What happens when a community comes together to look after its neighbours?

At St Barnabas Church in Knowle West, the BS4 Foodbank Outlet has grown into more than a place to collect emergency food. Volunteers offer food parcels alongside hot drinks, homemade cakes, fresh produce and, importantly, time to listen

The Well Listening Café at St Andrew’s Church in Avonmouth offers a free weekly space where local people can share food, meet others and have a conversation. There are no referrals or requirements to attend – just a warm welcome and a listening ear.

At St John the Divine in Fishponds, Family Club has grown by listening to the people who come through the doors. What began as a simple Wednesday afternoon gathering for local families has developed into a busy community space shaped by the people who use it.

St. Mary’s Church in Shirehampton offers free hot meals, support, and companionship daily, creating a welcoming space for all. From live music to emotional support, the church fosters connection, combats loneliness, and serves as a vital lifeline for its community.

B&A Meals at B&A Church delivers 430 free meals weekly through a network of 18 partner churches, fostering connection and addressing food insecurity. Recent funding has enabled further expansion, the initiative plans to grow to 50 churches, serving 2,000 meals monthly to create spaces of belonging and support.

The Mercy Group at Clifton Cathedral supports mental health and combats isolation in Bristol through weekly gatherings, communal lunches, and practical assistance. Welcoming diverse individuals, including young adults and refugees, it’s fosters connection, belonging, and care for those in need.

St. Stephen’s Church in Southmead hosts the Friendship Café every Wednesday, offering free activities like dance fitness and health checkups. It’s a thriving community hub where locals can find companionship, support, and connection.

“We’re motivated by the Biblical principle of ‘loving your neighbour,’ and we want to bring that to life in our daily actions,” Stewart shares. This vision has led to initiatives like the community café, Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Groups, and a local food bank, all of which operate within the church’s space.

BCCF is launching its Winter Cost of Living Crisis campaign and is looking to provide financial grants to support a range of local projects this coming winter 2024/25.

This campaign will be wide-ranging and include support to those experiencing food and/or fuel poverty, debt, homelessness, mental health issues, or loneliness.

Thank you for helping us promote the BCCF Welcome Spaces 2023 Campaign. We’ve created a range of resources to help you help others in our city which you can download below. Download Pre Service Slides here (Keynote, Powerpoint, JPGs, PDF)

The Bristol Churches City Fund launches a new campaign to set up and fund a Welcome Hub in the city centre to welcome and support asylum-seeking families stuck in hotels.

By donating via the BCCF Child Welfare Campaign, you can help support children and young people in the Bristol area. You can help positively impact their well-being and help change their lives.

Bailey's story is one of transformation and hope, only made possible through our generous supporters. Watch his inspirational story to see what an impact the right support can make!

Every 15 minutes in the UK, a child will come into care. Many will have suffered neglect or abuse, all will have experienced trauma and loss. See how you can help right here in Bristol.

Derek Powell of Ebeneezer Church, shares with us his family story and personal invitation to help support children and young people in Bristol.

Stockwood Free Church has been partnering with Woodland Academy School, for three years. Read how they are now serving and are “at the heart of the school”

“This is about raising funds in a united and collaborative way so that we’re able to support the most vulnerable children and young people across the city”