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Community

Introduction

This theme focuses on initiatives that your organisation could undertake to benefit local communities. This could be by volunteering time or donating resources or funds. 

Many of these outcomes can be achieved by working in partnership with our vibrant Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, which brings deep local knowledge and trusted relationships with residents.

Visit our page on whatimpact’s National Social Value Marketplace to find opportunities to partner with local VCSEs.

Additionally, bidders can play a vital role in supporting our Public Health and Communities team’s efforts to reduce health inequalities across the County. By aligning contract delivery with public health priorities—such as promoting healthy lifestyles, improving mental wellbeing, and addressing the social determinants of health, contractors can help build healthier, more resilient communities. 

Gloucestershire VCS Alliance specialises in building relationships between the business and VCSE sectors in Gloucestershire. Based on extensive, detailed research and knowledge the team can effectively and efficiently signpost the business community to areas where materials and gifts in kind are needed and can have the greatest impact.

Go Volunteer Glos is the digital home for volunteering in Gloucestershire. The organisation supports VCSE organisations to advertise volunteering opportunities and recruit volunteers. It also specialises in helping businesses to effectively realise their Employer Supported Volunteering initiatives including Trusteeship.

The Know Your Patch initiative is a network of organisations in each district in the county. These networks meet regularly for networking and to also communicate through email bulletins. They help to connect VCSE and statutory organisations for effective partnership working.  

Networks – Know Your Patch

Gloucestershire VCS Alliance is an independent infrastructure organisation which supports and represents voluntary and community organisations and works with statutory partners. Operating county-wide, membership draws organisations from every area of the county and covering every theme. It communicates across the sector via a series of news bulletins. It undertakes research alongside and can provide information information about the VCSE sector.

The specific Social Value TOMs we want your help in achieving and how we will help you with this

Outcome 1: Building resilient communities
Ref Measure Unit
NT28 Support for local community projects through donations £1.00
NT29 Support for local community projects through volunteering £17.48
NT29a Support for charities & community projects focused on positive health outcomes £17.48

The Public Health and Communities team at Gloucestershire County Council are responsible for delivering the council’s statutory duties to improve and protect the health and wellbeing of the Gloucestershire population; and reduce differences in health and quality of life experienced by different groups.

Our vision is for Gloucestershire to be a county where everyone can thrive; where our places and communities enable people to live healthy lives and where health inequalities are prevented and reduced. We work across the life course from ensuring the best healthy start in life for children and young people through to supporting people to age well.

You can read more about the health and wellbeing of the county on Inform Gloucestershire which contains our local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and local health profiles: Health and Wellbeing | Inform Gloucestershire

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and research highlights the importance of community and social connections for our overall wellbeing.

Evidence tells us that some individuals may be more likely to experience poorer health outcomes than others often linked to other vulnerabilities or disadvantages in their lives. This includes but is not limited to people from diverse ethnic communities, those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people facing socio-economic disadvantage and people with mental ill-health. Understanding and addressing these inequalities remains a priority.

Some organisations focusing on health outcomes within the county include:

Active Gloucestershire is an independent charity with a vision for everyone in Gloucestershire to be active every day. They do this through we can move, a social movement dedicated to supporting people of all ages and abilities to get active.

Goals Beyond Grass. Provides inclusive sports for children and adults with disabilities.

Active Impact. Provide sports and recreation opportunities for disabled and non-disabled children and young people to enjoy together.

Outcome 1: Building resilient communities
Ref Measure Unit
NT110 Support for involvement in cultural events £1.00

There is a wealth of activity across Gloucestershire and many agencies working to in culture, arts, sports, and heritage. Some examples include:

Gloucestershire Libraries offer a dynamic programme of creative events, workshops, and activities that inspire, engage, and bring people together.

  • Ageing with Creativity: Engaging our over 60s community with creative and mindful activities to include those living with dementia, memory loss and their carers
  • Space to Create: Empowering 16–24-year-olds not in mainstream education, training or employment through digital creativity, building confidence, skills, and pathways to brighter futures
  • Family Focus: Sparking creativity and connection through vibrant cultural experiences, enriching storytelling, and well-being for children and their families

However, all the events and activities delivered for these initiatives rely solely on donations, sponsorships, external funding and partner support.

Whether it’s a one-time donation, a regular gift, time and expertise, or sponsoring a programme, every bit of support makes our libraries stronger. Together, we can build spaces, programmes and events that inspire and change lives.

Create Gloucestershire Create Gloucestershire aims to create the conditions that enable arts and culture to flourish here by working with a network of individuals and organisations across the county who share our values of creativity, equity and sustainability.

Opportunities from the network are shared via the website and include opportunities to get involved with the county's cultural sector.

Artlift Artlift offers creative courses for adults living with mental and/or physical health challenges.

Art Shape. Art Shape runs a countywide programme of art courses and projects with a specific focus on disability issues and social inclusion.

Gloucestershire Heritage Hub Heritage Hub | Heritage Hub

Gloucester Civic Trust provides resources and activities to strengthen and support Gloucester and its heritage.

