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/