Community Connections

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Community Connections

Welcome to Community Connections; your hub for local stories, opportunities and support. Discover and celebrate the great things happening across Coventry, find ways to get involved in your community, and explore the help, resources and funding available to residents, groups and organisations. Whether you're sharing good news, promoting an opportunity or looking for support, Community Connections brings everything together in one place.

To share a story, promote an opportunity, or find out more, contact us at communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk.

Willenhall Waka Waka reaches new heights

There was great excitement among members of Willenhall Waka Waka when they learned that their application to Sport England's Movement Fund had been successful. The grant, secured with invaluable support from Coventry City Council's Resilience Team, marks a major milestone for the community-led fitness group and will help ensure its activities continue to grow and benefit local residents.

Founded to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to become more active, Waka Waka has become much more than a weekly keep-fit session. It has created a welcoming space where people improve their physical health, strengthen their mental wellbeing, and build lasting friendships.

The Movement Fund grant will enable the group to become more sustainable by helping to clear outstanding venue hire costs, replace worn and broken exercise equipment, and expand its programme of community activities.

The funding will also support one of Waka Waka's most popular initiatives—its organised hiking adventures. These trips encourage participants to challenge themselves physically, experience the beauty of the British countryside, and strengthen relationships beyond the walls of the community centre.

Last weekend, more than 20 members travelled together to climb Snowdonia. For many, it was their first experience of hiking a mountain, and the sense of achievement was unforgettable.

One participant reflected:

"The feeling of fulfilment when you reach the summit is difficult to describe. In truth, I felt that sense of wonder throughout the entire journey, not just at the summit. It was the therapy I didn't realise I needed—not only for my physical wellbeing but, even more importantly, for my mental health."

Experiences like these demonstrate that Waka Waka is about far more than exercise. It is about building confidence, tackling isolation, improving wellbeing, and creating a stronger, more connected community.

The group would like to thank Coventry City Council's Resilience Team for the guidance and encouragement they provided throughout the funding application process. Their support has helped unlock new opportunities that will benefit Willenhall residents for many years to come.

The group looks forward to welcoming even more local people to join them as they continue their mission of helping Willenhall become a healthier, happier and more connected community.

To find out more, get in touch with Willenhall Waka Waka - mbdolly4@yahoo.com


Hope Remains: World Suicide Prevention Day Reflective Service

Violet Project CIO is excited to share a free event, in collaboration with Coventry Cathedral.

The event aims to bring our communities together to support one another, promote hope through shared experiences and open conversations about mental health to help support wellbeing and create safety as well as remember those lost to suicide.

Your presence would help reinforce the importance of community collaboration and the message that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

This free, heartfelt gathering will provide a safe and reflective space for individuals to listen, share, or simply be present. Guest speakers will share personal journeys and messages of hope, highlighting the importance of connection in preventing suicide.

Free event entry, Event details:

  • Thursday 10 September 2026
  • Doors open: 5.30pm
  • Service: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Refreshments and support stalls: 7.30pm to 8pm

This inaugural event marks the beginning of our annual commitment to hope, healing, and suicide prevention awareness.

Following the service, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local support organisations, including Suicide Bereavement Support, Drug & Alcohol Services, Debt Advice, Mental Health Services, and wider community support.

The event and free tickets can be found on Eventbrite at eventbrite.co.uk/o/violet-project-cio-65168285953, and you are welcome to share this with your community to help us reach those who may need support.

Each registered guest will receive a Wellbeing/Hope Bag to take away.

Unwanted furniture could help local animals as RSPCA Coventry and District launches free collection service

Residents across Coventry and Nuneaton are being encouraged to give unwanted furniture a new lease of life following the transformation of the local RSPCA Coventry and District charity shop into a dedicated furniture store.

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch shop is now accepting donations of good-quality furniture and offering free collections for suitable items from local homes in CV1, CV2, CV3, CV4, CV5, CV6, CV7, CV10, CV11, CV12 and CV13.

