Local Events: Community Stories

Welcome to Local Events & Community Stories

Welcome to our Local Events & Community Stories hub. This is your place to discover what's been happening across our communities and the positive impact our local events are making.

Here, you'll find the latest stories, news articles, and event highlights, celebrating the people, projects, and partnerships that help our communities thrive. You'll be able to see how local activities are making a difference, hear from those involved, and learn more about the outcomes and achievements from our events.

We'd also love to hear your views. Take part in our poll to share your feedback and help shape future activities and events.

You'll also find links to related projects, where you can explore further information, discover opportunities to get involved, and learn more about the work taking place in your community.

Welcome to Local Events & Community Stories

Welcome to our Local Events & Community Stories hub. This is your place to discover what's been happening across our communities and the positive impact our local events are making.

Here, you'll find the latest stories, news articles, and event highlights, celebrating the people, projects, and partnerships that help our communities thrive. You'll be able to see how local activities are making a difference, hear from those involved, and learn more about the outcomes and achievements from our events.

We'd also love to hear your views. Take part in our poll to share your feedback and help shape future activities and events.

You'll also find links to related projects, where you can explore further information, discover opportunities to get involved, and learn more about the work taking place in your community.

  • Tidy Friday: Community pride in action Working together for cleaner, stronger communities


    We have now delivered five Tidy Friday events in partnership with our Estates Team.

    These events bring together customers, colleagues, local organisations and community groups to help improve neighbourhoods and create spaces that residents can be proud of.

    Tidy Friday is about much more than picking up litter or improving outdoor spaces.

    It's about meeting customers, listening to concerns and working together to make communities better places to live.

    Listening to Customers

    At a recent Tidy Friday event, customers shared concerns about issues affecting their community and told us about areas where they felt improvements were needed.

    Because listening is an important part of what we do, we are now planning a follow-up community meeting to hear more from residents and better understand how we can support them.

    While we cannot promise to solve every issue, we can promise to listen and work with customers and partners wherever possible.

    St Anne's School Poster Competition

    As part of our Tidy Friday programme, pupils from St Anne's School helped promote community pride through a poster competition.

    The children created posters encouraging residents to keep their neighbourhoods clean, tidy and welcoming.

    We were incredibly impressed by the creativity and effort shown by all the children who took part.

    The winning design will be displayed on bins throughout the community, helping spread an important message and giving local young people the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to their neighbourhood.


    Beyond Tidy Friday

    Working alongside our Estates Team, we also took part in a recent community improvement day at Sopwith Court and Deansway House.

    Together, we planted flowers, carried out painting and helped improve outdoor spaces to make them more welcoming for customers.

    Just as importantly, it gave us the opportunity to spend time with customers, have conversations and hear about the things that matter most to them.

    Making a Difference Together

    Tidy Friday shows what can happen when communities work together.

    Whether it's improving shared spaces, listening to customer feedback or encouraging young people to get involved, every event helps build stronger communities and stronger relationships.

    Because when we work together, we can make a real difference. 💜



    We have now delivered five Tidy Friday events in partnership with our Estates Team.

    These events bring together customers, colleagues, local organisations and community groups to help improve neighbourhoods and create spaces that residents can be proud of.

    Tidy Friday is about much more than picking up litter or improving outdoor spaces.

    It's about meeting customers, listening to concerns and working together to make communities better places to live.

    Listening to Customers

    At a recent Tidy Friday event, customers shared concerns about issues affecting their community and told us about areas where they felt improvements were needed.

    Because listening is an important part of what we do, we are now planning a follow-up community meeting to hear more from residents and better understand how we can support them.

    While we cannot promise to solve every issue, we can promise to listen and work with customers and partners wherever possible.

    St Anne's School Poster Competition

    As part of our Tidy Friday programme, pupils from St Anne's School helped promote community pride through a poster competition.

    The children created posters encouraging residents to keep their neighbourhoods clean, tidy and welcoming.

