Previous Stories

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  February's Community Stories

  about 2 years ago
  

  Spotlight on Wild Earth Group

  Wild Earth is a not-for-profit social enterprise in the Coventry, committed to helping people find positive destinations by connecting people with nature. Their aim is to reduce isolation and promote development by connecting people with nature and their own local environment and communities.

  Wild Earth is delighted to share the good news that they have secured £16,670 from the Severn Trent Community Fund. The grant will help with core running costs to ensure continued support to children, young people and vulnerable adults in the community through nature based therapeutic activities.

  If you'd like to know... Continue reading

  Spotlight on Wild Earth Group

  Wild Earth is a not-for-profit social enterprise in the Coventry, committed to helping people find positive destinations by connecting people with nature. Their aim is to reduce isolation and promote development by connecting people with nature and their own local environment and communities.

  Wild Earth is delighted to share the good news that they have secured £16,670 from the Severn Trent Community Fund. The grant will help with core running costs to ensure continued support to children, young people and vulnerable adults in the community through nature based therapeutic activities.

  If you'd like to know more about what the Wild Earth group can offer, please email, Alex or Geeta at info@wild-earth.org.uk(External link) and take a look at the Get Involved section for Wild Earth groups happening near you.

  
  

  Coventry and District Walking Football Club goes from Strength to Strength

  Last year the Community Resilience Team supported the club to successfully apply for a National Lottery grant and since then the club organizers have wasted no time in raising the profile of the group which now has nearly 100 members. The club, based at the Alan Higgs Centre, recently hosted a match between Blackburn Rovers vs England Over 70s Walking Football Teams.

  Alwyn Day, Club Secretary for Coventry and District Walking Football Club, said: “Our club membership continues to grow and today we are now fast approaching triple figures. Last year we applied for grants from the National Lottery Community Fund, with our members working hard to put together a compelling package based around the premise that ‘age is no barrier to health and well-being’.

  The group welcomes people over the age of 50. They hold Walking Football sessions for mixed abilities 3 times a week from the Alan Higgs Centre followed by a get together in the café.

  For more information or to get involved, e-mail alwyn_day@btinternet.com or take a look at their website(External link)
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  January's Community Stories

  about 2 years ago
  

  Baby Godiva gets a helping hand from England Rugby International, Coutney Lawes

  In November England Rugby International, Courtney Lawes, visited the charity ‘Baby Godiva’ to discuss the work they do. He visited the charity along with representatives from the ‘Save The Children’ charity. He met with Isabelle McCabe, the charities founder, to talk about the work they do, and why she set the charity up and the support they offer to families in need.

  Courtney and Belle engaged in conversations about the families that the charity extends assistance to, shedding light on the daily challenges these families face. Belle... Continue reading

  Baby Godiva gets a helping hand from England Rugby International, Coutney Lawes

  In November England Rugby International, Courtney Lawes, visited the charity ‘Baby Godiva’ to discuss the work they do. He visited the charity along with representatives from the ‘Save The Children’ charity. He met with Isabelle McCabe, the charities founder, to talk about the work they do, and why she set the charity up and the support they offer to families in need.

  Courtney and Belle engaged in conversations about the families that the charity extends assistance to, shedding light on the daily challenges these families face. Belle also shared insights into the backing she received from the Community Resilience Team, enabling her to access external funding and guiding her in how to write funding applications independently.

  Courtney said, “people running baby banks do so out of the kindness of their hearts, which is amazingly special. It only takes a small amount from one individual to make a massive difference to three or four families”.

  After the discussions Courtney helped Belle to pack donations and load them into the delivery van, which the charity had purchased with funding from the Clothworkers Foundation.

  Pictured are: Picture Belle and Courtney discussing Baby Godiva.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Radford Partnership Meeting Highlights: Collaboration in the Community

  Our recent gathering was held at Radford Road Fire Station. The meeting saw a fantastic turnout with 26 attendees, representing diverse organisations including Daimler Powerhouse, Fire, Ambulance and Police Services, Heartbeat UK, Chamber Training, and Coventry Building Society.

  The Radford Partnership Meeting serves as a hub for community groups, charities, and professionals working in the Radford area, they provide a valuable platform for participants to share ongoing initiatives, establish connections, and collaborate to improve services for people in Radford.

  The Radford Partnership Meeting has allowed some great links between community organisations, during the meeting Community Spaces and Heartbeat UK updated on their fantastic partnership to install accessible defibrillators in the community.

  If you are part of a community organisation working in the Radford area and would like to participate in the meeting, please contact communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

  
  

  
  

  Jubilee Crescent Community Centre Secures Funding for Core Running Costs

  Jubilee Crescent Community Centre, with support from the Community Resilience Team, has secured £13,968 funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund. The community centre will use the grant to help with core running costs to ensure the centre can continue its work supporting local residents.

