Nuneaton and Bedworth’s new Mayor, Cllr Colin Cape, has launched his Civic Appeal and is raising crucial funds for The Guardians Grow Charity.
The appeal was launched at Nuneaton Town Hall on Monday, 15 June, and a number of fundraising events will take place for the charity over the next 12 months.
Cllr Cape said:
“As Mayor, I chose The Guardians Grow Charity for my Civic Appeal because it provides a safe hub and advocacy for the people of the borough in their time of need.
“Offering one-to-one and group-based support, Guardians Grow tackles a variety of personal issues in our communities, including domestic violence, homelessness, addictions, financial hardships, and mental health.
“This charity has been at the centre of community support in the borough and will continue to provide vital care for the residents of Nuneaton and Bedworth.”
Located in Abbeygate Shopping Centre, Nuneaton, Guardians Grow started as a small community group in 2016 and became a registered charity in 2020, working to remove social and economic issues throughout the borough.
Across the two sites in the Abbeygate Shopping Centre, Margaret’s and the Iris Project, residents can expect to find a variety of support activities tailored to their needs.
Margaret’s offers a trauma-informed service, where experienced staff and volunteers offer trusted advice, advocacy, and support to help people feel valued and connected.
The Iris Project provides information, guidance, advocacy, and a space for survivors to connect and reclaim their strength through creativity and purpose.
There are plans to open a third site, The Dragons Crumb, which has grown out of the charity’s journey in delivery more than 6,000 food parcels during the Covid pandemic.
A fundraising page has also been set up to make it easier for people to donate.
Sioux Watkins, CEO of The Guardians Grow Charity, said:
“The Guardians Grow Charity has been at the heart of community support in Nuneaton and Bedworth for almost a decade, turning grassroots community activism into a trusted charity supporting thousands of people each year through times of crisis, hardship and change.
“For the past four years, Guardians Grow has delivered a range of community services from Margarets Community Hub in the Abbeygate Shopping Centre, alongside the Iris Project, a specialist survivor-led service supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, exploitation and trauma.”