    We were incredibly impressed by the creativity and effort shown by all the children who took part.

    The winning design will be displayed on bins throughout the community, helping spread an important message and giving local young people the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to their neighbourhood.


    Beyond Tidy Friday

    Working alongside our Estates Team, we also took part in a recent community improvement day at Sopwith Court and Deansway House.

    Together, we planted flowers, carried out painting and helped improve outdoor spaces to make them more welcoming for customers.

    Just as importantly, it gave us the opportunity to spend time with customers, have conversations and hear about the things that matter most to them.

    Making a Difference Together

    Tidy Friday shows what can happen when communities work together.

    Whether it's improving shared spaces, listening to customer feedback or encouraging young people to get involved, every event helps build stronger communities and stronger relationships.

    Because when we work together, we can make a real difference. 💜


  • Customer Voices Bringing Communities Together in Hereford


    Working Together in Almeley and Credenhill

    Our community engagement work is all about helping customers connect, share their experiences and have their voices heard.

    A recent example comes from Almeley, Herefordshire, where a customer contacted us looking for support to help bring the community together.

    The customer felt there was an opportunity to strengthen community connections and wanted Citizen's support to encourage residents to meet, share ideas and discuss what mattered most to them.

    Working alongside our Neighbourhood Officer, we met with residents and listened to their thoughts about the community and how people could work more closely together.

    The conversations created an opportunity for neighbours to connect, discuss local priorities and explore ways to strengthen the community for everyone.

    We've also supported customers in Credenhill, where residents wanted a chance to come together and talk openly about the issues affecting their area.Click the link to find out more: Credenhill community event

    By creating space for these conversations, customers were able to share experiences, raise concerns and identify opportunities for improvement.

    Most importantly, customers felt their voices were being heard.

    Both communities have shown the power of bringing people together. When residents have the opportunity to speak, listen and work collaboratively, positive changes can happen.

    We are proud to support communities like Almeley and Credenhill and look forward to continuing these conversations in the future.

    Click here to read the full story to learn more about how customer voices are helping shape their communities.


    Working Together in Almeley and Credenhill

    Our community engagement work is all about helping customers connect, share their experiences and have their voices heard.

    A recent example comes from Almeley, Herefordshire, where a customer contacted us looking for support to help bring the community together.

    The customer felt there was an opportunity to strengthen community connections and wanted Citizen's support to encourage residents to meet, share ideas and discuss what mattered most to them.

    Working alongside our Neighbourhood Officer, we met with residents and listened to their thoughts about the community and how people could work more closely together.

    The conversations created an opportunity for neighbours to connect, discuss local priorities and explore ways to strengthen the community for everyone.

    We've also supported customers in Credenhill, where residents wanted a chance to come together and talk openly about the issues affecting their area.Click the link to find out more: Credenhill community event

    By creating space for these conversations, customers were able to share experiences, raise concerns and identify opportunities for improvement.

    Most importantly, customers felt their voices were being heard.

    Both communities have shown the power of bringing people together. When residents have the opportunity to speak, listen and work collaboratively, positive changes can happen.

    We are proud to support communities like Almeley and Credenhill and look forward to continuing these conversations in the future.

    Click here to read the full story to learn more about how customer voices are helping shape their communities.

  • Community connections: Your voice, your community


    We are Meeting Customers Where They Are

    Since November, our Engagement Team has attended 60 pop-ups and 24 community events across our communities.

    We've been visiting foodbanks, social supermarkets, community hubs, coffee mornings, local groups and neighbourhood events to create opportunities for customers to speak with us face-to-face.

    We know not everyone wants to attend a formal meeting or complete a survey. That's why we're coming into communities to listen, answer questions and hear directly from customers about the things that matter most to them.

    These conversations help us understand local issues, identify opportunities for improvement and build stronger relationships with our customers.

