The Fix It Forward initiative is all about making a practical difference in people’s lives. Through the collaboration of The Vassall Community Hub, Bristol Charities, Life Church Bristol, The Noise and other local partners, we’re bringing together volunteers with DIY and gardening skills, heaps of enthusiasm, and a shared passion for helping our community thrive.
Our goal is simple: to transform gardens and homes for those who need a hand, while building connections that reduce isolation and create hope.
Georgia’s Garden Transformation
Our most recent project saw volunteers come together to tackle the garden of Georgia, a local resident facing significant health challenges, including seizures, arthritis, and paranoia. For the past five years, Georgia has been housebound and unable to safely visit even her local shop alone. As a result, her garden had become overgrown and overwhelming.
Referred to the Vassall Hub by the local council, Georgia’s story touched us all. With weeds everywhere, hedges overgrown, and nowhere to sit, her garden had become a source of stress rather than joy.
But with the help of volunteers from Life Church Bristol, The Noise, and the Community Hub, everything changed in just one morning.
- Hedges were cut back.
- Multiple dumpy bags were filled with weeds and garden waste.
- The patio was scrubbed and cleaned.
- Fresh plants were donated and planted, including a “banana tree baby” kindly brought from a volunteer’s own garden.
- New patio furniture was built, creating a welcoming space.
Georgia herself joined in by helping with lighter weeding, planting flowers, and, of course, keeping everyone supplied with tea. By the end of the day, she had a beautiful outdoor space where she could sit, enjoy a coffee, and find some peace.
Beyond the Garden
The story doesn’t stop with the transformation. Since the project, our team has kept in touch, visiting Georgia, dropping off cuttings, and sharing encouragement. Most recently, Georgia and her case worker decided she would be safe to attend our Tuesday Lunch Club for vulnerable and older people at the Vassall Hub. This step marks an important move towards reducing her isolation and building stronger connections in her community.
As Charity Wallis, Development Director at Bristol Charities, reflects:
“Georgia is such a lovely person, and it’s inspiring to see how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. What might seem like a simple garden project has not only improved her living conditions but also helped her take steps towards reconnecting with others. This is what Fix It Forward is all about – providing holistic support through engagement with our Hubs and giving people a better quality of life.”
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly excited to continue developing the Fix It Forward initiative. By focusing on volunteer involvement and building strong partnerships, we can keep transforming lives one garden, one home, and one small act of kindness at a time.
If you would like to volunteer to help out with future Fix It Forward projects, please email our volunteer co-ordinator, Polly:
Together, we’re proving that when a community comes together, even small changes can have a big impact.
