May's Community Stories

Back & Forth - Men's Mental Health Support Group

Back & Forth Support Group was founded by a police officer who realised he needed a space to talk about how he was feeling to support his mental health. Finding no natural outlet, he teamed up with colleagues to create the walking group "Back & Forth." The group organise weekly walks in local parks, and their membership has grown from just 3 members to over 900, extending beyond the police force to the wider community.

To support the further development of the group, the Community Resilience Team helped to formalise their group structure, secure a venue, and support a funding application to the National Lottery Community Fund. The group have been awarded £7,800 over two years, which will support venue hire and several family events. The first event is scheduled for July 2024, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Back & Forth is an inspirational group which has a positive impact on the men it supports. For more information about the group, or to get involved, please contact backandforthmmh@gmail.com visit their facebook page, or website.

Summer Fair Family Day - Everyone Welcome!

Saturday 27th July from 12 - 6pm.

Free Entry.

Activities include: bouncy castle, games galore, raffle, tombola, live music, market stalls, bar and lots of yummy food.

Albert Gale Fields, Brookvale Avenue, Binley, Coventry CV3 2DG.

Somali Cultural Resource Centre

The Somali Cultural Resource Centre, based in Hillfields Coventry, has been awarded a National Lottery Reaching Communities grant of £19,650, enhancing its capacity to continue and expand important community services amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

This funding has allowed the Centre to provide essential support to elderly members of the Somali community, helping them navigate various challenges and access necessary resources. The grant has also facilitated educational initiatives for children and young people, thereby improving their learning opportunities and prospects.

The grant will also address building infrastructure needs at the Centre. This includes repairing the roof and upgrading the electrical systems, ensuring a safe and functional environment for all users.

The grant has strengthened the organisation’s ability to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged Somalis in Coventry. It promotes integration, community cohesion, and enhances social and economic opportunities within the Somali community.

For more information about the Somali Resource Centre’s services and upcoming programs, please visit their website or contact 0247655 3282.