Community Stories

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.

Community Resilience Team Helps Secure Funding for Coventry Peace House Bicycle Workshop

The Community Resilience Team (CRT) has successfully supported Coventry Peace House Education Trust in securing vital external funding to sustain their popular Bicycle Workshop initiative.

The weekly workshop, which focuses on cycle repair and upskilling, plays a crucial role in boosting participants’ self-esteem and employability. It offers hands-on training in bike maintenance while fostering a sense of community and purpose among attendees.

Recognising the value of the project, CRT worked closely with the organisation to develop a strong funding application. Their efforts paid off when the group was awarded £15,000 over three years from the 29th May 1981 Charitable Trust. The funding will cover volunteer expenses and general running costs, ensuring the workshop can continue to thrive and support local residents. What a brilliant project!.

New Bereavement Support Group Launches at John White Community Centre

The John White Centre is proud to introduce a new Bereavement Support Group, helping local residents find comfort and connection as they navigate loss—thanks to a generous £2,000 grant from the Heart of England Foundation, secured with support from the Community Resilience Team.

This warm, welcoming initiative offers a space to share, heal, or simply be among others who understand. Sessions are free of charge, open to everyone, and take place twice a month on Tuesdays from 10:00am to 11:30am at the Centre. There’s no need to book—just drop in. For details, call 07385 427042.

Th group is run in partnership with the Sowe Valley Primary Care Network Social prescribers, with support from the NHS Compassionate Communities colleagues.

The funding enables partners to offer peer-led support, calming conversation, and moments of reflection for those experiencing bereavement. It’s a beautiful example of what happens when community spirit meets practical support—and how funding can spark kindness that lasts.

🥣 Saturday Breakfast Club Brings Warmth, Connection, and Support to Local People

Authentic Ministries is putting community at the heart of Coventry weekends with the launch of their Saturday Breakfast Club, now made possible thanks to support from the Community Resilience Team and an incredible £19,760 grant from the National Lottery.

Set in their welcoming base on Lamb Street (the former Jesus Centre), the new weekend initiative opens its doors every Saturday from 10am to 1pm and Sunday from 10am to 12pm, providing not just hearty breakfasts and comforting snacks, but a space of kindness and care for homeless individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers.

The funding is going toward more than just meals—it’s helping upgrade the church’s hygiene facilities, giving visitors access to clean showers and washing areas right in the heart of the city. Plans are also underway to introduce an internet café-style corner, with a #CovConnects application in progress to bring in laptops so guests can get online, reconnect with loved ones, and explore new learning and support opportunities.

✨ And the kindness doesn’t stop there. Starting in August, Authentic Ministries will roll out a foodbank parcel service, adding another layer of life-changing support under one inclusive roof.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Noel Iradukunda shared, "Both the Authentic Centre Staff and the Authentic Word Ministries church members are excited about this opportunity to positively affect people's lives."

It’s proof that with community spirit, collaboration, and a little help from the lottery, meaningful change is always on the menu. 🍳

🎶 Sing for Change: Choir Secures Funding to Keep the Music Alive

The Community Resilience Team is pleased to celebrate the success of "Sing for Change," a community choir that meets fortnightly at the Albany Theatre, Coventry. Facing financial difficulties, the group reached out to CRT for support in applying for external funding to help sustain their activities.

Thanks to the assistance of a CRT officer, Sing for Change successfully secured a grant of £2,700 over two years through the National Lottery Awards for All. The funding will cover essential costs including room hire, a choir leader, and vital equipment, ensuring the group can continue to provide a welcoming space for music, expression, and community connection.

🗓️ Sessions are held Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at

Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry CV5 6JQ.

For more information or to get involved, email singforchangetoday@gmail.com or text 07770339546.

🎤 Let’s keep supporting initiatives like these that bring people together and build resilient, joyful communities!

celebration of your stories

Community Resilience Team Helps Secure Funding for Coventry Peace House Bicycle Workshop

The Community Resilience Team (CRT) has successfully supported Coventry Peace House Education Trust in securing vital external funding to sustain their popular Bicycle Workshop initiative.

The weekly workshop, which focuses on cycle repair and upskilling, plays a crucial role in boosting participants’ self-esteem and employability. It offers hands-on training in bike maintenance while fostering a sense of community and purpose among attendees.

Recognising the value of the project, CRT worked closely with the organisation to develop a strong funding application. Their efforts paid off when the group was awarded £15,000 over three years from the 29th May 1981 Charitable Trust. The funding will cover volunteer expenses and general running costs, ensuring the workshop can continue to thrive and support local residents. What a brilliant project!.

New Bereavement Support Group Launches at John White Community Centre

The John White Centre is proud to introduce a new Bereavement Support Group, helping local residents find comfort and connection as they navigate loss—thanks to a generous £2,000 grant from the Heart of England Foundation, secured with support from the Community Resilience Team.

