St Anne’s House has launched an urgent campaign
St Anne’s House in Bristol
A beloved community hub in South Bristol is in a race against the clock to raise £50,000 by 2pm on Thursday, April 24, to secure its future and keep vital grassroots projects alive.
St Anne’s House in Brislington has already pulled in £23,000 through local support, tenants and match funding, but now faces a critical final push to reach its target.
The campaign, launched on Crowdfunder, aims to safeguard the creative and social initiatives that make the hub a lifeline for thousands in the area.
The appeal isn’t just about creativity – it’s also about survival. The hub has faced nearly £10,000 in damages from multiple break-ins since January and has racked up almost £20,000 in heating costs over the winter due to outdated infrastructure and single-glazed windows.
The funds raised will be used to keep the building warm and safe, improve security, and maintain affordable studio space and room hires.
Operated by Bricks, a charity supporting Bristol’s creative and community scene, the building hosts everything from artist studios and youth projects to a community café, gym, sauna and social prescribing services.
Jack Gibbon, chief executive of Bricks, said: “The amount raised so far is a testament to the incredible generosity and support of our community. We are truly grateful for every donation, big or small, which brings us one step closer to ensuring that St Anne’s House remains a welcoming space for everyone”.
Donations made before the deadline are doubled through match funding from Aviva, up to £250 per pledge, adding further urgency to the appeal.
Among the rewards on offer for donations of £20 and above are limited edition items from local artists, including custom murals, a signed original by Jo Lathwood, and private sessions at the Bristol Community Sauna.
Contributors can also opt to ‘pay it forward’ by funding community event bookings or artist exhibitions.
Crucially, it will help sustain vital programmes supporting local wellbeing and climate action, including the Batch Cook Club, Jar Squad, a weekly youth club and the Brislington Community Climate Action Plan.
In the past year alone, over 8,500 people have used the building, 3,000 have attended free events, and more than 700 young people have taken part in youth activities.
A supporter of the campaign said: “Always blown away by all the incredible initiatives, exhibitions and projects I see on a weekly basis at St Anne’s House. The hub of all hubs! Real community through and through”.
A local resident added: “I love St Anne’s House. I wish there were many St Anne’s Houses around Bristol, not only one, like five, 10, 20, because it’s really good for the community. They make you welcome, you feel home”.
To support the campaign or learn more, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/lovesah.