Stronger Together, a group formed to support people living in the town from Poland invited people and families to come and enjoy a donut for their traditional “Fat Thursday” celebration, also known as Tłusty Czwartek. The polish tradition gives Polish people the chance to overindulge in food, ahead of Lent.

As well as eating, the event was also used to gain people’s views on events and activities they would like to see running for them in the future.

The Stronger Together group have recently formed under the lead of Magda Pulka, who has been running activities for the community, but wanted to form as a group and encourage more people to get involved.

Magda Pulka says “We would like to showcase the work of the group and tell people we are here for them. We asked people what they would like us to organise for them in the future and if there were any willing volunteers who would like to join us”.

Children were also invited to the event because it was half term and were able to join in donut decorating activities.

Kaja Niesłuchowska said “It was really good. My family really enjoyed it and it was

great to see so many people turn up to support the event. I am definitely interested in getting involved with Stronger Together in the future. It is important that we encourage people to come to events like these to meet more people from their community and plan the future”

With help from Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and county council over forty people were able to come during a morning in half term to have a sweet snack, decorate donuts and find out

Funding and Groups Development Officer Michelle Black said “With more people joining Magda and her small team, the group will be able to grow and apply for funding to help run these activities which are so important to bringing people together. After COVID people have been left isolated and their health has taken a dip. It is great to see community minded people like Magda pulling everyone together and organising an event like this to benefit the polish community of Nuneaton.”

Stronger Together have already been involved in setting up a Montessori School also at The Veterans Contact Point and have put on the occasional tea and coffee morning.

Magda added “We would love to grow the group and get more people onto our committee team, as well as encourage people to become volunteer helpers at events. Some of the ideas we have had are to run more regular coffee and chat sessions for mums and dads after they have dropped their children off at school, health related activities such as walks and more exercise classes. We need people to tell us that these things are needed and that they will be used before we start moving forward.”

Stronger Together are now planning some exciting Easter half term events for Bedworth. If you would more information about the group or to offer your help and support, you can email Magda and her team on wangog@gmail.com

For more information about the work of Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action in Nuneaton and Bedworth and how they can help you as a community group email michelle.black@wcava.org.uk