Welcome

Your Neighbourhood, Your Community, Your City 

Welcome to the website of Coventry Community Empowerment Network (CEN)

More about CEN

Events and Latest News

Womens Health Promotion Workshop, Wednesday 2nd November 2011, 11.00am - 1.00pm, The Ricoh Arena Community Space, Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry

A Womens's Health Promotion Workshop for women who are 60+ is being held on Wednesday 2nd November 2011, commencing at 11.00am.

This free workshop provides information on a number of health issues such as osteoporosis and memory health and is designed to be informative and fun.  Refreshments are provided.

To reserve a place please telephone: 07766 142238 or email info@covcen.org.uk 

 

 

Coventry prepares for the London 2012 Olympics with the Proud of my City campaign

In the wake of the Not in my City campaign, Coventry is now a safer city with significant reductions in violence achieved over the last 18 months. So, with all its rich history and international reputation as a city of peace and reconciliation, it’s also a city we can be proud of, a city which deserves to co-host the London 2012 Olympics.

The Proud of my City campaign is your opportunity to get involved, to make a difference in preparing Coventry for London 2012.

This is a great opportunity to showcase work you are proud of over the next six month, for example:

Whether it’s taking part in a street clean-up, your own community fun-day, becoming a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator or just coming into the city to enjoy its attractions and the new Broadgate, the new Proud of my City website  www.proudofmycity.org.uk is a one-stop shop for more information on how you can get involved.

Click on the ‘submit your story’ link to tell us your story of how you’re making a positive difference to Coventry and why you’re proud of your city.

Send us your photos and we’ll post them to this site and add them to the ‘Proud of my City’ Flickr group."  

You can also contribute to the #lovecov Twitter feed and the facebook page.

For more information contact Tim Coleman, Coventry Partnership Communications Officer on 02476 83 1743 0r 07939250752 or email: tim.coleman@coventry.gov.uk 

London 2012 is coming to Coventry … find out more at www.coventry.gov.uk/london2012 

 

  

Invitation - Developing the new "story" of Coventry - Community Workshop, 17th October 2011, 5.30pm, St Peter's Centre, Charles Street, Coventry, CV1 5NP 

The Coventry Partnership are looking to develop a 'story' for the city to help raise its profile, clarify its differentiation, proposition and messages to retain jobs and attract new businesses.  The organisations carrying out the work on behalf of the Partnership is called Thinkingplace.

To help with this the Coventry Partnership would like to invite you to attend the above workshop which will play a significant role in helping to develop the new ‘Coventry story’.

The purpose of this workshop is to collect your insight, thoughts, aspirations and knowledge of and for our area; to help identify its special assets, stories, personality and distinctive elements in order to develop Coventry's distinctive story and key message.

There are many developments in train for the city over the next few years and coupled with the city's Olympic involvement in 2012 there is a huge opportunity to put Coventry on centre stage for the future. The physical developments in the city will help to help shape a ‘new Coventry’ but we will also need to change views, both internally and externally of what Coventry has to offer which is where the new ‘story’ will help.

Please confirm your attendance with Dawn Ford on tel: 024 7683 4356 or by email: dawn.ford@coventrypartnership.com by Friday 14th October.

 

 

 

Compact Awards 2011 - Coventry CEN again nominated for Compact Awards

Following last year's success in winning one of the first ever Coventry Compact Awards, this year CEN has received two Compact Awards for partnership working.

• Coventry Community Empowerment Network (CEN) & the Equalities and Community Cohesion Theme Group, Coventry Partnership, working with Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership 2012 Games, The Ricoh Arena Community Space and Coventry City Council, Communications, started an ongoing London 2012 community involvement initiative in July 2010 with CEN’s "Get Involved in London 2012" Open Weekend Community Information Fair.  Subsequent work has involved raising awareness of and promoting opportunities and activities for Coventry’s communities during the build up to London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and during the Games themselves.

• Allesley Park Community Association & Coventry City Council, working with Willenhall Community Forum Limited, Voluntary Action Coventry, CEN, CWCDA and Coventry City Council depts. - Finance; Health & Safety; Neighbourhood Action; Legal Services; Community Services; Risk Management; Insurance; Property Asset Management Midland Heart, Whitefriars Housing, worked on thdevelopment and adoption of the Community Asset Transfer Policy over a two year period, involving a Programme Board, Project Team and focus groups.

