Small Charity Week 2026 round up

Small Charity Week happens each year. It’s a national campaign to recognise the impact that small charities have. Small Charity Week defines small charities as having an annual income under £1million. In reality, we know that the vast majority of charities have incomes well below that threshold.

In Dudley, we wanted to celebrate the small charities that make a massive difference to our communities, so we’ve shared spotlights of range of them on our social media throughout the week.

We invited people to tell us more about the charities that were special to them, whether they were staff, volunteers or people supported by a particular charity, and the impact that charity has. Here’s a round up of the responses we received:

Stourbridge Glass Museum

As a charity that preserves Stourbridge’s glassmaking heritage Stourbridge Glass Museum also builds skills, engages communities, supports tourism and inspires the next generation.

The museum:

• Cares for and provides public access to the nationally significant Stourbridge Glass Collection, helping to preserve the area’s internationally important glassmaking history
• Delivers educational programmes for schools, colleges, families and community groups, using glass heritage to support learning in history, art, science and local identity Showcases contemporary glass artists through exhibitions, helping to support the UK’s creative industries and promote understanding of glass as an artistic medium
• Provides live glassmaking demonstrations and public events that help keep traditional and endangered craft skills visible and relevant to new generations.

Stourbridge Glass Museum has had a significant cultural, educational and social impact within the local community and the wider region. It has helped to reconnect people with the area’s internationally important glassmaking heritage, strengthening local identity and pride in the Glass Quarter. Through exhibitions, live demonstrations, workshops and educational visits, the museum provides accessible cultural learning for people of all ages. Schools and families benefit from hands-on engagement with glass, supporting creativity, confidence and learning in subjects such as art, history and science.

The museum also contributes to the local economy and cultural tourism by attracting visitors to the area, while supporting contemporary glass artists and maintaining visibility for endangered craft skills.

Its volunteer programme provides meaningful opportunities for local people to gain experience, reduce isolation, build skills, and feel part of a shared cultural mission.

Stourbridge Glass Museum is special because it brings together living craft, local history and contemporary creativity in a way that is accessible and engaging. It is not only a museum of objects, but a working space where traditional skills are demonstrated and kept alive. The combination of historic collections, live glassmaking, and contemporary exhibitions creates continuity between past and present. This helps visitors understand glass not just as an artefact, but as a living material shaped by skill, fire and human creativity. It is also rooted in a strong sense of place, celebrating the unique identity of Stourbridge as a global centre of glassmaking excellence.

What makes Stourbridge Glass Museum especially unique is its living connection between heritage and practice. It is one of the few places where visitors can see historic glass collections alongside live glassmaking, allowing a direct understanding of both tradition and innovation. It is deeply rooted in its local community while also connecting to an international story of glassmaking excellence. For visitors and residents alike, the museum fosters pride in the area’s heritage and contributes to a stronger sense of community belonging. Ultimately, it is special because it keeps a remarkable craft alive, not only by preserving the past, but by actively engaging people in its present and future.

The museum also won our Heritage Ambassador Award at our 2025 Community Action Awards

Access in Dudley

Access in Dudley is a local charity for people with disabilities.  This small charity works to improve access to the local community so disabled people can live a full and active life.

Recently Access in Dudley initiated a project with Dudley Voices for Choice to set up an inclusive dance group, which has been described as “a real space where people can come and explore dance, music and fun.”

Access in Dudley also advised the NHS on the new Outpatients Hub at Merry Hill to make it as accessible as possible as well as helping local residents to resolve issues with parking and accessing local shops.

The impact of this work means that people with disabilities have been able to access activities and services, whether that be dance which has improved people’s fitness and well-being, or access to health services which leads to better health for all. Ultimately, the charity has helped countless people to live more independent, full and active lives.

In 2024 the charity was recognised for its volunteer-led service by being awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Well done to all the volunteers at Access in Dudley!

Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen

Being older is no longer the sedentary lifestyle it used to be – today people are living longer and they want to enjoy their later years. Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen – helps people to do just that

Age Concern is a lifeline for many older people living locally, providing essential advice, support and assistance. The charity also holds many events and activities at their lovely, tailor-made building.