The service gives people a convenient way to clear furniture they no longer need, while helping another local household find affordable items and raising vital funds for animals in the branch’s care.

Suitable donations could include sofas, armchairs, tables, chairs, wardrobes, drawers and other household furniture that is clean, safe and in a saleable condition.

Anthony Dwyer, Area Retail Manager for RSPCA Coventry and District Branch, said:

“We know that getting rid of larger pieces of furniture can be difficult, particularly when people do not have access to suitable transport.

“Our free collection service makes it easier for local residents to donate items they no longer need, rather than seeing good-quality furniture go to waste.

“Every item donated and sold in the shop helps us continue caring for animals in need across Coventry, Nuneaton and the surrounding area. It is a simple donation that can make a real difference.”

The new furniture shop will also provide local residents with access to affordable, pre-loved household items at a time when many families are continuing to manage rising living costs.

By donating furniture rather than disposing of it, residents can also help reduce waste and give useful items a second life within the local community.

Collections are free but are subject to the condition and suitability of the furniture, available collection slots and the location of the property.

To arrange a furniture collection, simply visit https://collections-rspca-coventrydistrict.co.uk/



Community Connections

Welcome to Community Connections; your hub for local stories, opportunities and support. Discover and celebrate the great things happening across Coventry, find ways to get involved in your community, and explore the help, resources and funding available to residents, groups and organisations. Whether you're sharing good news, promoting an opportunity or looking for support, Community Connections brings everything together in one place.

To share a story, promote an opportunity, or find out more, contact us at communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk.

Willenhall Waka Waka reaches new heights

There was great excitement among members of Willenhall Waka Waka when they learned that their application to Sport England's Movement Fund had been successful. The grant, secured with invaluable support from Coventry City Council's Resilience Team, marks a major milestone for the community-led fitness group and will help ensure its activities continue to grow and benefit local residents.

Founded to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to become more active, Waka Waka has become much more than a weekly keep-fit session. It has created a welcoming space where people improve their physical health, strengthen their mental wellbeing, and build lasting friendships.

The Movement Fund grant will enable the group to become more sustainable by helping to clear outstanding venue hire costs, replace worn and broken exercise equipment, and expand its programme of community activities.

The funding will also support one of Waka Waka's most popular initiatives—its organised hiking adventures. These trips encourage participants to challenge themselves physically, experience the beauty of the British countryside, and strengthen relationships beyond the walls of the community centre.

Last weekend, more than 20 members travelled together to climb Snowdonia. For many, it was their first experience of hiking a mountain, and the sense of achievement was unforgettable.

One participant reflected:

"The feeling of fulfilment when you reach the summit is difficult to describe. In truth, I felt that sense of wonder throughout the entire journey, not just at the summit. It was the therapy I didn't realise I needed—not only for my physical wellbeing but, even more importantly, for my mental health."

Experiences like these demonstrate that Waka Waka is about far more than exercise. It is about building confidence, tackling isolation, improving wellbeing, and creating a stronger, more connected community.

The group would like to thank Coventry City Council's Resilience Team for the guidance and encouragement they provided throughout the funding application process. Their support has helped unlock new opportunities that will benefit Willenhall residents for many years to come.

The group looks forward to welcoming even more local people to join them as they continue their mission of helping Willenhall become a healthier, happier and more connected community.

To find out more, get in touch with Willenhall Waka Waka - mbdolly4@yahoo.com


Hope Remains: World Suicide Prevention Day Reflective Service

Violet Project CIO is excited to share a free event, in collaboration with Coventry Cathedral.

The event aims to bring our communities together to support one another, promote hope through shared experiences and open conversations about mental health to help support wellbeing and create safety as well as remember those lost to suicide.