Coventry is one of England’s leading areas for Compact, one of just 17 areas recognised with Green Flag status by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). The current funding climate means that Compact is more important than ever.

Activities to keep Compact on the radar have reflected this:

• a new Inform, Consult & Involve (ICI) code developed to support Coventry Partnership’s ICI framework

• the Compact Strategic Group meeting immediately before the awards ceremony  

The Compact Awards not only raise awareness of Compact generally, they also celebrate effective partnership working between sectors in the toughest of times. Fifteen nominations were received and twelve awards made, two of these being special commendations. One of these was for the development of the Community Asset Transfer Policy, a piece of joint working between five voluntary or community organisations and eight different teams within the Council. The other special commendation was for Growing Paradise, a holistic neighbourhood gardening project involving residents, Groundwork West Midlands, St Barnabas Family Centre, the City Council and three different housing associations.

The ten commendations covered a wide range of activities – parenting support; raising awareness of Olympic/Paralympic-inspired opportunities; safeguarding older people; raising awareness of mental health amongst churches; helping the transition of new migrant communities; tackling crime and anti-social behaviour by developing community activity; tackling isolation and depression through a knitting group; bringing the City Farm and Henley Green Community Centre back as community resources; and working with Looked After Children to jointly organise a celebration event. All of these demonstrated that they could achieve more by working together than apart, and the full list of partners listed on the Compact Awards 2011 is a good indication of the power of partnership working in Coventry. At the end of the day, this is what Compact is all about.

 

 

 

Coventry Ambassadors Programme - another exciting opportunity to be part of London 2012

The London 2012 Olympic Football competition is coming to Coventry and bringing with it thousands of visitors during the Games in July and August 2012.

From 4th October you can apply to be a volunteer to act as a Coventry Ambassador during the London 2012 Games.  Applications close on 25th November 2011.  Coventry Ambassadors will be responsible for welcoming the world to the City of Coventry and will have three main duties.

      Supporting key London 2012 events:

      Hosting visitors:

      Acting as an Ambassador for the city:

There are three types of Coventry Ambassador.

Coventry Ambassador:

Act as friendly and efficient host to spectators and other visitors to Coventry during the Olympic Games offering assistance to all.

Coventry Ambassador Team Leader:

Responsible for leading a small group of Ambassadors during London 2012 events in Coventry ensuring that all tasks are undertaken appropriately and safely.

Coventry Ambassador Linguist:

Offer clear and accurate information for non-English speaking visitors during Games time ensuring that people arrive at their destination on time and navigate easily around Coventry.

For more information on eligibility and details on how to apply please visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/coventryambassadors 

 

 

 

London 2012 Games Makers Opportunities for young people aged 16 - 18

London Organising Committee (LOCOG) has recently announced over 2,000 new opportunities for 16-18 year olds to volunteer at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

LOCOG are looking for recognised organisations such as Get Set network schools and colleges, youth or sports clubs, and community and volunteering groups to put forward over 250 teams of young volunteers to help us fulfil vital roles and help make the Games happen.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to get involved in the greatest show on earth – while learning new skills, gaining experience and making new friends.

Applications are now open so find out about the roles and recruitment process now.

  

 

Consultation on Major Rail Improvements for the Coventry-Nuneaton Rail Corridor

Your views are needed on major improvements that are planned for the Coventry-Nuneaton rail corridor:

•      Two completely new stations – at Coventry Arena and Bermuda Park

•       More platforms at Coventry main station, to accommodate six-car trains

•       Longer platforms at Bedworth station to accommodate longer trains

•       Improvements to the train service, with frequency doubled to every thirty minutes

•       Passenger capacity raised to four times its current level

•       Equipment at the new Coventry Arena station to turn trains around for an events shuttle service.

The scheme is known as ‘NUCKLE’ and is jointly promoted by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Centro, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority.

The proposed improvements to the Coventry-Nuneaton rail corridor will make a real difference:

•       Easier journeys between where people live, work and access leisure and other services

•       Reduced congestion and more reliable journey times

•       Supporting economic regeneration in Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coventry

•       Improved connections by rail to Birmingham, Manchester, London and other cities

Your views on the proposals would be welcomed before planning applications for the new stations are submitted later this year - to Coventry City Council, for Coventry Arena and to Warwickshire County Council for Bermuda Park. The other proposals do not require planning consent.

