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.

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 their own benefit accounts, look for work, seek advice, while also being encouraged to access this unique specialised smoking support. Which will ultimately support their health and wellbeing.

Dominion Grace received digital devices and dongles for internet from #Covconnect. These are being used at the project, and some have been given to people/families that need really them.

One laptop was provided to a 25-year-old, who is in receipt of PIP who was struggling to access an online educational training course. They have had a long-term mental health condition with extreme anxiety and at times they have struggled to leave their house. They had no internet as struggling to pay bills and were trying to access this training on their phone.

This donated device and dongle has made a massive difference to their lives. They now have internet access at home and a device they can use to support them to move forward, build their confidence while accessing some educational training. Their long-term goal is to get well and find employment in the future with their new skills.

Coventry boxing club sees 'massive impact' on young people since receiving £5k grant

The Community Resilience Team as been working alongside the Sports Development and Physical Wellbeing Team at the council to support a new organisation operating from Bell Green Social Club.

Providing boxing training for young people in the local area. CRT have been supporting them to set up their charity so they can access external resources for this this much needed provision for young people locally.

They recently received £5000 from Heart of England Foundation for a new boxing ring and have just been supported to apply to the National Lottery to get more resources to keep this youth provision going over the next two years.

Damon Craft joined the boxing club in 2024 and said only two children were regulars. However, since the revamp of the new ring and a fresh coat of paint, each session has up to 50 children, which has made a 'massive impact' on attendees.

Mr Croft says the gym provides a safe space for young people and gives them a hobby rather than having them on their phones all day or out on the streets: "We've had so many parents comment on how much their child's behaviour and manners have improved since being with us.

"To see a child that's not very confident coming into the gym and the next thing they're walking into a boxing ring and achieving their goals. It has many benefits, from self-discipline, confidence, and focus, as well as helping with overall fitness."

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Coventry & District Walking Football Celebrates National Recognition

The Community Resilience Team is thrilled to announce the recent achievements of the Coventry & District Walking Football group, a testament to the power of community support and dedication.

Securing Funding for Walking Football Sessions

The Community Resilience Team, initially supported them to access funding to develop walking football sessions in Coventry and North Warwickshire, which has proved very popular. The success of this initiative has been so remarkable that efforts are now underway to secure additional funds to expand their women's section of the club.

Walking football is not just a fun and engaging activity; it also offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced stress, and enhanced overall wellbeing for all participants.

A highlight of the group's recent achievements is the national recognition of volunteer Alwyn Day. Alwyn's tireless efforts were celebrated at the prestigious Festival of Women’s Football Awards night in London. This star-studded event honoured contributions to women's football from grassroots to professional levels.

Alwyn was nominated in the 'Grassroots Coach of the Year – Adult' category for his exceptional work in forming and running the new women's section. His dedication has transformed the lives of many women, some of whom had never played football or participated in sports before. They have now been invited to join the Birmingham Ladies Walking Football League.

Alwyn's recognition at this national event is a proud moment for the Coventry & District Walking Football group and a testament to the impact of community-driven initiatives. Well Done Alwyn !

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A wonderful opportunity for Coventry couples planning or thinking about a Valentine’s Day marriage ceremony for February 2026 has been launched today in partnership with Go CV.

The competition offers one lucky couple the chance to win a free wedding package to make it a truly memorable day for the winner. The package includes a marriage ceremony hosted in the Black Prince Room at Cheylesmore Manor House (Coventry Register Office), a wedding reception venue at Drapers’ Hall including buffet, dining set-up and service staff, plus overnight accommodation in a Junior Suite at the Telegraph Hotel with breakfast.

The lucky winners will also enjoy complimentary professional services provided by Brody Swain Wedding Toastmaster, Isabel’s Flower Studio, UR Rosa Photography and Electric Joy Moments Content Creator.

All entrants have to do is tell us in no more than 300 words (approximately 2,000 characters), why you deserve to win an amazing package which is worth over £5,000.

Entrants for this wonderful prize need to be a Coventry resident and also hold a fully validated Go CV card.

Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member, Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “Being a Go CV cardholder brings many benefits to our city residents so if you are already a member, check out to see how you can enter. If you’re not already a member, then I’d encourage you to sign up and get the chance to enter the competition.”

“I’m sure there are Coventry couples out there who would love the opportunity to win this prize, especially as for many people, the costs involved in having a wedding or ceremony are a challenge.

“It’s really important that we continue to promote through Go CV the amazing cultural venues and attractions we have in the city. Through the funding we’ve attracted, this is a really exciting and creative way to raise the profile of the city’s cultural assets and, of course, provide a brilliant opportunity for a Coventry couple.

“Good luck to all entrants and I look forward to hearing more about the lucky couple.”

The competition has now gone live and full details on what the package includes, how to apply, terms and conditions and lots more information with details about the partners’ offers included in the prize, are available at go-cv.co.uk/winawedding . Deadline for entries is 11.59pm on Sunday 15 June 2025.

Winners will be notified by the end of June and must consent to publicity of their special day.

The competition will be administered and overseen via the Go CV scheme, a scheme which is open to all Coventry residents, offering discounts and promotions to venues, events, local businesses and activities in the city. The scheme currently has over 125,000 members.

To apply for a card and more information click here Go CV – Enjoy the great times in Coventry.