PEOPLE are being encouraged to come and help make a new community space in Oldbury Court their own.
The Vassall Community Hub, at the Vassall Centre in Gill Avenue, officially launches at the start of November.
To celebrate, there will be a week of taster events, starting with a free ‘food and fun’ festival and also including a variety of free activities and workshops, from Tai Chi and crafts to singing.
Children will be able to try out the large play zone (pictured above), with soft play for under-5s and a sensory space for children with special educational needs.
‘Join us…and get involved’
Community Hub Manager Zoe Williams said: “We really want to encourage people in Oldbury Court and Fishponds to join us throughout the week, get involved, meet the team, and take advantage of the fantastic facilities and programmes we have on offer.
“We want local residents to have a real say in what we offer as a Hub, ensuring we’re running activities and services that truly meet the needs of the community.”
The Autumn Festival of Food and Fun on November 2 will feature lantern-making, live music and street food, which will all be free.
The hub has been created by Bristol Charities in a Vassall Centre building that was freed up after tenants relocated to other parts of the site.
Initial community use started a year ago, and work has been underway to transform the building, which now has two spaces to host community activities and events.
It includes a function room and fully-equipped kitchen and cafe area to host cooking classes and events, in addition to the Vassall Centre’s main cafe, run by charity Props.
The hub building has been painted purple to stand out from surrounding buildings.
The project has been supported by £54,000 community resilience funding from the city council, announced last summer.
Bristol Charities chief executive Julian Mines said: “In addition to the exciting activities and events we’ve organised, the Vassall Community Hub will deliver projects aimed at providing long-term support for local residents and fostering a stronger, more connected community.”
Projects already underway include a food club offering low-cost groceries for members, and a family support programme delivered in partnership with local schools.
Grants on offer
Grants of up to £1,000 are available to help fund local projects and groups, with grants of up to £200 for individual events also on offer.
People with a good idea they would like funding for can email Zoe at zoe.williams@bristolcharities.org.uk.
Updates on events are being posted on the centre’s Facebook page, with a new website due to be launched soon.