Celebrating Kindness, Connection and Community at Hope Café

Last Friday, we were delighted to welcome local residents, community groups and partners to a special Hope Café event at the Vassall Community Hub - a morning all about kindness, connection and community.

The event was part of the national A Million Acts of Hope campaign, which celebrates the everyday acts of care and support happening in communities across the UK. Here at the Hub, we see those moments every day - whether it’s neighbours helping one another, people sharing a meal, or simply taking time for a chat.

Throughout the morning, people came together over tea, conversation and delicious cakes made by trainees from PROPS. There was pebble painting, creative activities, and a brilliant live performance from the Sing for Happiness choir, led by St George’s Bristol, which had the whole room smiling, clapping and singing along.

It was lovely to see such a wide mix of people spending time together - from local residents in Frome Vale and Fishponds to community organisations, charity partners and local groups from across Bristol.

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin sent her support for the event, saying:

“I am proud of the special community spirit that runs throughout our region - which is home to acts of hope every day - and of our shared values of tolerance, inclusion and compassion.”

Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer also shared a message of support:

“Bristol is a city which refuses to give in to hostility and division. Events like Hope Café showcase the best of our city: united in our desire to look out for each other and to create a kinder world.”

Sophie Jerrold, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Bristol Charities, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome so many local residents and partners through the doors of the Hub. The atmosphere throughout the morning was warm, welcoming and uplifting - a reminder that small acts of kindness and community support really do matter.”

Strike Communications, who partnered with Bristol Charities to help organise the event, added:

“We aren’t suggesting hope is a shortcut solution, but complex problems need diversity of thought and a community effort to find solutions. Where hate isolates people, ultimately limiting our ability to solve the critical issues we face, hope works the other way. Connection is how problems get solved.”

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, helped out, baked cakes, performed, or sent hopeful wishes in support of the event. It was a really positive morning and a lovely reminder of what can happen when people come together.

We’d also like to thank PROPS, St George’s Bristol, Strike Communications and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority for supporting the event.

📰 Bristol 24/7 also covered the event here: Pop-up café celebrates power of kindness and connection

🎥 You can also watch highlights from the day here: Watch the Hope Café video