The charity:

• Combats isolation amongst older residents, with opportunities to try new hobbies and make new friends
• Provides nutritional and affordable food at its in-house cafe
• Provides a quality advice services, taking referrals from CAB and others

Over the last 12 months, the charity’s three amazing advice services volunteers have helped those living in the area to access monies they were entitled to – equating to over £300,000!

The charity is totally self-funded and has just celebrated its 50 year anniversary! Congratulations to everyone at Age Concern Stourbridge and Halesowen!

Stour Valley Cat Rescue

Stour Valley Cat Rescue’s mission is to provide a brighter future for our feline friends.

The charity was set up 40 years ago with a mission to provide a safe and caring environment for all cats and kittens that need rescuing and rehoming in Stourbridge and the surrounding areas.

Run and managed exclusively by volunteers, this small charity raises all of its income through fundraising and donations to do its work. As well as rescuing and rehoming cats and kittens, the rescue works closely with vets to check each cat thoroughly and provide neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and any treatment as necessary. By using foster homes the rescue rehabilitates and socialises rescue cats enabling them to get to know their personalities before they match their cats and kittens with their forever homes.

On top of this, they charity gives advice on cat care and supports with neutering when owners are unable to afford it as well as testing for harmful diseases. The charity has also looked after cats when owners have been in hospital and taken in and rehomed cats when their owners have died.

Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers at Stour Valley Cat Rescue for everything you do to make sure cats have safe and loving homes.

Dudley Crossroads

“I love the feeling of independence having Crossroads gives me. This has changed my life for the better.”

That’s what one person said about our next small but mighty charity, which addresses two often overlooked but critical issues at the same time – supporting unpaid carers and tackling loneliness among older people.

Unpaid carers provide an essential service to society, often giving many hours of care each week without recognition or support. Without organisations like Dudley Crossroads, many carers would struggle to continue in their role, which could lead to increased pressure on health and social care services. For unpaid carers, the organisation’s respite service has been life-changing, enabling carers to rest, attend appointments, and maintain their own health and wellbeing. This support reduces stress and exhaustion, helping carers to continue in their role and preventing crisis situations that could lead to hospital admissions or the need for more intensive services.

Loneliness among older people is also a growing concern, with serious impacts on mental and physical health. By offering regular contact, companionship, and opportunities to socialise, Dudley Crossroads helps individuals feel valued, connected, and supported.  People benefit from practical support with everyday tasks, as well as companionship and reassurance, which improves confidence and emotional wellbeing. Many report feeling safer, more connected, and better able to remain independent in their own homes.

The organisation’s social activities have also created opportunities for friendship and community connection, helping individuals who may otherwise be isolated to build relationships and feel part of a supportive network.  Overall, Dudley Crossroads has strengthened the local community by supporting some of its most vulnerable members, improving quality of life, and enabling people to live with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Here are some more glowing words for Dudley Crossroads from the people they support:

“I feel mum is safe and happy. The person caring for mum knows her well and adapts to her personal needs. Very good support for both cared for person and carer.”

“I would not be able to live an independent life without the help of Dudley Crossroads support. Very satisfied 100% care.”

Well done to everyone at Dudley Crossroads and thank you for the wonderful work you do to support our communities.

Halesowen and Dudley Yemeni Community Association

Volunteering at Halesowen and Dudley Yemeni Community Association (HDYCA) has given the person nominating this small charity

“the confidence to work with others, to feel part of a growing vibrant community, feeling safe and supported.”

HDYCA is a community-focused hub that brings people together to promote wellbeing, inclusion, education, and community development across Dudley and Halesowen. Through collaborative partnerships with local groups, public services, and health providers, it supports social integration, lifelong learning, and accessible community initiatives for people of all ages and backgrounds. The charity listens to its members and provides a wide variety of services such as IT skills, language skills, support getting into work and health awareness workshops.

HDYCA have built excellent partnerships working local initiatives such as working with the police commissioners to improve crime awareness and prevention, they also work with local GPs for monthly patient participation groups and health literacy campaigns to ensure inclusivity and accessibility to all.

The facilities have been used by local people of all ages, extending to other ethnicities also working with other faith groups ensures that there is mutual respect and understanding in the local population. This has helped community cohesion especially when there are challenging times in society.

Youth programmes are also a key part of this community initiative to support the next generation and ensure they have a platform to thrive and are supported with health, wellbeing and career support.

