Community
Region
Enabler
tHE mENDIP VILLAGES
Banwell, Churchill & Langford, and Winscombe & Sandford are three neighbouring rural parishes where people value friendliness, green space, and a sense that “everyone knows someone.”
From a community perspective, the area feels lively and welcoming, but also a little fragmented. Life is busy in the evenings with sports, choirs, and clubs — from the New Banwell Singers to Churchill’s Men Get Cooking group, and the packed schedule at Winscombe Community Centre — but daytime options can be thinner unless you already know where to look. Costs and transport can limit what people take part in, especially for families and those on lower incomes, and information about “what’s on” is spread across Facebook pages, church newsletters, and noticeboards.
Loneliness in these parishes is often quiet, hidden behind every day routines.
New residents may not know where to start and feel awkward about walking into a group alone. Parents with babies and toddlers often miss adult company but lack easy access to stay-and-play sessions. Disabled residents describe both physical and emotional barriers: they can reach the venue, but they don’t always have company, confidence, or suitable transport. People who no longer drive, particularly in the evenings, find it hard to stay socially connected. Those on lower incomes or caring for others often put themselves last and describe feeling “left out of the loop.”
The region
Between the 2011 and 2021 Censuses, all three parishes experienced population growth, from 4.5% to 11.4%. Projections for the next five years show this growth continuing:
Banwell - from around 3,278 to 4,688 (an increase 43%).
Churchill - from 2,134 to around 2,528 (+18%).
Winscombe & Sandford - from 4,087 to 4,880 (+19%).
This reflects a mix of new housing, more young families moving in, and a gradually ageing population, all of which shape the kinds of activities and support people need.
This growth is already being felt as new households settle in and demand for services and activities increases.
Parish councils are ideally positioned to identify, connect with, and empower individuals and groups working to reduce loneliness and build belonging.
The three separate Parish Councils have come together in a unique partnership to
They are embedded in the heart of their communities, have first-hand knowledge of local needs, assets, and challenges and are often the first point of contact for residents seeking support or connection. They maintain trusted relationships with local residents, groups, and service providers which makes them ideally placed to identify emerging change makers and support community-led initiatives.
tHE Parish Councils
Thank you to all Impact Alliance members who have shared photos to use on this website. Please see below for photos used on this page; click on the image for further information. (Any photos not credited are available via Creative Commons licensing).
Redcatch Community Garden
One Green Kitchen, courtesy of Black South West Network
The Stockwood Wombles, courtesy of Bristol Charities
Redcatch Community Garden
Friends Ageing Better (FAB) disco, courtesy of Age UK Bristol