“Towards the end of November, I was pleased to speak as part of Warwickshire’s Cost of Living Summit panel. I’d been asked where I thought we should all focus our efforts in order to help communities and citizens,” writes Grapevine CEO Clare Wightman. “My take is this. “Whatever your focus is – food, warmth or […]
Our CEO Clare Wightman receives an Honorary Doctorate today (18 July) from Coventry University in recognition of “her exceptional contribution to enhancing the lives and well-being of marginalised individuals and communities in Coventry and Warwickshire.” As CEO since 2000, Clare has been responsible for shaping our charity strategically and collaboratively. Skilfully bringing us forward from […]
Three weeks ago Grapevine hosted a space of solidarity, reflection and hope for people from all over the country, organising friends, funders, think and do tanks and local leaders. Over 70 people joined us for ‘Organising Change: How we build relationships and power through tough times’ on 26 June in an important conversation in this […]
Last week (7-8 March) Grapevine attended the national social fabric summit ‘Restitch’ hosted this year in our home city of Coventry. Our CEO Clare Wightman offers her reflections on this opportunity to share what we know works on a national platform. “It was a fitting setting for Restitch 2024 at St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry’s historical […]
Coventry Poverty Alliance – where grassroots frontline organisations, medium and larger charities and the public sector come together with a focus on action and a shared agenda of joined up help – has decided its priorities for 2024. The two joint priorities, chosen from a shortlist of five during a session last month, will set […]
Grapevine is inviting proposals for an evaluation and learning partner for our Connecting for Good programme in Coventry. We are seeking proposals from individuals and organisations with experience of: Evaluating community-led programmes, including community organising by charities Evaluating systems change initiatives Working as a learning partner The ‘transformative networks’ field of practice. We would like […]
This week’s #TeamTalk post welcomes Janet Doran to the team. Janet is our new programme manager for the Healthy Communities Together partnership in Coventry. She joins us at Grapevine following a 26-year career in local goverment followed by experience in the voluntary sector and two years spent working in primary care. Here she answers our […]
Last night we partied the evening away at Coventry’s inaugural Cov Cares Awards at Coventry University’s Square One Venue. The first event of its kind to celebrate community-focused city businesses, organisations and individuals going the extra mile to bring connection and belonging to local people. Ten categories, three finalists in each. All of them good […]
Coventry’s inaugural Cov Cares Awards launch today to shine a light on community-focused city businesses that are bringing a sense of belonging, connection and smiles to customers every day. Residents and visitors are invited to nominate their favourite local business or employee from a choice of ten categories, including ‘More Than Just a Bar or […]