    Our pop-ups and community events are not just about having a chat. They are a chance for you to tell us:

    • What is working well in your community
    • What could be improved
    • What support is needed
    • What changes you would like to see
    • How we can work together to make a difference

    While we may not always be able to make every change requested, we are committed to listening, being honest about what is possible and working alongside customers wherever we can.

    Every conversation helps us better understand our communities and ensures customer voices are at the heart of what we do.


    We are Meeting Customers Where They Are

    Since November, our Engagement Team has attended 60 pop-ups and 24 community events across our communities.

    We've been visiting foodbanks, social supermarkets, community hubs, coffee mornings, local groups and neighbourhood events to create opportunities for customers to speak with us face-to-face.

    We know not everyone wants to attend a formal meeting or complete a survey. That's why we're coming into communities to listen, answer questions and hear directly from customers about the things that matter most to them.

    These conversations help us understand local issues, identify opportunities for improvement and build stronger relationships with our customers.

    Our pop-ups and community events are not just about having a chat. They are a chance for you to tell us:

    • What is working well in your community
    • What could be improved
    • What support is needed
    • What changes you would like to see
    • How we can work together to make a difference

    While we may not always be able to make every change requested, we are committed to listening, being honest about what is possible and working alongside customers wherever we can.

    Every conversation helps us better understand our communities and ensures customer voices are at the heart of what we do.

  • Credenhill Community Event! A Brilliant Afternoon at Oak Road Park.

    On Thursday 5th September, the Engagement Team headed to Credenhill, Hereford for a special community event – one that was inspired by a local customer who asked us to do something for the children in the area, following the closure of the local park.

    We were really pleased to be joined by a Neighbourhood Officer, which helped build stronger links between Citizen teams and the local community. It was a great example of how working together across teams can build trust, show we care, and help make good things happen.

    We wanted to bring the community together, and this event was all about the children – giving them a fun afternoon to enjoy while also starting conversations about what comes next for the area.

    It turned out to be a brilliant afternoon not just for the kids, who loved the crafts, games, and “Guess the Sweets” competition, but also for the grown-ups, who had the chance to chat with us about what they’d like to see happen in their community. One child told us she “really loved the crafts,” and it was lovely to see so many children getting involved and having fun.

    We were also there to begin conversations about an upcoming consultation with residents. This gave people the chance to tell us what matters most to them and where they think improvements should happen. It’s early days, but this kind of engagement is key to making sure we’re working with communities, not just in them.

    This event was a great reminder of how important it is to listen, connect, and work together – both with our customers and across the business. It’s just the start of our journey with Credenhill, and we’re excited to keep working with the community to shape what comes next.



    On Thursday 5th September, the Engagement Team headed to Credenhill, Hereford for a special community event – one that was inspired by a local customer who asked us to do something for the children in the area, following the closure of the local park.

    We were really pleased to be joined by a Neighbourhood Officer, which helped build stronger links between Citizen teams and the local community. It was a great example of how working together across teams can build trust, show we care, and help make good things happen.

    We wanted to bring the community together, and this event was all about the children – giving them a fun afternoon to enjoy while also starting conversations about what comes next for the area.

    It turned out to be a brilliant afternoon not just for the kids, who loved the crafts, games, and “Guess the Sweets” competition, but also for the grown-ups, who had the chance to chat with us about what they’d like to see happen in their community. One child told us she “really loved the crafts,” and it was lovely to see so many children getting involved and having fun.

    We were also there to begin conversations about an upcoming consultation with residents. This gave people the chance to tell us what matters most to them and where they think improvements should happen. It’s early days, but this kind of engagement is key to making sure we’re working with communities, not just in them.

    This event was a great reminder of how important it is to listen, connect, and work together – both with our customers and across the business. It’s just the start of our journey with Credenhill, and we’re excited to keep working with the community to shape what comes next.



  • Even the Smallest Feedback Can Make a Difference 🌟


    While visiting Hagard Community Centre in Willenhall, Coventry, our Engagement Team had a great chat with a customer about getting involved and shaping services.

