October's Community Stories

Local businesses support the Tile Hill summer community event

As part of Coventry City Council’s ongoing commitment to social value, the Business Development and Community Resilience Teams have been working closely with local businesses to support charitable initiatives and community-focused events.

The Tile Hill Community Partnership (THCP), reached out for support in hosting a community event for local residents. The event featured a treasure hunt designed for young people, encouraging them to explore community spaces and council buildings, including the library and family hub. At each stop, participants collected clues and stamps, and upon completing the hunt, they received back-to-school supplies such as pens, bags, and rulers, all donated by the Financial Ombudsman staff based in Coventry.

Local developer Wain Homes also participated in the event. They hosted a stall where they engaged with families about their housing developments and encouraged young people to design their own dream communities. The company also distributed free giveaways.

John-Rhys Jones, Planning Manager at Wain Homes, commented, "“It was a pleasure to have been invited to take part in the event. It was well organised and well attended which was fantastic to see, so important to have these community get togethers available to all, especially to keep children entertained during the summer holidays. For us it was an opportunity to raise awareness of the work we are doing in the local area and potentially inspiring the next generation to think about careers in the construction industry”.

Over 800 people turned up throughout the day and 300 people accessed free food, while also being able to access housing, financial and other advice from stall holders, including accessing preowned school uniforms. This is the second event THCP have run, and another one will be organised next year. The Community Resilience team have supported the partnership to access two years of grant funding to help the local organisations work together to support residents in Tile Hill with the health & wellbeing opportunities.

Hope Hub at St Laurence's Church secures grant funding to continue its vital community support

Since 2020, St. Laurence’s Church in Longford has been operating its 'Hope Hub' to support the local community. It was established during the first COVID-19 lockdown due to the absence of a support network for residents in the Longford ward, as many other churches and community centres had to close because of a shortage of volunteers.

Working with Coventry Foodbank, the Hope Hub at St Laurence’s is now able to issue e-vouchers and supply food parcels for anyone in need living in the Longford area of Coventry, for individuals or families. They can also support with baby & non-food supplies such as nappies, wipes & toilet rolls, laundry, cleaning and toiletries.

The Hope Hub has expanded its support and can offer free debt support appointments for people in need, and the hub is also a safe place for people experiencing domestic abuse, the team are trained to support anyone seeking help. Please refer to their website for more information(External link).

With support from the Community Resilience team, the organisation successfully secured a £20,000 National Lottery awards for all grant, which will be used to continue the Hope Hubs initiatives over the next two years. Thank you to the team and volunteers at St Laurence's Hope Hub who continue to deliver vital community support.