Community Stories

A celebration of your stories

Welcome to community stories, a place to share news and celebrate what is happening in your community. If you have any stories you would like to feature on our page or in next months newsletter please get in touch at communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

Coventry Spires U3A Secures National Lottery Funding

The Coventry Spires University of the 3rd Age (U3A), a group dedicated to supporting individuals past retirement age, has successfully secured £8,500 in funding from the National Lottery Awards for All small grants fund. This significant achievement will help the group continue offering a wide range of activities, including rambling, table tennis, book clubs, quizzes, bowling, and friendship groups across various venues in the city.

The group, formed in 2002, was seeking external funding to cover venue costs and purchase essential equipment such as microphones, projector screens, and a new table tennis table. An officer from the Community Resilience Team (CRT) met with the group to guide them through the funding application process. After discussing their needs and drafting the application, the group submitted it and, after a 12-week wait, received the exciting news of their successful bid.

With this funding, Coventry Spires U3A can now support their activities for the next two years ensuring that their members can continue to enjoy and benefit from the diverse range of activities offered.

For more information about Coventry Spires U3A and their activities, visit their website here.

A3A Information

Highland Road Allotments Group Receives £9000 Grant for Community Project

The Highland Road Allotments Group in Earlsdon has been awarded a £9000 grant to enhance their community gardening efforts. This funding, secured with the support of the Community Resilience Team, will be used to construct an outdoor shelter and purchase essential gardening equipment.

The new shelter and equipment aim to bolster the group's activities, which are known to significantly benefit the physical and mental health of its members. The allotments provide a space for community members to engage in gardening, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

"We are thrilled to receive this funding," said a representative of the Highland Road Allotments Group. "The new shelter and equipment will greatly enhance our ability to support our members and promote a healthy, active lifestyle."

The Community Resilience Team's support in securing this grant highlights the importance of community-led initiatives in promoting resilience and well-being. This project is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the Earlsdon community.

For more information, please contact the Highland Road Allotments Group or the Community Resilience Team.

New Bereavement Support Group in Tile Hill.

The Go West Primary Care Network, Social prescribers identified a need for a group for people struggling with bereavement as there was nothing locally, they could attend. Tile Hill Library kindly offered their room for free so the new group could meet. They did however need some funds for refreshment’s, leaflets and crafts to get this group going so they contacted the Community resilience Team for support.

Working with the Tile Hill Community Partnership, Go West PCN social prescribers the Community Resilience Team looked to see who could support this much needed project and approach local developer Wain Homes.

Wain Homes Stepped up and have amazingly provided £200 to support this project.

John Rhys- Davies Planning Manager said “Wain Homes enjoyed working with Tile Hill Community Partnership in the summer of 2024 with their family fun day and we were more than happy to assist when asked to support a new bereavement group, which will no doubt be of huge value to the community in helping local people through difficult times”.

The group is due to start 6th March at Tile Hill Library, Jardine crescent from 11am-12:30 Every First Thursday of the Month

HCCA Secures £477,344 National Lottery Grant to Empower the Holbrooks Community

Holbrooks Community Care Association (HCCA) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant of £465,119 from the National Lottery Community Fund. This significant funding will enable HCCA to deliver a transformative five-year project aimed at enhancing community resilience, cohesion, and opportunities for local residents.

The funding will allow HCCA to expand its services, tackling pressing issues such as social isolation, financial hardship, and educational barriers. With a focus on fostering empowerment and collaboration, the project will strengthen community bonds and help residents actively shape the future of Holbrooks.

Key Project Highlights:

Improving Local Spaces: Upgrading community facilities to create inclusive, welcoming, and sustainable spaces.
Empowering Residents: Delivering tailored education, skills programmes, and mentorship opportunities to help individuals reach their potential.
Expanding Support Services: Establishing networks for isolated parents, older adults, and at-risk youth to promote well-being and social inclusion.
Advocacy and Collaboration: Building stronger partnerships with local organisations and amplifying community voices to secure resources and lasting change.

Mark Graham, Development Officer at HCCA, said: "This funding marks a pivotal moment for Holbrooks. It will allow us to work more closely with residents, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in our community. We’re immensely grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund and the players of the National Lottery for their invaluable support in helping us build a brighter future for Holbrooks."

HCCA invites everyone in the Holbrooks area to join this exciting journey of transformation. Whether through volunteering, attending workshops, or participating in community forums, there are opportunities for all to get involved and make a difference.

Together, we can make Holbrooks an even better place to live, work, and Play.

For further information or to get involved, please contact HCCA at: Phone: 02476 638681 Email: contactus@holbrookscommunity.co.uk Website: www.holbrookscommunity.co.uk