Your presence would help reinforce the importance of community collaboration and the message that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

This free, heartfelt gathering will provide a safe and reflective space for individuals to listen, share, or simply be present. Guest speakers will share personal journeys and messages of hope, highlighting the importance of connection in preventing suicide.

Free event entry, Event details:

  • Thursday 10 September 2026
  • Doors open: 5.30pm
  • Service: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Refreshments and support stalls: 7.30pm to 8pm

This inaugural event marks the beginning of our annual commitment to hope, healing, and suicide prevention awareness.

Following the service, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local support organisations, including Suicide Bereavement Support, Drug & Alcohol Services, Debt Advice, Mental Health Services, and wider community support.

The event and free tickets can be found on Eventbrite at eventbrite.co.uk/o/violet-project-cio-65168285953, and you are welcome to share this with your community to help us reach those who may need support.

Each registered guest will receive a Wellbeing/Hope Bag to take away.

Unwanted furniture could help local animals as RSPCA Coventry and District launches free collection service

Residents across Coventry and Nuneaton are being encouraged to give unwanted furniture a new lease of life following the transformation of the local RSPCA Coventry and District charity shop into a dedicated furniture store.

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch shop is now accepting donations of good-quality furniture and offering free collections for suitable items from local homes in CV1, CV2, CV3, CV4, CV5, CV6, CV7, CV10, CV11, CV12 and CV13.

The service gives people a convenient way to clear furniture they no longer need, while helping another local household find affordable items and raising vital funds for animals in the branch’s care.

Suitable donations could include sofas, armchairs, tables, chairs, wardrobes, drawers and other household furniture that is clean, safe and in a saleable condition.

Anthony Dwyer, Area Retail Manager for RSPCA Coventry and District Branch, said:

“We know that getting rid of larger pieces of furniture can be difficult, particularly when people do not have access to suitable transport.

“Our free collection service makes it easier for local residents to donate items they no longer need, rather than seeing good-quality furniture go to waste.

“Every item donated and sold in the shop helps us continue caring for animals in need across Coventry, Nuneaton and the surrounding area. It is a simple donation that can make a real difference.”

The new furniture shop will also provide local residents with access to affordable, pre-loved household items at a time when many families are continuing to manage rising living costs.

By donating furniture rather than disposing of it, residents can also help reduce waste and give useful items a second life within the local community.

Collections are free but are subject to the condition and suitability of the furniture, available collection slots and the location of the property.

To arrange a furniture collection, simply visit https://collections-rspca-coventrydistrict.co.uk/



Previous 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.

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

    September's Community Stories

    almost 3 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

    almost 3 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

    about 3 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

    about 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

    about 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

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    April's Community Stories

    over 3 years ago

    Deeley Construction donates £1,000 to support local communities

    Deeley Construction, which is headquartered in Coventry, has donated £500 each to Hope Community Project in Lower Stoke and St Laurence’s Church in Foleshill.

    The donations are part of the company’s commitment to supporting the communities where they work.

    Deeley Construction partnered with the Community Resilience Team to link the business with two organisations which needed support in those areas.

    Hope Community Project provides mental health support alongside a social supermarket. It provides food parcels for up to 70 families a week living in Lower Stoke.

    Its services have been vital with... Continue reading

    Deeley Construction donates £1,000 to support local communities

    Deeley Construction, which is headquartered in Coventry, has donated £500 each to Hope Community Project in Lower Stoke and St Laurence’s Church in Foleshill.

    The donations are part of the company’s commitment to supporting the communities where they work.

    Deeley Construction partnered with the Community Resilience Team to link the business with two organisations which needed support in those areas.

    Hope Community Project provides mental health support alongside a social supermarket. It provides food parcels for up to 70 families a week living in Lower Stoke.

    Its services have been vital with the cost-of-living crisis and now, more than ever before, local people are seeking support from charities with food supply.

    St Laurence’s Church in Foleshill provides a safe haven for women and also offers a food bank for people living in the area, ensuring that people that need help can get it in Foleshill.