    They suggested something simple: putting a poster outside to let others know we were there. We loved the idea—and acted on it!

    Now, we’re making sure posters are clearly visible at all our events. A small suggestion, but one that can make a big impact.

    As a customer, you can make your voice heard. click here:👉Join the conversation, share your feedback

    There are lots of ways to get involved! Just register and we’ll keep you updated with surveys, invites to focus groups, and more.



    Got a suggestion? We’d love to hear it! Email us at engagement@citizenhousing.org.uk


    While visiting Hagard Community Centre in Willenhall, Coventry, our Engagement Team had a great chat with a customer about getting involved and shaping services.

    They suggested something simple: putting a poster outside to let others know we were there. We loved the idea—and acted on it!

    Now, we’re making sure posters are clearly visible at all our events. A small suggestion, but one that can make a big impact.

    As a customer, you can make your voice heard. click here:👉Join the conversation, share your feedback

    There are lots of ways to get involved! Just register and we’ll keep you updated with surveys, invites to focus groups, and more.



    Got a suggestion? We’d love to hear it! Email us at engagement@citizenhousing.org.uk

  • Connecting with Communities: Pop-Ups & Events: Listening, Supporting, and Taking Action

    Your Voice Matters: How We’re Reaching Out Across Our Communities

    Since November, our Engagement Team has taken part in 52 pop-ups and 24 events across local communities — and we’re just getting started!


    💡What is a Pop-Up?

    A pop-up is when we visit a place where something is already happening in your area like a foodbank, social supermarket, or local group. It’s a chance for us to speak to customers face-to-face, listen to what matters to you, and share useful information.

    We’ve had fantastic feedback from these visits!
    At our pop-ups, we’ve spoken with over 154 customers, had great conversations about our services, and welcomed many new members to our Citizen Together Hub.


    🎉What is an Event?

    An event is something organised by Citizen Housing to bring people together around a specific topic or need. For example, in Willenhall, Coventry, we held an event focused on damp and mould, where customers could speak to experts, get advice, and access support.

    These events are designed to be informative, supportive, and community-driven — helping you get the answers and assistance you need in a friendly, local setting.


    We are committed to being out in the community, making it easier for you to speak to us in person. It’s another way for you to ask questions, raise concerns, and get support.

    At one of our recent pop-ups, we even helped a customer join our focus groups. They now take part regularly and are helping to shape the services we offer.

    These pop-ups and events help us reach people we might not connect with otherwise — and they give you a chance to get involved and have your say.


    👉 Would you like to suggest a place where we should pop up next?
    We’d love to hear from you! Please fill out this quick survey and let us know where you’d like to see our Engagement Team:
    📝     Community Events- Have your say!

    We’re really proud of what’s been achieved so far, and we’re looking forward to meeting even more of you out in the community soon!



    Your Voice Matters: How We’re Reaching Out Across Our Communities

    Since November, our Engagement Team has taken part in 52 pop-ups and 24 events across local communities — and we’re just getting started!


    💡What is a Pop-Up?

    A pop-up is when we visit a place where something is already happening in your area like a foodbank, social supermarket, or local group. It’s a chance for us to speak to customers face-to-face, listen to what matters to you, and share useful information.

    We’ve had fantastic feedback from these visits!
    At our pop-ups, we’ve spoken with over 154 customers, had great conversations about our services, and welcomed many new members to our Citizen Together Hub.


    🎉What is an Event?

    An event is something organised by Citizen Housing to bring people together around a specific topic or need. For example, in Willenhall, Coventry, we held an event focused on damp and mould, where customers could speak to experts, get advice, and access support.

    These events are designed to be informative, supportive, and community-driven — helping you get the answers and assistance you need in a friendly, local setting.


    We are committed to being out in the community, making it easier for you to speak to us in person. It’s another way for you to ask questions, raise concerns, and get support.