  To find out what activities or community groups are taking place at Jubilee Crescent Community Centre please take a look at their facebook page.

  
  

  
  

  Willenhall Men’s Support Group

  Congratulations to everyone at Willenhall Men’s Support Group who were nominated and shortlisted for a Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Q Award! The NHS Trust recognised the outstanding commitment of local volunteers at Willenhall Men’s Support Group bring in supporting local people.

  The group continues to grow, recently organising a successful trip to Cosford Air Museum and planning a visit to the British Motor Museum. The volunteers are continuing to work with ‘It Takes Balls To Talk’ and delivering speeches and collaborating with professionals to improve mental health services.

  The Willenhall Men’s Group meets weekly, contact 02476 303266 for more information.
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  December's Community Stories

  over 2 years ago
  

  Food kindly donated by Severn Trent Water employees

  Over the last few weeks leading to Christmas staff at Severn Trent Water Coventry’s Head Quarters have been collecting food to help Coventry residents struggling with rising costs.

  The Council’s Community Resilience Team supported Severn Trent in handing over this generous donation to Coventry Food Network to distribute across Coventry require during the festive season.

  Dianne Williams Trustee of the Coventry Food Network added: “huge thanks to Severn Trent staff, donations at this time of year make a real difference”

  Paul Evans from Severn Trent said “Coventry Food Network comprising 15 social... Continue reading

  Food kindly donated by Severn Trent Water employees

  Over the last few weeks leading to Christmas staff at Severn Trent Water Coventry’s Head Quarters have been collecting food to help Coventry residents struggling with rising costs.

  The Council’s Community Resilience Team supported Severn Trent in handing over this generous donation to Coventry Food Network to distribute across Coventry require during the festive season.

  Dianne Williams Trustee of the Coventry Food Network added: “huge thanks to Severn Trent staff, donations at this time of year make a real difference”

  Paul Evans from Severn Trent said “Coventry Food Network comprising 15 social supermarkets across Coventry was created to support citizens during Covid-19 and, as costs of living have risen, providing reduced cost food parcels and support to more people than ever."

  Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “I would like to thank Severn Trent and their employees for this donation. Without partner organisations, charities, community organisations and the hundreds of volunteers who support those in need we would be struggling to provide the support we do.”

  “Businesses are making a real difference by this kind of donation.”

  If you or someone you know would like to offer support to help people most in need in Coventry, you can get in touch with the Community Resilience Team at communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk(External link)

  
  

  
  

  Capita and Transport for London Making A Difference in Coventry!

  A huge thank you to Lucy Thompson, Darius Spiteri and their amazing colleagues at Capita and Transport for London for responding to the Community Resilience Team’s call for support in the Coventry Food Network Christmas Campaign, they stepped up and collected approximately £600 worth of food.

  The generous donation was gratefully received by Foleshill Food Hub and Henley Grub Hub, ensuring that many families in need will have a more comfortable Christmas. Thank you, for making a real difference.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  It's not too late - you can still support your local food hub this Christmas

  To donate food, or volunteer your time, please contact your local food hub(External link)

  
  

  To donate funds:

  Coventry Food Network(External link)

  Coventry Foodbank(External link)

  
  

  
  

  Thank you for your support.

  
  

  
  
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  November's Community Stories

  over 2 years ago
  

  FC Sensory - Blind & Visually Impaired Football Club in Coventry

  In October 2022 Dave Allcock was registered blind, his football team couldn't make the necessary adjustments which led to Dave having to leave his football team, impacting his physical and mental wellbeing. Dave looked for football groups for blind and visually impaired people, but found the nearest club was over a 45 minute drive away. Refusing to be defeated, Dave supported by Bernie Swain, decided to set up their own football group in Coventry for people with vision impairments.

  They created FC Sensory and came to the Community Resilience... Continue reading

  FC Sensory - Blind & Visually Impaired Football Club in Coventry

  In October 2022 Dave Allcock was registered blind, his football team couldn't make the necessary adjustments which led to Dave having to leave his football team, impacting his physical and mental wellbeing. Dave looked for football groups for blind and visually impaired people, but found the nearest club was over a 45 minute drive away. Refusing to be defeated, Dave supported by Bernie Swain, decided to set up their own football group in Coventry for people with vision impairments.

  They created FC Sensory and came to the Community Resilience Team for support with their idea and the goals they wanted to achieve. An initial small grant enabled the group to set up, purchase equipment and fund the pitch hire.

  The group supports adults, young people, and children with vision impairments to meet and play football.

