We are proud to share that Black South West Network (BSWN) has been selected as one of the ‘enabler organisations’, supporting the Impact Alliance Project to Make Loneliness A Stranger in the West of England. This pioneering initiative responds to urgent and growing social challenges, from demographic shifts to economic and environmental pressures. The Impact Alliance is built on a clear recognition that traditional, siloed approaches to funding no longer meet the needs of our communities. Instead, we must champion cross-sector, collaborative models that centre genuine partnerships with communities and prioritise shared learning.
The Impact Alliance brings together more than 50 organisations from across sectors, united by a commitment to transform how we address complex social issues. By working collectively, the Alliance will drive innovation, unlock sustainable funding, and take bold, coordinated action to address the root causes of loneliness and social isolation in the West of England. Crucially, this work aims to create not only a lasting local impact but also a national model for how we can tackle systemic challenges through genuine collaboration and community leadership.
At BSWN, we are honoured to join this transformative alliance. Our role as an enabler organisation recognises our longstanding commitment to racial justice, community empowerment, and an evidence-based approach to driving social change. We believe that tackling loneliness, particularly among global majority elders, demands that their voices, experiences, and leadership are central to designing solutions.
“We are excited to be part of the Impact Alliance, as all the members are truly committed to approaching funding for local issues differently. Their commitment, as well as their willingness to learn and adapt throughout this innovative process, is refreshing, inspiring and exciting. It offers a new and exciting way of providing funding for grassroots organisations and proves that it can be done. In just over a year and a half, so much has been achieved to bring us to this point, and we are ready to deliver on the mission of making loneliness a stranger in the West of England”- Nathalie Sherring, Regional Capacity Manager at Black South West Network.
We are excited to co-design innovative, sustainable responses to loneliness in partnership with global majority communities. Our approach will ensure that solutions are rooted in lived experience, driven by the community, and supported by collaborative learning. This project represents a vital shift away from centralised, top-down planning and towards local, community-led innovation. By deepening our understanding of loneliness and co-creating solutions with those most affected, we aim to deliver meaningful, lasting change.
We look forward to collaborating with our partners across the Alliance and sharing insights. Together, we can reimagine how our region supports connection, belonging, and collective resilience. Stay connected with us as we embark on this exciting journey to create community-led responses to loneliness — and to build a fairer, more just society for all.