April's Community Stories

Asian Blind Association Receives Awards For All Grant to Continue Community Support

The Community Resilience Team has helped the Asian Blind Association secure £10,000 in funding from the National Lottery. This funding will support the association's efforts to continue their vital work in Coventry, providing support to blind and partially sighted people and their caregivers.

The Coventry Asian Blind Association plays a key role in the community, organising weekly meetings and offering a diverse range of social, recreational, and cultural activities. Their mission is to enhance the lives of visually impaired individuals, foster independence, and create a supportive environment where people facing similar challenges can share experiences and strategies for overcoming barriers associated with sight loss.

The Asian Blind Association warmly welcomes self-referrals as well as referrals from professionals. For more information about their services and how to get involved, please visit their website or contact them directly on 024 7644 2961.

Tile Hill Friday Friends

Last week, the Community Resilience Team paid a visit to the 'Friday Friends' group in Limbrick Wood Baptist Church in Tile Hill. The group had been awarded £4,000 to be used over the next two years, for new activities aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of its members.

Led by Joyce Woodward, along with a team of enthusiastic volunteers, the 'Friday Friends' currently meet twice a month for a movie day and a laid-back social gathering over tea and chats. During the visit, the Community Resilience Team spoke to the group about ideas on how the group could utilise the funding.

The proposed plans includes adding an extra meeting day each month and offering new activities. Whether it's learning to sew, participating in exercise classes, or joining in digital skills classes, the group has lots of exciting ideas. The group is now in the process of finalising their decision, with plans to unveil their chosen activities in the forthcoming month.

With a current membership of 40 individuals and growing, the 'Friday Friends' have established a strong community group.

Reverend John Bernard said “This funding will really help us over the coming two years and make sure we are supporting people in our community’.

Friday Friends Group for the over 50s meet twice a month, 10.30am – 12.30pm. To find out more contact the group on 02476 429 805 or visit their website.