By bringing people together, catalysing conversations and building people’s skills we enable communities to tackle what’s important to them and be at the forefront of decision making and change.

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

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  

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. After enjoying refreshments, visitors can rent cycles at the connected enterprise next door. Recently, we supported new group to set up that meets at the café providing a social opportunity for isolated individuals.   

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 which has been extended to a neighbouring community by popular demand

Key to success is taking an asset based approach, building on each community’s strengths and being led by their interests. This allows people to tackle issues together, build resilience, and create community cohesion.

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

Tina Huckle-Mills – Project Manager

07502 641 805

tina@wern.org.uk