Four Years of Support for Bricks Through Bristol Impact Fund 3

We’re delighted to share that Bricks is to be funded for four years through the Bristol Impact Fund 3 (BIF3), and we are already getting stuck in. We will be thinking long-term, working with local communities in our doorstep. It will grow the way we think about how both St Anne’s House, and the work we do out and about in our neighbourhood can support a more connected, confident and inclusive community in an area of Bristol that is often overlooked, but which has loads to offer.

This grant, our biggest to date, marks an exciting new chapter in our work. It shows just how far we have come since opening the doors of St Anne’s House in 2021. Being trusted at this scale, to support grassroots, community-led change in our neighbourhood means a huge deal to us, and the funding of £185,000 over four years will enable us to be ambitious, whilst staying true to what we’re all about.

This support is a powerful endorsement of the work that has been growing in and around St Anne’s House, and, more importantly, of the people who make it what it is and have shaped the journey so far.

Since opening SAH, we’ve seen what happens when communities are given the space, tools, and trust to lead. Local residents who once felt isolated have found connection and purpose. Informal groups have grown into self-organised networks,  Social Enterprises and Artists have found a home that enables them to connect with the ambitions of local people. Ideas shared over a cup of tea have evolved into projects, events, and ongoing programmes, all shaped by local voices.

Our vision for BIF3 is simple but ambitious: to support equalities communities to become more connected, confident, and inclusive. We’re working towards a reality where people from all backgrounds, but particularly those often underrepresented groups, including refugees, LGBTQIA+ residents, and older adults are leading on activities that they care about and that make space for them in cultural and community life.

St Anne’s House will remain at the heart of this work, not just as a venue, but as a shared, evolving community resource shaped by the people who use it. Alongside this, we’ll expand our presence in local neighbourhoods, meeting people where they are and supporting connection at a street level.

KEY ACTIVITIES AS PART OF BIF3 WILL INCLUDE:

• Running a free, inclusive community living room shaped by local people
• Delivering co-creation workshops that bring residents and organisations together to design projects
• Training and supporting community connectors to build networks and lead local action
• Investing in resident-led projects through resources, mentoring, and incubation of ideas
• Hosting creative workshops, skills exchanges, and accessible activities that build confidence and connection
• Taking part in neighbourhood-based outreach, supporting ideas and activity beyond the building
• Strengthening partnerships with local organisations to create a more joined-up, place-based approach

We’ll continue to back new ideas, support collaboration, and create clear pathways for people to get involved and take the lead.

It’s all about more people showing up, stronger connections across differences, and more initiatives led by local residents themselves. It’s about building a resilient, connected community where people feel they belong and have the power to shape what comes next.

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Bristol Impact Fund and excited to keep building this work together.