St Mary’s Guildhall, a 700-year-old Coventry venue has strengthened its commitment to the community by launching a discounted meeting rate for voluntary groups in the city.
The initiative is part St Mary’s Guildhall’s long-term goal to engage and connect with people throughout the city, including those who may not have accessed heritage spaces before, as well as serving as a world-class heritage destination in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.
The venue features a range of rooms suitable for different occasions – from small meetings and team sessions to public talks and formal banquets in the spectacular Great Hall.
Abi Moore, heritage and venue manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “As a place with more than seven centuries of civic heritage, supporting local organisations is central to what the guildhall stands for.”
She added: “We want the guildhall to be not only a place of historic significance, but also a living, active space that supports Coventry’s communities today, and that is reflected in our new community rate.”
One of Coventry’s most recognisable volunteer groups became the first to take advantage the community meetings package, which offers registered voluntary and community groups in the city the opportunity to hire meeting space at a significantly reduced rate, with half-day hire available from just £50.
EnV, the group behind Coventry’s City Hosts programme and numerous community initiatives, brought together 30 members for a “wellbeing walk & talk” meeting at the award-winning heritage venue.
Since launching in 2012, EnV volunteers have delivered more than 100,000 hours of service, including over 60,000 hours by City Hosts since Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture. The group also runs youth programmes, having trained over 500 Coventry Young Ambassadors and 100 Youth Ambassadors in partnership with schools and colleges.
During the meeting, EnV delivered a session around connection as part of its ongoing Wellbeing For Life initiative. The programme supports mental wellbeing, confidence building and social cohesion among the city’s valued volunteer networks.
Volunteers gathered in one of the guildhall’s historic meeting spaces for tea, coffee and a series of relaxed group discussions led by EnV’s Wellbeing Champions before heading on a walk through the city centre, exploring the stories behind Coventry’s Walk of Fame and the local personalities who have shaped the city’s identity.
The session also included a communication workshop, with practical activities to strengthen listening skills.
David Boughey at EnV said: “We’re grateful to St Mary’s Guildhall for welcoming us and for creating a new offer that makes it easier for community groups to use such a special space.”
He added: “Being together in a historic setting that belongs to the city helped make the session extra meaningful for our volunteers, and no doubt we’ll be back in future.”