Building connected communities in the West of england
through culture and creativity
WHAT IS aLL TOGETHER NOW?
All Together Now is a multi-year creative programme operating across the West of England that uses arts, culture and creativity to address loneliness and strengthen social connections and belonging.
The programme works in the Pilot Communities of the Impact Alliance: Stockwood (Bristol), Charfield (South Gloucestershire), Somer Valley (Bath & North East Somerset), and the Mendip Villages (North Somerset), older people from the global majority, and disabled young people.
It also incorporates a creative employability programme, ‘Shine’ for young people not in education, employment or training, taking place March-April 2026.
All Together Now means ‘creativity’ in its broadest form including: music, movement, theatre, fashion, arts and crafts, film, visual arts, writing, digital, photography, events, festivals - and more!
We do not mean art therapy, or health and fitness activities.
There must be a cultural aspect to the activity, so food or nature can be the medium, but the cultural aspect is the focus.
Singing, sculpture, printmaking, poetry, woodwork, knitting… or something else entirely! We can’t wait to see what emerges and unites communities through the All Together Now programme.
What do we mean by arts, culture and creativity?
Who is delivering it?
All Together Now is the flagship programme of the Impact Alliance, a collective of over 50 organisations across the West of England. St Monica Trust is leading the project, with Bristol Beacon as the programme’s delivery partner.
The programme is supported by Arts Council England, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the Grateful Society, and Sirona Care & Health, as well as local partners, artists, facilitators and community organisations.
Why are we doing it?
So that:
People feel more connected and less isolated
Communities have regular opportunities to be creative
Local capacity, skills and social infrastructure are strengthened
All Together Now Fund
The All Together Now (ATN) Fund is a bold new programme supporting creative individuals and organisations to address loneliness through arts and culture.
We’re funding inspiring creative projects and activities across the six pilot communities that spark belonging, celebrate local voices, and create meaningful shared experiences.
Funding available
Whether you’re testing a new idea or growing an existing project, we offer flexible funding to help bring your vision to life:
Small - up to £1,000
Medium - up to £6,000
Large - up to £12,000
You don’t need to apply for the maximum amount; apply for what feels right for your project.
Creative Practitioners &
Arts Organisations
What We’re Looking For
We want exciting, community-focused creative ideas that:
Bring people together
Reduce loneliness and isolation
Create a sense of belonging
Involve communities in shaping the work
Build on local strengths and spaces
Leave a lasting impact beyond the project itself
We welcome both brand-new ideas and existing projects that align with the aims of All Together Now.
Who Can Apply?
We’re inviting applications from:
Individuals or groups of artists
Community organisations
Cultural organisations
Grassroots groups
Applicants must:
Be aged 18+
Have experience delivering creative work (or can demonstrate strong potential)
Be based in, or strongly connected to, the West of England
Be open to collaboration, learning and adapting
What Kind of Projects Can Be Funded?
We support arts and culture-led activity including:
Visual arts, craft and fashion
Music, performance and storytelling
Film and digital creativity
Drama, dance and movement
Food and nature-based projects, where arts is central
All projects must focus on connection, participation and community.
Creative themes
- Projects must connect with at least one of our four creative themes:
Places to belong
Creative projects that transform local spaces into welcoming hubs for connection & creativity.
Connecting generations
Ideas that build genuine relationships between people of different ages through shared creative experiences.
Events, festivals and trips
Festivals, events, trips and cultural experiences that bring communities together in joyful and meaningful ways.
Community-made Media
Creative storytelling projects such as zines, newsletters, audio projects & community-led media.
Support along the way
ATN is designed to support creatives at different stages of experience, and at all stages of the programme.
Support to make an application
Join an online webinar with a group of applicants, and/or
Book an online one-to-one with Bristol Beacon’s Community Team.
In these sessions, we can answer questions about the application form or process, help clarify what information is being asked for, talk through eligibility or practical application requirements, help you structure or prioritise information in your application, and offer general feedback on clarity and communication.
To ensure fairness for all applicants, we are unable to:
Tell you whether your project will be funded
Give guarantees, endorsements, or insider advice
Assess the “strength” or competitiveness of your application
Help write the application for you, or edit or rewrite proposals in detail
Provide detailed artistic, business, or strategic consultancy
Review large quantities of material outside the session
1. Webinars: Please note that the webinars for the current round have now taken place.
Please view slides and Q&A from webinar one online here, or as a pdf download.
Please view slides and Q&A from webinar two online here, or as a pdf download.
Further webinars will be scheduled prior to future rounds.
These sessions are a chance to learn about the application process, ask questions, and get guidance in a relaxed group setting.
They are designed to make the process clearer and easier to access, whether you are developing an idea or already working on an application.
Bristol Beacon’s Community Team will lead the sessions.
What to expect in a webinar
Welcome and introductions: We’ll start with a short introduction to the fund, the support available, and what to expect from the session.
