Priory Visitor Centre, just minutes from Coventry city centre, was buzzing with activity for the third of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Community Fairs on 26 March 2024, organised by Voluntary Action Coventry. There was a terrific turn out from local residents, with over 100 visitors, plus 15 voluntary organisations from across the city who had organised free activities to showcase the work and services they provide to inspire people to get involved in their local area.
Pictured here from left to right, volunteers, staff and visitors to the city centre fair : Asian Blind Association Coventry demonstrating resources available; BBCCW Radio Richard Williams learning at tune with Impact Steel Band , Guiding Young Minds running interactive activities, Marie Curie UK signing up volunteers, EnV talking about their work and visitors to the fair picking up lots of leaflets and information.
Fair-goers could visit various stalls, find out more about community provision and volunteering in Coventry. There was a festival feel, with live performances from Impact Steel Band who were also running workshops, outside in the sunny courtyard. From gardening, reception duties, stewarding at events to cooking and befriending there were a huge range of voluntary roles available. The Community Fair, which is funded by the UK Government though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was a chance for the people of Coventry to meet the charities and a enjoy free lunch, plus a drink or two, as they try out ‘have-a-go’ activities.
Anton Noble from Assist Trauma Care charity (pictured above) said: “We were there with Guiding Young Minds, the youth division of Assist Trauma Care. We work with young people from troubled backgrounds and we’re looking to connect with potential volunteers who’d like to come and support our cause. At the fair we ran interactive games and challenges that revolved around the issues faced by young people - we were really pleased at the interest there has been, and hopefully we have some more volunteers recruited for Guiding Young Minds.”
From a 1940s recreation of the Blitz Museum, to steel pan performances, a crochet workshop and mannequin dressing challenges, charities from across the city were inviting people to spring into action in the run up to Easter. Volunteers from Coventry Cathedral’s Blitz Museum were recreating elements of the museum, dressed in 1940s costume, armed with a selection of exhibits, there will be quizzes and conversations about the display as volunteers share with visitors what it’s like to volunteer at the Cathedral. Coventry's international children's charity, Global Care support vulnerable children around the word. To connect with potential volunteers who’d like to come and support their cause, they ran activities including dressing a mannequin with pre-loved clothing and accessories to demonstrate the opportunities for volunteering in their shops.
About the Community Fairs
The UKSPF Community Fairs are a chance for the people of Coventry to meet local charities and a enjoy free lunch, plus a hot drink or two, as they try out ‘have-a-go’ activities and find out more information. Organisations from across the city organise free activities that showcase the work they do and services provided by voluntary organisations to inspire people to get involved in their local area.
Francesca Middleton, Volunteering Officer, Voluntary Action Coventry said:
“This was our third 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 one of our community fairs.”
Everyone can find out more by looking out for announcements on social media facebook.com/VoluntaryActionCoventry twitter.com/vacoventry instagram.com/vacoventry or checking back here, on our website regularly.
Community Fairs this Spring:
- Tues 16 April, 11am -2.30pm St Philip's Church, 25 Ringwood Highway, Coventry CV2 2GG
- 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.
