What we do
Our Response to combating Coronavirus
Community care foundation Birmingham Ltd is following the government guidelines that are applicable in England only. We have printed leaflets in English, Somali and Arabic to our service user in case they have coronavirus symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
They should follow social distancing guidance in all local COVID alert levels. There are also additional restrictions in place for each local COVID alert level which they should be aware of. They can use the postcode search tool to check the alert level of their local area.
It is critical that our clients observe the following key behaviours:
- HANDS – Wash their hands regularly and for 20 seconds.
- FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors.
Social Distancing
To reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus, we advised our clients to try to keep at least 2 metres away from people you do not live with. Social distancing is essential to stop the spread of the virus, as it is more likely to spread when people are close together. An infected person can pass on the virus even if they do not have any symptoms, through talking, breathing, coughing or sneezing.
When with people you do not live with, you should also avoid: physical contact; being close and face-to-face; and shouting or singing close to them. You should also avoid crowded areas with lots of people; and touching things that other people have touched.
Where you cannot stay 2 metres apart you should stay more than 1 metre apart, as well as taking extra steps to stay safe. For example:
- Wear a face covering: on public transport and in many indoor spaces, you must wear a face covering by law, unless you are exempt
- Move outdoors, where it is safer and there is more space
- If indoors, make sure rooms are well ventilated by keeping windows and doors open
You do not need to socially distance from anyone in your household, meaning the people you live with. You also do not need to socially distance from anyone in your legally-permitted support bubble if you are in one, or someone you’re in an established relationship with. If in the early stages of a relationship, you should take particular care to follow the guidance on social distancing.
When providing care to a young child, or person with a disability or health condition who is not in your household or support bubble, it may not always be possible or practicable to maintain social distancing. You should still limit close contact as much as possible when providing these types of care, and take other precautions such as washing hands and opening windows for ventilation.
With funding received from our funders included Birmingham City Council enabled us to help a lot of families with food distribution for different areas.
Our COVID -19 awareness raising project has enabled the vast majority of our service users not only to strictly adhere to the government guidelines of social distancing, wearing of face mask, constantly sanitising their hands and sticking to the rule of 6, but reduction of risk of infection. We achieved this objective through our weekly WhatsApp, Zoom Cloud HD video conferencing/meeting, and distribution of leaflets in languages spoken by our clients to follow and comply with the government guidelines.
Home Visiting Service
Acknowledging the distinct obstacles encountered by certain elderly individuals and those with disabilities, our organization is committed to guaranteeing equal access to necessary services for all members of our community. Recognizing that access to our community centre may be limited for certain individuals; we have implemented a responsive solution in the form of home visits that can be arranged upon request.
These home visits are carried out by bilingual, empathetic staff members or volunteers with specialized training. Our team is dedicated to providing customized support, recognizing the significance of adapting our methodology to correspond with the unique requirements and inclinations of every client. When it comes to delivering support and care, we acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate.
Our dedication to the welfare of our clients extends beyond the home visit. We surpass expectations by integrating a meticulous and all-encompassing approach to follow-up casework. This may entail providing support to the client by making requisite telephone inquiries or aiding them in the completion of vital paperwork. It is acknowledged that the management of bureaucratic procedures and administrative duties can present difficulties for individuals. Our objective is to mitigate these difficulties for our clients by providing the necessary assistance while minimizing their level of tension.
Debt Advice Project
We provide surgeries on debt and energy advice particularly for people struggling or unable to pay their debts. We make it easier for people to get the right advice in the right way for them to tackle immediate debt problems and show how to be more resilient in the future, and also encourage people to help themselves whenever practical.
ESOL Education Service
We provide a specialized adult pre-entry ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program designed for persons who have no prior knowledge of English and are unable to read or write in any language. This course is a fundamental curriculum specifically designed to equip learners with the necessary skills for advanced ESOL courses at universities and other educational institutions. Although this course does not result in an official certification, it is an essential first step towards achieving fluency in English as a Second Language. We acknowledge the importance of establishing a solid linguistic base and allowing individuals to begin their language acquisition process, which facilitates seamless integration and communication in their new linguistic surroundings.