In 2022, HDYCA was awarded the Queens Award for voluntary service and in 2024 for the ‘50 for WM 50 Awards’ celebrating volunteering services. Additionally, HDYCA won two awards in the Community Inspiration Awards 2024; the Community Organisation Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising their contributions and efforts to the community.

Recently, HDYCA was successful in being granted a licence to hold Civil Marriage and religious Islamic marriage services at the community centre. This is a significant milestone, complementing its other services to society like family mediation and family activities.

“As a volunteer, I have felt supported and inspired by the continued efforts and dedication of the chairman and the cohesion of the community volunteers who strive to improve the services for the local population. It is reassuring and refreshing to see the community centre as a welcoming and thriving hub for all of the local population, embracing equality, diversity and inclusion and not just focused on a single community group.”

We’ve really enjoyed supporting HDYCA over the years and congratulate them on everything the charity has achieved.

Sensory People

Sensory People is a charity that’s unique across the West Midlands, offering life-changing therapy to children with sensory processing challenges. Working with children who may have difficulties with things like concentrating, listening, playing with their peers, managing emotional behaviour, the charity supports the whole family through information/ support groups and child led, group and 1-1 therapy approaches.

Sensory People works with parents who are desperate for help with their children whose sensory sensitivities cause dysfunction in many areas of their young lives.  Many have exhausted professional education, health and mental health pathways with waiting lists creating further anxiety as symptoms escalate.

The charity’s Cool Kids scheme creates a welcoming and inclusive space for children and their families at the earliest opportunity, supporting children before challenges become more entrenched. Referrals from parents, schools and nurseries mean children can access support as soon as sensory sensitivities or delayed milestones are identified, rather than waiting for a diagnosis or lengthy statutory waiting lists. This also benefits children who are on the charity’s waiting list for 1-1 Ayres Sensory Integration Theory at its specialist centre.

As well as a home visiting service the charity helps children and young people who may have been excluded from school or are unable to leave the home due to sensory processing challenges.  Sensory People supports families with multiple children who may have limited support to leave the home and attend therapy at our centre. Isolation can leave children behind in their education and separated from their peer group. It can impact greatly on confidence, resilience, and poor mental health.

Therapies are designed to improve motor skills by stimulating neural and sensory pathways that underpin movement, language, handwriting, behaviour and emotional regulation. Families report increased confidence in supporting their child through access to specialist input that would otherwise be costly. They report back on improved family wellbeing and happier siblings. Nursery school staff report back on how positive change in one child can impact a whole classroom’s learning.

As a result of Sensory People’s work, nursery school staff report:

• Less dysregulation
• More independent regulation
• More concentration in class
• Less anxiety

Thanks to a legacy gifted to the charity in 2021, Sensory People has redesigned and refurbished its ground-floor space. The charity is currently fundraising to create further treatment and staff spaces which will eventually triple session availability and reduce the current waiting list.

What a lifeline Sensory People is to the children and families it supports!

Phase Trust

“I found talking to someone at Phase Trust helped me to think about my anxiety and ways I can manage it better.”

This is what Phase Trust means to an 11 year old girl who was supported by this charity.

Phase Trust works with some of the most vulnerable children, young people and families in Dudley. The charity’s work covers exploitation, harmful sexual behaviour, bereavement, mental health and more.

Phase Trust is passionate about its work and the staff volunteers there care deeply about this community. They go above and beyond driven by the children and families they support and the charity’s fantastic reputation it has built over the last 27 years.

Many of the children and families report that Phase workers or volunteers made them feel safe and able to talk about their situation. The charity has helped reunite families and protected many young people from further exploitation.

One parent said,

“Phase Trust helped me and my family practically as well as helping me in my parenting skills and meant that my children stayed living with me rather than going into care.”

Phase Trust’s Friday night youth club gives young people a safe place to go and helps prevent antisocial behaviour.

A young adult said

“I could hardly leave the house, then I came to Phase Trust and through their support started volunteering for a restaurant. Now I have a job there.”

An enormous thank you to Phase Trust for the wonderful impact this small charity has on children and families across the Dudley borough.

Happy Hours

Happy Hours is a fun activity club based in Stourbridge for adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Happy Hours offers a weekly club packed with activities like games jigsaws, magnetic darts, pool, large snakes and ladders, dominoes, arts and crafts, a disco and more.

