Sandwell Leisure Trust is an award-winning charity which works in partnership with and on behalf of Sandwell Council to manage the borough’s leisure centres, sports centres, golf courses and community physical activity programmes.

On 15 April we shared news of how Sandwell organisations are helping vulnerable people during lockdown, including SLT’s donation of over £4000 of vending machine stock. This supply of cold drinks, water and snacks was donated to four local hospitals – Sandwell General, Walsall Manor, Russells Hall and New Cross – to help under-pressure medical staff.

Amanda Winwood from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospitals Trust said: “We are very grateful for the donation as we are making wellbeing packs for our frontline workers, who are working longer than normal shifts at this challenging time.”

As well as food and drink, SLT staff are also giving their time and energy. Over 60 people currently furloughed have stepped forward to volunteer to help provide direct care to Sandwell residents, covering council staff shortages and giving extra support where needed. This includes helping people with personal care, meals, medication and daily activities that maximise independence.

Ash Rai, chief executive at SLT, said: “These are unprecedented times and working in partnership to help Sandwell residents has become our major focus. We are supporting Sandwell Council in their efforts to provide residents with essential supplies and services.”

Think Sandwell sends a huge thank you to everyone at SLT for their hard work and dedication. We know this is a tough time for everyone, not least businesses, so if you’re just coping day to day, that’s enough. We have rounded up plenty of support for Sandwell businesses in these pages.