Barnwood Connect – June 2025
Funded Partner Programme open
We’re pleased to announce that applications are now open for the second round of our Unrestricted Funding and Project Funding.
These funds are for organisations and groups in Gloucestershire working to make a positive difference for disabled people and people with mental health conditions.
To apply, you need to submit an Expression of Interest by 5pm on Friday 18th July.
Matt Little new CEO
At the start of May we announced that Matt Little will be joining the Trust as our new Chief Executive Officer in August.
Matt has spent his career working alongside communities, supporting young people, and working for positive social change. He has led many projects that focus on creativity, education and inclusion, and has helped set up several community organisations.
Matt says he’s excited to join Barnwood Trust and is looking forward to working with the Barnwood team and partners to make a real difference in Gloucestershire.
Accessibility Fund update
In our last edition of Connect, we announced new Barnwood funding – the Accessibility Fund.
The first round of applications closed on the 2nd of May. Since then, we’ve brought together a panel of Experts by Lived Experience from Barnwood Circle to help review the applications.
The Panel has taken part in a training and induction session to prepare for their role. They will soon meet to make funding recommendations.
We aim to award funding in August, with projects starting in September.
We look forward to seeing how these projects help make spaces more inclusive and welcoming across Gloucestershire.
Annual Report 2024
We have published our Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024.
“We’ve continued to focus on engaging with and listening carefully to our stakeholders and learning from them, as well as prioritising the transparency and equitability of all of Barnwood’s work.” – Colin Smith Chair of Trustees
“The Trust’s financial independence, place-based focus and deep, long-standing relationships across the county – along with our close working relationship with disabled people and people with mental health conditions, provide the scope for the way we work and what we can do. “- Sally Byng CEO
Disability benefits consultation
In March 2025, the Government proposed changes that could make it harder for disabled people and people with mental health conditions to access benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
To help make sure as many disabled people as possible could share their thoughts with the government, Barnwood Trust and Inclusion Gloucestershire co-designed a simpler survey with disabled people and supported local focus groups. Over 80 people shared their views.
The survey is now closed, and our research teams are reviewing the responses. Later this month, we’ll share what we heard with Gloucestershire’s 7 MPs and submit the findings to the national consultation.
If you want to know more about this work email us at: socialchange@barnwoodtrust.org
The Government’s consultation is still open until Monday 30th June 2025.
Funded Partners: real stories, real impact
4 new stories are live on our website, sharing the impactful work of partners supported through Barnwood Trust funding.
Guideposts Trust has expanded its Academy courses to help people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions grow in confidence and learn everyday skills, like cooking.
James Hopkins Trust is helping families of children with complex needs find time to rest, recharge, and enjoy life by expanding their specialist nurse-led respite care.
Practical Intelligence continues to bring people together through craft and creativity, using woodworking and guitar-making to build skills, confidence, and community.
Cotswold Counselling give people of all ages a chance to talk to someone trained to listen with care. They help people build the strength and confidence to move forward.
Barnwood Circle
Barnwood Circle members have been key in shaping a range of work over the past few months.
Access to Money Advice Research: Circle members have been working with our Research Team to test research methods on accessing advice on benefits, budgeting and debt. Involving Circle members in research activities is new for us and we’re exploring ways for members to be more involved in future research projects.
Social Media Strategy: Circle members took part in 2 co-design workshops to share ideas on what makes engaging social media content. Their input is shaping a new strategy to be introduced later this year.
Annual Member’s Event: We’re co-designing this year’s Annual Member’s Event with 6 Circle members. The event is an opportunity for members to connect, reflect, and hear more about the Trust’s work.
Recruiting CEO
Circle members joined staff and trustees in interviewing candidates for our new CEO. They joined panel discussions and shared feedback, which helped inform the interview process.
Access to Nature – new film
Our new film shares how organisations in Gloucestershire are making outdoor spaces more accessible. See the progress, hear why it matters, and discover how the Access to Nature network is making a big difference.
Feedback welcome
We want to learn as much as we can about what works, and what doesn’t. If we can make this newsletter better, please let us know.
If you want to get in touch with us, please email us at info@barnwoodtrust.org