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Brushstrokes Community Project

Brushstrokes Community Project is a long‑established charity based in Smethwick, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants across Sandwell, West Birmingham and Dudley. Established in 1999, Brushstrokes provides free, holistic support to help people navigate the challenges of settlement and prevent poverty, destitution and homelessness.
Services include specialist advice on immigration, housing and welfare benefits; health inclusion and wellbeing support; ESOL and digital skills learning; employment and volunteering support; and practical assistance such as food, clothing and community activities. Brushstrokes works in close partnership with local authorities, the NHS and voluntary sector partners and is part of Father Hudson’s Caritas, delivering compassionate, inclusive support to some of the most vulnerable residents in the region.
Services are delivered from our centre on Smethwick High Street and through outreach across Sandwell and neighbouring areas.
Advice and support services
Brushstrokes offers specialist advice and casework on immigration, asylum support, housing and welfare benefits, including support for people with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). Our early‑action approach aims to prevent homelessness, destitution and crisis by addressing issues as early as possible.
Health, wellbeing and inclusion
We support people to access health services and improve wellbeing through inclusion health work, walking activities and safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect with others and build confidence.
Education, skills and integration
Brushstrokes supports learning and integration through English language practice, digital inclusion and informal learning opportunities that help people improve communication, confidence and independence.
Community activities and social inclusion
Alongside advice services, Brushstrokes delivers a wide range of regular community activities, as outlined in our Community Activities Schedule, including:

Conversation Club (English language practice) – weekly sessions supporting confidence in spoken English
Football sessions – promoting physical wellbeing and social connection
Cycling repair sessions – practical skills and access to affordable transport
Stay & Play sessions for families with children aged 0–2
Gardening and nature group – supporting wellbeing and connection with green spaces
Welcome Wednesday social sessions including table tennis, chess, tea, coffee and conversation
Cricket sessions at West Smethwick Park
Wellbeing walks starting from the Brushstrokes centre
Table tennis sessions at West Smethwick Park Pavilion
Free community lunch every Friday
Free film evening on the first Friday of each month

These activities provide safe, inclusive spaces where people can meet others, reduce loneliness, improve physical and mental wellbeing and build supportive community networks.
Practical support and welcoming spaces
Brushstrokes also provides practical assistance such as food and clothing support and a welcoming community environment where people can access help with dignity and respect.
Partnership working
Brushstrokes works closely with local authorities, the NHS and voluntary sector partners to deliver coordinated, place‑based responses to poverty, health inequality and social exclusion. The project is part of Father Hudson’s Caritas, delivering support that is collaborative, inclusive and compassionate.