St Paul's Learning Centre/ Wellspring Healthy

Living Centre

Two innovative centres both built in the last five years in response to community consultation and involvement and at the heart of the deprived Bristol communities of St Paul 's and Barton Hill.

St Paul's Learning Centre - St Paul 's Family and Learning Centre is managed by the Library Service and houses a library, café and crèche as well as a darkroom and art studios. It provides an extensive range of courses including basic skills, art, dance, African drumming, photography and IT skills. A number of local agencies provide advice sessions and there are meeting rooms for community hire. The Group Services Manager and the Learning Programme Manager will give delegates a tour of the building and information on the partnership ventures and learning programme that take place.

Wellspring Healthy Living Centre - Wellspring Healthy Living Centre is an exciting model of what can be achieved through community involvement. WHLC came about as part of the ten- year New Deal For Communities regeneration programme. Local residents were keen for health services in the area to improve and formed an action group. This group became the driving force behind the £3.5 million project. The centre is now run as an independent charity, which is overseen by a residents' board. WHLC offers quality health facilities and a wide range of services (including a GP's surgery), which aim to help improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the surrounding community. Courses on offer include Yoga, Tai Chi, IT support, Samba, Keep fit and art. Centre Manager Ian Lawry will take the tour of the building.