    Deeley Construction’s donation to each organisation will be used to purchase non-donated food items they need for food hubs.

    Eleanor Deeley, Joint Managing Director of the Deeley Group, said: “We are proud to have supported charities across Coventry for more than 85 years.

    “Community is a core value of our business and we always seek to support the communities we work in. The Community Resilience Team identified these two causes and we were only too happy to support.

    We hope the donation will make a difference to both organisations and benefit people living in the communities they serve.”

    Caroline Taylor, Manager at Hope Community Project, added: “This funding will help us to purchase fresh food that will really make a difference to the food we provide. We cannot thank Deeley enough.”

    If your business would like to support a local community project please get in touch at communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk



    In April we celebrated Earth Day - Jubilee Crescent Community Centre

    It's well known that getting out in nature can have many health and wellbeing benefits including generating positive emotions including joy, calmness and creativity.


    The garden at Jubilee Crescent Community Centre is looking particularly beautiful this spring!

    The gardening group at the centre received £1000 with the help of the Community Resilience Team to spruce up the garden area. This grant has allowed them to purchase some much needed necessities such as their locally made storage shed, new tools, seeds & compost and of course seating so the community can enjoy the space.




    S&S Contracting Limited supports Stoke Heath Community Centre

    Stoke Heath Community Centre have received a £500 donation from S&S Contracting Limited. They are currently working on a development off Wykeley road in Coventry and wanted to do something locally that could support people who really need help. The Community Resilience Team put them in contact with Stoke Heath Community Centre, that run a social supermarket that supports up to 65 families each week, with food.

    Kimberley White the centre manager said “This money will help us purchase much needed essential non donated food items for our members. With the cost-of-Living crisis demand for our service is increasing. We cannot thank them enough!”

    Craig Brooker Director said “We are delighted to have been able to support Stoke Heath Community Centre with funds to help continue its incredible and vital work. Especially at time when it is needed most”

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    February's Community Stories

    over 3 years ago


    Solo Group Valentines Dance

    Coventry Solo Group have put some of their £8000 Awards for All grant to good use on their Valentine's Day dance. The Community Resilience Team guided the group through the process and supported them with writing and submitting the application.

    Coventry Solo Group have provided a place of friendship and support to isolated people for over 50 years. Their members are alone following bereavement, divorce, social anxiety, or otherwise. They meet weekly for conversation, entertainment and refreshments. They also run additional dedicated theme nights throughout the year.

    If you want to get involved, then head down... Continue reading


    Solo Group Valentines Dance

    Coventry Solo Group have put some of their £8000 Awards for All grant to good use on their Valentine's Day dance. The Community Resilience Team guided the group through the process and supported them with writing and submitting the application.

    Coventry Solo Group have provided a place of friendship and support to isolated people for over 50 years. Their members are alone following bereavement, divorce, social anxiety, or otherwise. They meet weekly for conversation, entertainment and refreshments. They also run additional dedicated theme nights throughout the year.

    If you want to get involved, then head down to Christ the King Community Centre on Thursday evenings.

    Jill from the group said: "We at Coventry Solo Club were thrilled to receive our lottery funding and to celebrate, we gave everyone a free buffet at our Valentines dance on 9th February. We are all young at heart elderly people who love to dance so come and join us one Thursday evening. We are there every week, always give a warm welcome, and are all very friendly. Don’t be put off if you can’t dance because you can sit and listen to the music and make new friends!"

    Clothing Coventry School Uniform Project

    The Community Resilience Team have recently been working with Clothing Coventry to get this much needed project off the ground. Working with the Councils Education Improvement Standards & The Coventry Law Centre the group have managed to secure a total of £38,000 to get this project to provide preloved uniform to families that need support operational.

    Clothing Coventry will be targeting Hillfields and Foleshill initially and branching into other areas across the city as this service develops. This will enable families to access & donate uniforms locally in community venues across the city.

