Grassroot Communities is an organisation that tailors and delivers school, youth and community work projects based on the wants and needs of local people. For example, leadership programmes and practical environmental & creative projects that work with people of all ages to transform local spaces, improve community cohesion and reconnect people with nature. Our main focus is to support participants to improve their health, well-being and quality of life. The needs of the individuals, groups and communities we work with are at the heart of all the projects that we develop and facilitate. Subsequently these projects inspire participants, groups and communities on their journeys through life and create an awareness of how we can all achieve a happy, sustainable future where we all have the opportunity to thrive.

Academics and practitioners aiming to build inclusive cultures of collaboration in Bristol which results in social change for marginalised communities.

Originally employed to plan, coordinate, fund and deliver the Community Space Challenge (CSC) All Ages programme. I blended all ages and abilities of local people from nursery school children, to the more mature members of their communities such as local history groups, with every age range and groups imaginable in between. The projects were predominantly in South Bristol and in some cases city wide, with the aim to engage all ages in projects that would physically improve an area and improve community cohesion. Over the period of the CSC inter-generational programme I created and delivered 18 completely different projects such as ‘WildFest’ and ‘Pick of the Bunch.’ The former was an annual week long nature and community themed event whilst the latter was a flower growing social enterprise working with primary school students and young adults with learning difficulties, potting, nurturing and selling flowers across South Bristol. These projects also involved developing a community site at Springfield Allotments where we grow vegetables, feed and rear sheep and chickens and (most importantly) break down any preconceived barriers between young people and adults with learning difficulties in a positive way. In 2014 I gained funding to develop a weekly youth project called Urban Escape. This project allowed us to support young people to become the next generation of community champions in an area that historically and culturally has had limited experience of getting outdoors and enjoying local green spaces, being inspired to promote all things green and have fun in bringing people together in the process by organising fun community events. I secured funding for the young people to be supported in building their own roundhouse / youth club at our allotment site in Knowle West. This space is also now supported by an adult group that I set up to help maintain the space in order for it to be a successful growing space and safe environment for the young people.

To engage and build a relationship with the mentee that positively impacts on their life space, utilising a mix of activities and discussions to do so.

Managed all aspects of a voluntarily staffed, open access youth club within Redcatch Park, in the Knowle ward of Bristol. Resourced and delivered varying types of sessions every Thursday evening and developed a more extensive youth programme. Facilitated staff supervisions, attended relevant community meetings and was responsible for aspects of KEY Projects administration.

To develop ideas and activities with young people, in their own space. I.e. in Parks.

To Develop and facilitate varied ASDAN accredited projects or activities, which were aimed at engaging, inspiring and socialising the young people. Our goal was to listen, support and re-engage young people at risk of exclusion back into school or alternative options.

To develop and facilitate a community cohesion project for a group of seven young people, from varied backgrounds, cultures and geographical areas of Bristol. The aim was to enable the young people to run paid workshops on community cohesion for professionals.

I facilitated positive activities, ASDAN projects and support in Math’s and English lessons for the Choices programme. I work on a Wednesday and Friday at the Mill youth centre in Easton.

The Crypt Youth Centre – assisting in the running of the Youth Club and related projects for 13 to 19 year olds.Boiling Wells Environment Project – using natural and traditional crafts; storytelling or bush craft skills to engage referred young people with emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties.Youth Bristol – helping to facilitate varying outdoor pursuits, engaging young people between the ages of 13 to 18.Positive Futures – assisting in teaching a Sports Leadership course to 16-19 year olds.

Developing and facilitating an alternative curriculum.