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  Intercultural Roots Awarded £100,000 Innovate UK Grant for EcoGPX® Launchpad Coventry and Warwickshire

  by Basma, about 2 years ago
  

  Coventry, UK — July 3, 2024 — From May until October 2024, the Intercultural Roots project team are working with local community builders, artists, creatives, cultural and ecology practitioners to enable positive social and environmental impact in Coventry, Nuneaton, and Bedworth. This is being made possible through an award of £100,000 from Innovate UK that recognises the importance of a creative-led approach to improving people's quality of life.

  From May to October 2024, EcoGPX® will engage deeply with communities including Hillfields, Swanswell, Holyhead, Paradise, and Spon End in Coventry, Bedworth, and Camp Hill, Jasmine Babes, Kingswood, and Grove Farm in... Continue reading

  Coventry, UK — July 3, 2024 — From May until October 2024, the Intercultural Roots project team are working with local community builders, artists, creatives, cultural and ecology practitioners to enable positive social and environmental impact in Coventry, Nuneaton, and Bedworth. This is being made possible through an award of £100,000 from Innovate UK that recognises the importance of a creative-led approach to improving people's quality of life.

  From May to October 2024, EcoGPX® will engage deeply with communities including Hillfields, Swanswell, Holyhead, Paradise, and Spon End in Coventry, Bedworth, and Camp Hill, Jasmine Babes, Kingswood, and Grove Farm in Nuneaton, and others identified as some of the areas that have been made the most deprived in the UK. The project will partner with local organisations, artists, and practitioners in creative, cultural, and ecological fields to cultivate positive impacts and promote wellbeing and positive change within these communities.

  "The inclusive community engagement process of EcoGPX® reveals the diverse characteristics of Coventry, Nuneaton, and Bedworth by nurturing relationships that are both well-established and emerging. Coventry, for instance, is not only the confluence of the two rivers, but also a place where many cultures meet, and where ancient and new come together. We are honoured to hold the space through the project for communities across these regions and to listen deeply to the city with a felt-sensed approach. During the “residency” we will work with the local artists through an eco-arts lens, to respond to the needs and aspirations of people and places." said Maryam Safe, Creative Liaison Manager of EcoGPX®.

  "There are more and more digital apps that explore relationships to place, but most of them still assume that the user is an isolated individual. We are excited to build on the established work of Intercultural Roots in developing new digital tools that are oriented towards communities and social networks from the beginning," said Ben Spatz, EcoGPX® Creative Director and Reader in Media and Performance at University of Huddersfield.
  

  Open Call - Wanted! Local Arts, Creative, Cultural and Ecology Practitioners
  All movers, shakers and makers who would like to make meaningful play are welcome to apply here to be part of the EcoGPX®’s first eco-art residency in Coventry taking place July 17-21, 2024.. Applications are particularly welcome from people who are often under-represented including, for example, people from Black and ethnically minoritised groups, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, older people, and people from working class backgrounds. This is a paid opportunity with expenses.

  Key components of EcoGPX® include community engagement through active listening, curating and documenting through videoing eco-artists' responses at local sites, creating an interface for community interaction with artistic content through interactive media-mapping, and integrating an innovative sustainability model to support local artists and community groups.

  Intercultural Roots aims to showcase the successful implementation of EcoGPX® in Coventry and Warwickshire, inspiring other regional organisations and local authorities, and to offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses to embrace ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. The project underscores the transformative power of arts and culture in driving significant change and advancing sustainability initiatives on a broader level.

  
  

  Editor’s Note

  About Innovate UK: ‘Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is creating a better future by inspiring, involving, and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. We provide targeted sectors with expertise, facilities, and funding to test, demonstrate, and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth. Join our network and communities of innovators to realise the potential of your ideas and accelerate business growth. Innovate UK: inspiring business innovation.’

  About Intercultural Roots: Intercultural Roots for Public Health leverages the arts for health and social change including community empowerment and environmental action. Through innovative projects and collaborations, Intercultural Roots strives to advance inclusive creativity and care, and promote sustainable development.

  Media Contact:
  Basma Darouich
  PR, Marketing, and Community Engagement Officer
  Intercultural Roots
  Basma@interculturalroots.org

  
  
• Share May's Community Stories on Facebook Share May's Community Stories on X (formerly Twitter) Share May's Community Stories on Linkedin Email May's Community Stories link

  May's Community Stories

  about 2 years ago
  

  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... Continue reading

  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.
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  April's Community Stories

  about 2 years ago
  

  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... Continue reading

  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.
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  March's Community Stories

  over 2 years ago
  

  The Roma Project - Secures funding for next 3 years

  The Community Resilience Team worked with the Roma Project to develop a bid which secured almost £400,000 from the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund. The project based at Broad Street Meeting Hall in Foleshill, will use this funding to continue their much needed advice service for the next 3 years, it will also help them to introduce specialist immigration sessions, cost of living support and the provision of a warm welcome space that is open to all during the colder months. The project now employs 4 full-time staff, primarily supporting... Continue reading

  The Roma Project - Secures funding for next 3 years

  The Community Resilience Team worked with the Roma Project to develop a bid which secured almost £400,000 from the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund. The project based at Broad Street Meeting Hall in Foleshill, will use this funding to continue their much needed advice service for the next 3 years, it will also help them to introduce specialist immigration sessions, cost of living support and the provision of a warm welcome space that is open to all during the colder months. The project now employs 4 full-time staff, primarily supporting the estimated 12,000-15,000 Roma living in Coventry, however they are non-discriminatory in their approach and will continue to help anybody in need.

  Bernie Flatley, the Project Manager for the Roma Project stated “It is hard to put into words the impact the Community Resilience Team has had on our project over the last 10 years. We work with families that remain the most discriminated against race in Europe, this in itself is a major issue which impacts on the lives of our clients and the demand for help and support continues. The Community Resilience Team has now helped secure over £1m in grant funding for the project, allowing the continuation of our services, strengthened our organisation and ensured that our staff are fully equipped with the skills and qualifications to carry out their job”

  To find out more about what the Roma Project does please visit https://www.theromaproject.org/

  
  

  Community Resilience Team secures funding for Tile Hill Food Hub

  A new social supermarket to open in Tile Hill.

  The Community Resilience Team at Coventry City Council has supported Tile hill Food Hub to write a successful funding application to the National Lottery. The Seventh Day Adventist food hub has been awarded £19,700 over two years to support the purchase of food and volunteer costs within their church/community building in Jardine Crescent (old youth centre) Tile Hill. The social supermarket is open Wednesdays, 1-3pm.

  The Tile Hill Food Hub aims to benefit local residents who are struggling to feed themselves and their families due to the cost of living crisis or struggling on a low income. They help families, lone parents and older people. People pay £5 for approximately £25 worth of food.

  Pastor Patrick Herbert commented “We cannot thank the resilience team enough, this support will make sure we can help residents in Tile Hill who need it”. If you need food support Please contact sdasocialsupermarket@gmail.com or check out Coventry City Council https://www.coventry.gov.uk/householdsupportfund
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  February's Community Stories

  over 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

  over 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)