I feel very alive and truly part of this city.
Kandi had only been living in Coventry for a month, when she found ‘Get Involved Coventry’. She had relocated from her home country of Hong Kong and wanted to meet people and get to know the Coventry. A year has passed – through her connection with Chat Central and VAC, she has regularly got involved with community action. Here Alice and Kandi catch up to reminisce on all the community experiences and volunteering opportunities that have led Kandi, not only to feel more rooted in the city but also to start a job in the voluntary sector.
Kandi’s first activity was a Chat Central litter pick. After this, she signed up for more Chat Central activities – she said:
“ I was really looking forward to all of them because they covered a wide range of interests and organisations. Honestly, it also fills up my calendar, giving me a good reason to leave the house and do something exciting.”
Exploring Coventry’s arts and heritage scene with Chat Central
Through Chat Central, Kandi had the opportunity to meet new people and explore the city’s arts and heritage, including visits to exhibitions, medieval churches, Charterhouse and Coventry’s Watch Museum, plus talks from local authors, artists and historians. She became an active member of Chat Central’s history group, enjoying talks by guest speakers whilst forming friendships with other participants:
“The History Group and the art exhibition visit at the Cathedral were fantastic. I never realised Coventry had such a rich and deep history and cultural heritage. I was very impressed by Lady Godiva (Pru Porretta MBE), who told Coventry’s story since the 9th century. I enjoyed listening to other participants’ stories about this country and city too. I am very grateful for joining the group.”
Joining Community Activities
Chat Central organised sessions with Caste Away Arts, a local CIC that co-creates art and theatre to help people tell stories through movement and performance. Kandi took part in the session and thoroughly enjoyed exploring theatre with other participants while learning new skills. This was followed by a Chat Central collaboration a ‘Creative Café’ with community theatre group Underground Lights – participants created shadow puppet cameos. Kandi attended the session as an introduction to Underground Lights’ Creative Cafés and has since gone on to attend independently, developing her artistic skills in drama and poetry.
Volunteering in Coventry
A key focus of the Get Involved Coventry project is volunteering, and the benefits it can bring to both individuals and the wider community. Throughout her time on the project, Kandi has been an incredible and dedicated volunteer, carrying out some amazing work with various VCSE Alliance members across the city. There have been gardening sessions with Groundwork, event support at the River Festival (Sherbourne Valley River Project, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, litter-picking with Chat Central and volunteering tasters at St Francis Employability.
Next steps
True to her passionate and motivated nature, Kandi signed up to volunteer with St Francis on the very same day as the Taster, and now has a regular Volunteer Role, supporting the organisation with reception and administrative duties.
“The visit to St Francis was excellent to know more about their service and environment. I really appreciated what they are doing and signed up to be a volunteer on the same day. I met a volunteer from my home city who signposted me to an employment talk and other resources. I also connected with another volunteer who was looking for jobs at that time, and we supported each other even after the event.”
Alongside her active involvement in community events and volunteering, Kandi went on to secure paid employment with the Salvation Army, a fantastic achievement and an exciting next step in her journey. She now works as an Administrative Assistant at STEPS for Change, a drop-in centre in Coventry that supports people experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness.
“It has been both rewarding and challenging. There are many new things to learn. However, I work with a very supportive team, and I have a deep compassion for serving those facing challenges in their lives. I feel grateful to be part of the service.”
It has been such a joy to meet and get to know Kandi, and to support her in exploring the many wonderful opportunities Coventry has to offer. We wish her every success in whatever exciting opportunities she takes up next, and we are confident she will approach them with her incredible curiosity, kindness and passion.
“I feel very alive and truly part of this city. The activities have also opened my eyes to see the city in many different ways, through history, culture, art and community service. Through Chat Central, I have connected with other organisations and people. I can’t believe the amazing networking I have had in Coventry.”
Huge thanks to Kandi for sharing her story, and for all her contributions to life in Coventry! We hope this will inspire others to ‘Get Involved’ with community action too.
There are many ways to Get Involved:
If you’d like to get involved with community activities, giving time through volunteering or contributing your skills then browse the opportunities here – we look forward to meeting you! Just click the button to find out more
Chat Central Meet people, try new things and find community groups and volunteering roles which match your passions and interests.
Improving Lives Our supported volunteering course, new FREE course starting in June and September 2026, enrol now!
