Strengthening communities through partnership at St Sidwell’s Centre
Tucked alongside homes owned by Sovereign Network Group, St Sidwell’s Centre is a welcoming place where people can meet, learn and get support.
Over recent years, our relationship with the centre has grown into a strong partnership based on shared values and a commitment to supporting thriving communities.
Together, we support SNG residents through wellbeing activities, volunteering opportunities and wider community support. As this work developed, it became clear we were often helping the same people - residents who may be feeling isolated, under financial pressure, or starting again in a new community.
Turning partnership into practical impact
Owning the centre means we can take a long‑term approach and invest in the space as the community’s needs change. With match funding from SNG, St Sidwell’s Centre secured a £186,410 Reaching Communities grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.
This funding has helped strengthen volunteer and support programmes – building skills, increasing capacity and making support more reliable for residents.
Over the last 12 months, this partnership has helped to:
- Recruit and train 141 new active volunteers
- Increase capacity for wellbeing check‑ins and early support
- Meet rising demand for drop‑in and 1:1 support
- Support people through challenges such as bereavement, housing issues and accessing benefits
Julia from the St Sidwell Centre team reflects on the partnership
"This partnership is built on more than funding. It reflects a shared commitment to community resilience - recognising that housing, language, wellbeing and social connection are deeply intertwined.
By working together, we are better able to support residents not just where they live, but where they learn, connect and build their lives.
We're delighted to be working more closely with SNG and really support their investment in the community organisations that work with their residents.”
Responding to changing community needs
Through initiatives including Match My Project and Action Funder, SNG has also helped St Sidwell’s Centre respond to emerging needs by supporting:
- Access to laptops and digital skills for refugees
- Community meals and Winter Warmer events during colder months
- Emergency food provision during rising living costs
- More tailored 1:1 support for people facing complex circumstances
A shared commitment to community resilience
By working in partnership with the people who run it day to day, SNG can help make sure this community space remains welcoming, useful and responsive.
This reflects our belief that secure homes, good wellbeing and strong local connections all support each other. By working with trusted community organisations, we can support residents not just in their homes, but in the wider community too.
Find out more about St Sidwell’s Community Centre 
.
Watch the video below to hear Julia from the St Sidwell Centre discuss the partnership with SNG and the benefits of the centre.