A community venue in the city is being highlighted nationally for its efforts in helping people through social action with food and other support.
Spongate Community Project, Coventry operates from a number of buildings at the heart of the Spon End neighbourhood, growing the support services it offers.
The community scheme, which is operated by 50 dedicated volunteers from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community has grown from strength to strength.
The venue is now getting wider attention, and recently Sarah Jones MP, the Shadow Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation and Richard Parker, Labour's candidate for West Midlands Mayor visited the Hub along with Councillors – to understand more about its work and the reasons for its success.
The Hub supports people with food, internet services, access to digital equipment and lots more support and advice. Dozens of people access fortnightly food parcels from the venue, which is supported by donations from food charity, Fareshare.
The Council and other organisations also support the Hub with help with funding bids, with digital equipment and connectivity from the #CovConnects Device Bank and lots more.
Mr Olaleye Feyisetan, Board Chairman at the Hub, said: “We are really proud of what we have achieved and what we continue to do at the Hub. It’s nice to know that the Council and other leaders appreciate what we are achieving. We want to do more and we appreciate their support.”
The Hub has been helping people for many years and in 2022, it became a registered charity, with a clear focus to alleviate poverty and empower the community in more structured, impactful ways, as a warm venue and lots of other support and guidance.
Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, added:
“Hubs like Spongate Community Hub are stepping up because of ongoing cost of living pressures and the need for food support and other help. That’s why as a Council we want to provide what support we can. The energy and commitment from volunteers and directors at the Hub is amazing to see, and I really want to wish them well in the future.”
Sarah Jones MP, said:
“The Spongate Community Hub is giving support and advice to people who need it really badly while creating an atmosphere of love and hope. We really need to give our backing to projects like this.”
Richard Parker, Labour's candidate for West Midlands Mayor, added:
“The Hub is doing excellent work in terms of food support, but it is also great to hear what they do to help young people find jobs and get it into work. It’s truly inspirational.”
Cllr Seyi Agboola, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said:
“The Hub is a great example of partnership working, between the community and other organisations, like Fareshare and the Council. The work that happens here is fantastic, and there is real commitment for it to expand further.”
To find out more about the Spongate Community Hub, visit the website, e-mail abi@spongatecommunity.co.uk or call 024 7767 1480.