A leaflet which provides more information about the proposals and a Freepost feedback form for your comments (which needs to be returned by 29th October) can be downloaded below.

An exhibition bus is visiting various locations around the area on September 30 and October 1, 7 and 8, where staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have:

•       Friday September 30:  8am to 6pm: Bedworth High Street

•       Saturday October 1: 9am to 6pm: Junction of Bond Gate / Church Street, Nuneaton

•       Friday October 7: 8am to 6pm: Bull Yard, Coventry

•       Saturday October 8: 9am to 7pm: Arena Shopping Park, Coventry

For more information please telephone, email or write to:

Margaret Smith
Principal Transport Planner
Transport and Highways
Communities
Warwickshire County Council
Tel: 01926 412094
Email: margaretsmith@warwickshire.gov.uk
www.warwickshire.gov.uk

 

 

FREE Loft Insulation For Any CV Postcode!

If you haven't got loft insulation or your insulation level is below the recommended 270mm (nearly 12 inches) then you can now get totally free loft insulation or top up insulation and free cavity wall insulation too.

This offer is open to any home owner that lives in a CV postcode but ends the 30th September. (The offer is no longer dependant on age, income or benefits).

They will deliver and install the insulation for free.

If you do not live in Coventry it would still be worth giving the Energy Saving Trust a call to see if your area is covered as some areas such as Hinckley, Bosworth and some of Solihull are also eligible.Please call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 to find out more.

Please call the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 to find out more.

  

 

 

Your Opinion Matters

Your Opinion Matters

West Midlands Police Authority and West Midlands Police are taking to the road to answer your questions about policing.

Consultation and engagement is a very important part of the role of West Midlands Police Authority, and as part of our programme of consultation, we are hosting a joint event as part of our ‘Your Opinion Matters’ roadshow with West Midlands Police and Coventry Community Safety Partnership. 

This event will seek to gain the views of local people in regard to crime, policing and personal safety. 

It will also give you the opportunity to raise specific issues of concern within your area with senior officers of the force, and Police Authority members.

Come and find out how your police are performing, how the cuts in public services will affect you and the challenges that face us in the future.

The event is being held on:

Thursday, 22 September 2011, 7.00pm - 9.00pm

Coventry Council House

Earl Street

Coventry CV1 5RR

 

 

 

 

Community Health Fair - an opportunity to network and learn about services

Thursday 22nd September 2011, 10.00am - 3.00pm

Queens Road Baptist Church, Queens Road, Coventry, CV1 3FZ

Community Health Fair is a collaborative is a collaborative event between NHS Coventry, Community Based Champions Network and Queens Road Baptist Church.

The event aims to:

The free event is open to all to help members of the community and will provide an opportunity to find out about some of the health and social care services in the city.

There will also provide free advice on health and social care related entitlements

For more information please contact:

Sabir Zazai, CBC Network Manager, telephone: 024 7622 0381

 

 

 

 

Digital TV Switchover ... the final countdown has begun ... ! 

Need some help and advice about the digital TV switchover and Switchover Help Scheme?

Then come along to the "DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER EVENT" which is being organised in partnership with Age Concern, Birmingham

Where: The Ricoh Arena Community Space, Floor 1, South (Jewson) Stand, Ricoh Arena Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry, CV6 6GE 

When: Wednesday 3rd August 2011, 12 noon to 2.00pm 

You can find out more about the digital TV switchover, your digital TV options and find out more about the Switchover Help Scheme.

Coventry Trading Standards will also be giving advice regarding how to avoid rogue traders and being sold equipment that you may not need

Refreshments will be provided from 12 noon and there will also be a chance to win a digital set top box.

 

   

London 2012 Games Makers Opportunities for young people aged 16 - 18

London Organising Committee (LOCOG) has recently announced over 2,000 new opportunities for 16-18 year olds to volunteer at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

LOCOG are looking for recognised organisations such as Get Set network schools and colleges, youth or sports clubs, and community and volunteering groups to put forward over 250 teams of young volunteers to help us fulfil vital roles and help make the Games happen.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to get involved in the greatest show on earth – while learning new skills, gaining experience and making new friends.

Applications open 22 September 2011, but you can find out about the roles and recruitment process now.

 

 

Tommies/Flutterbies Childrens Centre Summer Activities

For details of summer activities being held in August by Tommies and Flutterbies Children's and Family Centres please download a copy of their Summer Activities 2011 Timetable.

