Heart of BS13

19/06/2026

At Heart of BS13 one of our key beliefs is that by bringing people together and creating human connections we can help to improve not only the health of individuals but that of our wider community.

So it seems fitting that we dedicate today's Fun Family Big Lunch to Jo Cox's memory, as this week marks the 10th anniversary of her death. Jo was passionate about bringing people together and showing we have more in common than that which divides us and so across the country events are being held to celebrate this message.

18/06/2026

Loneliness Prevention Week – Tina’s Story ❤️

In March 2019, Tina lost her partner of 31 years.

After spending most of her adult life with someone by her side, she suddenly found herself facing life alone. The loneliness was overwhelming.

“When you’ve always had someone there to talk to, hug, and tell you they love you, being on your own is incredibly hard. I didn’t know what to do with myself and felt like I had nobody to talk to.”

As time went on, Tina began attending a local food bank where she started chatting to people and making connections. It was there that she met Helen.

What started as a friendship quickly became something much deeper.

“Helen is more than a friend, she’s like a sister to me.”

Helen later encouraged Tina to join Community Craft and Confidence, a community learning course led by Kirsty Tait at Heart of BS13. Taking that first step wasn’t easy, but it changed Tina’s life.

Through the course, Tina built her confidence, met new people and became part of a supportive community. She started attending activities at the Roundhouse and found a place where she felt welcomed, valued and connected.

“We love coming to the Roundhouse on Thursdays. It’s relaxing, it’s a safe place, and we enjoy chatting to other people, doing some gardening and spending time together. We always enjoy the beautiful view across Bristol too.”

Today, Tina is one of our wonderful Friends of the Roundhouse volunteers. If you’ve been to one of our community events, you’ll probably have seen her serving food in the kitchen with a smile on her face, welcoming people and helping others feel at home.

The same community that supported Tina through her loneliness is now benefiting from her kindness, warmth and generosity.

Tina’s story is a reminder that loneliness can affect anyone. Sometimes all it takes is one friend reaching out, one course, one conversation or one welcoming community space to help someone find connection again.

This Loneliness Prevention Week, we’re celebrating people like Tina, Helen and all the volunteers and community members who help make the Roundhouse a place where nobody has to feel alone.

❤️ From loneliness to belonging, Tina’s story shows the life-changing power of community.

18/06/2026

Three years ago, Heart of BS13 and our community came together to create a 1.8-mile Pollinators Trail, linking the Roundhouse to the Flower Farm at Hartcliffe City Farm.
Together, we planted over 1000 native trees and hedgerows, created wildflower meadows, wildlife habitats, living roofs and bog ponds.
Three years on, these habitats are thriving. We have seen significant improvements in wildlife and biodiversity, while also creating shade and shelter for people and nature.
Enhancing native trees and habitats helps improve air quality, cool urban spaces during heatwaves and reduce the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Pictured is one of our sculptures, created by WTF and local young people during our holiday clubs.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible and continues to support these valuable green spaces.

17/06/2026

Meet Alice

We’re really pleased to have Alice supporting BS13 Flower Farm through the growing season and helping to deliver our trainee placements programme.

Now in its second cohort, the programme provides young people with opportunities to develop practical horticulture skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience in commercial growing in a supportive environment. Alice brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to the team, and we’re excited to have her help create pathways into flower farming, climate and nature for the next generation.

17/06/2026

Loneliness can affect anyone. Young people. Parents. Working adults. Older people. Neighbours. Friends. Even people who seem surrounded by others. This Loneliness Awareness Week, we're celebrating the power of connection and the difference it can make to our health and wellbeing.

Did you know?
📊 Over 9 million adults in the UK are often or always lonely.
📺 For 3.6 million people aged 65+, television is their main form of company.
🤝 Strong social connections are vital for our health, happiness and sense of belonging.

At Heart of BS13, bringing people together is at the heart of everything we do. From community meals and volunteering opportunities to activities, events and gatherings at the Roundhouse, we're creating spaces where people can meet, connect and feel part of something bigger. A shared meal. A friendly conversation. A chance to volunteer. A local event. These simple moments can help reduce isolation and build stronger, healthier communities.

If you're looking to meet new people, get involved, or simply feel more connected to your community, we'd love to welcome you. Visit our website for details of upcoming events https://www.heartofbs13.org.uk/whats-on/ or contact our volunteer coordinator to find out how you can get involved by emailing [email protected] (please provide correct address)

And this week, why not reach out to someone you haven't spoken to for a while? A small act of connection could make someone's day.

💛 Because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and valued.

16/06/2026

This Men's Health Week, Heart of BS13 is supporting the national campaign led by the Men's Health Forum to raise awareness of men's physical and mental wellbeing and encourage men to take positive action for their health.

Many men still delay seeking help, ignore symptoms, or struggle to talk openly about their mental health. Yet early action can make a huge difference. Whether it's checking your blood pressure, speaking to a pharmacist, getting more active, or talking to someone you trust, small steps can lead to lasting change.

This year's campaign encourages men to visit their local pharmacy first. Highly trained pharmacists can assess a wide range of conditions, offer expert advice, and in many cases provide treatment without the need for a GP appointment.

Men's Health Week is for everyone. Take a moment to check in with yourself:
✅ Are you sleeping well?
✅ Are you managing stress?
✅ Are you moving enough?
✅ Have you had a recent health check?
✅ Are you talking openly about how you feel?

Remember, looking after your health isn't a sign of weakness—it's one of the strongest things you can do. Because healthier men mean healthier families, workplaces and communities.

Find support:
Local pharmacy services
NHS Men's Health Hub https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/health-and-wellbeing/helpful-links/mens-health-hub
Men's Health Forum https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/mhw
Mates In Mind https://www.matesinmind.org/

Find out more about our community wellbeing projects at Heart of BS13: https://www.heartofbs13.org.uk/whats-on/ and https://www.heartofbs13.org.uk/get-involved/community-volunteering/

16/06/2026

Join us this Friday 19th June, 12–2pm for our June Free Family Big Lunch at Hartcliffe City Farm!

It was so lovely seeing so many of you last month — we’d love you to come back and join us again.
• Enjoy another delicious feast cooked by our Chef Luke
• Relax in the beautiful outdoor spaces
• Let the little ones explore the play barn

Bring your family, friends, and neighbours for good food, fresh air, and great company.
We can’t wait to see you on Friday!

Keep your eyes peeled for more Big Lunches on Friday 17th July & Friday 25th September.

Thanks to Hubbub, John James Foundation and Feeding Bristol for supporting this event!

15/06/2026

15/06/2026

Part of sustainable flower farming is leaving space for nature and carefully managing our growing areas. With all the recent rain, the grass and weeds have been growing fast and thick between the flower beds, so Luke has been mowing pathways to keep the beds hygienic, improve airflow, and help reduce slug populations.

The flowers have loved the rain and are growing strong and healthy, setting us up for a beautiful season ahead.