This warm, welcoming initiative offers a space to share, heal, or simply be among others who understand. Sessions are free of charge, open to everyone, and take place twice a month on Tuesdays from 10:00am to 11:30am at the Centre. There’s no need to book—just drop in. For details, call 07385 427042.

Th group is run in partnership with the Sowe Valley Primary Care Network Social prescribers, with support from the NHS Compassionate Communities colleagues.

The funding enables partners to offer peer-led support, calming conversation, and moments of reflection for those experiencing bereavement. It’s a beautiful example of what happens when community spirit meets practical support—and how funding can spark kindness that lasts.

🥣 Saturday Breakfast Club Brings Warmth, Connection, and Support to Local People

Authentic Ministries is putting community at the heart of Coventry weekends with the launch of their Saturday Breakfast Club, now made possible thanks to support from the Community Resilience Team and an incredible £19,760 grant from the National Lottery.

Set in their welcoming base on Lamb Street (the former Jesus Centre), the new weekend initiative opens its doors every Saturday from 10am to 1pm and Sunday from 10am to 12pm, providing not just hearty breakfasts and comforting snacks, but a space of kindness and care for homeless individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers.

The funding is going toward more than just meals—it’s helping upgrade the church’s hygiene facilities, giving visitors access to clean showers and washing areas right in the heart of the city. Plans are also underway to introduce an internet café-style corner, with a #CovConnects application in progress to bring in laptops so guests can get online, reconnect with loved ones, and explore new learning and support opportunities.

✨ And the kindness doesn’t stop there. Starting in August, Authentic Ministries will roll out a foodbank parcel service, adding another layer of life-changing support under one inclusive roof.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Noel Iradukunda shared, "Both the Authentic Centre Staff and the Authentic Word Ministries church members are excited about this opportunity to positively affect people's lives."

It’s proof that with community spirit, collaboration, and a little help from the lottery, meaningful change is always on the menu. 🍳

🎶 Sing for Change: Choir Secures Funding to Keep the Music Alive

The Community Resilience Team is pleased to celebrate the success of "Sing for Change," a community choir that meets fortnightly at the Albany Theatre, Coventry. Facing financial difficulties, the group reached out to CRT for support in applying for external funding to help sustain their activities.

Thanks to the assistance of a CRT officer, Sing for Change successfully secured a grant of £2,700 over two years through the National Lottery Awards for All. The funding will cover essential costs including room hire, a choir leader, and vital equipment, ensuring the group can continue to provide a welcoming space for music, expression, and community connection.

🗓️ Sessions are held Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at

Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry CV5 6JQ.

For more information or to get involved, email singforchangetoday@gmail.com or text 07770339546.

🎤 Let’s keep supporting initiatives like these that bring people together and build resilient, joyful communities!

Previous Stories

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Share From Coburg to Coventry: A Cultural Journey Through Art, Heritage, History, and Innovation on Facebook Share From Coburg to Coventry: A Cultural Journey Through Art, Heritage, History, and Innovation on Twitter Share From Coburg to Coventry: A Cultural Journey Through Art, Heritage, History, and Innovation on Linkedin Email From Coburg to Coventry: A Cultural Journey Through Art, Heritage, History, and Innovation link

From Coburg to Coventry: A Cultural Journey Through Art, Heritage, History, and Innovation

by Basma, 5 days ago

Intercultural Roots and MakingCulture e.V. unite Coventry and Coburg through art, heritage, and sustainability in the Bridging Cultures project, marking a historic moment for creative collaboration between the UK and Germany.
Coventry-based artist, Intercultural Roots practitioner, and 12-year resident city host Fatima has become the first Coventrian to witness the reconstructed version of one of the world's very first 4-wheeled electric cars, originally developed by inventor Andreas Flocken in 1888 in Coburg, Germany.
The car was meticulously recreated from a single archival photograph by members of Coburg's Historic Innovation Hub, including Professor Gerhard Kampe, Peter Langendorf, and their team —... Continue reading
Share June Newsletter 2025 on Facebook Share June Newsletter 2025 on Twitter Share June Newsletter 2025 on Linkedin Email June Newsletter 2025 link

June Newsletter 2025

12 days ago

City Centre Support for People Struggling with Addiction

The Community Resilience Team has been working closely with Dynamo project over the past few months to help them access external funding for their much-needed project. This month they heard they were successful and have just been awarded £19,800 from the National Lottery.

This funding is being used by them to offer an outreach and drop-in support service for individuals in need of day rehabilitation (dayhab) services. It includes a structured detoxification program with medical oversight, addressing the increasing demand locally.

