Foleshill and Longford place based profile

The Community Information Directory is also a useful tool for knowing what groups, events and activities are happening in the area.

The Community Resilience Team has worked with a variety of groups to gain funding and support in both Foleshill and Longford, below is a table of groups and assets known to the team in the area at the time of writing.

There is a lot of activity in Foleshill, however communication of activities could be improved. There is a desire and need for a more collaborative approach, communicating goals and giving communities an opportunity to influence decisions. Forming and improving these links could improve the support available to local people. There are some social and cultural barriers that are created through lack of communication and awareness of what is going on in the community, however effective communication with the community is essential for building trust, promoting transparency encouraging engagement and raising awareness of help and support.

“There needs to be a robust communication system”

“Listen to the people of the city”.

The Community Resilience Team has worked with the community to encourage attendance to the bimonthly support for Foleshill meeting. The meeting welcomes individuals and groups to represent their community and address local issues. Organisations can share local expertise, advertise their services, and investigate possible collaborations through these groups. It is also used as a networking opportunity for groups operating in the area, creating partnerships and ongoing support to each other.

The Families for All Family Hub collaborates and coordinates a range of services in the area. It could also be used to make connections with individuals and maximise the success of partnerships.

“Reopen community centres and youth centres (with advice support for those who need it)”.

Residents in Foleshill and Longford value their community spaces and see opportunities to work together and do more.
Community spaces are an asset in the area, acting as hubs that bring people together and provide essential services that contribute to the wellbeing of residents. They provide a support network to individuals facing challenges as well as creating a space for residents to organise events, clubs, and activities. Aptitude Youth Work Coventry has partnered with the Family Hub to create a new youth group, providing a safe space for young people in the area to meet new people and learn new skills.

“I know I can get help from the local churches if I just wanted somewhere to go during the day. I also do not live far from the local library if I needed any local or council related information. I also find the local councillors (elected members) very approachable and if I ever need any issues sorted, I know how to contact them.”

Access to services and provision for older people was highlighted as a particular concern in Foleshill and Longford. Residents in Foleshill and Longford felt that “A lot of older people feel inhibited by lack of facilities. Also need more meeting places for communities, older people etc, across the city”. Some people felt that there is “Much emphasis is made on youth engagement, but the older generation are more isolated and have less opportunities to socialise than previously.”

Digital exclusion adds another dimension to communities engaging and acts as a potential barrier for inclusion. Despite activities to reduce the digital divide, through council led initiatives “CovConnects” digital exclusion was highlighted as a concern for residents in the area, noting that it is important to “Stop assuming that everyone has access to technology and that everything can be done on -line.”