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 Groups & Resources

There are estimated to be over 1600 voluntary sector community groups in Bristol. The largest umbrella body for these is Voscur, with a mission to support, develop and represent Bristol's voluntary and community sector. Some other groups are:

Ambition Lawrence Weston exists as a resident-driven organisation striving to make Lawrence Weston a good place to live and work www.ambitionlw.org
Barton Hill Settlement offers a unique space for residents of Barton Hill and the surrounding area to celebrate, learn, create, develop, relax, socialise and play. www.bartonhillsettlement.org.uk
Bristol Noise shows God's love in practical ways in urban estates across Bristol. www.thenoise.org.uk
CAP Life Skills is a friendly group that gives people the confidence and decision-making skills they need to survive life on a low income. We teach people practical money-saving techniques, such as cooking on a budget, living healthily on less, and making your money go further https://capuk.org/i-want-help/our-services/cap-life-skills/introduction
Filwood Hope supports people in South Bristol with financial and housing advice. https://www.filwoodhope.org
Knowle West Healthy Living Centre provide high-quality services to prevent illness, promote good health and assist recovery after medical treatment. www.knowlewesthealthpark.co.uk
Local Friends currently operates in a few areas of Bristol but is seeking to spread and aims to build the capacity of people in the local community to care for one another, through volunteers from local churches and other faith groups, providing human contact, listening and basic practical support. https://localfriends.org.uk
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust is a resident-led organisation that exists to support residents to achieve positive change for themselves and their community. www.lockleazehub.org.uk
Sea Mills Community Initiatives support community development in Sea Mills and the surrounding area. https://www.smci.org.uk
Southmead Development Trust Is a charity run by local residents of Southmead, running projects that aim to increase opportunities, reduce isolation and promote wellbeing. www.southmead.org
The Park in Knowle aims to support local people to learn, gain employment, be fit and healthy, appreciate each other, enjoy life and reach their full potential. www.theparkknowle.org.uk
Up Our Street is a community magazine from Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Management that features stories, important information and events in the area. upourstreet.org.uk
Wellspring Healthy Living Centre supports residents in East Bristol to improve their health, well-being and confidence to transform not only their lives but those of others in their community. www.wellspringhlc.org.uk