For more information telephone 024 7636 6944 

 

 

Gosford Park Residents Association win £56,000 Jubilee People's Millions Lottery Funding

CEN member Gosford Park Residents’ Association, who held their third Big Lunch this year, have been campaigning hard to get a play area for young children in their area.  They applied to the Jubilee People’s Millions Lottery and have been successful in winning £56,000 for the GOSFORD PARK PLAY AREA.
 
The Gosford Park Residents’ Association would like to say a massive thank you for all the support and votes they received which has enabled them to get this funding.
 
They plan to start work on getting the play area built as soon as possible and will provide updates on their progress.
 
For more information click  here.

 

 

Our Journey - London 2012 is coming to Coventry

The new Coventry London 2012 newsletter is now available and includes all the latest news on Coventry's journey to London 2012.  

The Lloyds TSB Torch Tour is coming to Coventry on Wednesday 6th July 2011, 10am - 4.00pm

Venue: Millennium Place, Coventry

The UK wide roadshow will be exhibiting the history of previous Olympic Torches and Relays along with an opportunity to nominate someone you think has been inspirational to be a torch bearer.

You can also have your picture taken with a prototype of the the Official London 2012 Olympic Torch which will be made right here in Coventry!

Event Information:

What is the Lloyds TSB Olympic Torch Tour?

Lloyds TSB is providing everyone with the opportunity to nominate somebody who has made a difference to their local community and who inspires others.  For example, theneighbour who’s always helping others in the community; the coach for their dedication to helping young athletes; the mum who ran a marathon to raise money for charity; the teacher who runs the after school clubs... and many more.  The public nomination campaign launches from 9 June until 12 September 2011.  800 members of the public will be selected through the Lloyds TSB programme.  Nominations can be made online via www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame.  People will be asked to tell us, in less than 150 words, about the difference the person they are nominating has made in their community.  Nominations will be posted on the Lloyds TSB website where they can be viewed by the public and shared via Facebook, Twitter or email to inspire others to nominate.  Nominations can also be made via the taxi video booth on the Lloyds TSB Olympic Torch Tou

How will winners be selected?

Nominations will be reviewed, a shortlist created and Torchbearers will be selected at random from that shortlist.

For more information click  here.

 

 

  

COVENTRY COMMUNITY GAMES FUND LAUNCH

London 2012 is coming to Coventry……be part of it

The Coventry Community Games Fund launch was held on 2nd June 2011 at The Ricoh Arena Community Space.

Coventry Community Games Fund is a grants programme aiming to help local communties in Coventry to celebrate London 2012 at grassroots level.  You can get ideas and more information by visiting www.communitygames.org.uk and downloading the free Community Games toolkit  here to help you plan and organise your event.  Coventry Community Games Fund supports local charities, voluntary and community groups running community games projects in Coventry.  You need not be a registered charity as constituted groups may apply.  Groups must have accounts (or forcasts in the case of new groups) and a management committee.

Applications can be made at any time to the programme and will hear the coutcome of their application within 6 weeks of submission of a completed application.A Community Games Factsheet and application form can be downloaded below.

For more information please call a member of the Heart of England Community Foundation grants team on 024 7688 4435 if you need any advice or support.  You can also contact Coventry City Council's Sprots and Arts Team by emailing jonathan.hunt@coventry.gov.uk or telephone: 024 7683 2637.

 

 

 

London 2012 Open Weekend

You still can register from now until Monday 27 June.

Don't miss the chance to show your community, the UK and the world what you can do!

Getting involved in the celebration for one year to go to the Games is easy. 

Show what London 2012 means to you and your community by holding an event to celebrate the best sport, art, music and much more, in your area. 

To find out more about organising an event visit london2012.com/openweekend  London 2012 Open Weekend, supported by BP, will be held this year from 22 – 24 July.

General information can be accessed  here and information for event organisers  here.

Now in its fourth year, Open Weekend 2011 will be part of the one year to go celebrations. 

Last year across the West Midlands there were 50+ events and over 40,000 people involved. Coventry and Warwickshire had 11 events in total and this year we want to aim for a lot more.

Open Weekend events don’t have to be on a massive scale, they can be as simple as a street or a summer fete, and they needn't be based on sport.

This year you can celebrate by showcasing the best art, dance, film, music, heritage and sport in your area as the whole of the UK – and the world – turns its attention to the 2012 Games. 

