Below is a list of some of the many formal and informal networks in operation throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and BANES.
These networks provide invaluable opportunities to meet and discuss issues with people in the same position, with the same questions or concerns. They are an ideal way to share information, ideas and good practive and they form an excellent foundation for more effective partnership working across our region; for example advisers and other workers/volunteers can meet and discuss issues relevant to a specific area of law.
Where known, dates for forthcoming meetings of these networks can be found in the Calendar.
Where available, presentations or notes from some of these forums can be found by following the Meetings and Minutes link on the left.
Community Care Network
Avon & Bristol Law Centre facilitates the Community Care Network for all agencies that work to support people to access social services, mental health and the National Health Service (NHS). The network aims to share information and training, to link up with each other and share good practice. Community care issues covered include accessing help with Mental Health Care, Social Care, NHS procedures, Care choices for older people, Disability entitlements and Accommodation issues around health.
To join this network, please contact Jayne Abbott by telephone 0117 924 8662 or email
Wessex Financial Capability Forum
ACFA members, Talking Money and Bristol Citizens’ Advice, co-lead the Wessex Financial Capability Forum. The Forum meets quarterly and provides a space for sharing resources and good practice; it brings together a wide range of people from the public, private and voluntary sectors to discuss and develop ideas to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of people to manage their money.
To become a member, please telephone 0117 946 2560 or email
Womankind Management Support Group
Womankind offers women working in management roles in charities and social enterprises the opportunity to attend a Monthly Management Support Group.
Womankind is aware of the high level of stress that women managers endure in the workplace due to the demands of their role, such as:
- Containing the anxiety stemming from serving a demanding and complex client base
- Providing a safe space within which clinicians and other support workers can work effectively with their clients
- Securing funding, often using non-commercial models to find long-term sustainability
- Managing several functions with staff employed under differing terms and conditions (full time, part-time, voluntary)
- Attracting, developing and maintaining a committed and able volunteer workforce, including Trustees
By attending a monthly Management Support Group managers will receive support and guidance from the other group members and the facilitator in order to provide a constructive external perspective on their work and to reduce their isolation. Specifically the group will provide:
- a confidential space to think and talk with people in similar positions
- a space to share and gain information
- a networking opportunity
- a place to let off steam
- a place where the Managers can feel supported (which is often difficult within the structure of organisations that are mainly voluntary)
- a place to identify opportunities for collaborative working and the sharing of resources.
There are currently two groups running one group meets on 2nd Friday of each month and the other meets on 4th Friday of each month – both groups meet between 1:00pm and 2:30pm. The cost of attending a group is between £15 and £25 per month depending on what your organisation can afford.
For more information, please email Dr Sonia Davis
Bristol Energy Network
The Bristol Energy Network is an umbrella organisation for all community energy groups in Bristol and the surrounding area. It aims to facilitate and promote the diverse activities and projects undertaken by its community energy group members by
- cascading news, information and policy updates from local partners and national organisations
- acting as a conduit between local groups and external organisations
- providing an open platform for the sharing of resources, ideas and debate through regular open meetings.
The network is strongly action-orientated and seeks to promote collaboration between existing and new groups whilst undertaking projects of benefit for all.
For more information, please email the Network Coordnator
Immigration Network
Immigration Network meetings are arranged by the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA) and are usually held in central Bristol two or three times per year. Contact Rosie Brennan at University of Plymouth School of Law for details of the next meeting or to ask to be added to the ILPA mailing list
ILPA is a membership organisation established in 1984 by a group of leading immigration law practitioners to:
- promote and improve the advising and representation of immigrants
- provide information to members and others on domestic and European immigration, asylum and nationality law
- secure a non-racist, non-sexist, just and equitable system of immigration refugee and nationality law practice
Bristol & Bath Social Enterprise Network
Social Enterprise in our region is growing; 10,000 people are employed in 600 enterprises generating a turnover of nearly £400 million. This collaborative network that encourages social entrepreneurs to connect, engage, share and support each other to develop a strong social economy. Sign up here to be informed of meetings and events.
Bath & Bristol Marketing Network
The Bath & Bristol Marketing Network meets monthly to exchange creative ideas, create new relationships, and celebrate the best of the South West’s marketing talent. Sign up to their newsletter to receive news of events.