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.

Settlement Support CIC: Empowering Communities with Coventry City Council’s Resilience Team

We’re thrilled to announce that Settlement Support CIC has received funding from the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme — made possible through the vital support of Coventry City Council’s Resilience Team.

This funding has enabled us to expand our impact across several key areas:

ESOL & Digital Inclusion

We’ve enhanced our ESOL and digital literacy programmes, helping over 30 individuals — including older adults and newly arrived migrants — gain language skills and confidence using digital tools. This dual approach has improved access to jobs, education, and health services while reducing isolation.

Sports for Social Integration

Our summer sports programme has grown into a vibrant community tradition, now welcoming over 1,000 participants. These events foster cultural exchange, build friendships, and connect people with local support services.

Youth Empowerment & Community Awards

We’ve expanded youth initiatives, including the annual Black and Minority Youth Expo during Black History Month. This inspiring event celebrates success stories and encourages leadership. Our new Community Awards Programme honours changemakers and allies who champion inclusion and resilience.

Tailored Support & Volunteer Development

With increased capacity, we now offer bespoke guidance to families navigating complex systems. We’ve also strengthened volunteer training and governance, ensuring sustainable, professional service delivery.

“This funding has been a game-changer. It’s about people, trust, and lasting impact. Huge thanks to Shaun Donnelly and the Resilience Team for believing in our mission.”

— Byron Taylor, Founder, Settlement Support CIC

We remain committed to building a more inclusive Coventry — where everyone has access to opportunity, support, and community.

https://www.settlementsupport.org.uk/

New Community Partnership Launches to Support Health, Wellbeing and Opportunities in Coventry

A new partnership between the John White Community Centre and Creative Kindness has been launched to improve health, wellbeing and social opportunities for local people.

Backed by £151,000 of funding over three years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the project has been developed with the support of Coventry City Council, who brought the partners together and assisted with bid writing.

The initiative aims to empower people living in local communities to take charge of their own health and wellbeing, while also offering volunteering opportunities that build confidence, skills, and a stronger sense of belonging.

As part of the project:

The John White Community Centre will provide training and practical support to Creative Kindness leaders, enabling them to expand their work and meet growing community needs.
The centre will also integrate around 15 local groups and services, ensuring residents have seamless access to advice, activities, and support.
A social prescriber from Sowe Valley PCN will now be based at the John White Community Centre two days a week, working closely with a newly appointed project coordinator from September to connect people with the right opportunities and services.

Gill Blythe, from the John White Community Centre and daughter of John White, after whom the centre is named, said "We are so proud to be part of this partnership and to see the John White Centre at the heart of such important work. My father was passionate about supporting local people and creating opportunities within the community, and this project truly reflects that vision. By working together, we can help people feel more connected, supported, and confident in managing their health and wellbeing."

Dr Allison Duggal, Director of Public Health and Well-being for Coventry City Council said “I am really pleased that my officers have been able to support the creation of such an exciting community initiative. This initiative is a perfect example of our shared working on neighbourhood health, and I cannot wait to hear from the people this helps to support their health and wellbeing.”

Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport said “This is an exciting venture and one I am pleased to support. Good health is so much more than GP appointments and hospital follow ups. It is projects like this which really help to keep people healthy and happy, and I am so glad Public Health officers have worked so hard with partners to establish it”.

The project will begin rolling out in September, with local people, encouraged to get involved in activities, volunteering, and support available at the John White Community Centre.

If you want to find out more pop into the centre or email: johnwhitecommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

If you are a voluntary and community organisation based in Coventry supporting people with their Health and well-being and are interested to establish other similar projects please get in touch with healthycommunities@coventry.gov.uk