VCSE Sector Networks
On this page we have collated networks that either we are involved in running, or those that we know are taking place in the local area.
If you know of any networks that may be missing from this list please let us know by emailing info@voscur.org
Networks List
See below the full list of Bristol VCSE sector networks:
Bristol Voice & Influence Networks
Three networks hosted and run by Voscur, established as a structure to provide insight to key stakeholders and help them make better decisions for communities.
You can read more about each network and sign up to hear about them using the links below:
ACFA
Network of advice centres in the South West.
Facilitated by: ACFA
Contact Details: https://www.acfa.org.uk
ACFA Client Facing Network
A quarterly meeting to strengthen connection, knowledge, and confidence among people in client-facing roles, so they feel better equipped to support clients and work effectively across the advice sector.
Facilitated by: Talking Money, on behalf of ACFA
Contact Details: sarah.preece@talkingmoney.org.uk
#BigUpBartonHill Network
The #BigUpBartonHill Network is a friendly, informal network of people who work or volunteer for organisations or groups that deliver services in and around Barton Hill.
Facilitated by: Shared hosting between local organisations.
Contact Details: https://inbristol.org/bigupbartonhillnetwork/
BCC Community Development Learning Circles
For anyone who has completed the council’s training in asset-based community development to come together and share practice.
Facilitated by: BCC Community Development Team
Contact Details: communitydevelopment@bristol.gov.uk
Bristol Charity CEOs Network
A peer network for CEOs of charities registered in Bristol, for people to bring information or issues as well as seeking peer advice and support.
Facilitated by: Voscur
Contact Details: info@voscur.org
Bristol Community Development Networks
There are currently three networks for people working in North, East or South Bristol who have a focus on community development.
Facilitated by: Voscur
Contact Details: https://forms.office.com/e/jhXQv5vwGp
Bristol Girls Can
Bringing together organisations from across the city, all with a common goal of inspiring women and girls to get active across Bristol.
Facilitated by: Wesport
Contact Details: https://www.bristolgirlscan.co.uk/
Bristol Homeless Forum
A network for groups and organisations supporting those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
Contact Details: https://bristolhf.org.uk/
Bristol Refugee and Asylum Seeker Partnership (BRASP)
BRASP is an innovative partnership of 15 Bristol-based organisations working in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers in the city,
Facilitated by: Bristol Refugee Rights
Contact Details: phoebe.brasp@bristolrefugeerights.org
Bristol Support Hub for Older People
A network created to streamline referral pathways and connect organisations working with and delivering services for Older People. Forming joint approaches and creating opportunities for collaborative working.
Facilitated by: Age UK Bristol
Contact Details: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol/our-services/support-hub/
BS13 Professionals Network
A space to connect for anyone who works in BS13, whether they are based here or a citywide organisation who has a project here. Meeting on the final Tuesday of every month, 9-10am at Symes Resource Centre.
Facilitated by: HWCP
How to join: Just turn up!
Children & Young People’s Network
Designed to support people working together to meet the needs of children and young people in Bristol.
Facilitated by: Playful Bristol & Youth Work Alliance
Contact Details: https://www.childrenandyoungpeoplebristol.co.uk/about
Community Exchange
A fortnightly online meeting hosted by Bristol City Council, bringing together statutory agencies and VCSE organisations in Bristol to exchange knowledge and build connections. It welcomes speakers from across the Council, VCSE sector, NHS, and more.
Facilitated by: BCC Community Development Team
Contact Details: communitydevelopment@bristol.gov.uk
Community of Groups
Organisations supporting parents/carers of children with SEND.
Facilitated by: Bristol City Council
Contact Details: bristollocaloffer@bristol.gov.uk
Community Transport Network
Voscur and WERN co-host and facilitate the network, meeting regularly with community transport providers across the BNSSG area. The purpose of the network is to collaborate, share insight and come together as one voice to work in a strategic joined-up way.
Facilitated by: Voscur
Contact Details: info@voscur.org
Families in Focus MAN meetings
Multi Agency Network (MAN) meetings are for any practitioner working with children and families in the local area, a place to put names to faces, find out about services available to the families that we support, share good practice and some good quality refreshments!