    At one of our recent pop-ups, we even helped a customer join our focus groups. They now take part regularly and are helping to shape the services we offer.

    These pop-ups and events help us reach people we might not connect with otherwise — and they give you a chance to get involved and have your say.


    👉 Would you like to suggest a place where we should pop up next?
    We’d love to hear from you! Please fill out this quick survey and let us know where you’d like to see our Engagement Team:
    📝     Community Events- Have your say!

    We’re really proud of what’s been achieved so far, and we’re looking forward to meeting even more of you out in the community soon!



  • December engagement highlights

    December Engagement Highlights


    🛠 Tuesday 2 December – Repairs Task & Finish Group
    Our final meeting of 2025 focused on repairs. Thank you to everyone who joined us at St James Lane, Coventry. Customers have provided fantastic feedback throughout the year, and we are not finished yet! Our next focus group will take place in 2026. Find out more here 👉Repairs task and finish group



    🏡 Monday 9 December – Estates Service Review Focus Group
    We met online to review estate services following the recent customer survey. This was a successful focus group, gaining feedback from our customers and ensuring their voices are heard. They were able to share their experiences to help make this service better for everyone. Find out more here 👉Estates service review


    💰 Thursday 11 December – Income Policy Focus Group
    This session gave us valuable insight into customer experiences and feedback about income and collection processes. We also asked for input on our Policy on a Page and what customers would like to see included. Find out more here 👉 Income policy review


    🤝 Monday 15 December – Warndon Community Hub
    A friendly morning session at Oasis Warndon Community Hub in Worcester, connecting with the local community face-to-face. This is part of our regular pop-up visits – you can find us here every six weeks.



    🎉 Thursday 18 December – Citizen Local Fund Visit & Christmas Party
    This amazing project supports people in our Citizen communities. We had the honour of attending the event, seeing the fantastic work happening locally and supported by the Citizen Local Fund. It was a great way to celebrate the end of the year! Find out more here 👉 Awarded Citizen Local Fund Projects


    December Engagement Highlights


    🛠 Tuesday 2 December – Repairs Task & Finish Group
    Our final meeting of 2025 focused on repairs. Thank you to everyone who joined us at St James Lane, Coventry. Customers have provided fantastic feedback throughout the year, and we are not finished yet! Our next focus group will take place in 2026. Find out more here 👉Repairs task and finish group



    🏡 Monday 9 December – Estates Service Review Focus Group
    We met online to review estate services following the recent customer survey. This was a successful focus group, gaining feedback from our customers and ensuring their voices are heard. They were able to share their experiences to help make this service better for everyone. Find out more here 👉Estates service review


    💰 Thursday 11 December – Income Policy Focus Group
    This session gave us valuable insight into customer experiences and feedback about income and collection processes. We also asked for input on our Policy on a Page and what customers would like to see included. Find out more here 👉 Income policy review


    🤝 Monday 15 December – Warndon Community Hub
    A friendly morning session at Oasis Warndon Community Hub in Worcester, connecting with the local community face-to-face. This is part of our regular pop-up visits – you can find us here every six weeks.



    🎉 Thursday 18 December – Citizen Local Fund Visit & Christmas Party
    This amazing project supports people in our Citizen communities. We had the honour of attending the event, seeing the fantastic work happening locally and supported by the Citizen Local Fund. It was a great way to celebrate the end of the year! Find out more here 👉 Awarded Citizen Local Fund Projects


  • Our Quick Poll is live!



    ✅ Customers have started voting on what types of engagement they would like to see.


    👉 Please keep voting — your feedback shows us what matters most to you, where you’d like us to be, and how you want to get involved.


    💡 Your input will give us valuable insight for 2026 and help us plan the best ways to engage with you.


    So far, we’ve had two votes for funding:
    🎨 Family-friendly activities and workshops
    🏠 Housing advice and support drop-ins


    💭 Got another idea? Complete the quick survey below to suggest it!