Questions and answers: We’ll answer questions sent in advance and group them into themes so we can respond to common queries clearly.
Next steps and useful links: We’ll finish by sharing useful next steps, where to get further guidance, and the key information applicants need.
Please use the registration form to send any questions in advance and tell us what you would like to get from the session.
2. One-to-Ones: Please note that the 1:1 appointments have now taken place.
If you have any questions, please reach out to alltogethernow@bristolbeacon.org.
Further appointment times will be available prior to future rounds.
These informal 30-minute appointments, with members of Bristol Beacon’s Community Team, are designed to help you understand the application process and feel more confident about submitting your proposal.
You can book an online one-to-one session to take place on 1st, 2nd or 10th June.
If you cannot attend online, you can request an in-person meeting by emailing alltogethernow@bristolbeacon.org.
Note that places are limited and subject to availability.
What to know
Sessions last 30 minutes.
We can offer 45-minutes for people with additional access needs, or who speak English as a second language.
Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We may need to keep discussions focused to use time fairly.
Please send any questions in advance via the reg form, and tell us what you would like to get from the session.
Before attending a session, in order to make the most out of it, please ensure you do the following:
Read the Guidance and Information Pack (below)
Send any specific questions in advance when you register
One-to-ones only: Bring a draft or outline if you have one
One-to-ones only: Be ready to briefly describe your project or idea
A note on fairness: These sessions are for access support and application guidance only. Taking part will not affect the outcome of your application. All applications are reviewed using the same process and criteria.
Ongoing support
Successful applicants will become part of a shared learning network with opportunities to:
Collaborate with other artists and organisations
Access training and reflection sessions
Work with volunteers and trainee community artists
Receive support from the ATN team
How to apply to the ATN Fund
Key Dates
Stage 1 application deadline :NOW CLOSED
Stage 2 invitations sent: Monday 6 July 2026
Stage 2 application deadline: NOW CLOSED
Funding decisions shared: w/c 3 August
Welcome Day in Bristol: w/c 7 September
Projects end by: September 2027
There are likely to be 1-2 further rounds of funding - check back here for updates.
Two-Stage Application Process
Stage 1
Submit a simple online application outlining your idea
Stage 2
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to expand on their proposal and submit a short film. Selected applicants will receive £125 towards preparation time.
Applications will be reviewed by local Creative Councils made up of community representatives.
Ready to apply?
Please now:
Read the full ATN information pack (see easy-read version here)
See FAQs for stage one.
You can also view our explainer video:
Become a Community Arts Volunteer: Role description And How to Apply
Do you live in the West of England?
Want to feel more connected to your community and help it thrive?
Looking to build your CV, gain new skills, and get involved in exciting projects and events?
Join a welcoming, supportive community where you can grow your confidence, meet new people, and open the door to exciting opportunities.
Where you will be:
The Pilot Communities of the Impact Alliance: Stockwood, Charfield, the Somer Valley and the Mendip villages - as well as other locations across the West of England (Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and Bath & North East Somerset).
When you will be there:
This is flexible depending on community activity and your availability (activities happen seven days a week and may include evenings).
Who you will be supporting:
Creative artists to engage with audiences and/or participants.
What you will be doing:
Provide a welcoming, friendly and enthusiastic point of contact for audiences and/or participants
Support community artist(s) as they provide creative, playful, inclusive and hands on activities. (this could be handing out materials, helping set up spaces etc)
Embody and demonstrate our values of collaboration, inclusion, excellence, resilience and kindness
This may be a good role for you if you:
Enjoy meeting new people and want to become part of a friendly, passionate and committed volunteer team as well as the wider All Together Now community
Enjoy engaging with a range of people to support them to be creative and playful
Are passionate about inclusivity in arts and the creative sector
Want to use your skills and/or gain experience in the community arts and creative sector
Would like to access interesting and exciting induction and training
We are looking for people who are:
Enthusiastic about building connections, and passionate about projects that bring together communities
Interested in working with community audiences
Team Players, adaptable to working well with other volunteers and All Together Now staff
Committed to our values and to following our policies and procedures
Reliable and committed
People who are aged 18+
All travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Do you think this is the role for you? See how to apply.
FAQs about volunteering
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Volunteering is a great way of trying out or learning something new, connecting with different people and feeling part of a creative or local community. Volunteering can build confidence and skills and boost your CV too! Most importantly, we believe it should be fun and flexible.
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We know true representation will have a positive impact on this project, not to mention in the wider creative and cultural sector. We welcome applications from people of all lived experiences and particularly those that are underrepresented.
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You need to be over 18 years of age.
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Absolutely not! We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to get involved creative activities - being interested in supporting diverse communities through this project is the most important thing.