    As well as the uniform project, clothing coventry also meets the increasing demand for adults clothing, men’s clothing in particular.

    They are open Monday 10-1, Tuesday 10-12 and Wednesday 4-7pm. 19 Napier st, CV1 5PR stay up to date with opening hours and donations needed by visiting their facebook page.(External link)

    Clothing Coventry will be working closely with schools, food hubs, while also having pop-ups at HAF Projects and community events. Any organisation interested in being a pop -up venue or regular venue for families to access this service please contact Katie from Clothing Coventry; katie@clothingcoventry.org



    Business Support Working with Community Resilience Team to help voluntary organisations

    Business Development within the Economic Development Service at Coventry City Council has been working directly with the Community Resilience Team, to get local developers and business to support local charities in Coventry. This is important as very useful connections are made as developers sign up to engaging in some charitable work in communities as part of their social value targets.

    These contacts have resulted in developers, giving out paint and sometimes providing manpower to organisations to revamp community spaces. For examples Bowmer + Kirkland who are currently building around Friargate, provided paint and some manpower to decorate Bethels Churches new community café area. While Stoke Heath Community centre had their ladies’ toilets repainted.

    Developers may also give small amount of funding to local charities that are near their new building development areas. Over Christmas CRT managed to get 5 of the developer contacts to either collect food or donate money to the Coventry Food Network Christmas campaign.

    The Community resilience Team do keep a list of small items or jobs that they need completing at community spaces, so developers can choose what community project they would like to support. So, if your project or group needs paint, volunteers or other items. Please contact a member of the team and add to our list we share with them.


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    January's Community Stories

    over 3 years ago

    Oasis Community Hub & Café

    Oasis Community hub & café have worked with the Community Resilience Team to secure a £1000 donation from Coventry's General Charities. This has gone towards refurbishing their new community café location.

    The Oasis Community Hub & Café has been a focal point of the Spon End and wider community for the last 5 years. They have provided a safe, warm and inclusive space by offering good and inexpensive food & drinks, friendly conversation, and activities to help increase confidence & make friends.

    The café has moved to the front of Bethel Church in Spon... Continue reading

    Oasis Community Hub & Café

    Oasis Community hub & café have worked with the Community Resilience Team to secure a £1000 donation from Coventry's General Charities. This has gone towards refurbishing their new community café location.

    The Oasis Community Hub & Café has been a focal point of the Spon End and wider community for the last 5 years. They have provided a safe, warm and inclusive space by offering good and inexpensive food & drinks, friendly conversation, and activities to help increase confidence & make friends.

    The café has moved to the front of Bethel Church in Spon End and will act as a warm bank during the colder months, offering hot food and craft activities. The space is open to everyone so do head down and enjoy!


    Get Courageous

    Get Courageous is tackling the city’s textile waste in 3 different ways: COV CLOTH, REVIVE and Young Creators. Their REVIVE sessions are a creative wellbeing programme designed to improve women’s wellbeing through creativity and peer support, empowering them to live well. The Community Resilience team have helped secure nearly £2000 of funding to run 25 sessions.

    Women are invited to attend our weekly two-hour workshops in an inclusive space, for meaningful social connections, where over a cuppa and a chat, we take part in ‘no skills required’ clothes up-cycling workshops. Activities are designed to boost moods, induce calmness, and develop confidence and skills. 


    Cov Cloth

    The COV CLOTH aspect of Get Courageous is also working alongside Hope Community Projects to run the Cosy Homes Project over the winter: a warm bank with food and activities to keep people warm and happy during the cost-of-living crisis. This is financed by the National Grid, a fund sourced by the Community Resilience Team.

    Cosy Homes
    The Cosy Homes team are at Bill’s Place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 – 2pm with COV CLOTH joining them every Monday for Cosy Makes. You can also get access to Cosy Packs at home and find their Cosy Toolkit online for home makes and information.