Outcome 1: Building resilient communities
Ref Measure Unit
NT28 Support for local community projects through donations £1.00
NT29 Support for local community projects through volunteering £17.48
NT29a Support for charities & community projects focused on positive health outcomes £17.48

The Public Health and Communities team at Gloucestershire County Council are responsible for delivering the council’s statutory duties to improve and protect the health and wellbeing of the Gloucestershire population; and reduce differences in health and quality of life experienced by different groups.

Our vision is for Gloucestershire to be a county where everyone can thrive; where our places and communities enable people to live healthy lives and where health inequalities are prevented and reduced. We work across the life course from ensuring the best healthy start in life for children and young people through to supporting people to age well.

You can read more about the health and wellbeing of the county on Inform Gloucestershire which contains our local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and local health profiles: Health and Wellbeing | Inform Gloucestershire

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and research highlights the importance of community and social connections for our overall wellbeing.

Evidence tells us that some individuals may be more likely to experience poorer health outcomes than others often linked to other vulnerabilities or disadvantages in their lives. This includes but is not limited to people from diverse ethnic communities, those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people facing socio-economic disadvantage and people with mental ill-health. Understanding and addressing these inequalities remains a priority.

Some organisations focusing on health outcomes within the county include:

Active Gloucestershire is an independent charity with a vision for everyone in Gloucestershire to be active every day. They do this through we can move, a social movement dedicated to supporting people of all ages and abilities to get active.

Goals Beyond Grass. Provides inclusive sports for children and adults with disabilities.

Active Impact. Provide sports and recreation opportunities for disabled and non-disabled children and young people to enjoy together.

Outcome 1: Building resilient communities
Ref Measure Unit
NT110 Support for involvement in cultural events £1.00

There is a wealth of activity across Gloucestershire and many agencies working to in culture, arts, sports, and heritage. Some examples include:

Gloucestershire Libraries offer a dynamic programme of creative events, workshops, and activities that inspire, engage, and bring people together.

  • Ageing with Creativity: Engaging our over 60s community with creative and mindful activities to include those living with dementia, memory loss and their carers
  • Space to Create: Empowering 16–24-year-olds not in mainstream education, training or employment through digital creativity, building confidence, skills, and pathways to brighter futures
  • Family Focus: Sparking creativity and connection through vibrant cultural experiences, enriching storytelling, and well-being for children and their families

However, all the events and activities delivered for these initiatives rely solely on donations, sponsorships, external funding and partner support.

Whether it’s a one-time donation, a regular gift, time and expertise, or sponsoring a programme, every bit of support makes our libraries stronger. Together, we can build spaces, programmes and events that inspire and change lives.

Create Gloucestershire Create Gloucestershire aims to create the conditions that enable arts and culture to flourish here by working with a network of individuals and organisations across the county who share our values of creativity, equity and sustainability.

Opportunities from the network are shared via the website and include opportunities to get involved with the county's cultural sector.

Artlift Artlift offers creative courses for adults living with mental and/or physical health challenges.

Art Shape. Art Shape runs a countywide programme of art courses and projects with a specific focus on disability issues and social inclusion.

Gloucestershire Heritage Hub Heritage Hub | Heritage Hub

Gloucester Civic Trust provides resources and activities to strengthen and support Gloucester and its heritage.

Outcome 2: Building community wellbeing
Ref Measure Unit
NT25 Support for initiatives to tackle homelessness

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc
NT63 Support for initiatives to help rough sleepers

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc
NT26 Support for community health or wellbeing interventions

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc
NT27 Support for initiatives focused on strengthening community networks

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc

Relevant background and sources of information

There are a number of initiatives and services in the county provided to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, support community health and wellbeing, and strengthen community networks. These include commissioned services, locality-based partnership projects and a variety of community-led activities. Examples of these include:

Nightstop Gloucestershire Nightstop provides emergency and longer-term accommodation as well as other wraparound support for young people, who are homeless or risk of homelessness and aged between 1625, across the county of Gloucestershire.

Emmaus is a homelessness charity that goes beyond simply offering a bed for the night. They provide a longterm home and work experience through their social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with a purposeful routine enables an opportunity to rebuild self-esteem and regain confidence to move forward into employment and ultimately independent living. For more information on Corporate Partnerships with Emmaus Gloucestershire please visit https://emmaus.org.uk/gloucestershire/become-a-corporate-partner/

Gloucester City Missionsupports the homeless, those living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfers and those in need of support with clothing, toiletries, food or advice.

Gloucestershire Healthy Lifestyles Service (adults), provided by ABL Health Ltd, supports individuals and groups to make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes including; stopping smoking, weight management, increasing physical activity and reducing alcohol. In addition, it provides support for under 18s who have developed nicotine dependency through vaping. It also hosts the Gloucestershire Healthy Workplace Award, which supports local businesses to encourage and enable their employees to live healthier lifestyles.

