Community Stories

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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.


West Midlands Rwandese Community Association are celebrating National Lottery Funding Award

We are delighted to announce that our project bringing Coventry’s Rwandan community together has been awarded National Lottery funding.

This exciting initiative will create a vibrant and inclusive programme celebrating Rwandan culture through traditional dance workshops, community social days, sports activities, and music sessions featuring drumming and storytelling. These regular events will provide safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and celebrate their heritage.

The project will help combat isolation, strengthen community bonds, and promote mental well-being and physical health. By bringing generations together, it will preserve cultural traditions while empowering individuals with a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Rwandan individuals and families across Coventry will benefit directly, while the wider community will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Rwandan culture.

We thank the Community Resilience Team for making this inspiring community journey possible. For more details contact Leonard Mutangana: ljmutangana@yahoo.co.uk

Destination Ball Hill awarded £19,768 to grow community hub

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news for our neighbourhood — Destination Ball Hill has been awarded £19,768 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support the continued growth of our much‑loved community hub. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the ongoing support of the Community Resilience Team, whose partnership has helped strengthen local services and opportunities for residents.

Destination Ball Hill exists for everyone who lives, works, or spends time in our area. This new funding is a major step forward in building a cleaner, safer and more connected neighbourhood that we can all be proud of.

A growing hub at the heart of Ball Hill

Since June 2024, we have been running a small-scale community hub from the 2‑Tone Café and Coventry All Saints St. Margaret's Church in collaboration with local organisations. In that time, we’ve welcomed over 100 people, offering an inclusive space for support, activities, and social connection.

Our current programme includes:

  • Job Club
  • Arts and crafts groups
  • Mental health support
  • Gardening and environmental projects
  • Children and family activities
  • Holiday events
  • Pop‑up library and toy library
  • Community litter picks

These sessions have helped bring people together, develop new skills, and create a stronger sense of belonging across the community.

What the new funding will support

Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, we can now expand our weekly activities and introduce new services shaped by local need running out of both Coventry All Saints St Margaret’s Church and 2 Tone. Over the coming months, the hub will grow to include:

  • Messy play for young children
  • Affordable food and clothing support
  • Social groups for all ages
  • An enhanced information and support hub

This investment will help us support more residents, offer more consistent weekly activities, and strengthen the role of Destination Ball Hill as a welcoming, accessible place for everyone.

A win for the whole community

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Destination Ball Hill so far — from volunteers and partners to residents who take part in our activities. This funding is not just a milestone for our organisation, but a win for the entire Ball Hill community.

The Hub held a formal launch event on Monday 23 March 2026 from 9.30am to 11am at St Margaret’s Church Ball Hill, 50 Walsgrave Road, Coventry, CV2 4EB.

We can’t wait to continue building a vibrant, connected neighbourhood together.

To find out more visit https://www.destinationballhill.org/home/about/community-hub-team

Move to Recover aligns with Coventry’s City of Movement Vision

Last week, local organisations, led by Public Health, came together in Coventry to deliver ‘Move to Recover'.

The inspiring community event, Led by Public Health and shaped through genuine co-design, celebrated how movement‑based interventions can support wellbeing and sustained recovery from alcohol and drug use, bringing together service users, volunteers, staff, and community supporters.

Every element of the day reflected the voices and lived experience of people in recovery, along with the specialist knowledge of delivery partners.

This collaborative, trauma‑informed approach ensured the event felt safe, inclusive and meaningful, firmly grounded in the realities of the local community, with football and friendship at the heart of the event.

Working with individuals supported by the Dynamo Project, the event went beyond physical activity as a way to build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Participants were supported to rebuild positive relationships with movement, strengthen social connections and develop a sense of purpose — all key foundations for long‑term recovery.

Move to Recover strongly aligns with Coventry City Council’s City of Movement strategy, showing how inclusive, community‑led activity can remove barriers, reach people who may feel excluded from traditional sport or exercise, and use movement as a pathway to wider wellbeing and resilience.

By embedding movement within recovery spaces, and recovery within community spaces, the event shows how the City of Movement vision can be brought to life at the neighbourhood level, supporting prevention, reducing isolation and helping people reconnect with their communities in ways that feel welcoming and achievable.