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    December's Community Stories

    over 3 years ago

    This month was International Day of Persons with Disabilities


    The UN has marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December since 1992, to spread the word on disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

    The Grangers club is a social club for young people with learning disabilities to meet up with their peers and have fun.

    The group provides a safe space for members to make friends and have fun in an all-inclusive environment. The group enables its members to make individual choices and develop independent confidence in their... Continue reading

    This month was International Day of Persons with Disabilities


    The UN has marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December since 1992, to spread the word on disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

    The Grangers club is a social club for young people with learning disabilities to meet up with their peers and have fun.

    The group provides a safe space for members to make friends and have fun in an all-inclusive environment. The group enables its members to make individual choices and develop independent confidence in their own ability.

    With the support of the Community Resilience Team, the group received £1,170 from the Council’s Support and Recovery Grant. This will cover the groups expenses for 6 months and has allowed them to invest in new equipment to give the club more variety and encourage the members to try different activities and games.

    They are now being supported by the team to make further applications to The National Lottery Awards for All.

    The group meet every Tuesday at the Hagard Centre 6:30pm-8:30pm





    Sky Blue Support

    Sky Blue Support has been continuing it’s hard work putting on weekly street feed events to those in need in the Hillfield and Willenhall areas. Each week they provide free warm meals, grocery items and clothing. They have partnered with local groups and charities, restaurants and cafes, and even supermarket chains to help provide support to the community. On the last event, over 100 hot meals and drinks were provided and over 150 food parcels were given to people struggling during this difficult time.

    Having worked with the Community Resilience Team, Sky Blue Support applied for the Community Recovery Grant and was awarded £1050 to be able to hire out indoor warm spaces in Hillfields and Willenhall to be able to continue their work, whatever the weather. This has certainly come in handy during these chilly last couple of weeks!

    The Resilience Team was able to help in connecting Sky Blue Support to venues to host the weekly feed events, the first of these being at St Peter’s Church in Hillfields on Saturday, 17th December. The next event is set to be a festive feed on Saturday, 24th December at Willenhall Social Club. This is a free event, and Sky Blue Support are supporting it with hot and cold food, drinks and snacks between 10am til 12pm.

    More feeds are set for the new year at 1pm each Saturday in Hillfields and Willenhall - to find out more about the next events, check out their social media page and you can donate to the go fund me page


    Canley Chit Chat Group

    A community group that meets every Tuesday at the Canley Community Centre for chat and companionship.
    The group is for people aged 50+ and was established by the centre manager Anna-Marie Corbett and has a growing membership. It costs £1 for entry, and all are welcome. It supports residents who might be feeling socially isolated, and lonely. The group does a varied variety of arts and crafts and has professional crafters come and teach them new skills such as flower arranging, and wreath making.

    Anna-Marie worked with the Community Resilience Team and applied for their Community Recovery Grant Fund and was awarded £1500 to purchase new equipment and supplies to introduce new crafting hobbies.

    One group member was delighted with the new crystal art craft that she was introduced to. It gave her a new focus and helped her with concentration and had a calming, relaxing effect on her wellbeing. It also gave her a lovely picture that she was able to take home and admire her achievement.

    The community centre is also open as a warm space a warm space centre for anyone who needs warmth and a free hot drink.


    Developers across the city support Coventry Food Network's Christmas Campaign

    The Community Resilience Team (CRT) have had a very busy couple of months supporting the Coventry Food Network by devising a Christmas Donations Campaign to help increase donations over the festive period.

    The team approached local developers & businesses to help advertise and share their campaign with their employees and set up donation points on their premises. There was also a collection box at Friargate where Coventry City Council colleagues could also donate items.

    The food donated and money raised will be distributed between the food hubs and used to bulk purchase non-donated food items which will support families not just over Christmas, but into January. To date £2040 has been raised in 7 weeks and approximately £1,700 of food distributed.