BeeZee Bodies (provided by Maximus UK) is the countywide children and young people’s healthy lifestyles (healthy weight) service. The service provides a range of online and face to face support for children, young people and families who are above a healthy weight and need support to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The intensity of support provided is proportionate to needs.

ABL Health  are committed to reducing health inequalities and promoting healthy behaviours through community-driven healthcare services including weight loss, stopping smoking and alcohol reduction.

Feeding Gloucestershire is a community interest company that works with organisations across the public, voluntary and community and private sectors, including local and national food aid organisations to drive systemic change and build food security across Gloucestershire.

Wiggly uses food as a tool to support vulnerable people to build healthy and independent lives.   Wiggly offers inclusive cookery workshops and courses in Gloucester and around the county for individuals of all ages and abilities.   The fun and friendly sessions empower individuals by building kitchen skills for life.  Wiggly’s inclusive approach improves self-esteem and confidence, reduces social isolation and brings communities together.  They also run regular pay-as-you-can community lunches in Cheltenham and offer employability workshops and other bespoke sessions to cater for marginalised groups.

Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning GHLL supports schools and colleges to encourage and enable children and young people to make positive choices to improve their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. GHLL use children and young people’s responses from a variety of surveys to identify and address needs and trends.

Outcome 2: Building community wellbeing
Ref Measure Unit
NT25 Support for initiatives to tackle homelessness

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc
NT63 Support for initiatives to help rough sleepers

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc
NT26 Support for community health or wellbeing interventions

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc
NT27 Support for initiatives focused on strengthening community networks

£ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc

Relevant background and sources of information

There are a number of initiatives and services in the county provided to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, support community health and wellbeing, and strengthen community networks. These include commissioned services, locality-based partnership projects and a variety of community-led activities. Examples of these include:

Nightstop Gloucestershire Nightstop provides emergency and longer-term accommodation as well as other wraparound support for young people, who are homeless or risk of homelessness and aged between 1625, across the county of Gloucestershire.

Emmaus is a homelessness charity that goes beyond simply offering a bed for the night. They provide a longterm home and work experience through their social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with a purposeful routine enables an opportunity to rebuild self-esteem and regain confidence to move forward into employment and ultimately independent living. For more information on Corporate Partnerships with Emmaus Gloucestershire please visit https://emmaus.org.uk/gloucestershire/become-a-corporate-partner/

Gloucester City Missionsupports the homeless, those living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfers and those in need of support with clothing, toiletries, food or advice.

Gloucestershire Healthy Lifestyles Service (adults), provided by ABL Health Ltd, supports individuals and groups to make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes including; stopping smoking, weight management, increasing physical activity and reducing alcohol. In addition, it provides support for under 18s who have developed nicotine dependency through vaping. It also hosts the Gloucestershire Healthy Workplace Award, which supports local businesses to encourage and enable their employees to live healthier lifestyles.

BeeZee Bodies (provided by Maximus UK) is the countywide children and young people’s healthy lifestyles (healthy weight) service. The service provides a range of online and face to face support for children, young people and families who are above a healthy weight and need support to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The intensity of support provided is proportionate to needs.

ABL Health  are committed to reducing health inequalities and promoting healthy behaviours through community-driven healthcare services including weight loss, stopping smoking and alcohol reduction.

Feeding Gloucestershire is a community interest company that works with organisations across the public, voluntary and community and private sectors, including local and national food aid organisations to drive systemic change and build food security across Gloucestershire.

Wiggly uses food as a tool to support vulnerable people to build healthy and independent lives.   Wiggly offers inclusive cookery workshops and courses in Gloucester and around the county for individuals of all ages and abilities.   The fun and friendly sessions empower individuals by building kitchen skills for life.  Wiggly’s inclusive approach improves self-esteem and confidence, reduces social isolation and brings communities together.  They also run regular pay-as-you-can community lunches in Cheltenham and offer employability workshops and other bespoke sessions to cater for marginalised groups.

Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning GHLL supports schools and colleges to encourage and enable children and young people to make positive choices to improve their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. GHLL use children and young people’s responses from a variety of surveys to identify and address needs and trends.

Outcome 3: Pioneering approaches to building resilient communities
Ref Measure Unit
NT52 Initiatives to promote more resilient communities £ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc

This Measure covers support for a range of initiatives to promote the resilience of communities through the education, support, and development of health and wellbeing practices and community safety programmes in collaboration with the local community, through pioneering programmes that are scalable. Recorded hours of staff time can only include time spent preparing and conducting the activities. Innovative approaches and interventions not covered by other measures can be recorded here.

Outcome 3: Pioneering approaches to building resilient communities
Ref Measure Unit
NT52 Initiatives to promote more resilient communities £ invested inc. time, materials, equipment etc

This Measure covers support for a range of initiatives to promote the resilience of communities through the education, support, and development of health and wellbeing practices and community safety programmes in collaboration with the local community, through pioneering programmes that are scalable. Recorded hours of staff time can only include time spent preparing and conducting the activities. Innovative approaches and interventions not covered by other measures can be recorded here.