  FC Sensory offers training sessions, competitive games, and social events. Training sessions are held at the Xcel Leisure Centre in Coventry. It’s a great way to build confidence and improve fitness levels. In addition to the physical benefits, the club has provided a sense of belonging for its members which can help combat social isolation. FC Sensory are also involved with running the Sensory Room at Coventry City Football Club, and fit sessions in between home games.

  The Community Resilience Team have supported FC Sensory to secure £9,970 from the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding will be used to expand the number of sessions to support more people, and fund additional equipment.

  Through FC Sensory, people in Coventry have connected with others who understand the unique challenges that come with being visually impaired whilst having fun, making new friends, getting support, and sharing their passion for football.

  For more information or to get involved email fcsensory@protonmail.com, call Bernie on 07493 159918 or follow the club on Facebook or X @FC_Sensory

  
  

  Earlsdon Methodist Church Prayer Shawl Group

  The Prayer Shawl Ministry began at Earlson in October 2007. A core group of knitters meet in the Wellspring Café, located in the extended entrance to the Church, on Thursdays. The group members come from various churches, both Methodist and other denominations.

  The group brings together people who knit shawls, many are knitted 'to order' by request. The shawls give comfort to people going through challenging times, such as illness, bereavement, or stress but are also created to mark a key celebration or for new challenges. The Prayer Shawls are also known as Comfort Shawls or Peace Shawls.

  The shawls are often made with soft and warm yarns, and are imbued with the prayers, positive thoughts, and good wishes of the knitters and the finished shawls receive a blessing in church before being given to the recipient. The shawls are meant to wrap the recipients in love and comfort, and can act as a reminder that they are not alone. The act of receiving a prayer shawl can be very meaningful and reassuring.

  In addition to providing comfort to those who receive them, the prayer shawl group is also be a source of community and support for those who participate in the knitting group.

  The Community Resilience Team helped the group to secure a small grant of £660 to fund equipment and yarn. The group are currently financially self-sustaining but know they can contact the Community Resilience Team if they need support applying for funding in the future.

  For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry or to find out more about the Wellspring Café please visit https://www.earlsdonmethodist.org.uk/Groups/347102/Prayer_Shawl_Ministry.asp

  
  

  
  

  Peggies Park Community Centre - Food Parcel Deliveries

  Peggie’s Park Community Centre is based in Bedlam Lane, Foleshill and has been running for 28 years. It has supported many people in that time and is currently a thriving centre that relies solely on volunteers. The Community Resilience Team has supported the centre over the last few years. This support helped the centre to access funding for various projects aimed at helping the homeless and other vulnerable members of the community.

  The Community Resilience Team has recently supported Bernice Higgins, the centre manager, on a successful £10,000 National Lottery Awards for All grant which will cover the running costs for the centre, the cost of food for the parcels, and volunteer expenses to deliver the food. This service will be essential to the people who benefit from it, especially during the colder winter months.

  The funding has made it possible for Peggies Park Community Centre to continue delivering groceries, and hot meals to vulnerable members of their community.
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  October's Community Stories

  over 2 years ago
  

  Please Support Your Local Food Hub or Food Bank – Support Coventry People in Need this Christmas.

  Food hubs and food banks across Coventry are struggling to cope with an increase in demand due to the cost-of-living crisis. The number of people in need has hugely increased whilst donations to these charities have fallen.

  The Community Resilience Team are supporting the Christmas food campaign by linking food hubs with businesses that may be able to collect food donations from staff or make a cash donation. We have a collection box in the Coventry City Council Friargate building so council staff... Continue reading

  Please Support Your Local Food Hub or Food Bank – Support Coventry People in Need this Christmas.

  Food hubs and food banks across Coventry are struggling to cope with an increase in demand due to the cost-of-living crisis. The number of people in need has hugely increased whilst donations to these charities have fallen.

  The Community Resilience Team are supporting the Christmas food campaign by linking food hubs with businesses that may be able to collect food donations from staff or make a cash donation. We have a collection box in the Coventry City Council Friargate building so council staff can donate.

  These food hubs have experienced an unprecedented demand for support all year, and the winter months can be especially difficult for those in need.

  Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to help your community than by supporting a local hub near you during the festive season?

  There are many ways to get involved with a Coventry Christmas food campaign:

  • You can donate non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta, and cereal, there’s a list of useful items on the posters below.

  
  

  • You can donate money, which food banks and food hubs use to purchase fresh produce and other perishable items.
    Why not donate the amount you would usually spend on Christmas cards and let your friends and family know that you’ve donated to your local food bank instead of sending a card this year?

  
  

  • Some food banks and food hubs even accept donations of toys, gifts, and toiletries which are distributed to families in need along with food, give them a call and check what they need first.

