Bristol Charities Proud to Join Impact Alliance Pilot Addressing Loneliness
Bristol Charities is delighted to be announced as a key ‘Enabler’ organisation in the Impact Alliance’s new pilot initiative to address loneliness and strengthen community connection in six areas across the West of England, including Stockwood, Bristol.
The initiative, led by the Impact Alliance – a collaborative movement of over 50 purpose-led organisations – marks a major step forward in addressing loneliness through locally driven, community-informed action. The pilot will see Enabler organisations working closely with residents to understand the realities of loneliness in their communities and co-design sustainable solutions.
As the Enabler for Stockwood, Bristol Charities will draw on its deep roots in the city and long-standing commitment to empowering communities to lead change.
Julian Mines, CEO of Bristol Charities, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be supporting the Stockwood community through this bold, collaborative initiative. Loneliness is a growing challenge – but also one we believe communities are best placed to tackle. Our role is to listen, support, and enable local people to shape the solutions that work for them. This is what meaningful change looks like.”
Bristol Charities’ involvement reflects its strategic commitment to reducing social isolation and investing in partnerships that support community wellbeing. Stockwood was selected as one of six pilot communities for its unique blend of strengths and challenges, and the potential for learning and innovation to ripple across the wider region.
Other pilot areas include Somer Valley (Bath & North East Somerset), the Mendip Villages (North Somerset), Charfield (South Gloucestershire), as well as targeted work with global majority elders and disabled young people aged 13–25, two groups often overlooked in national data on loneliness.
The initiative is grounded in the Promising Approaches Framework developed by Kate Jopling and the Campaign to End Loneliness. It represents a shift away from top-down service design towards community-led solutions shaped by those with lived experience.
Bristol Charities will collaborate with residents, local groups, and fellow Alliance members to trial and evaluate new approaches, ensuring insights are shared across the region.