Funded Project: Community Safety Net (CSN)

The CSN project delivers essential information, advice, guidance, (IAG) services in key areas of Welfare Benefits, Debt and Housing, it is a hands-on service to members of diverse communties in Handsworth and is currently available to residents living within 1.5 miles from the NCA. The IAG services are free, confidential, independent, impartial and open to all. 

Total Project Value: £518,292 for 3 years

Grant Funding From Funder: £345,417

NCA In Kind Investment: £42,875

Funding Shortfall: £130,000

The National Lottery Community Fund has also provided match funding of £50,001 for the South Asian Family Support Hub Project.

Funded Project: Housing

The Housing Project focuses on the local marginalised ethnically diverse communities. It acts as a safety net for families with housing needs, which have always existed and have been amplified by COVID and Cost of Living Crisis. we provide families with seamless support through all our projects, looking at housing needs, filling in housing applications, and improving housing conditions. Advocating on behalf of clients with landlords to improve housing conditions. Improve physical and emotional wellbeing through improved standard of accommodation. Empower individuals to manage their own housing applications and to understand housing rights, so that families are stronger and can thrive in their homes.

Grant Funding from Funder: £50,000

Funded Project: South Asian Family Support Hub (SAFSH)

The SAFSH Project focuses on the local South Asian Communities. The Hub will act as a safety net for families with single or multiple complex economic, social, educational, relationship, disengagement, isolation issues that have always existed and have been amplified by the COVID crisis. We provide families with intensive seamless support through early interventions and using preventative measures. We work with families, helping them to engage and interface with agencies, such as education (schools), police, health & social services and other stakeholders.

Total Project Value: £169,661

Grant Funding from Funder: £100,000

NCA in Kind Investment: £19,660

Match Funding from National Lottery Community Fund: £50,001

Funded Project: Nishkam Aasra Hub

The Nishkam Aasra Hub provides emotional, mental, physical and spiritual support to elderly members of the community. The project helps alleviate anxiety, isolation, bereavement, breakdown of existing social networks and supports management of existing health conditions.

Total Project Value: £29,300

Grant Funding From Funder: £25,000

NCA In Kind Investment: £4,300

Funded Project: Windrush Justice Project

The Windrush Justice Project at Nishkam Centre focuses on supporting the Windrush generation. Our aim is to raise awareness, help and advice on how to claim Windrush Compensation scheme. If eligible, to claim compensation, to give applicants the closure and justice that has been a long time in coming. To provide wraparound support services, raise awareness of the scheme, and provide information on eligibility, categories of compensation, impacts and losses as covered by the scheme and how to apply.

Total Project Value: £22,000

Grant Funding From Funder: £22,000

Funded Project: Action for Race Equality

The Funder has received a grant from the Secretary of State for Justice for the purpose of provision of legal support to individuals to resolve their civil and family legal problems. 

This project allows us to provide assistance with welfare benefits, helping individuals obtain benefit entitlements, tax benefits, pensions etc. Support through various stages, from mandatory reconsideration to appeals and early intervention support, which is critical in preventing issues from escalating.

With debt, we assist in addressing money problems, such as overpayments and arrears, offer support through budgeting to help our clients recognise priority and non-priority debts. Additionally, we provide guidance on housing issues, including landlord disputes, adaptations, poor housing conditions, and housing applications.

We provide tribunal-based support and representation for welfare benefits. Our service includes advice and legal representation for individuals facing tribunal proceedings. We will apply for permission to appeal, assist with statements of reasons, advise on criteria and descriptors, provide representation and end-to-end support, including referral to legal aid services where needed.

Grant Funding From Funder: £195,300

Funded Project: Start of Life Care (SOLC)

The Start of Life Care (SOLC) project provides essential antenatal and postnatal education and support to improve maternal and infant health in West Birmingham. It addresses critical areas such as self-care, breastfeeding, healthy eating, stress management, and emotional wellbeing. The programme is culturally tailored to support marginalised communities, especially Black, Asian, and mixed-ethnic backgrounds, while fostering peer networks and promoting early parenting readiness.

Project Funding Overview:

Fairer Futures Locality Partnership Funding: £196,300

NCA In-Kind Investment: £5,000

Volunteer contribution (estimated value): £19,440

Estimated Value of Wraparound Advice & Support Services: £188,700

Total Project Value: £409,440 (3 years)

Funded Project: The Digital Divide Project

The Digital Divide Project is a two-year initiative designed to tackle digital exclusion in Birmingham, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Building on the success of our Multiply programme, this project empowers residents from marginalised communities in highly deprived areas such as Handsworth, Lozells, and Aston.

The project provides tailored support to help individuals develop essential digital skills, progress to proficiency, and access life-changing opportunities. Participants will gain confidence in using technology for everyday tasks like online banking, accessing the NHS app, applying for jobs, and engaging with online learning platforms.

Through culturally appropriate engagement and a focus on getting people into employment, the Digital Divide Project aims to address inequalities, foster independence. and create lasting change for some of Birmingham’s most underserved communities 

Grant Funding From WMCA: £142,857

Funded Project: Macmillan Cancer Care Connectors

The Macmillan Cancer Care Connectors project is a collaborative initiative focused on improving cancer care within Birmingham’s deprived community. In partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, the project addresses cultural barriers that hinder open conversations about cancer diagnosis and treatment. It raises awareness about early cancer detection, provides access to personalised care, and offers support for seldom-heard groups, including those from marginalised ethnic backgrounds. Through community engagement and outreach, the project empowers individuals to seek early diagnosis and navigate cancer care with greater confidence with cultural understanding.

Project Funding: £132,000