Bristol Charities Selected as Key ‘Enabler’ Organization in Impact Alliance’s Pilot Initiative to Address Loneliness in the West of England
Thursday 26 June, 2025
Bristol Charities has been named as a crucial ‘Enabler’ organization in the Impact Alliance’s new pilot initiative to combat loneliness and strengthen community connections in six areas across the West of England, including Stockwood, Bristol.
Led by the Impact Alliance, a collective movement of over 50 purpose-driven organizations, this initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing loneliness through locally-driven, community-informed action. The pilot program will see Enabler organizations working closely with residents to understand the realities of loneliness in their communities and co-design sustainable solutions.
As the designated Enabler for Stockwood, Bristol Charities will utilize its deep roots in the city and longstanding commitment to empowering communities to lead change.
Julian Mines, CEO of Bristol Charities, states, “We are incredibly proud to be supporting the Stockwood community through this bold, collaborative initiative. Loneliness is a growing challenge, but also one that we believe communities are best equipped to tackle. Our role is to listen, support, and enable local people to shape solutions that work for them. This is what meaningful change looks like.”
Bristol Charities’ involvement in this pilot program reflects its strategic commitment to reducing social isolation and investing in partnerships that support community wellbeing. Stockwood was chosen as one of the six pilot communities due to its unique blend of strengths and challenges, as well as the potential for learning and innovation to spread throughout 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 efforts with global majority elders and disabled young people ages 13-25, two groups that are often overlooked in national data on loneliness.
This initiative is based on 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.
For media inquiries or to get involved in the Stockwood pilot, please contact:
Sophie.jerrold@bristolcharities.org.uk
www.bristolcharities.org.uk
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.