  
  

  • In addition to donating, you can also volunteer your time to help sort and distribute food donations.

  
  

  • or why not organise a fundraising event to support your food hub's efforts.

  
  

  • If you work in a local business, school, community organisation and would like to get involved and become a temporary food collection point please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

  
  

  By getting involved with the Coventry Christmas food campaign, you can make a real difference to people in Coventry who need your help.

  
  

  Nobody in our communities should face going hungry this winter – if you can help please get in touch communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

  
  

  Thank you for your support.

  
  

  Coventry Food Network

  • To donate food see https://www.coventryfoodnetwork.org.uk/our-locations for your local food hub location and opening hours.

  
  

  • To donate money to Coventry Food Network https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cfnchristmas23

  
  

  • To volunteer your time contact your local food hub https://www.coventryfoodnetwork.org.uk/our-locations

  
  

  • To have a food donation collection box at your business, school or community group venue contact communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Coventry Foodbank

  • To donate food see https://coventry.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food for locations.

  
  

  • To donate money to Coventry Foodbank https://coventry.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money

  
  

  • To volunteer your time https://coventry.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/volunteer

  
  

  
  

  To Get Help with Cost-of-Living

  Across Coventry, increasing numbers of people are feeling the pressure from the increasing cost of living. If you’re struggling financially or concerned about the future, getting help early can make a big difference.

  Support is available from many different organisations to help you manage the cost of living pressures.

  https://www.coventry.gov.uk/costofliving

  or call 08085 834333.
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  September's Community Stories

  over 2 years ago
  

  Walking Football Group

  Walking football is a great way to stay active and socialise with others. One such group is the Bedworth and District Walking Football Group, run by Russ Watkin, from the Alan Higgs Centre in Coventry.

  The club meets three times a week and has around 86 members and numbers continue to increase. The players are aged 50+, and all share a passion for the sport. Many members of the group have recovered from injuries that would normally have ended their playing days, but walking football is played at walking pace, with players not allowed to run. One... Continue reading

  Walking Football Group

  Walking football is a great way to stay active and socialise with others. One such group is the Bedworth and District Walking Football Group, run by Russ Watkin, from the Alan Higgs Centre in Coventry.

  The club meets three times a week and has around 86 members and numbers continue to increase. The players are aged 50+, and all share a passion for the sport. Many members of the group have recovered from injuries that would normally have ended their playing days, but walking football is played at walking pace, with players not allowed to run. One other big difference to association or 5-a-side football is that it’s classed as non-contact sport. Although tackling is allowed, this must be done with no contact.

  The Walking Football club isn't just about the sport, it's also about social and health aspects. The members have formed strong bonds and friendships, which have lasted beyond the football pitch. The club has created a sense of community and belonging for its members, it’s great for keeping fit but there are also substantial mental health benefits too.

  The group sessions also include raising awareness of men’s health conditions, and simple health checks are performed at the club. From these checks, 6 individuals discovered they had serious health conditions without realising it. Fortunately, the checks helped identify their conditions at an early stage and all have made a significant recovery.

  The Community Resilience Team supported the group to apply for funding to help with short term operational costs to help ease the financial strain from the group’s participants. The Community Resilience team have since helped the group to secure a further £8,600 Awards for All funding to help ensure the club remains sustainable, can continue to grow, and welcome more new members.

  
  

  
  

  Summer on the Square in Hillfields

  Over the summer holidays, Hillfields Square was taken over by fun games and activities for families to enjoy. This was made possible by the collaboration between St Peters church, Watch Charity and Harmony Family Hub. These organisations wanted to put together a series of events held in the school summer holidays for children of all ages (and families) to come and take part in free activities to create a positive atmosphere at the heart of the Hillfields Community. In total, the group hosted 6 events, on both weekdays and a weekend so that plenty of people were able to come and visit.

  The Community Resilience team was able to help with a funding application for the group, and thanks to Citizen Local Fund and help from the General Charities Committee, the events were a huge success and enjoyed by the whole community. There were plenty of activities to choose from, including football, giant chess, circus skills, a gaming bus, to face painting and glitter tattoos. Each of the events were also able to provide everyone attending with free hot meals, with Sky Blue Support joining the team on the final date.

  One mother said, “It has been fantastic to come to these events, my children are very different ages and they have enjoyed it so much, we have been a few times!”.

  There were between 100-120 people who attended on each of the dates, with the last event being the busiest yet. Thanks again to Citizen Housing and General Charities for helping to make these events possible, as well as St Peters Church, Watch Charity and Harmony Hub for organising such successful Summer on the Square events.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Car Park Makeover at Bethal Church

  A church in Coventry has recently had its car park resurfaced all thanks to the support of construction company, Balfour Beatty.

