Sandwell Community Information & Participation Service Ltd (SCIPS) is a non-political, independent and charitable organisation led by Sandwell residents - primarily involved with the tenant movement.

They offer facilities, access to skills and expertise and provide a range of high quality services and a link for all communities to consult on local, regional and national housing and regeneration issues. Membership is free and is open to tenants and residents groups, local community groups as well as to individual residents from within the borough.

SCIPS are currently in receipt of Big Lottery BASIS funding up until 2013 (working in partnership with Wednesbury 2000). Through this programme SCIPS will be looking through consultation to engage with a wide range of Sandwell based community groups - as we begin development of a dedicated free web based information tool that will bring benefit to the whole range of community and voluntary organisations active within the borough.

Please note - we offer a wide range of services to local groups who come into membership with us including free usage of a fully equipped meeting facility, Internet access, plus IT equipment loans (all available on a pre-booking basis).

Groups in membership are also able to take advantage of highly competitive rates on small runs (up to 1000 copies) of colour or b/w printing or photocopying.

CHAINS (Community Help and Information Network Sandwell)

Through Big Lottery Funding and working in partnership with Wednesbury 2000 Ltd, SCIPS have developed the Community Help and Information Network Sandwell (CHAINS) website.

This is an entirely FREE local resource to help local community groups promote themselves, their upcoming events and latest news to local communities. Additionally, the website provides support materials to help both existing and new groups – as well as a powerful funding search tool.

Groups have the choice to register and add information to the website directly – or to send SCIPS the information they want uploaded who will do it for them.

Visit www.communitychains.co.uk to find out more.