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Please have a look at the volunteer role description and information above. This is a brand NEW project so we will be developing the volunteering role and programme together. It will be up to you to choose what you want to get involved with and how often. Ideally we are looking for volunteers to build long term connections in the All Together Now Impact Alliance pilot communities.
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No. This is because we provide different training for Volunteers and Trainees, as they have different roles within the team. However, that doesn’t mean that trainees cannot become volunteers after their placements or vice versa for volunteers.
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The wonderful thing about volunteering with All Together Now is that we keep our roles as flexible as possible. There’s sure to be something to suit you whether you are a student, retired or have caring responsibilities.
However, please be aware that bringing a volunteer on board requires resources from our charity, so if you are not sure if it could fit in with your life, get in touch with us for a chat.
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Yes – we accept applications at anytime throughout the project.
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Yes – you should not be out of pocket when volunteering with us. We can pay towards reasonable travel expenses and most of the projects will provide food/refreshments for the team.
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For certain volunteer roles a DBS check will be required, which we are able to process for you. Please note a criminal record is not a barrier to volunteering with us. and be assured that your rights to confidentiality will be protected under GDPR (data protection). Please share any questions or concerns you may have with us.
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We encourage all of our artists that deliver All Together Now activities to consider accessibility. Access information for each placement will be available on the ‘Volunteer Hub’ and ‘Better Impact’ app.
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We would not want you to feel nervous or unprepared while you volunteer with us. All volunteers receive a general induction about All Together Now and your role, then depending on which community you work with; you will receive any briefing/training needed for that particular role by your Volunteer Key Contact. These are trained staff who are there to support you.
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Yes - To discuss any additional support, such as adjustments and access, please email us at atn.volunteer@bristolbeacon.org or call 07484 917056.
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If you have any other questions or concerns please e-mail atn.volunteer@bristolbeacon.org or call 07484 917056. We would love to hear from you!
Become an All Together Now Volunteer
1. Get in touch
If you are interested in getting involved with All Together Now as a volunteer please e-mail atn.volunteer@bristolbeacon.org or, if you prefer, please feel free to call us on 07484917056
2. Follow up call
After you have registered your interest, we will arrange a time to chat, where we can update you with more information about the programme and answer any questions or concerns you may have. During this chat, please let us know if there is any way we can support you to volunteer with us. For example, you may wish to observe/shadow in a similar role, before deciding if this role is right for you.
3. Information session / informal interview
Where possible you will be invited to an information session with other potential volunteers and the All Together Now team. We will meet you for an informal 1:1 interview (on the phone, in person or online) to see if we have a volunteer role that is a good fit for you.
* You are welcome to ask for a copy of what we will ask in your 1:1 informal interview and bring someone with you for support.
3. Induction / Training
We will ensure that you receive any induction you need which may include some online training on topics such as Safeguarding
4. Meet your Creative Key Contact
And then get started!
If you have any questions or need any help at all with the application process, please get in touch: atn.volunteer@bristolbeacon.org
Trainee Creative Artists
We are also excited to be running a trainee programme, designed to support and nurture six creative artists each year.
This programme is aimed at individuals who are passionate about using creativity to bring people together and strengthen communities.
Through a combination of structured training, one‑to‑one mentoring, and hands‑on placements within community settings, trainees will develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to support people in expressing themselves creatively.
Whether your practice is in music, visual arts, performance, or another creative form, this programme represents a wonderful opportunity to learn how to use the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift.
Applications for trainee programme opens in September 2026.
Creative Councils
We are looking for people who reflect the communities we are working with to join the All Together Now Creative Councils.
These groups will make final funding decisions and help shape the wider direction of ATN. You may be interested if you are:
18 or over
Passionate about creativity and its power to change lives
Based in, or connected to, the communities of Stockwood, Mendip Villages or Global Majority Older People
Not planning to apply for funding, but interested in helping to guide the project
If this sounds like you, please get in touch:
Want to take part, but not sure how?
If you want to be involved but not sure how - or just want to hear more - then please get in touch: alltogethernow@bristolbeacon.org
Shine - All Together Now’s
creative employability programme
Led by Bristol Beacon, and funded through Youth Guarantee Trail Blazer DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) via WECA (West of England Mayoral Combined Authority), Shine took place at Bristol Beacon in March 2026, and was a creative employability programme aimed at young adults aged 18-21 from across the South-West, not in education, employment or training (NEET).
This strand of All Together Now targets a community which is strongly associated with loneliness (1, 2).
Over two weeks, the course supported young people’s confidence, sense of belonging and understanding of the world of work through practical, engaging and interactive workshops. Participants developed skills in CV writing, digital workplace skills, preparing for interviews and met with guest presenters from Boomtown Festival, City of Bristol College and freelance music producers.
All participants are now working with mentors to prepare for paid placements across the Creative Industries including Rough Trade, St. Pauls Carnival, Team Love and Bristol Beacon.
(2) The suprising truth about the generations that experience the most loneliness