Don't miss this opportunity to demonstrate the talent in your local community and participate in a moment of history.

How to be part of London 2012 Open Weekend

The theme for 2011 is celebrate one year to go by showcasing your best. Taking part is simple, just decide what you want to do and register at: www.london2012.com/openweekend. 

Successful registrations will be given access to the Open Weekend brand centre, helping you promote your event and involvement with London 2012.

Who can be part of London 2012 Open Weekend?

Open Weekend is open to all organisations and venues in the UK; all we ask is that your event:

•  Takes place between 22 – 24 July 2011
•  Is not-for-profit
•  Does not have any commercial sponsorship or offer any similar marketing rights
•  Is open to everyone

More information, including answers to frequently asked questions, are available on the London 2012 web site.

 
Register your event today!  For more information visit: www.london2012.com/openweekend 

 

 

Tackling Fuel Debt Project

Coventry Law Centre has been successful in obtaining funding for a fuel debt and energy advice project that will be operated via Advice Services Coventry. 

Part of the project involves awareness raising amongst community groups and National Energy Action will deliver some sessions later this year in September, October and November.  The aim is to give people more information about energy saving, how to deal with fuel debt and to make them aware that people with fuel debt can be signposted to Advice Services Coventry members to get the help offered by this project.  If your community organisation would be interested in attending one of these sessions please contact enquiries@covlaw.org.uk   

Are you interested in financial inclusion?

Coventry has England’s largest Law Centre; it strives to be the best.  Providing specialist legal advice & representation, we combat disadvantage, discrimination and exclusion. We also influence local and national policy to improve public services for the most vulnerable - we use the law to achieve change.

Coventry Law Centre's debt and money advice team has just secured funding from British Gas Energy Trust for a one year project to tackle fuel debt and are seeking two people who are skilled in working with the public and have an understanding of the difficulties of living on a low income.

Fuel Debt and Energy Adviser  -  up to  £22,353 pa (two posts – one year fixed term)

The service will be delivered in partnership with Advice Services Coventry, a partnership of independent advice agencies in the city, and National Energy Action.

For more information and an application pack please visit www.covlaw.org.uk - vacancies or telephone: 024 7622 3053, or email: narinder.shergill@covlaw.org.uk

Closing date: 10.00am, Monday 4th July.  Interviews 7th July.

 

 

  

 

Save Legal Aid - Coventry Law Centre Day of Action, 3rd June 2011 - March to oppose proposed cuts to Legal Aid 

Coventry Law Centre is a charity employing Solicitors and paralegals to offer free legal advice and representation in the areas of housing, immigration, money, employment, discrimination, public law, community care, and welfare benefits, to the people of Coventry. 

Proposed cuts will mean there will be no legal aid funding to provide advice or representation for people with welfare benefits, employment or immigration legal issues. 

Access to housing and debt advice will be severley restricted. This will mean that vulnerable individiuals and families will find it even harder to uphold their rights and entitlements. 

On 3rd June, Coventry Law Centre joined the national day of action organised by Justice for All against the cuts to Legal Aid.  A 200 strong group of supporters gathered in Broadgate to join a march from there to Coventry Law Centre offices.  The march was led by Lord Bach, Shadow Minister for Legal Aid, Jim Cunningham MP and Lady Godiva.

The national day of action was reported in The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/jun/03/legal-aid-cuts-protesters-demand-justice

After the march, a film showing the work of Coventry Law Centre and the potential impact of the proposed cuts was shown. 

Those attending included Geoffrey Robinson MP and speeches were made by Lord Bach – who said opposition to these cuts was not a political issue, it was a moral issue.  He also said that the cuts make no economic sense as there is significant evidence that early intervention with expert, legally based advice saves money.  Geoffrey Robinson MP and Jim Cunningham MP both expressed support for access to free legal advice and pledged to oppose the bill line by line as it goes through Parliament.

Cllr Phil Townsend said the cuts would do irreparable damage and many voluntary sector specialist advice agencies would not survive them. He said that Coventry is a big city but a small community and Coventry Law Centre is an integral part of that community. 

Thank you! To all our supporters who joined us on our March to save Legal Aid on 3rd June.  Thank you also to everyone who has signed our petition.

