Jason Dunsford, Chief Executive of The Gloucestershire Gateway Trust gives us an update on an initiative launched last Autumn to create better access to children and family services for families who may be hidden by social or geographical isolation across four districts of Gloucestershire.

Over the past few months, a new group of Neighbourhood Connectors funded by the Summerfield Charitable Trust have been quietly getting to know neighbourhoods across Gloucestershire — from Kingsway and Quedgeley to Barton and Tredworth, Tuffley, St Paul’s, Hesters Way, Newent and the Forest of Dean, Tewkesbury Town and Northway. Their work is simple but powerful: listening, building relationships and helping people connect with one another in ways that feel natural and local.

Neighbourhood Connectors are based in specific patches and work alongside residents, community groups and familiar places like Children and Family Centres, libraries, cafés and community hubs. Rather than running services, their role is to notice what’s already happening, spot emerging ideas, and support people to shape activity together. By taking time to build trust and be present in everyday spaces, they help communities surface their own strengths – and then help join the dots .

What’s already clear is that community life is thriving, even if it’s sometimes hidden. Across neighbourhoods, people value places like Libraries, Church Halls, local pubs, parks, allotments and community cafés. Informal groups – from craft sessions and toddler groups to community pantries and repair projects – are already acting as social anchors. Sometimes the challenge is a lack of activity but often its just about knowing what’s going on and how to connect to it. Simple actions like sharing information, introducing people, or linking someone into an existing group have already helped boost participation.

A recurring theme has been the power of meeting people where they are. Activities that take place in familiar spaces – like parks in Barton, community sessions at the Fox and Elms in Tuffley, or pop‑up activities outside local cafés – have proved especially effective. Food, creativity and shared activity have been key connectors, whether through shared meals, gardening projects, creative workshops or plans for repair cafés and tool banks.

There’s a growing buzz around community‑led ideas. In different areas, residents are shaping plans for youth‑friendly spaces, community cafés, shared cooking sessions, public art projects, inclusive exercise and outdoor family activities. In places like Tuffley and Grange, underused or threatened spaces have become rallying points, with residents coming together to re‑imagine them as welcoming, inclusive places. In Tewkesbury, early work is helping groups collaborate and is supporting plans for a new community‑led celebration that brings local organisations together in one place.

The new Connectors team are also helping groups and organisations work better together. In areas where lots of good work happens side by side – through our host organisations like The Venture, Fair Shares, Fresh Hope, Art Shape, Move More and FVAF – relationships are forming so ideas, skills and resources can be shared rather than duplicated. This collaborative approach is helping communities feel more connected and confident about what’s possible.

While this work is still in its early days, the signs are hugely encouraging. There’s pride in place, creativity bubbling up, and a growing sense that communities already have what they need – sometimes they just need a bit of support to join things up.

We’re excited to see how these neighbourhood and family stories continue to grow as relationships deepen and community‑led ideas take shape over the months ahead.

Jason Dunsford

Glos Gateway Trust CEO