Community association proud to welcome 'one of our own' as local MP
On Thursday, 14 November, Smethwick ASRA (Asian Sheltered and Residential) welcomed Labour MP for Smethwick Gurinder Singh Josan. The welcome event gave the charity the opportunity to showcase the fantastic work its accomplished over the last 25 years.
Gurinder Singh Josan CBE has served on Sandwell MBC, and sits on Labour’s National Executive Committee, and the West Midlands Strategic Policing and Crime Board. The MP is involved in several Labour party associated organisations including Vice Chair of Sikhs for Labour and is a governor for three schools. In May this year, MP Gurinder Singh Josan was selected as Labour’s parliamentary candidate to contest the Smethwick constituency in the 2024 UK general election. His maiden speech at the Houses of Parliament Gurinder acknowledged ASRA’s work.
The new MP for Smethwick has familiar routes to ASRA, dating back to the 1990s. His father Mr Swaran Josan was a Sandwell Councillor and Vice Chairman of ASRA. He helped secure the land in 1999 for the Health and Social Care Centre, which at that time was one of the biggest day care projects undertaken by an Asian organisation in the West Midlands. Twenty-five years later ASRA has developed its service offer, providing: a day care centre, dementia care and mental health, drop-in centre, domiciliary care (home care), transport services, personal and incontinence care, social activities, conference facilities, room and function hall hire.
ASRA works towards improving the quality of life for the most vulnerable of our community. Offering a caring, compassionate, friendly and safe environment. Delivering care that is both attentive and respectful.
Chairperson for ASRA Mrs Mehra stated: “It’s a proud moment for ASRA to welcome one of our own as the local MP. Mrs Mehra was particularly impressed with the way Gurinder immediately commenced his role of representing and supporting Smethwick constituents.”
MP Gurinder Singh Josan spoke about how "ASRA has become embedded in the local community, a flagship organisation in Smethwick", he said: "ASRA has grown to become an organisation where our elderly are valued, supported and encouraged to build social and community connections. Providing a specialised range of services to support and encourage all its service users to overcome the circumstances and life changes that can cause isolation. Thank you, ASRA, for carrying out my father’s vision, and safeguarding his legacy.”
For more information about ASRA or to book a visit contact us on 0121 565 4678, or email: info@asrasmethwick.co.uk or visit our website asrasmethwick.co.uk.