Allison Duggal, Director of Public Health, said: “Seeing people come together through movement, connection and shared purpose is a powerful reminder of what recovery can look like when communities wrap around individuals. Move to Recover created a safe, inclusive space where people could rediscover joy, confidence and belonging. I’m incredibly proud of the partners and residents who shaped this day and showed what compassionate, community‑led public health truly means”.

We were represented by colleagues from many different teams, including Insight, Community Resilience, Facilities, Education, Finance and Employee Relations – a real One Coventry approach.

Our team made it to the final, finishing as Runner-up after a great performance, with Coventry University taking the Winner’s trophy.

One of the city council team, Michael Simmons, BI and Insight Manager (Children’s), said: “The Move to Recover event was a really enjoyable experience to take part in and for such a worthy cause. The event was well organised, and it was great to see all teams taking part in such good spirits. Despite our team only being put together on the day, we performed exceptionally well to reach the final. A big thank you to the organisers and everyone involved in making the day such a success. We can’t wait to take part again next year.”

The day stood as a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration, shared values and co-production, turning city-wide priorities into meaningful, person-centred experiences.

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.


West Midlands Rwandese Community Association are celebrating National Lottery Funding Award

We are delighted to announce that our project bringing Coventry’s Rwandan community together has been awarded National Lottery funding.

This exciting initiative will create a vibrant and inclusive programme celebrating Rwandan culture through traditional dance workshops, community social days, sports activities, and music sessions featuring drumming and storytelling. These regular events will provide safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and celebrate their heritage.

The project will help combat isolation, strengthen community bonds, and promote mental well-being and physical health. By bringing generations together, it will preserve cultural traditions while empowering individuals with a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Rwandan individuals and families across Coventry will benefit directly, while the wider community will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Rwandan culture.

We thank the Community Resilience Team for making this inspiring community journey possible. For more details contact Leonard Mutangana: ljmutangana@yahoo.co.uk

Destination Ball Hill awarded £19,768 to grow community hub

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news for our neighbourhood — Destination Ball Hill has been awarded £19,768 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support the continued growth of our much‑loved community hub. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the ongoing support of the Community Resilience Team, whose partnership has helped strengthen local services and opportunities for residents.

Destination Ball Hill exists for everyone who lives, works, or spends time in our area. This new funding is a major step forward in building a cleaner, safer and more connected neighbourhood that we can all be proud of.

A growing hub at the heart of Ball Hill

Since June 2024, we have been running a small-scale community hub from the 2‑Tone Café and Coventry All Saints St. Margaret's Church in collaboration with local organisations. In that time, we’ve welcomed over 100 people, offering an inclusive space for support, activities, and social connection.

Our current programme includes:

  • Job Club
  • Arts and crafts groups
  • Mental health support
  • Gardening and environmental projects
  • Children and family activities
  • Holiday events
  • Pop‑up library and toy library
  • Community litter picks

These sessions have helped bring people together, develop new skills, and create a stronger sense of belonging across the community.

What the new funding will support

Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, we can now expand our weekly activities and introduce new services shaped by local need running out of both Coventry All Saints St Margaret’s Church and 2 Tone. Over the coming months, the hub will grow to include:

  • Messy play for young children
  • Affordable food and clothing support
  • Social groups for all ages
  • An enhanced information and support hub

This investment will help us support more residents, offer more consistent weekly activities, and strengthen the role of Destination Ball Hill as a welcoming, accessible place for everyone.

A win for the whole community

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Destination Ball Hill so far — from volunteers and partners to residents who take part in our activities. This funding is not just a milestone for our organisation, but a win for the entire Ball Hill community.

The Hub held a formal launch event on Monday 23 March 2026 from 9.30am to 11am at St Margaret’s Church Ball Hill, 50 Walsgrave Road, Coventry, CV2 4EB.

We can’t wait to continue building a vibrant, connected neighbourhood together.

To find out more visit https://www.destinationballhill.org/home/about/community-hub-team

Move to Recover aligns with Coventry’s City of Movement Vision

Last week, local organisations, led by Public Health, came together in Coventry to deliver ‘Move to Recover'.

