Our News
BSWN one of six ‘enabler' organisations’ supporting the Impact Alliance Project to Make Loneliness a Stranger
We are excited to announce that Black South West Network has been selected as one of the enabler organisations supporting the Impact Alliance Project. This recognition highlights our expertise in racial justice, our commitment to community empowerment, and our research-and evidence-driven approach.
The Impact Alliance was established in response to the growing recognition that siloed, traditional approaches to funding and support must be reimagined, instead championing a cross-sector, collaborative model that prioritises shared learning and authentic partnership with communities.
At BSWN, we are honoured to be part of this transformative initiative, which aims to address loneliness in our region through local, community-led innovation. We believe that tackling loneliness is only possible when the voices and experiences of those affected are at the centre.
Through this project, we will work closely with the community to deepen our understanding of loneliness, and to co-design sustainable, community-driven solutions. We look forward to collaborating with partners across the Impact Alliance and sharing our learning as we progress on this journey. We are thrilled to contribute to this transformative project by addressing loneliness within our chosen community through innovative methods, collective knowledge, and community-led approaches.
Join one of our webinars, events or networking sessions to support yourself, your organisation or social enterprise! We have several workshops scheduled for the coming months that you may wish to attend:
Our upcoming events:
Local jobs, events, and opportunities
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT AVON WILDLIFE TRUST
Pollinator Pathways Trainees - Closing date 14th July 2025
Avon Wildlife Trust is recruiting 2 Trainees to join the Pollinator Recovery Team. These 9-month placements require no previous experience or degree-level education, and offer the skills and experience necessary to kickstart a career in the environmental sector.
Supporter Care Assistant - Closing date 31st July 2025
Avon Wildlife Trust is looking for a Supporter Care Assistant to provide our members and supporters with a high-quality supporter experience. This role would suit someone who enjoys working in a friendly, dynamic environment where everything we do is to help local wildlife and allows us to connect with supporters who share our love of nature.
Beaver Field Officer - Closing date 4th August 2025
Avon Wildlife Trust are looking for someone to join this new Beaver Advice and Support team. You will be tasked with collecting, analysing and presenting high-quality data on the wild beaver populations. In addition, you will deliver on-the-ground support and advice to landowners, farmers and communities living and working alongside beavers, resulting in improved knowledge, support and acceptance of beavers at a local, grassroots level.
JOB OPPORTUNITY AT CIRCO MEDIA
Circo Media are seeking a Youth Circus And Classes Administrator who is organised, friendly, data driven person to join their busy Youth Circus & Classes Team as a full time Administrator.
Our Youth Circus & Classes department provide and facilitate circus training to the public through an extensive youth programme, popular adult evening classes, and community and external workshops. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of the passionate team that bring circus to our wider communities. Closing date Tuesday 15th July.
JOB OPPORTUNITies at dorset museum
Visitor Service Assistant: The post-holder will support the Front of House Team on a casual basis, assisting with admissions, shop and event sales, and promoting membership. They will help maximise income while upholding the Museum & Art Gallery’s reputation for excellence. Closing date Friday 18th July.
Trustee (Voluntary Role): Dorset Museum & Art Gallery (DMAG) is currently looking to recruit new Trustees to join the Board of The Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society. This is an opportunity to contribute to the leadership and future direction of one of the South West’s most significant cultural institutions.
JOB OPPORTUNITY AT BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
Bristol City Council are looking for a part-time Development Officer (18.5 hours) to work as part of a team, with Councillors and partner organisations to support the delivery of Area Committees - a mechanism for local level devolved decision making in Bristol.
This role is about enabling the smooth operation of Bristol City Council’s projects and programmes and strengthening these by using effective systems, planning and data. You’ll be involved in supporting the work of Area Committees to make funding decisions which ultimately improve the city’s neighbourhoods, delivering and managing grants programmes, communications and coordination of Councillor-led meetings.
HEAD OF PUBLIC PROGRAMMING AND EXPERIENCE JOB OPPORTUNITY AT SS GREAT BRITAIN
SS Great Britain is recruiting for a Head of Public Programming and Experience - a senior role responsible for shaping and delivering the SS Great Britain Trust’s public engagement strategy. This role ensures that all public-facing programming and interpretation align with the organisation’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
You will use your creative vision and love of history to originate, shape, and implement a programme of object-rich, story-led, visitor-focused exhibitions, events, and programmes that make a lasting impact with a diverse range of audiences. Closing date Friday 25th July 2025.
TRUSTEE OPPORTUNITY AT ST AGNES ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
St Agnes Adventure Playground are seeking trustees who are passionate about advancing the lives and relieving the needs of young people and their families in St Agnes, in St Pauls and the city of Bristol.
This is through the provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve conditions of life, and providing support and activities which develop skills, capacities and capabilities to enable participation in society as mature and responsible individuals.
They are advertising for at least 3 new trustees starting 1st July 2025, with a deadline for applications on 18th August 2025. We intend to build a strong and confident board and would welcome having trustees that complement existing skills on the board in operations, community development and safeguarding with the following.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FREE LEGAL ADVICE?
If you do not qualify for legal aid, a solicitor may be able to take on your case as part of their pro bono work.
Pro bono work is free legal help for people who cannot afford to pay for legal services and do not qualify for legal aid. Solicitors work pro bono to help make sure everyone has access to justice when they need it. Pro bono work is voluntary and there’s no obligation to do it, although many solicitors choose to.
FINDING A PRO BONO LAWYER
LawWorks is a charity which connects lawyers with people who cannot get legal aid. It can provide free advice on issues such as:
debt
welfare rights
housing matters
employment law
consumer disputes
You’ll need to make an appointment to see a lawyer at one of LawWorks’ legal advice clinics. legal advice clinic near you
You might have to pay legal costs if you lose your case and the other party has been given professional legal help. you should discuss what costs you might have to pay with your lawyer before they start work on your case.
OTHER SOURCES OF FREE LEGAL HELP
Support Through Court is a charity which can help you if you have to go to court without a lawyer. It can:
explain how the court works
help you with forms and any documents you might need in court
help you plan what you want to say in court
provide someone to go to court with you for support
discuss settling issues without going to court
provide details of other specialist advice agencies
AdviceNow is an online advice resource run by the charity Law for Life: the Foundation for Public Legal Education.
It has practical information about your rights and the law in England and Wales on subjects such as:
going to court
employment
consumer affairs
health and social care
crime and police
housing and homelessness