Substance Misuse Project
A segment of the population in our community is confronted with the complex issue of chronic substance addiction, specifically concerning substances such as Khat. This dependence frequently transcends mere recreational utilization, entwining with more extensive psychological concerns, including but not limited to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Acknowledging the intricate and diverse characteristics of these challenges, our dedication is to provide a comprehensive and nuanced support network.
By employing a comprehensive array of services, our methodology guarantees the resolution of both the immediate issues associated with substance abuse and the fundamental psychological intricacies at play. Support services such as counselling and psychological care form the bedrock of our system, offering individuals a secure environment in which to confront and resolve the emotional obstacles they encounter.
In addition to this, we offer our assistance in the form of guidance and motivation. Recognizing the distinctiveness of every individual’s trajectory, we adopt a customized approach when devising treatment strategies. Our goal is to develop a treatment plan that is effective and resonates with the individual by customizing our approaches to their unique circumstances and requirements.
Our dedication to delivering individualized treatment necessitates taking into account not only the substance abuse concern but also the wider psychological context. Our organization is committed to providing individuals with effective coping mechanisms and strategies to overcome obstacles, as well as addressing the underlying causes. By adopting a holistic approach, we guarantee that our clients are provided with all-encompassing care that facilitates their road to recovery, cultivates resilience, and improves their overall mental health.
Our fundamental objective is to enable people to surmount substance abuse while simultaneously attending to the psychological challenges they encounter.
After School Club Project
The After School Club operates Monday to Friday; welcoming children aged 7 to 18 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. This vibrant space serves as a valuable resource for youngsters seeking assistance with homework, engaging in reading sessions, playing board games, utilizing computers, and participating in educational assignments.
Our After School Club is under the vigilant supervision of a team of experienced and qualified staff members and dedicated volunteers. Beyond the academic support provided, we recognize the importance of fostering a holistic learning environment. As such, during school summer holidays, we organize additional activities, including outings, to further enrich the children’s experiences.
Notably, our club serves as more than just an academic hub. Children can drop by to enhance their knowledge of Somali language and culture, delving into reading and writing Somali. Moreover, we offer insights into the rich history and culture of Somalia and Somaliland, creating an inclusive space for learning and exploration. Our After School Club is not merely a place for homework; it’s a dynamic and culturally enriching haven for young minds to grow and learn beyond the traditional academic setting.
Information Advice & Guidance Project
At the core of our services is the delivery of information, advice, and assistance, which is a crucial aspect of our commitment to providing a free, unbiased, and confidential service. This essential support is accessible to individuals seeking asylum, refugees, marginalized migrants, and the general public, with communication choices in Somali, English, and Arabic languages.
We warmly encourage folks residing in Small Heath and other locations of the West Midlands to utilize our services. Individuals in need of assistance are advised to either visit our facility or reach out to us via phone to arrange a meeting, which may be scheduled between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
To seek further clarification or acquire supplementary details, we encourage you to contact our Main Office at 0121 682 8899 or reach out to us via email at info@carefoundation.uk. We highly value your inquiries and are fully prepared to offer the required support to effectively attend to your requirements and concerns.
Access to Computers & Internet
Our computer rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet connections, providing a valuable resource freely accessible to members of the public. Whether you’re seeking assistance or guidance, our friendly staff or volunteers are usually on hand to help individuals navigate and utilize these computer facilities. We offer support in Somali, English, and Arabic to ensure inclusivity and ease of communication.
Within our computer rooms, you have the opportunity to connect with friends and family in Somali and Somaliland through email and video conferencing. Additionally, our high-speed Internet connection accommodates the usage of personal smartphones, allowing access to platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other social media applications.
While we encourage the use of our Internet services for communication and connectivity, it’s important to note that certain restrictions are in place for child protection purposes. We also reserve the right to exercise discretion in refusing access to specific Internet sites and services. Our aim is to provide a secure and inclusive digital environment, balancing accessibility with the protection of our users and ensuring a positive online experience for all.
Translation/Interpreting Services
Our commitment to providing essential services extends to free and confidential translation/interpreting support in Somali, English, and Arabic, facilitated by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Beyond language assistance, we extend a helping hand to those who may not be fluent in English, aiding them in navigating interactions with various Organisations over the phone. This includes essential tasks such as school registrations, NHS/GP appointments, engagement with Jobcentre Plus, access to homeless centres, social services, translation/interpretation of utility bills, and clarification of benefits entitlements.
