Mahmood, Shilpa and Cllr David Welsh. Shilpa is holding a My Coventry bag with branding on it. All three are stood next to a pop-up banner about the programme.

My Coventry, a programme supporting non-EU nationals after arriving in the UK, has marked its third year of success.

The programme specifically targets newly-arrived non-EU nationals to Coventry and aims to help them settle into the city.

Residents who take part in the programme are assigned a mentor who will help them find volunteer opportunities, language skills, training, links to their local communities and also help them to find employment in Coventry.

The scheme has helped over 1,700 people since it began three years ago.

Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, welcomed guests at a celebration event at St Mary's Guildhall on 28 November. He commented:

"Coventry is a city of peace and reconciliation. We're a welcoming city and we want to support families that make this city their home. Some of the people that the scheme has helped have been through incredibly difficult things and the scheme is all about welcoming people, helping them form links with their local community and helping them find employment.

"It has been incredible to hear about the difference this programme has made to people that now call Coventry their home. I am so proud of the programme and it is a testament to the city and everything it stands for."

My Coventry is part-funded through the European Union and the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), with support from Coventry City Council and its partners.

To find out more about My Coventry, head to www.mycoventry.org

Published: Monday, 15th January 2024