The inspiring community event, Led by Public Health and shaped through genuine co-design, celebrated how movement‑based interventions can support wellbeing and sustained recovery from alcohol and drug use, bringing together service users, volunteers, staff, and community supporters.

Every element of the day reflected the voices and lived experience of people in recovery, along with the specialist knowledge of delivery partners.

This collaborative, trauma‑informed approach ensured the event felt safe, inclusive and meaningful, firmly grounded in the realities of the local community, with football and friendship at the heart of the event.

Working with individuals supported by the Dynamo Project, the event went beyond physical activity as a way to build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Participants were supported to rebuild positive relationships with movement, strengthen social connections and develop a sense of purpose — all key foundations for long‑term recovery.

Move to Recover strongly aligns with Coventry City Council’s City of Movement strategy, showing how inclusive, community‑led activity can remove barriers, reach people who may feel excluded from traditional sport or exercise, and use movement as a pathway to wider wellbeing and resilience.

By embedding movement within recovery spaces, and recovery within community spaces, the event shows how the City of Movement vision can be brought to life at the neighbourhood level, supporting prevention, reducing isolation and helping people reconnect with their communities in ways that feel welcoming and achievable.

Allison Duggal, Director of Public Health, said: “Seeing people come together through movement, connection and shared purpose is a powerful reminder of what recovery can look like when communities wrap around individuals. Move to Recover created a safe, inclusive space where people could rediscover joy, confidence and belonging. I’m incredibly proud of the partners and residents who shaped this day and showed what compassionate, community‑led public health truly means”.

We were represented by colleagues from many different teams, including Insight, Community Resilience, Facilities, Education, Finance and Employee Relations – a real One Coventry approach.

Our team made it to the final, finishing as Runner-up after a great performance, with Coventry University taking the Winner’s trophy.

One of the city council team, Michael Simmons, BI and Insight Manager (Children’s), said: “The Move to Recover event was a really enjoyable experience to take part in and for such a worthy cause. The event was well organised, and it was great to see all teams taking part in such good spirits. Despite our team only being put together on the day, we performed exceptionally well to reach the final. A big thank you to the organisers and everyone involved in making the day such a success. We can’t wait to take part again next year.”

The day stood as a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration, shared values and co-production, turning city-wide priorities into meaningful, person-centred experiences.

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 April/May Community Stories on Facebook Share April/May Community Stories on Twitter Share April/May Community Stories on Linkedin Email April/May Community Stories link

    April/May Community Stories

    almost 4 years ago

    Godiva Sisters membership thriving after being awarded the Community Recovery and Support Grant

    The Community Resilience team have recently helped the Godiva Sisters apply to the Community Recovery and Support Grant so they could get some support for their group following the pandemic. The Godiva Sisters were formed twenty years ago and is made up of local women from all faiths and cultures who meet to portray characters both ancient and modern. They also raise the profile of minority groups and engendering community cohesion.

    The sessions the Sisters run are mostly self-funded, and because of the pandemic they could not... Continue reading

    Godiva Sisters membership thriving after being awarded the Community Recovery and Support Grant

    The Community Resilience team have recently helped the Godiva Sisters apply to the Community Recovery and Support Grant so they could get some support for their group following the pandemic. The Godiva Sisters were formed twenty years ago and is made up of local women from all faiths and cultures who meet to portray characters both ancient and modern. They also raise the profile of minority groups and engendering community cohesion.

    The sessions the Sisters run are mostly self-funded, and because of the pandemic they could not do their normal fundraising activities. They have benefited from funding from the CRT before and for this reason they contacted us for help again.

    The group applied for the Recovery Grant with the help of an officer for room rent and arts and crafts materials. The grant panel duly agreed to award the group £600 towards the cost of both things. This has given the group short term stability while they look for other external sources of funding.

    The funding has positively affected the running of the group. Membership has increased a lot since the return to in-person meetings, with rent of the meeting place being paid for with the Grant. They are currently operating partially on Zoom too so less confident Sisters can still attend. The Godiva Sisters also partially funded the costumes they wore for the Coventry City of Culture parade with the Grant money.




