Citizen Coin - Your Stories
Breaking barriers for asylum seekers and refugees
Citizen Coin is part of Public Health’s Healthy Places and Communities programme. It is helping more people in Wakefield get involved in volunteering.
Many asylum seekers and refugees face problems like money worries, unfair treatment and poor mental health. Citizen Coin is helping to make things easier by opening up new chances to get involved.
Urban House joined Citizen Coin in October 2024. The aim was to help people volunteer both where they live and in the local area. The Citizen Coin team visited Urban House and Cedar Court to give in person training. This helped residents learn how to use the app and enjoy the rewards.
After this, more residents started using Citizen Coin. One Cedar Court resident volunteered for the first time at the Rhubarb Festival. They worked alongside staff from the Citizen Coin team.
The scheme also helps asylum seekers enjoy local activities.
Urban House staff have helped people use their coins for swimming at Sun Lane Leisure.
Pat McCusker is the Health Protection Co-ordinator at Urban House. She said: “Some service users at Urban House have been using their coins for free swims at Sun Lane Leisure. Boredom, isolation, and physical inactivity are real challenges for asylum seekers. It’s great to hear we’ve found a way to help.”
Citizen Coin is helping people feel welcome and part of the community. It is building confidence and giving people a chance to be recognised for their efforts. The project is growing and helping even more people in Wakefield feel they belong.
Supporting dementia carers and volunteers at Memory Action Group
The Memory Action Group (MAG) supports people living with dementia and their carers.
It was set up in 2018 by Jan Archbold. She is now the Trustee, Treasurer and Centre Manager. Jan started the group because there wasn’t much support for people affected by dementia. “Caring for someone with dementia 24/7 is extremely tiring and constant,” says Jan. “At our drop-in centre, we’re all in the same situation. We share ideas, tips and experiences while enjoying a variety of activities.”
MAG runs lots of activities like quizzes, singing, crafts and day trips. These help people make friends and feel less lonely. Jan says this is really important: “Dementia often falls through the cracks,” she explains. “It’s not recognised as life-limiting or terminal, and yet it is all of those things. It doesn’t just affect older people either - it can impact anyone at any age.”
Jan found out about Citizen Coin through local events and thought it was a great match for MAG. “Our trustees, centre and market stall volunteers work extremely hard. Citizen Coin gives us a way to reward that commitment and dedication,” she says. MAG also hopes it will help attract more volunteers and make current ones feel appreciated.
Not everyone at MAG has signed up to use Citizen Coin, but many have and are enjoying it. “Once we got the hang of it, it’s easy to manage. [Many of our volunteers] are very keen to scan the code,” says Jan. “I don’t think I can measure the impact yet, but everyone using it is enthusiastic.”
As more people come to MAG, the group is starting to outgrow its space. This shows how much dementia-friendly support is needed in Wakefield. Jan has big hopes for the future: “The ultimate goal is for Wakefield to become totally dementia friendly. A place where people with dementia are accepted and welcomed everywhere.”
When asked if she would tell other groups to try Citizen Coin, Jan says: “Yes, I do – all the time.”
How spending my Citizen Coins helped me rediscover swimming
Citizen Coin rewards people for volunteering with digital tokens. These can be used for local services and fun activities.
For one Wakefield resident, Citizen Coin has made a huge difference. Sarah had not been able to go swimming for two years because of money worries. Swimming used to help her feel better, both in her body and her mind.
When Sarah heard about Citizen Coin, she was happy to learn that coins could be used for swimming. She was able to return to the pool and do something she really enjoys. “The coins are amazing! As you can claim the same offer many times, I have been using them for swimming. Due to the cost of living, I had not been able to swim for two years. Citizen Coin has given me the opportunity to do something I love again, improving both my physical and mental health.”
Sarah is now a big supporter of Citizen Coin. She tells other people about it and encourages them to join too. “At every opportunity, I talk about Citizen Coin. I know a few people who have since joined - it’s a great way of giving back to the people supporting the community.”
Citizen Coin helps people take part in healthy and fun activities. It also builds a culture of giving back. As more people use it, feedback like Sarah’s will help make the programme even better, so more residents can benefit.