Dynamo commented "To receive this grant is truly amazing and the... Continue reading

May Newsletter 2025

about 1 month ago

Digital Access & Health Advice supporting residents In Willenhall
Community Resilience popped along to see how the Dominion Grace breakfast club was doing at the Hagard in Willenhall this month. They had been helped to access two years of external funding, #Covconnect digital devices and apply for a small Public Health Grant.
They are now offering digital support, with access to laptops and free internet at the club. While also being able to access online support for local people to get help to give up smoking.
This has been going well with volunteers supporting residents to get online to access

April Newsletter 2025

2 months ago

Survivor Sanctuary Launches Therapeutic Yoga Program for Healing and Empowerment

In a significant step towards supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence, Survivor Sanctuary has announced the launch of a new therapeutic yoga program. This initiative, made possible by grant of nearly £8,000 from Sport England, aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where women can focus on their healing journey and connect with others. The Community Resilience Team played a crucial role in supporting Survivor Sanctuary's application for this grant, ensuring this much needed program could go ahead.

About the Program

The yoga sessions at Survivor Sanctuary are specifically designed

1 comment

March Newsletter 2025

3 months ago

Community Resilience Team: A Year of Impact and Dedication

The Community Resilience Team has had an incredibly busy year supporting the voluntary sector in Coventry during 2024-25. As we approach the end of the financial year, we are excited to share some data highlighting our achievements and ongoing commitment to the community.
Even though we are a small team, our dedication to supporting the voluntary organisations in Coventry has remained unwavering. Our work includes assisting with funding, forming partnerships, engaging with stakeholder groups, and connecting you with other council departments. We recognise the immense value and incredible work you do,

1 comment

Share Bridging Cultures: Digital Storytelling & Creative Connections for Community Empowerment (Coventry, UK & Coburg, Germany) on Facebook Share Bridging Cultures: Digital Storytelling & Creative Connections for Community Empowerment (Coventry, UK & Coburg, Germany) on Twitter Share Bridging Cultures: Digital Storytelling & Creative Connections for Community Empowerment (Coventry, UK & Coburg, Germany) on Linkedin Email Bridging Cultures: Digital Storytelling & Creative Connections for Community Empowerment (Coventry, UK & Coburg, Germany) link

Bridging Cultures: Digital Storytelling & Creative Connections for Community Empowerment (Coventry, UK & Coburg, Germany)

by Basma, 4 months ago
Intercultural Roots (IR) and MakingCulture® e.V. announce their participation in the Cultural Bridge 2025-2026 programme, a UK-German initiative driving cross-border collaboration through arts, technology, and community engagement. Titled "Bridging Cultures: Digital Storytelling and Creative Connections for Community Empowerment", the partnership will connect Coventry (UK) and Coburg (Germany) in a year-long exchange of hybrid workshops, participatory arts, and digital storytelling, running from April 2025 to March 2026.
Core Activities & Innovation
The project merges IR's PLACES by EcoGPX® app - a geo-tagged storytelling platform - with MakingCulture's experimental arts expertise to reimagine public spaces. Key activities include:
- Hybrid Workshops... Continue reading

February Newsletter 2025

4 months ago

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.

Share January Newsletter 2025 on Facebook Share January Newsletter 2025 on Twitter Share January Newsletter 2025 on Linkedin Email January Newsletter 2025 link

January Newsletter 2025

6 months ago

Congratulations to Sing for Change community group who have been awarded £1,000 from the General Charities (Coventry). The group contacted the Community Resilience Team for support to keep the group sustainable and help remove financial barriers to participation for those members who need it.
Sing for Change is an exciting, intergenerational community choir, building strong relationships between diverse people across Coventry. Established six years ago, the group members share the belief that we need to create a kinder, more compassionate, inclusive world - a fundamental principle of Sing for Change. The group is open to all, singing songs with messages... Continue reading
Share Decembers Community Stories on Facebook Share Decembers Community Stories on Twitter Share Decembers Community Stories on Linkedin Email Decembers Community Stories link

Decembers Community Stories

7 months ago

Coventry Food Network Christmas Campaign 2024
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this year's Coventry Food Network Christmas campaign. Local businesses and staff have collected much needed food donations which have been given to Coventry Food Network organisations.
Here's a shout out to some local organisations who have worked with the Community Resilience Team to support this year's campaign.

