It is now taking a bold new step without leaving its roots behind
St Pauls Advice Centre, 1st Floor, Junction 3 Library, Baptist Mills Court, Bristol, BS5 0FJ.
After more than half a century providing crucial support to residents in St Pauls, Ashley and East Bristol, St Pauls Advice Centre has officially moved to a new site just a 10-minute walk from its original location on Grosvenor Road.
Established in 1972, the centre has built a reputation as a vital resource for those seeking free expert advice on issues such as immigration, debt and welfare benefits. The move signals a significant development in the charity’s ongoing mission to challenge inequality and poverty in the city.
The new premises, located at the Junction 3 Library on Baptist Mills Court, was formally opened on May 8 by Roger Griffith MBE. Griffith is a prominent Bristol writer, lecturer and social commentator, widely known for his community work and advocacy for race equality.
Rob France, executive director of St Pauls Advice Centre, acknowledged the emotional weight of the move. “Given the supportive role we’ve played for generations of people in our former neighbourhood, this was not a decision we took lightly at all,” Rob said. “Whilst we’re now more accessible to East Bristol, we’re adamant on maintaining strong ties to the St Pauls community.”
France explained that rising demand was a key factor in the decision to relocate, as the centre required a safer and more spacious environment for staff, volunteers and service users. “Demand for our service is rising every year. It’s essential we can still meet it, in a comfortable, safe, and spacious venue,” he added.
Founded in response to community needs during a period of systemic neglect, the centre was instrumental during the 1980 St Pauls Uprising, where it supported the creation of a community-led defence campaign. By the mid-1980s, it had grown to provide outreach services to racially minoritised communities, disabled people and older residents, enabling them to access their rights.
Today, St Pauls Advice Centre operates with a team of 15 multi-lingual staff and seven volunteers. It also offers regular drop-in sessions at five different community hubs to deliver early intervention and prevent issues from escalating.
“Our history is deeply rooted in St Pauls, and that connection will never fade,” Rob said. “This move allows us to keep being there for those struggling, whilst staying close to the communities that have made St Pauls Advice Centre what it is today.”
The new office is fully wheelchair accessible and sits on a step-free route from the centre’s former base at Albert Villa, 146 Grosvenor Road, where it operated from 1972 to 2025.
In the financial year 2024/25, the charity supported 700 people across the local community, helping to manage over £843,000 in debt and securing nearly £2.6 million in financial gains for clients.
More information about the centre’s services and how to access them is available at stpaulsadvice.org.uk.