Working together to build a more connected, vibrant community
We’re excited to introduce you to the four new Community Connectors in Stockwood – a passionate team whose main aim is to listen, engage, and help bring neighbours together to shape the future of our area.
The role of a Community Connector is all about people. You might see them out and about – knocking on doors, running focus groups, hosting stalls, or simply having conversations in parks, on pavements or at community events. Their goal is simple: to ask questions that matter. Questions like “What’s important to you?”, “What do you love about living here?”, and “How can we work together to make Stockwood even better in the future?”
By sparking these conversations, they’ll help uncover the strengths, passions and ideas already within the community – and help people turn those ideas into action. Whether it’s a project to improve green spaces, create new events, or simply meet more neighbours, the aim is to help make Stockwood a more inclusive, welcoming, and lively place to live.
There will also be a special focus on supporting older residents, working alongside the Impact Alliance to help make sure no one feels left out or disconnected.
Let’s meet the team!
Sam Malley
Sam is Stockwood through and through – born and raised here, with a deep love for the area’s wildlife and green spaces. You’ll often find him outdoors, camera in hand, capturing nature or taking part in local environmental projects like balsam bashing. He brings experience from working in cafés, forest schools, and now in community development. Sam is passionate about bringing people together and helping them see their own strengths: “Let’s work together to make Stockwood the best it can be – through the people who live here.”
Mel Wallington
Mel has called South Bristol home for the past 20 years and brings a warm, compassionate approach to her work. With a background in the charity sector, including Citizens Advice, she’s committed to helping people overcome challenges and feel heard. Mel’s interests include meditation, litter picking, and learning Korean! She’s looking forward to connecting with Stockwood residents, listening to their stories, and supporting positive change from the ground up.
Rachel Radford
Rachel grew up in Stockwood and recently retired after a 40-year career in finance, making time to care for her father. Now, with more time to give back, she’s eager to reconnect with her community in a new way. Rachel enjoys walking, travelling, and relaxing with a good book – often accompanied by her cheeky Miniature Dachshund, Bert. She’s excited to get out into the neighbourhood and meet fellow residents to find out what matters to them most.
Catherine Bartlett
Catherine has lived in Stockwood for over two decades and is already a familiar face to many through her voluntary work as chairperson of the local community park friends group. With experience in both social care and the tech sector, she brings a unique mix of people skills and problem-solving know-how. Catherine is all about creating opportunities for connection and improvement – and she’s ready to help turn community ideas into reality.
Get Involved
If you see Sam, Mel, Rachel or Catherine out and about – say hello! They’re here to listen, learn, and help spark action. Whether you’ve got an idea, a concern, or just want to chat about what you love (or would like to change) in Stockwood, your voice matters.
Together, let’s build something great – starting with a conversation.