Capita support Feeding Coventry at Foleshill Community Centre
Elena Frangu and Capita staff was one of the first organisations to offer their help with the Coventry Food Network Christmas campaign.
They collected approximately £400 worth of food for... Continue reading
Share November's Community Stories on Facebook Share November's Community Stories on Twitter Share November's Community Stories on Linkedin Email November's Community Stories link

November's Community Stories

8 months ago

Please support your local Food Hub or Food Bank this Christmas
Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to help your community than by supporting a local food hub near you during the festive season?
Coventry Food Hubs –
A network of 15 social supermarkets across Coventry. The Food Hubs (Social Supermarkets) offer discounted food parcels, which typically equate to £25 worth of food for a cost of a £5 membership per week. Food hubs differ from food banks, in that the food is not entirely free, but provides a wide range of food for a very... Continue reading

Page last updated: 30 Jul 2025, 05:31 PM

Community Stories

Community Resilience Team Helps Secure Funding for Coventry Peace House Bicycle Workshop

The Community Resilience Team (CRT) has successfully supported Coventry Peace House Education Trust in securing vital external funding to sustain their popular Bicycle Workshop initiative.

The weekly workshop, which focuses on cycle repair and upskilling, plays a crucial role in boosting participants’ self-esteem and employability. It offers hands-on training in bike maintenance while fostering a sense of community and purpose among attendees.

New Bereavement Support Group Launches at John White Community Centre

The John White Centre is proud to introduce a new Bereavement Support Group, helping local residents find comfort and connection as they navigate loss—thanks to a generous £2,000 grant from the Heart of England Foundation, secured with support from the Community Resilience Team.

Th group is run in partnership with the Sowe Valley Primary Care Network Social prescribers, with support from the NHS Compassionate Communities colleagues.

The funding enables partners to offer peer-led support, calming conversation, and moments of reflection for those experiencing bereavement. It’s a beautiful example of what happens when community spirit meets practical support—and how funding can spark kindness that lasts.

🥣 Saturday Breakfast Club Brings Warmth, Connection, and Support to Local People

Authentic Ministries is putting community at the heart of Coventry weekends with the launch of their Saturday Breakfast Club, now made possible thanks to support from the Community Resilience Team and an incredible £19,760 grant from the National Lottery.

✨ And the kindness doesn’t stop there. Starting in August, Authentic Ministries will roll out a foodbank parcel service, adding another layer of life-changing support under one inclusive roof.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Noel Iradukunda shared, "Both the Authentic Centre Staff and the Authentic Word Ministries church members are excited about this opportunity to positively affect people's lives."

It’s proof that with community spirit, collaboration, and a little help from the lottery, meaningful change is always on the menu. 🍳

🎶 Sing for Change: Choir Secures Funding to Keep the Music Alive

🗓️ Sessions are held Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at

Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry CV5 6JQ.

For more information or to get involved, email singforchangetoday@gmail.com or text 07770339546.

🎤 Let’s keep supporting initiatives like these that bring people together and build resilient, joyful communities!

Community Resilience Team Helps Secure Funding for Coventry Peace House Bicycle Workshop

The Community Resilience Team (CRT) has successfully supported Coventry Peace House Education Trust in securing vital external funding to sustain their popular Bicycle Workshop initiative.

The weekly workshop, which focuses on cycle repair and upskilling, plays a crucial role in boosting participants’ self-esteem and employability. It offers hands-on training in bike maintenance while fostering a sense of community and purpose among attendees.

New Bereavement Support Group Launches at John White Community Centre

The John White Centre is proud to introduce a new Bereavement Support Group, helping local residents find comfort and connection as they navigate loss—thanks to a generous £2,000 grant from the Heart of England Foundation, secured with support from the Community Resilience Team.

Th group is run in partnership with the Sowe Valley Primary Care Network Social prescribers, with support from the NHS Compassionate Communities colleagues.

The funding enables partners to offer peer-led support, calming conversation, and moments of reflection for those experiencing bereavement. It’s a beautiful example of what happens when community spirit meets practical support—and how funding can spark kindness that lasts.

🥣 Saturday Breakfast Club Brings Warmth, Connection, and Support to Local People

Authentic Ministries is putting community at the heart of Coventry weekends with the launch of their Saturday Breakfast Club, now made possible thanks to support from the Community Resilience Team and an incredible £19,760 grant from the National Lottery.

✨ And the kindness doesn’t stop there. Starting in August, Authentic Ministries will roll out a foodbank parcel service, adding another layer of life-changing support under one inclusive roof.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Noel Iradukunda shared, "Both the Authentic Centre Staff and the Authentic Word Ministries church members are excited about this opportunity to positively affect people's lives."

It’s proof that with community spirit, collaboration, and a little help from the lottery, meaningful change is always on the menu. 🍳

🎶 Sing for Change: Choir Secures Funding to Keep the Music Alive

🗓️ Sessions are held Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at

Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry CV5 6JQ.

For more information or to get involved, email singforchangetoday@gmail.com or text 07770339546.

🎤 Let’s keep supporting initiatives like these that bring people together and build resilient, joyful communities!

Previous Stories

Coventry Spires U3A Secures National Lottery Funding

Coventry Food Network Christmas Campaign 2024

Capita support Feeding Coventry at Foleshill Community Centre

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