Community & Social Prescribing
Bristol is a diverse city in its people and culture. That diversity is also depicted in the difference in the average life expectancy, which ranges by 9.4 years across different communities in the city.
This inequality has traditionally been addressed through many community groups, including the church, as well as statutory services, often working in isolation and often funded by grants/the state. This funding has reduced dramatically in recent years.
The community groups that survive in the new funding climate need to be financially sustainable, locally rooted and well connected. Many services are looking to place a greater emphasis on attracting volunteers.
How you or your church can help
Bristol is fortunate to have a strong range of community organisations working across many geographic communities as well as communities of interest in Bristol. Christians are often involved in their communities as residents, through their church and often through a number of other community groups.
The 34 wards in Bristol each have a local Neighbourhood Forum meeting termly to address local needs. The wards are grouped together into 14 Neighbourhood Partnerships, which is the formal route through which Bristol City Council devolves decision-making to communities.
Anyone can attend any of these meetings and raise any concerns or ideas they have for improving their communities.
Community & Support Services
Abundant Life For All Christian Community (ALFACC).
ALFACC support adults with learning and other disabilities and offer training in cooking, gardening and woodwork as well as respite stays.
www.alfacc.org.uk
Ambition Lawrence Weston
Ambition Lawrence Weston exists as a resident-driven organisation striving to make Lawrence Weston a good place to live, work and play. https://ambitionlw.org
Avonmouth Community Centre
Friendly and inclusive hub offering events, welcome space/café facilities, and community hire spaces to bring people together in Avonmouth.
https://avonmouthcca.org.uk
Avon & Somerset Police
Regional police force serving Avon and Somerset areas. Also Bristol Neighbourhood Policing
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
Babbasa
Empowering disadvantaged youth through training, mentoring, and support programs to help them achieve their potential.
https://babbasa.com
Baraka Community Cafe
Community café providing a welcoming space for connection and support; part of ECFC and a hub of welcome, meeting and refuge for our whole community all week.
https://ecfc.org.uk/baraka-cafe
Black South West Network
Advocacy and networking organisation supporting Black communities and organisations across the South West region.
https://www.blacksouthwestnetwork.org
Brandon Trust
Supporting people with learning disabilities and autism across South West England and the South Midlands to live fulfilling, independent lives.
https://www.brandontrust.org
Bristol and Bath Disability Network / Through the Roof
Disability charity enabling inclusion in church and society, working to remove barriers for disabled people.
https://throughtheroof.org/
Bristol Charities
Historic charity providing grants to individuals in Bristol who are in need of financial assistance.
https://www.bristolcharities.org.uk
Bristol Churches City Fund
Provides grants and support for churches and community projects across Bristol.
https://www.bristolchurchescityfund.co.uk
Bristol Noise / Noise 365
Opportunities to join in with what's already happening in the city and in your neighbourhood through local projects or events.
https://www.thenoise.org.uk
Bristol Schools Connection
Network connecting schools to community organisations, supporting pastoral care and outreach in Bristol schools.
https://www.bristolschoolsconnection.co.uk
Bristol Street Pastors
Volunteer Christian initiative supporting vulnerable people at night in the city centre and nightlife areas.
https://www.bristolstreetpastors.co.uk
Bristol Young Hero Awards
Celebrating the achievements of young people across the city, recognising their contributions to the community.
https://communityofpurpose.com/projects/bristol-young-heroes-awards
BS3 Community Development
Community organisation serving Bedminster, Southville, and Bedminster Downside areas.
https://bs3community.org.uk
Christians At Bristol Pride
Providing inclusive Christian support and presence at Pride events across the city.
Citizens Advice Bureau (Bristol)
Free advice on benefits, housing, employment, debt, and other issues affecting Bristol residents.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/bristol
Community Development Bristol (BCC)
Bristol City Council function delivering community sports, youth, and adult services across the city.
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/community
Community of Purpose
Award-winning C.I.C transforming the lives and futures of Bristol's young people through businesses that act as a force for good.
https://communityofpurpose.com
Easton Christian Family Centre
Family support, counselling, and community hub services in Easton.
https://ecfc.org.uk
Eastside Community Trust
Community spaces and youth provision, including Felix Road Adventure Playground in East Bristol.
https://eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk
Faithspace / Redcliffe Hub
City centre Christian hub hosting community and creative events, providing space for social action.
https://faithspacebristol.weebly.com
Felix Road Adventure Playground
Open access play space for children in East Bristol, promoting outdoor learning and creativity.
https://eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk/our-places/felix-road/
Filwood Community Centre
Community centre offering activities, classes, and support services in Filwood, South Bristol.
https://www.filwoodcentre.org.uk
Filwood Hope
Local charity supporting families in Filwood with advice, advocacy, and practical assistance.
https://www.filwoodhope.org
Freeways
Supporting adults with learning disabilities across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and B&NES
https://www.freeways.org.uk
Global Goals Centre
Educational centre promoting awareness and action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
https://globalgoalscentre.org
Greenway Centre
Community centre providing local activities and services in Southmead
http://southmead.org/greenway-centre
Hartcliffe City Farm
Urban farm providing food education and serving as a community hub in Hartcliffe.
https://www.hartcliffecityfarm.org.uk
Hazelnut Community Farm
Supporting churches in creating eco communities on their land in order to deepen worship, welcome their community, and combat climate breakdown.
