Comedy nights, grief choirs and DJ workshops
The £1.1m flagship programme of the Impact Alliance, All Together Now, announces its first cohort of artists - as a second round of funding, worth £120,000, opens for applications.
The first cohort of All Together Now creative practitioners meet together with members of Bristol Beacon and the Impact Alliance
All Together Now, created by the West of England Impact Alliance (IA) and delivered by IA member Bristol Beacon, will see artists and practitioners delivering workshops in Stockwood, the Mendip Villages and with global majority older people this autumn in the first phase of the programme.
In January 2027, the programme exends to Charfield, Somer Valley and disabled young people.
Each of the six communities has been identified as being at higher risk of loneliness for geographic or demographic reasons.
“Through our own community programmes at Bristol Beacon, we know creativity can be a powerful way of helping people feel connected to each other and to the places where they live. But for that to work, it must start with communities themselves. That’s what is so exciting about All Together Now.
Local people are helping shape the cultural activity they want to see in their communities, and artists are responding with some brilliantly imaginative ideas. These first projects are just the beginning, and we’re keen to hear from more creative practitioners who can help us bring people together across the West of England.”
Karen George talking about her project in Stockwood.
From DJs to stand-up comedy
Projects chosen for the first round include ‘My Neighbour’s Story’ from director Steph Wessell, ‘Stockwood’s Favourite Things’ from author Karen George, radio, podcast and DJ skills workshops led by Noods Radio, ‘Black Laughs Matter’ from Comedy on Referral, and a Grief Choir led by Jannah Warlow.
All projects aim to cultivate connection and build friendships across the community.
By 2028, All Together Now aims to reach over 4,000 people throughout the region, support around 1,300 people with regular creative activity, train 90 volunteers, create 18 paid trainee roles, and provide opportunities for over 100 freelance creative practitioners to deliver the programme.
The programme is being led by the St Monica Trust, and delivered by a consortium of local partners led by Bristol Beacon. Funding partners include Arts Council England, The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the Grateful Society, and Sirona Care & Health.
The project’s impact will be measured by Social Qual, an independent evaluator, using methods including surveys, questionnaires, and feedback. Outcomes measured will include enhanced belonging and connection for participants, and skills development and social value for artists, trainees and volunteers.
“It’s fantastic to have reached this first milestone, with diverse creative projects ready to build connection across these pilot communities, and we’re urging more artists to apply for this next funding round.
There is an abundance of research that shows the power of the arts to build confidence, create connection and improve health outcomes – which is more important than ever given the rise in loneliness across society.”
The second round of artist applications is now open.
To learn more and to apply, see full details here.
DEADLINE = 26th October 2026.
An Approach Underpinned by partnership
Celebrating the launch of All Together Now. Back row from left: Catherine Robinson, St Monica Trust; Anne Cooke, Impact Alliance; Adam Kent, Bristol Beacon; Deanna Berry, Sirona Health & Care; David Clymo, The Grateful Society. Front row: musicians leading from Bristol Beacon’s ‘Our Music Club’.
All Together Now is the first major, cross-regional initiative of the Impact Alliance.
It has been made possible due to the opportunities brought about by working as a coalition of over 50 organisations, including health, culture, councils, universities, funders and community groups, coming together to address loneliness with long-term regional impact.
From left: Sophie Moysey (Arts Council England), David Williams (St Monica Trust), Helen Godwin (Mayor for the West of England) and Simon Wales (Bristol Beacon) celebrating the launch of ‘All Together Now’
The £1.1 million in funding comes from St Monica Trust, Arts Council England, The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Bristol Beacon, the Grateful Society, and Sirona Care & Health.
Between now and 2028, All Together Now will work to:
Help over 4,000 people to feel less isolated
Support around 1,300 people to take part in regular creative activity
Train 90 volunteers
Create 18 paid trainee roles
Provide paid opportunities for over 100 freelance creative practitioners
Read more about the launch of All Together Now here.
If you’re working to reduce loneliness or have bold ideas to strengthen connection in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at info@impact-alliance.org.uk.