Meet Your New Community Activators
- Jasmine Williams
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
The Vassall Community Hub is proud to introduce three new Community Activators for Frome Vale - local residents who are stepping up to support neighbours, spark new ideas, and help build a stronger, friendlier community.
A big part of their role will be encouraging people to make use of the Grassroots Grants - small pots of funding designed to help local people bring their ideas to life. The grants are simple, flexible, and all about trying something new that brings neighbours together.
The most popular option is the £200 grant - perfect for testing out small, creative ideas like a shared meal, a walking group, a coffee morning, or a community celebration. There are also larger grants of up to £1000 for projects that grow from these beginnings.
Our new Activators will not only encourage people to apply but will also help shape decisions about which projects receive the funding. Most importantly, they’re here to make sure everyone feels confident that their idea matters - no matter how small, unusual, or ambitious.
Let’s meet them:
Lindsay - Certified Nap Enthusiast, Neighbourhood Connector
Lindsay has lived in Frome Vale for more than six years and says it’s the best place she’s ever lived in Bristol. For her, becoming a Community Activator is about rebuilding that sense of togetherness:
“I think people have forgotten the sense of community over the years. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I believe if we start small, we can have a big impact.”
Lyndsay loves projects that bring people together in positive ways - whether that’s getting to know neighbours beyond the “parking drama” or trying out unusual ideas. She encourages residents not to be shy: “Nothing is too weird or niche. I love weird!”
When she’s not community activating, you’ll find Lyndsay botch-jobbing DIY projects, eating her way around Bristol, or walking her dog through Snuff Mills - her favourite local spot. Fun fact: in her youth, she once Irish danced for football legend Alan Shearer!
Soroush - Kind, Generous, Delighted to Connect
Soroush has lived in Frome Vale for just a year but already feels deeply connected.
He and his wife love to host meals, share meaningful conversations, and play music with friends.
His passion for the role comes from wanting to support his neighbours:
“I wanted to work for the betterment of my neighbourhood. My role is about helping different people and groups to create more cooperation, unity, and peace.”
Soroush is especially excited by community-building activities for children, young people, and creative arts projects. A talented painter himself, he brings a flair for colourful, joyful expression to his new role.
Uzma - Adventurous, Helpful, Social
Uzma has called Frome Vale home for 7-8 years and is passionate about making sure people know what opportunities and funding are available to them.
She sees her role as a way to build trust:
“I want to achieve a relationship where community members feel safe and welcome for any kind of help.”
Uzma is most inspired by projects that get people active and social - from sports to meet-ups - and loves seeing people come together in Snuff Mills or at the Vassall Centre café.
Outside of her role, she enjoys playing different sports and storytelling.
How You Can Get Involved
£200 Grants: quick and simple funding to test out small, fun ideas. Perfect for coffee mornings, skill-sharing, street parties, or trying something new.
Up to £1000 Grants: for projects that build on a smaller idea and grow bigger.
So, if you see one of our new Community Activators out and about - why not stop for a chat? They’d love to hear your ideas. You can also reach them by email at community@vassallcentre.org.uk.
And as ever, Jess and Dan are available to support you with any ideas or applications:
Jess Garbett, Community Engagement Manager, Bristol Charities: jess.garbett@bristolcharities.org.uk
Dan Lewin, Community Development Practitioner, Bristol City Council: dan.lewin@bristol.gov.uk
Jess Garbett, Community Engagement Manager at the Vassall Community Hub, said:
“These grants are for everyone in Frome Vale - you just need to be keen to get involved. Sometimes it’s the simplest things, like a coffee morning or a shared meal, that can make the biggest difference. You don’t need to have all the details worked out, or feel like you’re ‘the right kind of person’ to do it - that’s what we’re here for. We are here to listen, encourage, and support you as you bring your ideas to life.”
A Community for Everyone
With the energy and enthusiasm of Lyndsay, Soroush, and Uzma - and the support of the Grassroots Grants - Frome Vale has an exciting opportunity to grow stronger together. Whether you’ve got a quirky idea, want to meet new neighbours, or just want to feel more connected, the new Community Activators are here to listen, encourage, and help make things happen.