https://hazelnutcommunityfarm.com
Heart of BS13
Community-focused centre providing youth and family support, and working to create and inspire change in Hartcliffe and Withywood in South Bristol. https://www.heartofbs13.org.uk
Henbury & Brentry Community Centre
Community centre offering classes, events, and activities in North Bristol.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Henbury-Brentry-Community-Centre/185488682030946
Hillfields Community Garden
A welcoming and open space the garden gives local residents a space to grow, connect, and volunteer in Hillfields
https://www.hillfieldscommunitygarden.co.uk
HYPE Bristol (Barnados)
Barnardo’s HYPE puts young people's voice at the heart of children's health and care in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/services/barnardos-hype-bristol-north-somerset-south-gloucestershire
Incredible Kids
Providing a safe place for families in Bristol with young people who have additional needs to come together and spend quality time as a family. https://incrediblekids.org.uk
Just Love Bristol
A community of Christian students pursuing God's heart for social justice in Bristol and beyond. https://www.instagram.com/justlove.bristol
Kintsugi Hope
Supporting mental health and wellbeing through community connections.
https://www.kintsugihope.com
Knowle West Alliance
Community engagement and arts programs in Knowle West.
https://knowlewestalliance.co.uk
Knowle West Healthy Living Centre
Health and wellbeing hub delivering community services in Knowle West.
https://www.knowlewesthealthpark.co.uk
Lawrence Weston City Farm
Community farm offering education programs and community activities.
https://lwfarm.org.uk
Lockleaze Adventure Playground (The Vench)
Adventure playground and community centre providing outdoor play and youth activities.
https://thevench.co.uk
The Hub Lockleaze
Community centre in the heart of Lockleaze, offering activities and support services. https://www.lockleazehub.org.uk
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust
Community governance and support organization serving Lockleaze residents.
https://www.lockleazehub.org.uk
Meadow Vale Community Centre
Community venue hosting classes and events in the Speedwell area.
https://www.mvcaspeedwell.com
Milestones Trust
Supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently across Bristol and beyond.
https://www.milestonestrust.org.uk
Mullers
Müllers (George Müller Charitable Trust) strengthens churches to support vulnerable children, resourcing believers, mission leaders, and youth work
https://www.mullers.org
Nilaari Agency
Nilaari is a Black-led charity in Bristol offering culturally sensitive talking therapies, practical support and training for racialised communities.
https://nilaari.co.uk
Oasis North Bristol
Supporting families to find community, choice, and hope in North Bristol.
http://www.oasisnorthbristol.org/
Oasis South Bristol
Community hub responding to the strengths and needs of South Bristol neighbourhoods.
https://www.facebook.com/OasisHubSB
Quartet Community Foundation
Provides grants to local voluntary and community groups across Avon and Somerset.
https://quartetcf.org.uk
Redcatch Community Garden
Community growing space in Knowle West, promoting sustainable food production.
www.redcatchcommunitygarden.com
SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality)
Anti-racism education, community support, and advocacy organisation working across Bristol.
https://www.sariweb.org.uk
Scrapstore
Creative reuse project providing affordable craft materials to schools and community groups.
https://www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk
Silva Care
Community service for adults with learning disabilities and people with autism.
https://www.silvacare.org.uk
Southmead Adventure Playground (The Ranch)
Safe outdoor play space for children and young people in Southmead.
https://southmead.org/the-ranch
Southmead Development Trust
Community-led regeneration organization serving Southmead.
https://southmead.org
Southmead Project
Smaller community enterprise delivering local services in Southmead.
https://www.southmeadproject.org.uk
Sparks Bristol
Everything in Sparks is designed to help people take easy, money-saving actions on climate, equality and wellbeing
https://sparksbristol.co.uk
St George Community Association
Local charity serving St George and East Bristol with community activities and support.
https://www.sgcabristol.org
St Paul's Adventure Playground
Inclusive playground for St Paul's children and families, promoting play and community.
https://stpaulsventures.org.uk
St Werburghs Community Centre
Hub for courses, volunteering, and community events in St Werburghs.
https://stwerburghs.org.uk
St Werburghs City Farm
Community urban farm and education project promoting sustainable agriculture.
https://www.swcityfarm.co.uk
The Ardagh
Creating a community-led future for The Ardagh at the heart of Horfield Common.
https://theardagh.com
The Old Library
Community library and hub on Muller Road.
https://theoldlibrary.org.uk
The Park in Knowle
Community green space and events venue in Knowle West.
https://www.theparkcentre.org.uk
The Spark Space
Community creative and educational space supporting learning and connection.
https://bit.ly/m/SparkSpaceLinks
Together 4 Bristol
Information about united prayer, worship and outreach from the churches around the city of Bristol.
https://www.together4bristol.org.uk
Voscur
Voscur is the local support and development agency for Bristol’s Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector.
https://www.voscur.org
Wellspring Healthy Living Centre
Wellbeing hub with fitness, mental health, and community services in Barton Hill.
https://www.wellspringhlc.org.uk
Windmill Hill City Farm
Urban farm and community education centre in Windmill Hill.
https://www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
Withywood Centre
Community centre in Withywood offering activities, classes, and support services.
https://www.withywoodcentre.co.uk
World Sport Ministries / Get Sported
Sports-based Christian youth outreach working city-wide.
https://worldsportministries.com
Zion Bristol
Community development and arts venue in Bedminster Down and Bishopsworth.
https://zionbristol.co.uk/
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