Strength in unity for East Bristol community organisations
Felix Road Adventure Playground has provided a sanctuary for families in the heart of the city since the 1970s.
Saved from closure by a mass community effort in 2013, the future of the vibrant Easton site has been secured by a merger with two like-minded organisations that both play pivotal roles in supporting the neighbourhood.
Easton Community Centre and Up Our Street are to join forces with Felix Road Adventure Playground in a move bosses say will help strengthen work to support residents at a time of economic hardship and in the wake of government cuts.
The Kilburn Street-based community centre was built by people in the neighbourhood in the 1980s and provides a safe space for the thousands who come through its door each year. Up Our Street has been supporting community action in the neighbourhood since 2000 and is well known for its community magazine, events and community development projects.
The merger has been on the cards for the past 18 months as the three organisations sought ways they could work together to secure their future and continue to serve the local community.
CEO of the newly-formed organisation Stacy Yelland says things were challenging for community organisations even before covid-19, and they needed to innovate to continue to meet local need while being financially sustainable.
“In spite of the difficult climate, the reasons for our merger are so positive,” says Stacey. “We are stronger together and feel our combined strengths make us a really exciting and unique organisation.
“During the lockdown, we have shown what we can do together. From Easton Community Centre, the team has been delivering food parcels and children’s toys and games to over 65 children and 41 adults weekly, supporting families who usually rely on Felix Road being open.
“This has really put us to the test in the very first days of our new organisation and we are proud of how the community has pulled together.”
Now the merger is official, the group will be working with communities and partners to develop a longer-term strategic plan.
I’m a diversity consultant and a design and communications consultant. I help people and organisations develop vision, communicate and deliver cultural change.