Eastside Community Trust launches new 2026–2030 Strategy: A Place of Possibility
Eastside Community Trust has today unveiled its new 2026–2030 Strategy, setting out an ambitious vision for Easton and Lawrence Hill as “a place where communities thrive.” Rooted in extensive community input and shaped by the organisation’s 2024 evaluation, the strategy outlines how Eastside will continue to champion local people, strengthen neighbourhood spaces, and respond to the fast‑changing world around us.
The plan celebrates what makes the area special—its creativity, resilience and deep sense of community. As the document states, “Eastside provides people of all ages with places and ways to connect… this plan is about Eastside, its people, its places and the positive impact we aim to have on the communities we are here to serve.”
A strategy shaped by local voices
Residents, partners, funders, staff and trustees all contributed to the development of the new strategy. Their experiences and reflections are woven throughout, including the voices of local people who describe Eastside as “a community living room where people come to relax” and a place that offers “breathing space, space to play, explore and reduce social isolation.”
Key priorities for 2026–2030
The strategy sets out five core priorities that will guide Eastside’s work over the next four years:
Contributing to a happy childhood – Expanding quality play opportunities and tackling the impact of child poverty through healthy food and inclusive spaces. “Reducing the impact of inequality caused by child poverty through the provision of quality play opportunities and a healthy food offer.”
Increasing social connection – Creating more ways for residents to meet, make friends and feel part of the community.
Encouraging cohesion and belonging – Supporting shared experiences, cultural understanding and inclusive events.
Building social action and resilience – Enabling residents to lead, organise and shape local change through skills, confidence and networks.
Improving environmental sustainability – Reducing Eastside’s environmental impact and supporting community‑led climate and nature action.
The strategy also recognises the need to remain adaptable in uncertain times, noting: “The world feels unpredictable and fast changing… we will remain responsive to what our community needs over the coming years.”
Strengthening the foundations
To deliver these priorities, Eastside has set out a series of enabling commitments, including:
Strong and stable community assets – Continued investment in Easton Community Centre, Felix Road Adventure Playground and other local spaces.
Activating community leadership – Growing resident‑led action through Eastside’s membership.
Demonstrating impact – Improving data collection and long‑term evaluation.
Supporting staff and volunteers – Prioritising wellbeing, development and job satisfaction.
Financial resilience – Diversifying income and building new partnerships.
“A place of possibility”
The strategy reaffirms Eastside’s commitment to its core values—Positive, Collaborative, Kind, Honest, Inclusive and Playful—and its belief in starting with what is strong in the community. As one partner put it, “Eastside Community Trust is a fantastic anchor organisation. I often hold it up as an exemplar when talking to partners across Bristol.”
What’s next?
Over the coming months, Eastside will begin rolling out the first phase of activity linked to the new strategy, working closely with residents, partners and local organisations to bring its ambitions to life.
Residents are invited to read the full strategy, get involved in upcoming events, and help shape the next chapter of Eastside’s story.
If you would like to support or take part in Eastside’s work, the team would love to hear from you.