    The Community Resilience Team and Coventry Food Network would like to thank all the staff at Friargate and all those organisations that supported the campaign.
    These include: Belfour Beatty, Bowmer + Kirkland, Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering LTD, Highway Traffic Management, East Midlands Landscaping LTD, Severn Trent, Smart Learner, Stubbs Construction LTD, The Rose and Crown, Vacant Property Services (VPS), Wolston Community & Friargate.

    Contributors all either raised money, collected, and donated food items from employees or advertised the campaign. Their support has been invaluable to the network and enables them to continue to provide their services.

    If you would like to support Coventry Food Network bulk purchase food visit their just giving page where individuals can donate as much or as little as they like. Every donation is vital to the local organisations running the social supermarkets and in ensuring vulnerable families have enough support this Christmas.

    More information on all support available can be found https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cost-living-wellbeing-support






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    November's Community Stories

    over 3 years ago


    This month we celebrated International Men's Day
    The Willenhall Men's Support Group have been providing a safe space for men who are isolated or struggle with their mental or physical health for the last 12 months.
    The group meets once a week, to chat and support each other alongside tea and biscuits, with a pizza evening once a month. Each month members take turns creating a quiz, allowing them to focus on their passions and interests. The group works on a principle of simplicity; there are no professionals there, just men sharing their lived experiences to help one another.

    With... Continue reading


    This month we celebrated International Men's Day
    The Willenhall Men's Support Group have been providing a safe space for men who are isolated or struggle with their mental or physical health for the last 12 months.
    The group meets once a week, to chat and support each other alongside tea and biscuits, with a pizza evening once a month. Each month members take turns creating a quiz, allowing them to focus on their passions and interests. The group works on a principle of simplicity; there are no professionals there, just men sharing their lived experiences to help one another.

    With the support of the Community Resilience team, the group have received £1,600 of funding from the Council’s Support and Recovery Grant. This will cover the group's expenses for 6 months and has allowed them to open for a further weekly session on Mondays throughout November.

    The group meet every Wednesday night at the Hagard Centre from 5 – 7pm

    Support Coventry Food Networks Christmas Appeal

    The Community Resilience Team have been supporting the Coventry Food Network by creating their Christmas Donation Campaign and promoting it to local businesses. They are now looking for any support possible with donations to help families in need.

    The social supermarkets run a membership scheme and provide approximately £25 worth of food for £5. With the cost of living crisis, the demand for their service is increasing, so any support is greatly appreciated.

    We have social supermarkets running in Foleshill, Radford, Hillfields, Henley Green, Cheylesmore, Tile Hill, Canley, Stoke Aldermoor, Stoke Heath, Spon End, Willenhall and Holbrooks.

    Find your local donation points here or donate via our just giving page

    Survivors Sanctuary

    The Community Resilience Team were approached by the charity Grapevine to support a new group that had been set up by one of their members. The group are called the ‘Survivors Sanctuary’ and support women who are survivors of any type of sexual abuse.

    The group were looking for funding to support them with the cost of room hire and some equipment for their activities, and a meeting was arranged to discuss how CRT could help.


    Since coming up with the idea of starting the group, they have met with a variety of agencies such as West Midlands Police, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC), Coventry University, and the local MP, to shape how the support would look.

    Since lockdown reporting and access to services has more than doubled. Waiting time for counselling at CRASAC is between 12-18 months, and the Survivors Sanctuary provides a safe space for survivors to meet others who share the lived experience of sexual abuse.

    An officer from the CRT advised the Survivors Sanctuary to put in an application to their Community Recovery Support Grant. The group were successful with their application and were awarded £1,085 towards room hire costs, equipment, and promotional material.

    The group will only grow in numbers in the coming years and the positive impact this project has on its members is immense. CRT will continue to work with the group to apply for external funding to sustain the project in the long term.

Page last updated: 02 Sep 2026, 09:51 AM