Happy Hours also holds special themed nights such as team games, bingo, bowling, talent shows and organises trips out too. There’s something for everyone as the charity works to provide a fun and safe community where people can enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed environment.

The charity provides a fun and safe environment for adults with special educational needs and disabilities to enjoy a couple of hours fun and socialising with friends.

One volunteer said,

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved as a volunteer at Happy Hours for the past 16 years! It has helped me personally and improved my confidence no end, and hopefully provided our members with a safe and fun environment to meet and socialise with friends.”

This charity is run entirely by volunteers and their dedication was recognised in 2025 when they received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, presented by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh.

Thank you to all the volunteers at Happy Hours who do so much to support communities in and around Stourbridge.

Ravens Rescue

The next small charity we’re spotlighting for #SmallCharityWeek is a well-known and respected animal rescue, whose volunteers work tirelessly, around the clock to save animals in need.

From volunteer trustees to volunteer fundraisers, their charity shop volunteers, supporters, and volunteer animal foster carers, they all work together to offer a safe space for all animals.

Ravens Rescue strives to offer rescue spaces to dogs, cats, small furries and ponies, that other rescues may not feel able to help due to their additional needs. The charity prides itself on its no kill policy, meaning no healthy animal ever gets put down whilst in its care.

Based in Dudley borough, this charity works all over the UK, providing sanctuary to unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals. All of the animals that arrive in the care of Ravens Rescue live in volunteer foster homes while they are being assessed and treated by vets. Once assessed and rehabilitated, Ravens Rescue helps animals find their forever homes in families that are matched to them.

The charity also wants to keep pets in their homes and offers help and support to people who may have to consider surrendering a pet to explore if a workable alternative can be found.

An enormous ‘Thank you!’ to all the volunteers at Ravens Rescue for everything you do to look after our four-legged friends.

Brierley Hill Babybank

Our next small but mighty charity has fast built a wonderful reputation for everything it does to support new parents who might be struggling financially. Brierley Hill Babybank supports families in crisis or at risk of crisis by providing essential items for new babies up to the age of 2.

On top of this, the charity supports families with breastfeeding, mental health and parent and infant emotional wellbeing, building hope for families. This helps the parents to be more positive about the future and gives them breathing space to make good choices. Babybank also works with the family to make them more independent so they don’t become reliant on outside help.

Volunteers are integral to the charity’s work. Without them, Brierley Hill Babybank simply would not be able to meet the demands that they face. Every volunteer joins for a reason, typically because they are going through something life-changing themselves. As well as changing the lives of the families they support, Brierley Hill Babybank has nurtured countless volunteers in this way.

Not only does Brierley Hill Babybank support people in poverty, it also offers opportunities for children to experience play in a purpose-built a sensory room, helping them to develop social skills. This also allows parents the opportunity to meet and discuss their challenges with agencies privately.

We’re so grateful to Brierley Hill Babybank for everything it does to make sure that children have the best possible start in life.

Metal for Good

“We fund projects using music to change lives.”

A simple idea fuelled by the unstoppable energy of the metal community, this small charity with a massive impact gives grants to good causes that use music to improve mental health, unlock young potential, and amplify underrepresented voices.

Metal For Good is a national charity based in Stourbridge. Through its grant giving, Metal for Good supports grassroots organisations across England and Wales using music to improve mental health, tackle isolation, and create opportunities for young people who need them most.

Since launching in 2022 the charity has supported around 25 projects, supported by an incredible community of music fans, artists, festivals and businesses who believe that heavy music can have a positive impact. Their community knows that music is transformational. Whether playing, listening or watching live – it can be an escape when you are struggling, give you a voice when you feel unheard, bring people together, and give you the confidence and skills to thrive.

One of the projects Metal for Good has funded is Gig Buddies, which matches volunteers with learning disabled and autistic adults to go to gigs and socialise together, building friendships out of shared passions.

Alongside its fundraising campaigns, Metal for Good sells a range of exclusive merchandise and collects donations of pre-loved band shirts and alternative clothing, which are then resold to raise vital funds for its charitable work.

The passion and generosity of the rock and metal community powers every grant the charity gives. Metal for Good raises funds year-round by selling merchandise, partnering with industry allies, and offering preloved alternative clothing.

Thank you to everyone at Metal for Good for the impact you’re making, one riff at a time \m/