Grapevine’s work with residents, the voluntary and community sector, and public sector on improving population health in Willenhall has revealed a shared desire to build on existing community spirit to help even more locals with their health and wellbeing.
In common with other Coventry neighbourhoods, Willenhall has many existing small but dedicated community groups, organisations and individuals supporting people in the area.
This includes a men’s mental health group, a carer’s support group, the Betty Ennis charity, Hagard community centre, Wood Side Family Hub and nearby churches.
We want to nurture and connect these points of light while growing others – starting by asking local people to share their ideas of how in a quick two-minute survey.
Mapping what support is already there and gathering people’s thoughts will help us build a clearer picture of the neighbourliness we know is there currently.
When people are discharged from hospital, a neighbour, friend or relative might offer to fetch groceries, pick up a prescription or simply check in to see how they are.
Sadly we know this is not always the case and many find themselves entirely alone.
During lockdown, people felt they had permission to check in on their neighbours.
How do we recreate that close-knit community where we feel we can ask for help or offer it? A safety net of support with the more people around the edges the better.
- Would you be prepared to support someone you know with small tasks, such as checking on them, fetching groceries or prescriptions if they couldn’t do it?
- Would you support a neighbour you didn’t really know with small tasks?
- Would you be part of a network of people who help each other out if they need support?
- Would you be on our list of people who would like to be supported if they were taken ill or had to go into hospital?
Please complete the survey and let us know what you think if you live or work in Willenhall.
The survey is anonymous and you can choose to leave your contact details at the end if you would like to stay in touch.
This questionnaire is circulated by Grapevine in partnership with Dr Sarah Raistrick at the Willenhall Primary Care Centre.
Willenhall residents take the lead to power up community park campaign
People in Willenhall are working alongside Grapevine community organisers to build their collective power as they campaign for improved park and play facilities.
Willenhall Coalition meets fortnightly for a couple of hours on a Tuesday evening at Willenhall Education, Employment and Training Centre (WEET Centre).
There is already lots of support among residents for improved play facilities. Now the Coalition is asking for commitments, however small, from them to help achieve the change they want.
Even if park improvements are not top of your list, helping neighbours to win this campaign makes future projects tackling other issues possible.
Contact us, come to a meeting or complete / share the local survey here.
Speak to Grapevine community organiser Edwin on 07745 030184.
About Healthy Communities Together
Grapevine is working in Willenhall alongside local people, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS and Coventry City Council to improve local health and wellbeing.
Healthy Communities Together is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, with learning partner The King’s Fund.
Watch this short video about the HCT programme.