Bristol Charities, a non-profit organization based in Bristol, has been named as a key “Enabler” in the Impact Alliance’s latest pilot program aimed at addressing loneliness and strengthening community connections in six areas across the West of England. This includes Stockwood, a neighborhood in Bristol.
Led by the Impact Alliance, a collaborative movement of over 50 purpose-led organizations, this initiative marks a significant step towards tackling loneliness through community-informed action. The pilot will see Enabler organizations working closely with residents to understand the realities of loneliness in their communities and co-design sustainable solutions.
As the designated Enabler for Stockwood, Bristol Charities plans to utilize its deep roots in the city and long-standing commitment to empowering communities to lead change. Julian Mines, CEO of Bristol Charities, expressed his pride and excitement in being a part of this collaborative initiative. He believes that while loneliness is a growing challenge, communities are best equipped to address it. Bristol Charities’ role will be to listen, support, and enable local residents to shape solutions that work for them, thus bringing about meaningful change.
Bristol Charities’ involvement in this pilot program reflects its strategic commitment to reducing social isolation and investing in partnerships that support community wellbeing. Stockwood was chosen as one of the six pilot communities due to its unique blend of strengths and challenges, as well as its potential for learning and innovation to benefit the wider region.
Other pilot areas include Somer Valley (Bath & North East Somerset), the Mendip Villages (North Somerset), Charfield (South Gloucestershire), as well as targeted work with global majority elders and disabled young people aged 13-25, two groups often overlooked in national data on loneliness.
This initiative is based on the Promising Approaches Framework developed by Kate Jopling and the Campaign to End Loneliness. It signifies a shift towards community-led solutions, shaped by those with lived experience, rather than top-down service design.
Bristol Charities will collaborate with residents, local groups, and fellow Alliance members to trial and evaluate new approaches, ensuring that insights and learnings are shared across the region.
For media enquiries or to get involved in the Stockwood pilot, please contact Sophie Jerrold at sophie.jerrold@bristolcharities.org.uk. To learn more about Bristol Charities and their involvement in this pilot program, visit their website at www.bristolcharities.org.uk.
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