Community Advice Service is a Community Interest Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales (1195934).
Community Advice Service is a Community Interest Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales (1195934).
On 6th February 2014, a public meeting was held by a group of migrant communities to establish an advice service that would meet local advice, information and guidance needs. The group discussed the challenges of accessing adequate support and agreed that a user-led, community advice service was needed.
Subsequently, members decided to form the Community Advice Service, also known as CAS. As a gesture of support, Lodge Road Community and Youth Centre provided the use of its premises.
Delivered through expert volunteers, CAS was recognised by Channel S in 2017 for supporting migrant communities. In 2018, CAS was awarded a “Runner Up” trophy for “Outstanding Partnership Work” across the West Bromwich Town in Sandwell.
Watch: CAS video
Founded by local communities
Residents supported each year
CAS was established for charitable purposes for the benefit of migrant communities in the Black Country, promoting the advancement of citizenship, culture, education and health, supporting racial harmony, and helping reduce poverty and financial hardship.
CAS supports an average of 350 residents each year. Alongside Advice, Information and Guidance services, we help migrants strengthen economic and social prospects through free access to skills and employability programmes, healthy living activities, community capacity-building opportunities, and cultural and cohesion initiatives.
Clear support to help people understand options, rights, and next steps.
Practical programmes that build confidence, skills, and job readiness.
Activities that encourage healthier living and community resilience.
Initiatives that strengthen inclusion and positive community connections.
At the end of the first year, CAS commissioned Marilyn Burrill Consultancy to produce an independent evaluation of its services. The evaluation concluded that, although CAS had very limited funding, it made an excellent start in providing an inclusive, efficient and effective advice service.
CAS management also commissioned AdviceUK to produce an independent assessment of advice needs and CAS’s capability. The assessment highlighted CAS’s strong local roots, community-led approach, and partnership working through mutual referral arrangements.
“The organisation is thoroughly rooted in the community; well connected with other local agencies and partners, is led by local needs and involves service users in its governance.” Independent assessment summary (AdviceUK)
Charity Commission for England & Wales
CIO No: 1195934
A migrant is someone who changes their country of usual residence for at least a year.
Source: United Nations