The Vassall Centre is more than just a building, it’s a thriving hub of organisations working every day to support communities, champion inclusion, and create positive change.
In this series, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible tenants based at the Centre, hearing their stories, celebrating their impact, and learning what makes this place so special to them. From long-standing charities to emerging grassroots groups, these interviews offer a glimpse into the heart of the Vassall Centre and the people who bring it to life.
This month, we’re delighted to feature Props, an organisation dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential. As October marks Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM), we’re especially proud to highlight the voices of Props Trainees, some of whom have Down Syndrome, celebrating their achievements and championing inclusion, opportunity, and visibility.
This year’s DSAM campaign is a celebration of individuality, focusing on what every person with Down syndrome deserves “to be”, what they aspire “to be”, and what they are proud “to be.” By raising awareness, we’re helping to create space for fairness, equity, and respect – and encouraging everyone to join us in embracing and celebrating differences in a positive and meaningful way.
As Julian Mines (Bristol Charities CEO) says, “It’s absolutely wonderful to have the Props Trainees here at the Vassall Centre, they bring so much warmth, energy, and joy to the community. Their presence reminds us what true inclusion looks like in action. They’re not just part of the Centre; they’re an integral part of its heartbeat, contributing to the welcoming, positive atmosphere that makes this place so special.”
We caught up with David Hussey, Interim CEO at Props, to hear more about the incredible work the organisation does and why it holds such a special place in the community.
About Your Organisation
Can you tell us a bit about Props and the work you do?
At Props, we support adults with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential – in work, in their communities, and in life. Our focus is on ability, not disability. We create opportunities for our Trainees to develop real skills through hands-on work experience, training, and enterprise. Our Trainees are at the heart of everything we do.
Who do you support, and what difference do you hope to make for them?
We support adults with learning disabilities across Bristol and the surrounding area -people who are often excluded from traditional education and employment pathways. Our mission is simple: to empower our Trainees to lead purposeful, connected, and fulfilled lives. The difference we aim to make is tangible; growing confidence, independence, friendships, and genuine pride in their achievements.
What does being based at the Vassall Centre enable you to do that you might not be able to do elsewhere?
The Vassall Centre gives us a vibrant, inclusive base where accessibility and community come first. The layout, atmosphere, and neighbourly spirit make it the perfect home for an organisation like ours. It allows us to collaborate easily with other charities and social enterprises, share ideas, and give our Trainees a sense of belonging in a wider community of changemakers.
Life at the Vassall Centre
How long have you been based at the Vassall Centre?
We’ve been part of the Vassall Centre community since 2001, and it’s been a fantastic home for us.
What changes have you seen during your time here?
The site has really evolved, it’s busier, brighter, and more connected than ever. There’s a renewed sense of purpose since Bristol Charities took on stewardship, and you can feel the energy of new partnerships forming all the time.
What makes the Vassall Centre special or different from other places you’ve worked?
It’s the people. There’s a genuine sense of collaboration here – everyone wants to see each other succeed. The Vassall Centre isn’t just office space; it’s a community of organisations that share values around inclusion, empowerment, and social impact.
Thinking about Down Syndrome Awareness Month
At Props, some of our incredible Trainees are adults with Down syndrome, and celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month is an important moment for us to recognise their individuality, achievements, and contributions. It’s a time to challenge outdated stereotypes and highlight the talent, creativity, and determination our Trainees bring to everything they do, from running enterprises to supporting community events. Awareness isn’t just about visibility; it’s about inclusion and equity, creating a society where every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and be valued for who they are. At Props, we see the impact of true inclusion every day, and this month is a powerful reminder of why that matters, because when everyone is supported to reach their potential, our whole community grows stronger.
Looking Ahead
What’s coming up for Props in the next few months?
We’ve got a lot to look forward to – expanding our training enterprises, launching new partnerships with local businesses, and growing our catering and events work. We’re also developing more routes into paid employment for our Trainees, which is a huge focus for us.
How do you see your work growing or evolving in the future?
We want to keep creating pathways for independence – more supported employment, more visibility for our Trainees, and stronger connections with Bristol’s business community. Ultimately, our goal is to make inclusion the norm, not the exception.
What would you love to see happen at the Vassall Centre in the next few years?
We’d love to see the Centre continue to evolve as a truly inclusive community hub – a place where local residents, charities, and businesses mix more often and where collaboration leads to even greater impact.
Final Reflection
Is there anything else you’d like to share about Props, your Trainees, or what being part of the Vassall Centre community means to you?
Being part of the Vassall Centre means being part of something bigger. It’s a space that lives its values – inclusion, accessibility, and collaboration. Our Trainees feel at home here, and that sense of belonging is priceless. We’re proud to be surrounded by organisations that share our passion for making Bristol a fairer, more inclusive city for everyone.
We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and purposeful community here in Frome Vale.
👉 Are you a resident with a story to share? We’d love to hear from you.
👉 Want to get involved in the Vassall Centre community? Whether you’re a local resident, potential partner, or simply curious, there are plenty of ways to connect.
To find out more, get in touch with the team at Bristol Charities or visit www.bristolcharities.org.uk.
To find out more about Props, visit here: Props