By 6th June 2011 149 signatures on line and a further 723 signatures on paper had been collected. These have now been sent to Ken Clarke, Secretary of State for Justice.  Another phase of this campaign will start in the next couple of weeks. More details will be available soon.

In the meantime, you can still help!

 Write to your local MP.  We have included some template letters which you can use.

Sign Coventry Law Centre's on line  petition here.

Join our conversation on Twitter and spread the word.

For more information please visit www.covlaw.org.uk. 

 

 

    

Celebrating Refugee Week 2011

A public meeting to raise awareness - supporting the Stonewall campaign - "No Going Back"

Monday 20th June 2011, 6.00pm - 8.00pm, Hillman Lecture Theatre, (next to George Elliot building), Covnetry University

Key Speaker: Bhopinder Basi, CEO Coventry Refugee Centre, "LGBT rights to refugee status"

For more information please contact: Jude on 024 7622 7254 Ext. 238 or email: judiths@covrefugee.org

  

 

  

 

Tune into Radio Plus community radio station on 101.5FM - serving Coventry and the surrounding areas

Broadcasting on 101.5FM, Radio Plus is a community radio station established in December 2010 that serves Coventry and the surrounding areas. 

Radio Plus provides responsible and entertaining radio in the Coventry, Warwickshire and surrounding areas in association with voluntary organisations, local authorities, local residents, community groups and businesses in a common effort to strengthen society.  It also provides a Christian media voice in the community on behalf of all the churches in the city and helps build understanding and cohesion in the wider community. 

 

 Visit the new  Radio Plus website, now up and running with  live stream for great music, local news and much more.

 

 Coventry and Warwickshire Media Community (CWMC) is a not-for-profit social enterprise company, limited by guarantee (No. 064613333) established in 2007. 

Coventry and Warwickshire Media Community works to provide a Christian media voice in Coventry and the surrounding areas and help build understanding and cohesion on behalf of the churches of Coventry to the wider community. 

CWMC's vision is also to see the whole of Coventry prosper spiritually, economically and socially and to foster collaboration among the media community. 

CWMC provides Media Training, Marketing and Advertising, Sales and Promotion, and Radio Plus.  

 

 

 

Coventry Compact Awards 2011 

The 2010 Coventry Compact Awards - the first in the country - were a great success.

Fourteen examples of partnership working being recognised at an awards ceremony following the Compact Strategic Group meeting in June, and subsequently published as case studies.

Compact is about promoting and celebrating good practice as well as challenging poor or unfair practice.

The Compact Awards are your chance to nominate projects that embody the Compact spirit of partnership working between community, voluntary and statutory partners to improve the quality of life for Coventry people. 

The 2011 Compact Award nominations have now closed. 

Details of this year's award winners whill be announced later this year.

For more information please contact Rob Allison on 024 7622 0381 or email r.allison@vacoventry.org.uk 

 

 

Learning Disability Week 2011

Learning Disability Week is a week of national campaigning and awareness raising run by Mencap every year.

Learning Disability Week 2011 is from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 June, when Mencap will launch a 3-year campaign against hate crime, Stand By Me.

To find out more about Learning Disability Week telephone: 020 7696 6952, Email: ldw@mencap.org.uk or visit: www.mencap.org.uk

 

 

 

West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012 - Newsletters

All the latest news from the West Midlands is the West Midlands Leadership Group for 2012.

Read the latest edition here. 

 

  

 

Over 240,000 apply to become Games Makers with the London 2012 volunteering programme

On 29 October, London 2012 reported that over 240,000 people have applied to the London 2012 Games Maker volunteer programme.

Applications for the London 2012 volunteering programme have now closed and people from all backgrounds and communities and from across the UK have applied for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

The volunteering team at the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) will now be working through the applications to select the best of the best. They are looking for dedicated and passionate people who are committed to going beyond their personal best and ensuring that the London 2012 Games are the best they can be.

Selection and interviews of short-listed applicants will take place from February 2011 to February 2012 before training will begin.

Timeline

January 2011 onwards: short-listed applicants begin to be invited to a selection event

February 2011 – February 2012: selection events will take place and all invited applicants will be interviewed

Late 2011: onwards offers made to successful applicants

February 2012: orientation training begins

March 2012: role-specific training begins

April 2012: distribution of uniforms and accreditation passes begin

June 2012: venue training begins.

Games Maker selection events will be held around the UK in London, Glasgow, Belfast, Weymouth and Portland, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Coventry. 