    Hearsall Lunch Club for the elderly awarded the Community Recovery and Support Grant!

    The Community Resilience Team recently reached out to the ‘Hearsall Lunch Club’, to offer them some support and make them aware of the current opportunity of the Community Recovery and Support Grant that the team had on offer to support the sustainability of groups post covid restrictions.

    The group had not previously engaged with the CRT and were not aware that they could apply for external funding. The group shared that they were self-funded with members paying a small amount for each session, but this was an added expense for pensioners who were struggling to pay bills and food costs.

    A member of the team met with the group and discussed the opportunities available to them of CRT Recovery and Support Grant and other external funding such as the National Lottery Awards for All Fund. After going through the criteria with them it became clear that they were eligible to apply to both funds.

    The first step was to apply to the recovery grant available through the CRT. An officer met with the group to look at options and the group submitted an application to fund their short term room hire costs and refreshments. The grant panel duly agreed to award the group £1,150 towards the costs of both.

    Following on from the successful application to the recovery grant, the team supported the ‘Hearsall Lunch Club’ in applying to the National Lottery small grants fund, Awards for All. The group had been interested in receiving some funds for transport costs for their members as well as other items to sustain themselves in the longer term. The group were successful with this application and awarded £9,700 towards transport costs, room hire, meals and entertainment.

    This extra support through the grants has helped to reduce the possibility of people who attend the group becoming socially isolated, with many members of the group living alone and now supporting them to attend the group regularly again.

    Launch of new Youth Hub at St Peter's Hillfields

    A new Youth Hub has launched at St Peter's Hillfields on Tuesday and Thursday 3:15 - 5:30pm to provide a safe place for young people to go after school. Food will be provided along with activities including air hockey, table tennis and pool.

  • Share March Community Stories on Facebook Share March Community Stories on Twitter Share March Community Stories on Linkedin Email March Community Stories link

    March Community Stories

    about 4 years ago

    Confidence Through Photography Group is welcoming new members

    A night time shot of Coventry Cathedral taken by Neil

    The group was set up in 2017 by Neil Catley who felt there was not much for people with mental health and anxiety issues to do at the weekend. Prior to setting up the group Neil who had agoraphobia did not leave the house for 5 years, this all changed when his mum bought him a camera which he would take to his local park and capture pictures.

    Neil set up Confidence through photography a group that meets for coffee and photo... Continue reading

    Confidence Through Photography Group is welcoming new members

    A night time shot of Coventry Cathedral taken by Neil

    The group was set up in 2017 by Neil Catley who felt there was not much for people with mental health and anxiety issues to do at the weekend. Prior to setting up the group Neil who had agoraphobia did not leave the house for 5 years, this all changed when his mum bought him a camera which he would take to his local park and capture pictures.

    Neil set up Confidence through photography a group that meets for coffee and photo walks to help others who need a boost in their mental health wellbeing. The group are resuming regular meet ups and future plans include workshops and an exhibition of photographers’’ work at a local church hall.

    For further information on joining you can contact - neilcatleyphotography@gmail.com or join the facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/confidencethroughphotography/


    St Francis Employability, support new arrivals from across the world.

    Local charity, St Francis Employability, recently showcased its extensive work in supporting new arrivals from across the world.

    From Sudan to Eritrea, Afghanistan and Syria, St Francis Employability supports vulnerable and displaced people that arrive from some of the world’s most hostile and dangerous countries.

    One of the biggest challenges in resettling displaced people is integration. Full integration is often impeded through a lack of knowledge on how to access vital services that include employment, education, and health.

    St Francis Employability offers tailored support on these three areas so that new arrivals are given the tools to be able to lead independent, prosperous lives and make a positive impact on their new community; all of which help to result in full integration. St Francis Employability across several programmes such as MyCoventry.


    Canley Prom Bank is back!

    Canley Prom back is officially opening on Monday 4th April. The Community Centre is looking for donations of suits, dresses, ties and accessories. If you would like to donate or use the prom bank find out more here - https://www.facebook.com/CanleyPromBank




Page last updated: 29 Apr 2026, 09:18 AM