    ✅ Customers have started voting on what types of engagement they would like to see.


    👉 Please keep voting — your feedback shows us what matters most to you, where you’d like us to be, and how you want to get involved.


    💡 Your input will give us valuable insight for 2026 and help us plan the best ways to engage with you.


    So far, we’ve had two votes for funding:
    🎨 Family-friendly activities and workshops
    🏠 Housing advice and support drop-ins


    💭 Got another idea? Complete the quick survey below to suggest it!

  • 🏡 Housing Support Drop-In – Worcester


    On 20th October, our Engagement Team joined Worcester City Council, two Housing Officers, and our Money Advice team at a free drop-in event for local residents.

    The event brought together different support services in one place – offering help with housing, money, and wellbeing. Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, it was great to be out in the community, ready to answer questions and talk about how customers can get involved.

    We were proud to stand alongside other local organisations, all working together to support people in Worcester. Events like this are a great way to build connections and show that help is available when it’s needed.

    🤝 Working together makes a difference – and we’re here to listen.


    On 20th October, our Engagement Team joined Worcester City Council, two Housing Officers, and our Money Advice team at a free drop-in event for local residents.

    The event brought together different support services in one place – offering help with housing, money, and wellbeing. Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, it was great to be out in the community, ready to answer questions and talk about how customers can get involved.

    We were proud to stand alongside other local organisations, all working together to support people in Worcester. Events like this are a great way to build connections and show that help is available when it’s needed.

    🤝 Working together makes a difference – and we’re here to listen.

  • 🎃 Pumpkin Party & Learning Pod Launch Coventry



    In 2024, the Citizen Local Fund proudly supported a heartwarming community initiative at The Primary Plot, nestled in the Earlsdon Allotments on Beechwood Avenue. On 10th October, the Engagement Team will be attending the 🎉 Pumpkin Party and Official Opening of the Brand New Learning Pod — a celebration of growth, learning, and local connection!

    • 🕒 Event Time: 3:30–5:30 PM
      🎤 Official Opening: 4:00 PM
      🥣 Soup & Bread Rolls Served: 4:15 PM (Suggested donation: £2 per person)
    • 📍 Location: The Primary Plot, Earlsdon Allotments, Beechwood Avenue
    • 🚶‍♀️ Travel Advice: Please walk or park off-site where possible to support sustainability 🌍


    🍂 The flyer is beautifully decorated with autumn leaves, glowing candles, and a cozy pumpkin centerpiece — capturing the seasonal spirit and community warmth this event promises.

    📚 The new Learning Pod will be a dedicated space for educational activities, workshops, and local engagement — a lasting legacy made possible through Citizen’s support 🙌.

    Come along, celebrate with us, and see how local funding is helping communities grow! 🌻




    In 2024, the Citizen Local Fund proudly supported a heartwarming community initiative at The Primary Plot, nestled in the Earlsdon Allotments on Beechwood Avenue. On 10th October, the Engagement Team will be attending the 🎉 Pumpkin Party and Official Opening of the Brand New Learning Pod — a celebration of growth, learning, and local connection!

    • 🕒 Event Time: 3:30–5:30 PM
      🎤 Official Opening: 4:00 PM
      🥣 Soup & Bread Rolls Served: 4:15 PM (Suggested donation: £2 per person)
    • 📍 Location: The Primary Plot, Earlsdon Allotments, Beechwood Avenue
    • 🚶‍♀️ Travel Advice: Please walk or park off-site where possible to support sustainability 🌍


    🍂 The flyer is beautifully decorated with autumn leaves, glowing candles, and a cozy pumpkin centerpiece — capturing the seasonal spirit and community warmth this event promises.

    📚 The new Learning Pod will be a dedicated space for educational activities, workshops, and local engagement — a lasting legacy made possible through Citizen’s support 🙌.

    Come along, celebrate with us, and see how local funding is helping communities grow! 🌻