  Bethel Church in Spon End Coventry needed improvements to its car park and Balfour Beatty agreed to tarmac the area, to make access a lot easier.

  The work was completed over the summer and forms part of the construction company’s social value work.

  Joshua Kindness, Pastor at Bethel Church, said: “We can’t thank Balfour Beatty enough for their generosity in resurfacing the church car park!

  “This will have such a positive impact for all the community groups that use the church and for the wider community who make use of the car park as well.”

  Businesses working in Coventry have often helped local communities in Coventry and the support shown to the church follows recent transport improvements by Balfour Beatty in Spon End and at Junction 7 of the Coventry Ring Road.

  Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “It was great to visit Bethel Church and see the improvements.

  “There have been many examples of companies and businesses offering support to local community projects across Coventry and this is yet another positive example. I’d like to pass on my thanks to Balfour Beatty.

  “Our community team at the Council are always happy to make connections between businesses and community projects.”

  Balfour Beatty have been involved in many community projects -

  • Donations were given to local food hubs.
  • Equipment donated to the British Heart Foundation.
  • A “Bake Off” competition raised money for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice
  • Coventry College had donations from Balfour Beatty to use as prizes at their awards ceremony.
  • Balfour Beatty also took part in Career Fairs and engineering workshops with local schools and the Job Shop.

  The Community Resilience Team are working with Coventry City Council’s Business Support Team, to urge local developers and businesses to support organisations and charities in Coventry as part of their social value commitment.

  If you, or someone you know, would like to offer support to help a worthy cause in Coventry, you can get in touch with the Community Resilience Team at communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk(External link)

  
  

  
  

  Left to right: Pastor Joshua Kindness, Councillor David Welsh, Onika Morgan (Balfour Beatty), Sharon Thomas (CCC Community Resilience Team)

  
  
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  August's Community Stories

  over 2 years ago
  

  Rainbow Saheli Group

  The Community Resilience Team had great pleasure in being invited to the Rainbow Saheli group’s India Independence Day celebration event. The event took place in Sacred Heart Church community space and was attended by Local Councillors and the Lord Mayor.

  There was singing and speeches and the room was decorated in green, orange and gold. Everyone looked fabulous and the women involved are continuing to enjoy and grow their support group. Congratulations to everyone involved.

  The main aim of the Rainbow Saheli group is to develop and empower women and improve their mental and emotional wellbeing by... Continue reading

  Rainbow Saheli Group

  The Community Resilience Team had great pleasure in being invited to the Rainbow Saheli group’s India Independence Day celebration event. The event took place in Sacred Heart Church community space and was attended by Local Councillors and the Lord Mayor.

  There was singing and speeches and the room was decorated in green, orange and gold. Everyone looked fabulous and the women involved are continuing to enjoy and grow their support group. Congratulations to everyone involved.

  The main aim of the Rainbow Saheli group is to develop and empower women and improve their mental and emotional wellbeing by providing relevant information to enhance their skills, knowledge and support them so they can positively contribute to the community. The group’s activities include yoga and light exercise, arts & crafts workshops, singing dancing and a luncheon club. Regular speakers also attend the activities to give talks on health and wellbeing.

  The Community Resilience Team helped the group apply for a grant from which has supported them with rent, arts and crafts materials and refreshments. The Community Resilience Team has also helped the group to secure a National Lottery, Awards For All funding, to support their yoga and Indian music wellbeing sessions.

  If your community organisation needs support applying for funding, please get in touch with the team communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk(External link)

  
  

  The Sangam Group

  
  

  The Sangam Group is a support group for South Asian elders and meet once weekly for a social gathering at Broad Street Meeting Hall.

  The group approached the Community Resilience Team for help to restart the group following the Covid19 pandemic lockdown periods.

  With support from the Community Resilience Team, the group successfully applied for a £1,945 grant to enable them to start meeting again. This gave the group short term support so that they could research other funding opportunities.

  Since receiving the funding, the group’s membership has more than tripled in size and the group continues to grow.

  The Community Resilience Team has continued to support the group applying to the National Lottery Awards for All fund. The group applied and were successful in receiving £4,290 which will go towards room hire costs, refreshments, and transport to help make the group sustainable over the next 12 months.

  
  

  Kendrick Homes Ltd supports the Coventry Food Network

  A developer working on new homes in north Coventry is giving a cash donation to support Coventry’s network of food hubs.

  Kendrick Homes Ltd, is building new homes in Watery Lane in Coventry, and as part of their work has offered the city’s Food Network a £3000 donation.

  The money will go towards supporting residents across the city struggling to feed themselves and their families because of inflation and the rising cost of living.