Facilitated by: BCC Families in Focus
Contact Details: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/social-care-and-health/children-and-families/help-for-families/early-help/families-in-focus
Hillfields Community Network
An informal network of VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) sector organisations dedicated to the Hillfields community. As a member of the Network, you and your organisation are committed to improving life in Hillfields, creating a better environment for local residents. The Network collectively works towards positive action, fostering a sense of community and driving meaningful change in Hillfields. It meets quarterly, with meetings rotating venues and dates to ensure accessibility for different members.
Facilitated by: Hillfields Community Garden
Contact Details: engage@hillfieldscommunitygarden.co.uk
Horfield & Lockleaze Network
An informal network of organisations working to support the community in Horfield and Lockleaze.
Facilitated by: Shared hosting between local organisations
Contact Details: maria@lockleazent.co.uk
HR, Finance and Operations Network
The HR Finance & Operations (HFO) Network is a space for HR, Finance, and Operations professionals in the VCSE sector to build relationships and share skills, challenges, and information. In addition to meetings, there is an email discussion group. This network is only open to Voscur member organisations.
Facilitated by: Voscur
Contact details: https://voscur.org/hfonetwork
Knowle West Alliance
Monthly ‘coffee drop-in’ held at different locations for anyone who lives, works or has an interest in Knowle West.
Facilitated by: Knowle West Alliance
Contact Details: https://knowlewestalliance.co.uk/
Lawrence Weston Network
This network brings together anyone who works in OR for Lawrence Weston. It is informal with a breakfast where we can update each other, look for opportunities to work together, align, signpost or problem solve. We meet every 6 weeks in various community buildings across Lawrence Weston.
Facilitated by: Ambition Lawrence Weston
Contact Details: donna.sealey@ambitionlw.org
LGBTQ+ Coalition
A partnership of LGBTQ+ community organisations in Bristol, including charities, community groups, and social enterprises supporting LGBTQ+ people in our city.
Facilitated by: Voscur
Contact Details: https://voscur.org/lgbtq-plus/
Newtown Network
A informal network of groups and residents in Newtown.
Facilitated by: Shared hosting between local organisations.
Contact Details: newtownlive20@outlook.com
Redcliffe Community Strategic Partnership
A quarterly meeting of key stakeholders whose focus is Redcliffe, to involve local residents actively, share knowledge, and respond to ongoing community needs.
Facilitated by: Redcliffe Community Voice
Contact Details: david.cousins@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk
St Pauls Partners
An informal network of organisations working to support the community in St Pauls.
Facilitated by: Shared hosting between local organisations
Contact Details: stpaulspartners.bristol@gmail.com
St Werburghs Partners
Meeting between community organisations working in St Werburghs.
Facilitated by: St Werburghs Community Centre, St Werburghs City Farm & Scrapstore.
Contact Details: office@stwerburghs.org.uk
Volunteer Organisers’ Forum
This network is for managers, coordinators and organisers of volunteers who work for VCSE organisations and are based in Bristol, or bordering areas. It provides a semi-regular space to meet and network with colleagues doing similar roles, and to hear from peers doing good work, through talks and Q&As. Meetings are held up to 6 times a year and are usually themed around a topic suggested by regular attendees. In between meetings Voscur also facilitates an online networking space, using ‘Gagglemail’ to do so.
Facilitated by: Small team of volunteers (supported by Voscur)
Contact Details: https://bit.ly/BristolVOF
Women in the VCSE Sector
A network created for women working or volunteering in the VCSE sector in Bristol.
Facilitated by: Voscur
Contact Details: info@voscur.org
Whitchurch and Hengrove Network
An opportunity for people working in Whitchurch and Hengrove to come together, share information and build relationships with others to enhance the offer for the community. This network meets quarterly.
Facilitated by: Bristol City Council Community Development – Sarah Dailly
Contact Details: sarah.dailly@bristol.org.uk
Westbury Community Networking Group
Bringing together people doing community-focused work in Westbury-on-Trym.
Facilitated by: Westbury Parish Church / Harold Stephens.
Contact Details: https://share.hsforms.com/1B08MgnADRiat6ZR8u7nyvg3xq2s
