Comedy nights, grief choirs and DJ workshops chosen as £1.1m loneliness programme opens second funding round

A unique £1.1m programme using arts and culture to reduce loneliness across the West of England has revealed its first cohort of artists – as a second round of funding, worth £120,000, opens for applications.

All Together Now, created by the West of England Impact Alliance and delivered by 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.

The programme expands in January 2027 to Charfield, Somer Valley and disabled young people. Each community has been identified as being at higher risk of loneliness for geographic or demographic reasons.

The programme puts community decision-making at the heart of their local cultural programming. Creative Councils, made up of local people, choose the artists and creative projects based on the specific needs of their communities.

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.

Discover all of the projects and find out more here

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 £1.1m programme is being led by St Monica Trust, with Bristol Beacon as its lead delivery partner. Funding has been provided by 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.

The first phase of All Together Now begins this autumn, with the second round of artist applications now open until 26th October 2026. To apply and learn more, click the link below.

Apply for funding

About All Together Now

All Together Now is the first major cross-regional initiative of the West of England Impact Alliance, a coalition of over 50 organisations—including charities, councils, and businesses—dedicated to addressing loneliness and social isolation. Launched in late 2024, it aims to create sustainable change across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset.

Long-term loneliness can have serious impacts on health and wellbeing. The World Health Organisation states that social connection is fundamental to health, strength and resilience. Research also shows that engaging in arts and culture can improve wellbeing, confidence and social connection.

Find out more about All Together Now