  The Coventry Food Network(External link) was created during 2020 to help support people and families struggling to put food on the table during COVID-19 and since as the ongoing cost of living crisis has developed.

  The network now provides food parcels to more people than ever.

  The network of 14 social Supermarkets(External link), located across the city, provide support and reduced cost food supplies to people in need. They can also help with directing customers towards the correct support available with any issues they may have.

  Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: "On behalf of the Coventry Food Network and the residents they support, I would like to thank Kendrick Homes Ltd for this donation.

  “This will help to make a real difference to many people across all communities, many people that are struggling to make ends meet.”

  Diane Williams, Coventry Food Network trustee, said; “Thank you Kendrick Homes, this donation will help us support the most vulnerable people in Coventry with food “

  The Coventry City Council Economic Development team put Kendrick Homes in touch with the Community Resilience Team as part of their commitment to social value; the positive value local businesses create to help support local Coventry communities.

  If you, or someone you know, would like to offer support to help vulnerable residents across Coventry, you can get in touch with the Community Resilience Team at communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk
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  July's Community Stories

  over 2 years ago
  

  Urban Goodies CIC

  Urban Goodies is a Community Interest Company set up to alleviate food poverty, provide nutritional meals and tackle disadvantage in the community. They provide a welcoming safe space at local community centres, by providing lunches, ready meals, community fridge and cookery classes. Urban Goodies believe nutritious food and education should be accessible to all and aim to have zero wastage from donated food. Since 2021 the organisation has been providing cookery classes, community café, pop up food stalls, suspended meals and affordable ready meals to the community, cooking fresh food, and ensuring nutritious meals are available to... Continue reading

  Urban Goodies CIC

  Urban Goodies is a Community Interest Company set up to alleviate food poverty, provide nutritional meals and tackle disadvantage in the community. They provide a welcoming safe space at local community centres, by providing lunches, ready meals, community fridge and cookery classes. Urban Goodies believe nutritious food and education should be accessible to all and aim to have zero wastage from donated food. Since 2021 the organisation has been providing cookery classes, community café, pop up food stalls, suspended meals and affordable ready meals to the community, cooking fresh food, and ensuring nutritious meals are available to all.

  The Community Resilience Team are supporting Urban Goodies with obtaining funding to continue this work whilst awaiting larger bid decisions.

  With the benefit of a grant from Hubbub, Urban Goodies opened a Community Fridge in Holbrooks Community Care Association. The aim of the fridge is to fight food waste and support local people. It does this by collecting leftover food from businesses, then making it available to local residents and community groups.

  Community Fridges are sociable places where any member of the community can exchange surplus food. The aim is to reduce food waste and provide a space where the local community can share food and household items, skills, recipes and more. They are open to everyone, and work on a spirit of trust. Anyone in the community can donate and anyone can take.

  Over 450 families benefit from the community fridge per week, which to date relates to over 16,200 meals. Urban Goodies has redistributed over 3 tonnes of food. A ready meal project was established in January 2023, thanks to a Pilot Project grant from Heart of England Community Foundation and to date, Urban Goodies have cooked 1747 meals for over 480 families. The organisation hire a kitchen at Holbrooks Community Centre to cook the ready meals and they are distributed from the fridge at Holbrooks Community Care Association.

  Urban Goodies have launched a number of new projects, these include their Pet Project, Pamper Project, Printing Project, Sweetshop Project, Splash Project & Home Essentials Project; these project have all been born out of the dialogue they have with customers.

  Urban Goodies are happy to discuss their project(s) with other community groups who may wish to learn how they can either support or provide a fridge to their establishment. Get in touch and take a look at their facebook page

  If your community organisation needs support applying for funding, please get in touch with the team communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

  
  

  
  

  Coventry Irish Society

  Coventry Irish Society provides a range of services to all generations of the Irish community in Coventry and the surrounding areas. The charity offers a wide range of health and welfare services, and a variety of cultural and heritage projects, including a St. Patrick's Day Festival.

  With the support of the Community Resilience Team, the charity received £1,055 in funding to help them re launch their oral history project ‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ which focuses on Irish migrants that arrived in the city between 1940 and 1970. The project includes filmed interviews, photographs, and written materials. Originally exhibited at the Herbert Art Gallery in 2018 the exhibition had more than 6000 visitors and 700 people on opening night.

  Hosted in Eaton House, the Irish Society have a variety of befriending and support groups and are available for support and advice.

  For more information and on events and or how to get involved please visit their website

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Let's Chat Scheme - Transport for West Midlands

  
  

  The Community Resilience Team would like to thank Dawn and Caroline at Transport for West Midlands, for hosting our recent Community Messengers meeting at the Let’s Chat community room in Pool Meadow Bus Station.

