Inside Willenhall's CHART Charity: Battling Deprivation in the Black Country
In the heart of Willenhall, a modest brick building tucked behind a council car park houses CHART, a charity fighting a hidden battle against deepening deprivation. From the outside, the structure appears unremarkable, but within its walls, a lifeline unfolds for residents grappling with hard times in this often-overlooked part of the West Midlands.
A Growing Crisis in a 'Forgotten' Town
Managed by 65-year-old John Price, a former Network Rail employee known affectionately as Jack Sparrow, CHART has become a beacon of support. Price, who retired after 49 years in the rail industry, now dedicates his days to helping others, driven by a mission to "help as many people as I can before I die." He describes Willenhall as the "poor neighbour" of nearby Walsall and Wolverhampton, a town that "gets the leftovers" in terms of resources and attention.
Government statistics place Willenhall in the second decile of England's most deprived areas, a reality Price witnesses firsthand. The charity's food bank, open three times a week, faces surging demand. "Every day I open up, there's a queue, and the queue's getting bigger and bigger," Price explains. "The need is growing faster than we can keep up with. If you don't get to this community pantry by 12 o'clock, there's nothing left."
Roots of Deprivation: Unemployment and Low Wages
The struggle is compounded by a lack of job opportunities and historically low wages in the area. Once the lock-making capital of the world, Willenhall's industrial heyday has faded, leaving behind high unemployment and a workforce vulnerable to exploitation. "People who are employed, it's traditionally always been low wages because there's so much—it's supply and demand," Price notes. "If you don't like the wages, we'll get someone else."
This economic hardship fuels broader social issues, including youth crime, which Price attributes to a scarcity of facilities for young people. In response, he is targeting 12 to 19-year-olds with initiatives to get them off the streets, including applying for funding from the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner to establish dedicated youth spaces.
Community Programs: More Than Just a Food Bank
CHART's impact extends far beyond food provision. The charity hosts a vibrant array of events, classes, and workshops designed to foster community cohesion and well-being:
- Affordable Activities: Karate and taekwondo classes for around £4, bhangra sessions, a mosaic group, and a community garden.
- Cultural Events: Black Country Touring Theatre performances at just £3 a ticket.
- Support for Immigrants: Workshops for Eastern European immigrants, helping them discern real news from fake amid fears of deportation.
- Social Gatherings: A "young at heart club" for 60 pensioners on Fridays, featuring a three-course meal and bingo, and a tea dance for over-50s on Thursdays that has grown from 10 to 40 attendees.
- Faith Communities: Sundays see around 150 members of the African community using the centre for church services.
Price emphasizes that CHART is not just about material aid. "People come here for someone to talk to," he says. In an era marked by political negativity, the charity strives to promote positivity and combat divisive narratives. "We try to promote positivity because, whatever your politics, you've got to admit the negativity now... when there are people out there in communities like ours who are doing whatever they can for people they've never met before."
As more residents arrive daily seeking help, CHART stands as a testament to grassroots resilience in the face of systemic challenges, offering a glimmer of hope in one of the Midlands' most deprived towns.
