Over the past four years, Eastside with funding and support from the Bristol Impact Fund 2 (BIF2), a programme delivered by Bristol City Council to support communities and reduce inequality, has made a meaningful and lasting difference across East Bristol.

By helping residents connect, improve their wellbeing, and take an active role in community life, the project has shown what’s possible when people are listened to, supported, and given space to shape activities together.

Through this initiative, we’ve been able to reach residents in ways that feel natural, welcoming, and accessible. Whether through doorstep conversations, pop-up events, or regular group activities, the focus has always been on understanding what matters to people, and supporting them to lead, participate, and thrive.

Enjoy the BIF2 photo slide show…

Activities That Bring People Together

BIF2 has offered a rich mix of wellbeing activities shaped by the community itself. Somali Breakfast mornings, women’s nights, Buraanbur dance sessions, and cycling groups have all provided joyful spaces for connection. Open groups like mindful colouring have offered calm moments for relaxation, while practical initiatives such as the uniform swap have helped families save money and reduce waste.

These activities have done more than fill a timetable, they have helped residents build confidence, make friends, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

Reducing Isolation and Strengthening Neighbourhoods

One of the project’s biggest achievements has been reducing isolation. Group visits, community meetings, and social events have brought people together who might otherwise have felt alone. Many residents who joined activities for the first time now have new friendships and feel more rooted in their neighbourhood.

Some groups, including Rawnsley Park and Lansdowne Court, have even become resident‑led. This shift shows the powerful local leadership that has grown from the project and the pride people take in shaping their own community spaces.

Connecting People to Opportunities

As a community connector, sharing the work of BIF2 with local organisations and citywide networks has been an important part of the journey. By linking residents to opportunities, resources, and information, the project has helped more people get involved in activities that matter to them. Pop‑ups and visits across the area have ensured that no one is left out of the loop.

A Project That Leaves a Legacy

Through all of this, BIF2 has achieved its core aims:

• • more people taking part in wellbeing activities

• • improved mental health and wellbeing

• • stronger friendships and social connections

• • increased participation in community life

Looking back, there is so much to be proud of: the friendships formed, the confidence built, and the opportunities created. BIF2 has shown that small steps, taken together, can make a big difference in people’s lives.

We are proud to be a recipient of the Bristol Impact Fund 3 (BIF3): One City, Many Communities. This latest round of funding builds on the strong foundations of BIF1 and 2, with a renewed focus on investing in neighbourhood organisations and supporting citywide equalities communities.