  The Let’s Chat scheme is a year-long pilot scheme to help tackle loneliness and to connect people with others in their local community. The scheme offers ways to meet new friends, get advice or find out about local services and support groups.

  There are 3 ways to get involved:

  Community Hub – The Let’s Chat room is located in the Pool Meadow Bus Station, it is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s 9:00am – 2:30pm. Anyone can drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. You are sure to receive a very warm welcome from Dawn and her volunteers who run the hub.

  There is also a community room available free of charge to community groups and charities helping to bring people together to tackle loneliness. To enquire about booking the room please contact:

  Dawn.varley@communitytransport.org Mob:07974 626942 or Caroline.keyes@communitytransport.org Mob:07974 626947

  
  

  Mobile Hubs – The Let’s Chat mobile hubs will be parked up around community venues in Coventry. If you spot the Let’s chat mini bus, hop on for a chat! You can find out where the mobile hubs are going to by visiting the website. There’s a warm welcome and a cup of tea or coffee waiting for you!

  Community Transport - West Midland Bus on Demand offers transport service where you book a minibus to pick you up at a certain time and place. It can be used by anyone travelling in Coventry. It does not follow a specific route. Instead, you book a journey and a bus will pick you up at a time you choose. For more information and how to book please visit the website
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  June's Community Stories

  almost 3 years ago
  

  Vanny Radio Youth Programme

  The Community Resilience Team has helped secure £10,000 of National Lottery Award for All funding for Vanny Radio. The funding will support Vanny Radio to work with young people in the Foleshill area, learning broadcasting and photography skills, as well as life skills such as cooking healthy meals.

  Vanny Radio contacted the Community Resilience Team to ask for advice as their previous attempt to apply for funding had been unsuccessful. A team member met with Vanny Radio and looked at previous applications and offered help and advice on updating their funding application.

  The successful application expanded... Continue reading

  Vanny Radio Youth Programme

  The Community Resilience Team has helped secure £10,000 of National Lottery Award for All funding for Vanny Radio. The funding will support Vanny Radio to work with young people in the Foleshill area, learning broadcasting and photography skills, as well as life skills such as cooking healthy meals.

  Vanny Radio contacted the Community Resilience Team to ask for advice as their previous attempt to apply for funding had been unsuccessful. A team member met with Vanny Radio and looked at previous applications and offered help and advice on updating their funding application.

  The successful application expanded on the broadcasting and media skills, as well as emphasising the important social, health and wellbeing aspects which young people gain from the project.

  We look forward to hearing more about the growing Vanny Radio Youth programmes!

  Pictured is Vanny Radio’s Thaddeus Atiemo in a training session with some of the young people supported by the project.

  If your community organisation needs support applying for funding, please get in touch with the team communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

  
  

  
  

  Settlement Support CIC

  Settlement Support CIC focus on providing settlement and integration support services for African and other disadvantaged migrants within the UK. They engage, support, and empower individuals who need the right settlement information to settle peacefully and succeed in their chosen community.

  The journey of this organisation began with the determination and commitment of a group of migrants working together to break barriers in the desire to settle into the Coventry community.

  Some of the services Settlement Support CIC deliver include:

  Immigrant advocacy services - Support disadvantage immigrants and their families to overcome emotional and psychological challenges they may experience following their arrival.

  Settlement and integration services - Support settlement by providing practical help in areas of form filling, pointers to council services and other areas required for accessing relevant services.

  Collaboration with local council services - Provide information and signpost to council services, support agencies and professionals to understand services available to them.

  Break barriers to employment - Provide information, webinars and forum to support Black and Minority Ethnic and other disadvantaged migrants seeking employment.

  Encourage take up of STEM by girls - Historically uptake of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics have been deemed for boys.

  The Community Resilience Team secured a grant for Settlement Support CIC to help with the cost of room hire and volunteer expenses. Following this funding success, the team is now working with the organisation on a large value, National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund application. If successful, this funding will allow Settlement Support CIC to rapidly expand their capacity to help migrants, and meet the increase in demand for their services. We hope to have an update on the latest funding application soon.

  Find out more about the real change Settlement Support CIC is making, or to get involved with the organisation, please visit their website

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Canley Community Church Stay and Play Trip to TwinLakes

  Canley Community Church run a successful stay and play toddler group for pre-school age children and their carers on Wednesday mornings 9-11am (term time only).

  The Mucky Ducks stay and play group, have so many wonderful children attending from the Canley community, the organisers wanted to arrange a special experience for them and their families.

  The Community Resilience Team worked with Canley Community Church to secure funding for the group to visit the TwinLakes theme park in Leicestershire.

