Community Development Work
Connecting People and Making a Difference
BDEF runs a number of Community Development activities which change in nature and location depending on what our members want . Our aim is to support and empower Disabled people to take more control over their lives and to be able to overcome the barriers they face, get connected into their communities, and advocate for their rights. Currently this work is funded by Bristol City Council and delivered with their support.
Roll & Stroll
This is a group for Disabled people wanting to get out into nature but needing some support to get involved. It provides opportunities to go on short walks and then meet for a friendly hot drink in areas like Stokes Park, Castle Park and Oldbury Court Estate. Details of sessions are found here
Drop-ins and Support Groups
We run a number of sessions each week across the City to support members to meet new people, end isolation, raise issues of concern and feel empowered to tackle them and to take up new opportunities. The groups decide what they want to do and how to do it. Our Community Development Worker, Dan Bourton, runs these in a variety of accessible settings supported by partner agencies. Currently these are in Hartcliffe, Fishponds, Lockleaze and St Paul’s. Details can be found here.
On-line Support Group
These zoom meetings take place on a Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5pm, and is a support group for people who feel isolated or are unable to leave home, and would like to meet new people and talk about issues of concern, and get support to make changes in their lives. To sign up contact: [email protected]
Who can attend?
All our groups are open to anyone in Bristol who identifies as Disabled or is an older person, and is looking for support and help to make connections and take up new opportunities.
Where and when?
Drop-in dates will be posted on our events calendar.