Vocalise magazine is managed by a Community Interest Company (CIC) called Boundless Futures and exists to provide a means of communication and influence for people living in the Ashley Ward area of Bristol.

Ashley Ward encompasses the areas of St Pauls, St Werburghs and Montpelier. It is an area that ranks highly on national indices of multiple deprivation, particularly St Pauls, but it also diverse, creative and has huge potential.

Residents and organisations have called for a community magazine (‘Vocalise’) that will allow them to better communicate, be involved with local events, and improve community cohesion. We also help manage the area’s community noticeboards, put on regular events, and generally seek to improve Ashley Ward for all residents.

Our Vision

A strong, cohesive community that celebrates diversity – where everyone has a voice and can fully develop their potential.

Our Values

Inclusive, sustainable, ethically sources, community focused, cooperative, politically neutral, inspirational and fun!

Our Mission

To create a sustainable means of communication for the residents of Ashley Ward in order to strengthen and empower the community so that every person is well informed and able to participate.

Ashley Ward has a population of over 16,000 people and is in-between the areas of Easton and Kingsdown in North Bristol. Until 2016, the Ward had no community magazine or resident-led organisational body. This was because a previous organisation called St Pauls Unlimited closed down in 2015, after losing money from Bristol City Council. The demise of St Pauls Unlimited caused many people to feel a void, whereby they could not find out about upcoming community events, become involved in initiatives, or indeed voice concerns. The community noticeboards were left in a state of decline, and the regular Council-run Neighbourhood Partnership meetings represented the only way for residents to influence what was happening in their area.

Today the Neighbourhood Partnership meetings have ended, but we are supporting local people to run their own regular meetings and develop a new Neighbourhood Plan. We also have groups of local volunteers who are updating and maintaining the community noticeboards. And every quarter, we print and distribute copies of Vocalise across the Ward – reaching every household, business and community venue.

Other initiatives we run include:

• Workshops that get local people directly involved in the production of Vocalise (journalism, photography, media and creative writing).
• Working with local parks and environmental groups to help maintain these vital spaces for the benefit of everyone, involving young people wherever possible.
• Holding regular launch events that celebrate the area’s immense diversity and talent.
• Being a voice for Ashley Ward – fighting for fairer funding, working alongside other organisations, drawing attention to injustices around social housing, employment and discrimination.
• Giving support and funding to resident-led, grassroots organisations in the area for initiatives around improving social cohesion, youth empowerment and skills.

If you are interested in any of this and want to find out more, please contact us at info@vocalisemagazine.org.uk

To learn more, please visit: Vocalise Magazine