  The children loved every moment on bumper cars, train rides, boat rides, kart rides, water park, slides, as well as seeing the animals. The trip gave the Mucky Ducks group a shared adventure and resulted in precious moments to remember as a community group.

  Marlene Brooker, Event Organiser from Canley Community Church said, “We couldn’t have done this trip without the generous help of Coventry General Charities. Their funds were able to help towards providing a coach for the trip, contribution towards entrance fees and a packed lunch for 81 hungry people. Weary kids and adults came back very happy after an eventful day. Adults are now asking when is the next trip!”

  Find out about future community events organised by Canley Community Church
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  May's Community Stories

  almost 3 years ago
  

  Tile Hill Community Partnership - Coronation Party on the Green

  The Coronation Party on the Green took place on Monday 8th May. The event was a huge success in bringing the community together.

  There was a whole range of activities for everyone to enjoy including a picnic lunch, free raffle, children's entertainment, a disco, face-painting and craft workshops to name a few!

  Over four hundred adults and their children attended. The organisers gathered hundreds of completed questionnaires which are currently being analysed. The results will be used to plan future ways in which the lives of the Tile Hill Community... Continue reading

  Tile Hill Community Partnership - Coronation Party on the Green

  The Coronation Party on the Green took place on Monday 8th May. The event was a huge success in bringing the community together.

  There was a whole range of activities for everyone to enjoy including a picnic lunch, free raffle, children's entertainment, a disco, face-painting and craft workshops to name a few!

  Over four hundred adults and their children attended. The organisers gathered hundreds of completed questionnaires which are currently being analysed. The results will be used to plan future ways in which the lives of the Tile Hill Community can be enhanced.

  The Community Resilience Team secured a £2,000 grant to support the event.

  The organisers wish to thank Bowmer + Kirkland, and Balfour Beatty for providing a huge number of free novelty gifts. TESCO provided soft drinks and the children at Finham 2 for assembling five hundred picnic bags.

  The event was supported by volunteers from the University of Warwick who ably erected marquees and supervised craft sessions, by a Girl Guide leader, children from Finham 2, Coventry City Park Rangers, by Jardine Crescent Library staff and by committee members of the THCP planning group and stakeholders’ group. Two volunteers/employees from the Family Mosaic Hub also led craft sessions

  The event was such a success, organisers are now in discussion about repeating the event in 2024!

  If your community organisation needs support applying for funding, please get in touch with the team communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk

  
  

  
  

  EuroCan-Can - Never ending Coventry Community Can-Can Line

  Coventry digital arts organisation, Ludic Rooms, created a never ending digital can-can line as a 'love letter' to Eurovision and Ukraine, working with Coventry communities.

  EuroCan-Can is Ludic Rooms’ pop up project, using greenscreen to bring random dancers together digitally, in a never-ending can-can line. The project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and supported by the Community Resilience Team.

  Ludic Rooms visited community venues in Earlsdon, Canley, Foleshill and the city centre to film people dancing and holding messages of optimism and solidarity. The organisers worked closely with Coventry’s Ukrainian Community Centre and the EuroCan-Can line includes Ukrainian dancers wearing traditional costume.

  
  

  The project is about bring different people together in a fun way to show support for Eurovision and Ukraine. Organisers said "Its ultimately about togetherness and bringing people from all walks of life to do something and have that together moment"

  The creative project aims to empower communities to come together and co-create a piece of digital artwork.

  EuroCan-Can line was shown throughout May on the Coventry Millennium Square big screen. You can watch the Eurocan-can line on Ludic Rooms website.

  
  

  WATCH (Working Actively to Change Hillfields) 25th Anniversary

  During May WATCH community centre held a community event to celebrate their 25 year anniversary along with the Coronation of King Charles III.

  The event brought the Hillfields community together to enjoy live acts including Keno Demus and Liz Max, Feisty with Cazzy and Zeze, Soulful Choir as well as Kadence Drumming, Indian Dancers and a Tai Chi demonstration.

  The Community Resilience Team worked with WATCH to secure over £9,000 funding to support the event and ongoing projects in the community.

  The celebrations also had a number of information stalls highlighting the support services available across Coventry. These included: Positive Images Festival, The Highlife Centre, Creative Kindness, Creative Optimistic Visions, Voluntary Action Coventry, St Giles, Coventry Libraries and Information Service as well as Transport for West Midlands with their Let’s Chat Bus!

  Children were kept entertained with several activity stations including giant games and free face painting. Food was kindly provided by Sky Blue Support.

  Kate Hills, Event Organiser said, "It was extremely positive to see so many community members come together to celebrate"

  More photographs of the event are on the WATCH Community Centre website

  Photographers: Waleed Sadeq and Wai Sang (Wilson) Chan