We bring people together, spark conversations and build on each community’s strengths. This helps communities focus on what matters most to them and play an active role in decision-making and change.

Our current focus is Responding to rural community needs in the West of England, a National Lottery-funded project running until September 2027. The project will work with communities across South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset to explore three key challenges rural communities regularly face:

• Access, exploring how rural communities can better connect to transport, digital, employment, education and other essential services.

• Good homes, looking at how rural communities can access suitable, affordable places to live.

• Health and wellbeing, supporting communities to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and access the support they need.

We will work alongside rural communities to:

• Listen to local experiences to identify the real-life challenges affecting rural communities.

• Learn from what is already working by mapping the ways communities are overcoming access barriers.

• Develop practical solutions together through co-designed, community-led approaches.

• Share lived experience with decision-makers so rural needs are reflected in future policies and strategies.

• Build a strong support network of stakeholders who can help rural communities respond to ongoing challenges.

Examples of projects that have resulted from our community development support include:

Power to Pill - strengthening the capacity of residents and local organisations in the communities of Pill, Easton-in-Gordano and Ham Green to bring forward initiatives that improve health and wellbeing and promote greater inclusion, including the development of a community hub/café.

Strawberry Line Café - an innovative project in Yatton that brought an old train station building back to life as a community café, staffed by adults with learning difficulties. We supported individuals to set up a new group, the Strawberry Line Cafe Club which meets at the café providing a social opportunity for individuals, connecting them to a wider network of like minded people and support. 

Chew Valley Community Transport - a scheme that helps people in and around the Chew Valley get to medical and other appointments. It came about from needs identified by our village advisers that inspired local volunteers to take action and address the lack of public transport locally  

Chair Yoga in Backwell  - a group set up by a disabled lady to provide an opportunity for people with physical disadvantages to exercise in a social setting that was extended to a neighbouring community by popular demand.

If you would like further information on rural community development, please contact: