Karis Neighbour Scheme

<< www.karisneighbourscheme.org >>

Karis is a small community charity providing practical support, friendship and advocacy to people in need in the Ladywood area of Birmingham, particularly seeking to reach out to people who are isolated and marginalised.

We have developed a range of work supporting asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants, as over time these groups have become a significant proportion of their community. There is now a sizeable refugee community but new arrivals are Europeans.

Services include informal ESOL classes, a Welcome group offering social activities particularly aimed at women and families, and home visits to offer further befriending along with practical support including linking to the local foodbank. A baby bank provides essentials such as pushchairs /cots /moses baskets for newborn babies in families who are in crisis. The Community Advice service offers benefits advice and advocacy, helping to explain letters, fill in forms and make phone calls.