News / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2023
Bristol Charity Advent 2023, day 24: Southmead Development Trust
Southmead Development Trust is a charity made up of staff, volunteers and residents “who work together to help to release power in our community”.
By working alongside residents in the Southmead area, teams “support communities to be strong, vibrant and resourceful through building health, wellbeing, learning, employment and pride of place”.
Southmead Development Trust manages the Greenway Centre and the Ranch (also known as Southmead Adventure Playground), providing much-needed community spaces that host events throughout the year including the Southmead Festival and community pantomime.
is needed now More than ever
Southmead Development Trust was established by Southmead residents who worked together to keep the Greenway Boys School building open as a resource for the community after it closed its doors in 1985.
With initial support from the council, residents formed the Greenway Centre Trust, subsequently renamed Southmead Development Trust: a self-sufficient charity working for the benefit of all Southmead residents, with a board of trustees elected from residents.
To continue community youth and play services, the charity helped save the Southmead Youth Centre from closure in 2014 and the Ranch in 2018.
The charity agreed to return their lease on Southmead Youth Centre to Bristol City Council at the end of 2022; in return the council helped pay for the renovation of the Ranch and also promised new community facilities within the future development at Glencoyne Square.
Main photo: Southmead Development Trust
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