on individual needs.
Support is available for those who are:
- 16+ years old
- Living or registered to a GP or JCP in the Black Country
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Experiencing barriers to employment due to health conditions or disabilities
Referrals to the service can be made on the following link eReferral form. If you have any queries or questions about the service, please don’t hesitate in contacting the WorkWell team on bchft.workwellteam@nhs.net or 0800 952 6955. You can also view their webpage at: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/workwell
The Recovery College
The Recovery College provides an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health. Our courses celebrate our successes and build on existing skills and strategies rather than highlighting problems or failures.
Our belief is that learning together makes us stronger and supports our recovery.
You do not need any formal qualifications or experience to attend the college. All of our courses are free of charge and open to anyone, aged 18 and over.
All of our sessions are created with people who have lived experience of challenges with their own mental health along with carers and healthcare professionals. We hope we are able to support you on your recovery journey to living a full and satisfying life, by inspiring hope, optimism and choice.
You can find out more at: www.therecoverycollege.co.uk
You can view click to view their Spring Timetable