Details about the many other London 2012 related opportunities are available on the information sheets below:

 

For more information about how to get involved in London 2012 activity across Coventry and Warwickshire visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/london2012

To keep up to date with the latest information, events, news and success please visit www.coventry.gov.uk/london2012

For regional volunteering opportunities visit: www.wmfor2012.co.uk/volunteering

Find out more about Coventry and London 2012  here.  

 

 

THE BIG LUNCH 2011 - Save the date - 5th June ... ! 

The Big Lunch is a national event that happened for the first time in 2009.  The idea was started by The Eden Project in Cornwall and around a million people took part last year, sharing lunches in streets, parks, gardens, car parks.  They loved it and the Big Lunch took place again in 2010! 

Last year, CEN worked with the Coventry Partnership to promote this event across Coventry.  Thirteen Big Lunches took place on Sunday 18th July across Coventry, from a simple lunch in the garden to a big community event.   A big park lunch was lined up for Gosford Park and also, with the help of Whitefriars, in places like Willenhall and Foleshill.  These included: Gosford Park Primary School, FolesHillfields Healthy Summer, Godiva Mela - Edgewick Park, Foleshill (where the Lord Mayor attended).  There were a total of 13 Big Lunches organised across the city.  This year 14 Big Lunches have been registered so far.  You can check out the locations at www.thebiglunch.com/map/find-a-big-lunch.php to find a Big Lunch near you, or why not organise one of your own! 

The Big Lunch is led by the Eden Project with the support of a family of partners, The Big Lottery Fund, MasterCard, EDF Energy and the Department of Communities and Local Government who all want to break down barriers and build bridges within neighbourhoods. 

It can be anything from a simple lunch in the garden to a full-blown street party with music and a hog roast. Or you could organise a party in a park or anywhere else where there is enough space for what you want to do. The only requirement is to invite people from your local community and to make sure you involve some people you don’t already know.

If you are interested in organising a Big Lunch in 2011 register your interest  here and let the Big Lunch team keep you updated about plans for the nationwide event in 2011?   Simply fill in the form for email updates about The Big Lunch, details of when you can register your own Big Lunch and to receive the brand new 2011 Big Lunch starter park.

If you want some inspiration on organising YOUR Big Lunch, have a look at www.thebiglunch.com.   

 

 

 

Music Appreciation "Your Future" Course at the Coventry Jesus Centre, 7 Lamb Street, Coventry

Friday mornings from 9.30am to 12.30pm, 10th June - 15th July 2011

Coventry Jesus Centre a running a short course to help you learn new skills, use your time productively, build your confidence and gain a certificate.

For more info contact Iain on 024 7655 0033 / 07736 227 267 or just come along.

 

 

Free weekly walking group in Foleshill

Do you want to increase your daily exercise without any hassle? Or just get out and meet some new people?

Then join a free weekly walking group every Thursday at 10.30am - Foleshill Leisure Centre, Livingstone Road.

For more information contact the Healthy Walks team 02476 833148 or email beactivebehealthy@coventry.gov.uk or visit www.coventry.gov.uk/beactivebehealthy

See full details of the walks  here. 

  

  

Heating and insulation improvements from the Warm Front scheme

The Warm Front scheme will begin to take new applications from 8am on Thursday 14th April.

Further information on the revised eligibility criteria, scope of the scheme and how to apply can be found  here.

 

 

North East Area Voluntary Sector Forum Closes

The last meeting of the North East Area Voluntary Sector Forum was held on 6th April after working in the area for 15years.

Ralph Bamber, Chair, has extended his thanks and appreciation to all those who have been involved with NEAVSF over the last fifteen years. 

 

 

Consultations - did you know?

You can find out about the latest issues on which City Council are consulting by looking on the front page of their website - top left hand corner "Consulting Coventry".  Current consultations include:

Click  here for more details.

 

 

Facts about Coventry

Facts about Coventry contains a wide range of statistical data and performance information about Coventry and its people.

The data is structured around the key priorities for Coventry, as well as demographic information for the city.

To access this information please visit the Facts about Coventry page of the Coventry Partnership website  here.

  

 

Funding News...

For details of the latest funding and how to access advice. Click here for more.

Disclaimer: no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information on this site - you are advised to check important information at source. Information given here does not necessarily reflect the views of Coventry Community Empowerment Network (CEN). If you have any concerns, please contact us.