From willow weaving, farm fun and podcast making to Somalian cultural exchange, charities from across the city set up stalls throughout St Philip’s Church, Potters Green for the fourth UKSPF Community Fair. Taking place on 16 April, there were plenty of fun activities presented by the community organisations to help Coventry people find out more about opportunities to get support for life’s challenges or make a difference for the local community through volunteering. Our UKSPF Community Fairs are a chance for the people of Coventry to meet charities.
Pictured here from left to right, volunteers and staff at the Potters Green fair: The Somali Cultural Resource Centre serving delicious tasty treats; Groundwork's Cook and Eat well cooking club spreading the love for healthy eating; Samaritan's Purse running shoe-box packing challenges for an insight into volunteering at the warehouse; centre : Atla displaying photos to prompt memories and story sharing and there were free drinks and conversations for all
Whilst at the fair, visitors can enjoy free food plus a hot drink or two, as they try out ‘have-a-go’ activities. The events are free to attend and everyone is welcome. Organisations from across the city organise activities that showcase the work done and services provided by voluntary organisations to inspire people to get involved in their local area.
At Potters Green, over 15 charities were present. The Somali Cultural Resource Centre is a charity ensures that the Somali community have the same opportunities as other sectors of the community. At the Fair, they ran cultural sharing activities – Somalian food for people to sample, tasty Somalian coffee and were able to learn some basic conversational language and enjoy listening to live Somalian music as they chatted to the volunteers about volunteering opportunities.
The Outdoor Partnership is a charity aiming to get people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities involved and engaged in outdoor activity. They’re seeking to recruit volunteers who’re interested in helping others to enjoy outdoor activities – at the Fair, the organisation ran some fun challenges that illustrated these including an expedition rucksack pack, a climbing knots activity plus paracord keyring making, with prizes and giveaways included.
Francesca Middleton, Volunteering Officer, Voluntary Action Coventry said:
“This is our fourth Community Fair in a series of six events happening across the city this Spring. From migrant welcome and digital drop-ins, to event stewarding and breakfast clubs, there’s a real choice of exciting voluntary roles for all. Taking on a voluntary role can bring real meaning and purpose to an individual’s life, as well as benefitting your local community. We urge anyone wanting to make a difference, to take the first step and come and visit our city centre community fair.”
Everyone can find out more by looking out for announcements on social media facebook.com/VoluntaryActionCoventry twitter.com/vacoventry instagram.com/vacoventry or checking the website www.vacoventry.org.uk.
Participating charities at Potters Green Fair included: (follow hyperlinks)
Carers Trust, Godiva Coventry, Groundwork West Midlands, HOPE Coventry, Coventry NCT, Coventry Peace Orchard, Samaritan's Purse, Settlement Support CIC, Spencer’s Retreat part of The Langdale Trust, St Giles, The Outdoor Partnership Coventry, Urban Goodies CIC, FWT - a centre for women, Coventry & District Credit Union and more!
Community Fairs this Spring – Listings:
- Wed 8 May, 12pm – 2.30pm: Jubilee Crescent Community Centre, Jubilee Crescent, Radford, Coventry CV6 3EX
- Thurs 23 May, 11am – 2.30pm: WATCH Community Centre, 12 Victoria Street, Hillfields, Coventry, CV1 5LZ
About The UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
Coventry City Council has awarded Voluntary Action Coventry £229k. The funding is from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund which has been allocated to the city through the West Midlands Combined Authority Find out more here
About Voluntary Action Coventry
We influence change and innovation in systems and services locally, to shape a more fair and equal future and improve people's lives. We do this by encouraging resilience in communities, supporting people to build their capacity and enabling them to do more for themselves. We’ve been doing this in Coventry for 65 years, enabling thousands of people to make a contribution in the city. In 2023 we relocated to Harp Place, Sandy Road, Radford.
