Bristol Charities and Voscur are calling on charities, community groups and social enterprises across Bristol to take part in a new survey exploring the growing challenges around workspace and community infrastructure.
Exploring Workspace Pressures in the VCSE Sector aims to build the clearest picture yet of how rising costs, limited availability of suitable premises and changing ways of working are affecting organisations across the city.
The findings will help inform future advocacy, investment and collaborative solutions to ensure Bristol’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector has the spaces it needs to continue supporting local people.
The survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, is open to charities, community groups, social enterprises and other VCSE organisations of all sizes, whether they own, lease, share or are searching for workspace.
As demand for community services continues to rise, many organisations are finding themselves under increasing pressure from higher rents, reduced availability of affordable premises and a lack of flexible space to grow or collaborate.
The research will provide valuable evidence to help shape future discussions around community infrastructure, shared workspace models and long-term support for Bristol’s VCSE sector.
Paul Smith, Deputy CEO of Bristol Charities, said:
“Bristol Charities is delighted to be working alongside Voscur on this important piece of research. We know that thriving charities need places to collaborate, innovate and serve their communities. By listening to organisations across Bristol, we can better understand the pressures they’re facing today and help shape the physical infrastructure and support the sector needs for the future. Every response will contribute to building a stronger, more connected VCSE sector for our city.”
Rebecca Mear, Chief Executive, Voscur, said:
“Every day, we hear from organisations that are adapting to rising costs, changing demands and increasing pressure on the spaces they rely on to deliver vital services. Yet we know there is no single picture of how these challenges are affecting Bristol’s VCSE sector. This survey is an opportunity for charities, community groups and social enterprises to share their experiences and help build the evidence needed to influence future policy, investment and support. We encourage every organisation, whatever its size, to take a few minutes to complete the survey. Together, we can help ensure the sector has the space and infrastructure it needs to continue making a difference across Bristol.”
The organisations hope the findings will help identify opportunities for greater collaboration, strengthen the case for investment in affordable community infrastructure and support the development of practical solutions that enable the sector to thrive.
Organisations are encouraged to complete the survey and share it with colleagues and networks to ensure the widest possible representation from across Bristol’s VCSE community.
Take part
Exploring Workspace Pressures in the VCSE Sector
📝 Survey completion time: Less than five minutes
🔗 Complete the survey here: Exploring Workspace Pressures in the VCSE Sector
Notes to editors
About Bristol Charities
Bristol Charities is one of the city’s oldest charities, working to tackle poverty through mission-led housing, community hubs and investment in Bristol’s voluntary sector. Through initiatives such as The Vassall Centre and its wider Community Hub model, Bristol Charities supports organisations to collaborate, innovate and deliver lasting impact for local communities.
About Voscur
Voscur is Bristol’s support and development agency for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, helping organisations to build capacity, strengthen partnerships and create positive change across the city.
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