The term newcomer includes asylum seekers, refugees and European Union (EU) migrants.

Key Areas of Work:

• To develop a Newcomers Strategy within Sandwell Council that will drive the work of the Council in relation to Newcomers. It will be supported by thematic working groups which will take forward the shaping and development of services for newcomers within Sandwell with particular focus on Housing; Health; Education, Training and Employment; Services for Children and Young People.
• To work in partnership with internal and external stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to develop and take forward consistent best practice services for newcomers that enable their stay in Sandwell (whether permanent of temporary) to be a positive experience for all and that contributes to community cohesion within the borough. The initial focus will be on embedding access to housing, developing support and care services for adults and initiating integration services for children.
• To ensure consistent decision making and support is provided across the Council for People with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) who have a need for care and attention under the National Assistance Act 1948.
• To ensure consistent decision making and support is provided across the Council for People (children and families) with No Recourse to Public Funds who have a need for care and attention under the Children Act.
• To ensure opportunities for developing services for newcomers are optimised e.g. through Supporting People Funding.
• To raise the profile of newcomers in Sandwell.

Sandwell Council Newcomers Coordinator
Council House
High Street
Smethwick
West Midlands
B66 3NT

Tel: 0121 569 2929

Newcomers Services and Support

Destitute people from abroad with no entitlement to welfare benefits who require assistance under the National Assistance Act 1948 should contact Daljit Lahel to be assessed:

Adult and Community Services
Regis Lodge
George Avenue, Rowley Regis
B65 9BD
Tel: 0121 569 7275/7271
Fax: 0121 569 7280

Destitute children and families from abroad with no entitlement to welfare benefits contact the team below for an assessment of their needs:

Childrens Services
Crystal House
Crystal Drive
Smethwick
B66 1QG
Tel: 0845 352 8559