Ever wondered what it’s like to manage our properties, keep our systems running, and develop community activities? In our “A Day in the Life” series, we shine a light on the brilliant people who make Bristol Charities what it is, from behind-the-scenes heroes to frontline changemakers.
This month, we caught up with Lil Bowers, Family Engagement and Strategy Lead, to find out what a typical day looks like in their role, what motivates them, and what they love about working here.
Section 1: Introductions & Role
Can you tell us your name, job title, and how long you’ve worked at Bristol Charities?
Hi, my name is Lil Bowers. I started working for Bristol Charities in September 2025 for 2 days a week as Family Engagement & Strategy Lead.
What team are you part of, and what does your team do?
I am based in the Stockwood team in the new Stockwood Community hub. This is a new team who are listening to what local people want and supporting some volunteers run services such as food club.
How would you describe your role in a sentence or two?
My role is to co-construct and develop family support services in Stockwood and Oldbury court by looking at what’s already working well, listening to local parents and professionals, and identifying needs and opportunities.
Section 2: A Typical Day
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different, so let’s take one day recently as an example. I started at 9am in the Haberfield house office catching up with the wider team and emails. At 10am I popped over to Stockwood Library to meet 2 members of staff for an update on what services they provide and how we could potentially work together. At the end of their Rhyme time, I chatted to 3 Stockwood families about their experiences, what they access already and any barriers they have faced before walking to the free church where I’d arranged to speak with another parent who has been proactive in developing the local park.
After a quick lunch, Charlie (the Stockwood hub manager), and I, walked down to a local Primary school for our regular meet-up with the head teacher, pastor lead and chair of governors. Our partnership with the school is exciting as we are finding ways we can work together to make a positive impact like supporting the development of after-school activities. Back in the office I turned my attention to preparing for our first Stockwood family strategy meeting next week.
Are there any daily rituals or routines that help you structure your day?
I am the first up each day and after feeding the cats I sit down with a coffee to journal enjoying quiet time to reflect. I also meditate each night. I used to suffer from insomnia and find these healthy habits (and a better work life balance) have really helped. I have learnt that exercise and fresh air are important and slowing down enough to take notice and enjoy life rather than rushing to the next thing!
What’s the first thing you usually do when you start work?
I commute from Portishead, so I am ready for a cup of tea once I arrive! Working part-time, I catch up on emails / messages and what I have missed gets me back into the swing unless it’s straight into a meeting.
What kinds of people or teams do you work with most?
I am enjoying getting to know;
- Families, informally at groups and events.
- The Bristol charities staff team
- And connecting with other professionals & agencies working to support families.
Section 3: Highlights & Challenges
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Developing partnerships. I am passionate about bringing people together, finding shared goals, and creating something new together that makes a real difference.
What’s something people might not realize your role involves?
Saving elves! I discovered a very soggy abandoned puppet at our apple pressing event. I took it home for a bath and added some extra stuffing and ‘Buttons’ now has several new items of clothes and 2nd life as our mascot. As part of our Christmas media campaign, Buttons highlighted what’s going on the area as the Stockwood elf on the shelf
What’s been a recent highlight or proud moment at work?
Seeing the change in people’s lives. I have recently bumped into a few previous parents and volunteers from Sure start and Stockwood children’s Centre and seen the difference the projects had in empowering parents. Their stories of how an available & compassionate listening ear, encouragement and the right range of linked opportunities can make all the difference.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your role – and how do you tackle it?
Having worked for Bristol City Council for 24 years running a sure start/children’s centres and made lots of professional connections; it can feel odd re-connecting with people with a different hat on! But I love seeing old colleagues and enjoying the freedom and innovation of being back in the voluntary sector.
Section 4: Personal Perspective
What motivates you in your work at Bristol Charities?
I suffered from burnout in 2024 and took redundancy last summer. I knew that job wasn’t right for me any more and needed to put my energy into the things I am passionate about. I had knowledge, experience and a community focused way of working that Bristol Charities valued.
Is there a part of the charity mission that particularly resonates with you?
Yes, Community led change and working collaboratively. It’s the core values of compassion and empowering communities to thrive that has relit my fire.
Section 5: Getting to Know You
What do you like to do outside of work?
Being outside in nature. I enjoy Nordic Walking with Alison Findlay at Ashton Court. I am also a self-employed coach, and I am currently training in forest therapy and feel the benefits on my own wellbeing which I share in an outdoor group for parents & babies called Lil’tree babies.
Do you have a hidden talent, hobby or fun fact you can share?
Scrap-booking; I discovered this hobby after my twins were born, and I returned to work full-time and I needed something to ‘refill my jug’. It has given me something creative and reflective for myself plus more than 30 albums of layouts and some lovely creative friends.
If your job was a film, what would it be and why?
The Shawshank redemption is inspiring as it shows leadership in small acts of encouragement and hope.
Or…
The Hunger Games. Not so much the fighting to the death but the power of connection and community and Katniss resilience as a reluctant catalyst for change.
If you could have a superpower – what would it be?
I don’t like to see suffering, so my superpower would be the ability to heal pain – mentally as well as ill physical health.
What are you reading or watching at the moment?
Radical Help by Hilary Cottam (this was a Christmas present from the charity) and books on the benefits of forest bathing. I also love the traitors!
We have a CEO with particular tea-making requirements – what’s your hot drink of choice – shaken or stirred?
Cafe style cappuccino, latte or mocha, with cow’s milk. If a coffee machine isn’t to hand a builder’s tea, filter coffee or herbal tea once I have had my fill of caffeine!
Who in another team has really helped or inspired you recently?
I must give a shout-out to Charlie here. After leaving my last job feeling rather jaded, it has been a joy to be part of his team where everybody’s contribution is welcome.
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