Gloucester Community Building Collective C.I.C.

This year, our community builders have seen a growing sense of togetherness, as people continue to come together to improve life in their neighbourhoods. Despite the mounting challenges many communities are facing, such as economic pressures and reduced access to local services, there is a renewed energy among residents who are working collectively to shape a better future. As we have remained present in some areas for longer periods, we are seeing a shift in mindset: people are beginning to recognise not only their potential but also their right to have a say in the decisions that affect where they live. Small but meaningful changes are taking root, local groups are joining forces, creating welcoming spaces, and sparking connections that help residents enjoy and take pride in their community. For the Collective, this past year has brought significant change. Our Young Peoples Project came to a close after two impactful and successful years, marking the end of a key chapter in our work. Alongside this, we saw shifts within our team. One young peoples community builder transitioned into a regular community builder role, and we said goodbye to three others, all of whom have since been replaced. In terms of our governance, we welcomed Tracey Thomas as our new Chair of the Board over the summer. Tracey brings a wealth of experience and has already made a significant impact, guiding GCBC with clear vision and steady leadership. Under her direction, we have taken steps towards becoming a more inclusive organisation, strengthening our foundations for the future. In December, our Executive Director stepped down after 18 months, prompting an internal restructure. As a result, we now have a refreshed leadership structure and have welcomed Rae Bell as Director of Community Building and Rui Laborda as Assistant Director of Community Building. We believe these changes will bring greater stability to GCBC and help create a supportive and inspiring environment for all involved. Barton and Tredworth: Over the past year, Derrick has played a vital role in deepening community connections and supporting local initiatives across Barton and Tredworth, particularly through his work with the All Nations Community Centre (ANCC). Early in the year, he strengthened partnerships focused on improving mental health and wellbeing in ethnic minority communities. He collaborated with Art Lift and the Diversity Ethnic Research Alliance to reduce barriers to accessing arts based support, with a focus on trauma and healing. He also worked with Gloucestershire County Council Public Health to understand why communities of colour are not accessing drug and alcohol services, highlighting the need for improved outreach. Alongside these conversations, Derrick participated in community events such as the Ebony Carers 20th anniversary and the Barton and Tredworth street party, while supporting grassroots initiatives like Cook, Eat, Speak. In the latter half of the year, Derrick contributed to ANCCs strategic development and formally took on the role of Community Builder for the whole of Barton and Tredworth. He strengthened ties with the Tredworth Residents Association by supporting their monthly events and introducing new members. He also helped connect local artists and producers to ANCC, enriching the cultural life of the community through film nights, trips, and exhibitions. Towards the end of the year, Derrick continued to nurture community connections, supporting a walking group for older women and engaging local businesses. He has focused on building relationships with neighbourhood barber shops, recognising them as key informal community spaces where social bonds are formed and sustained. Elmbridge and Longlevens: This year has been a time of reflection and connection. We evaluated the impact of Carenas role as Community Builder from 2019 to 2023. An independent review by consultant Jo Underwood brought together evidence from focus groups, workshops, notes, dashboard data, and interviews. Even after her role officially ended, Carena has remained connected with groups and residents, offering support and encouragement. In early 2024, following the publication of the learning report on our work in Elmbridge and Longlevens, the community requested a follow up event. We asked residents how they wanted to use this opportunity, and they prioritised helping more people feel connected locally. This led to the co design of the Elmbridge and Longlevens Community Showcase. A planning group of residents, the local Social Prescriber, a Community Outreach Worker, and Carena met four times between October 2024 and January 2025. The showcase took place on 12 February 2025 at Lonsdale Methodist Church and Community Hall. The event welcomed 150 residents, featured 23 exhibitors and live demonstrations, and was supported by more than 60 volunteers. Over 200 hot meals and many drinks and cakes were served. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with residents sharing written comments and messages online. Linden: Over the past year, Agnes has strengthened community ties and supported residents through partnership building and promotion of local funding opportunities. She supported the creation of the Keep Fit and Knit Group, guiding residents through applications and planning. The second phase of the Planters Project launched, adding six new planters adopted by residents in the Lannett. The local primary school expressed interest in turning a planter into a sensory space for children. Agnes supported the Gloucester Skaters group in securing funding for their Summer Jam event, improving perceptions of the skatepark and encouraging positive use. Volunteers, including graffiti artists, contributed to the space. Her ongoing work helped the group submit another funding bid and resulted in praise from local workers who noticed improvements in cleanliness and care. Agnes continued supporting sustainability by helping groups such as the Chatty Cafe introduce a small session fee to help continue their stretch classes. She also supported new residents in joining established groups and exploring new activities. Tuffley: Tuffley saw a transition following Sarahs departure in June. Community building was taken on by Antony and Kyla. After the young peoples project ended, Kyla became a regular community builder and began a discovery phase to identify local assets and opportunities. She met Clive, a former volunteer whose involvement had paused after a stroke, and reconnected him with local groups, helping him re engage with the community. Kyla also supported residents in forming an independent litter picking group and helped a group of women begin developing their long held idea for a community choir by linking them with a local musician. Westgate: Carena made progress in building relationships and uncovering opportunities for connection in Westgate. She built relationships with knitting groups and local wool shops, running weekly Sit and Knit sessions. She strengthened ties with the Gloucester Health Access Centre and became involved in their community groups. She helped establish a new toddler group in Hempsted by connecting parents with the Children and Family Worker at St Swithuns Church. Carena then supported the groups outreach through social media, noticeboards, and door knocking. Children and Young Peoples Project: Funding for Coney Hill ended in quarter two, and Kyla shifted focus to Tuffley and Parry Hall. Kiara continued engaging young people in Matson, Robinswood, and White City, amplifying youth voices and supporting creativity. A highlight was Picnic on the Green, a community celebration offering free activities and refreshments. Kiara used the event to speak with residents and gather insights into local needs. Digital: Flora has continued running existing Digi hubs and establishing new ones. Current Digi hubs include Elmbridge, Linden, Westgate, Podsmead, and Gloucester Library for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. The hubs help build digital skills and serve as platforms for connection. Some hubs are becoming self sufficient, with participants supporting each other beyond sessions.