Bristol Active City Network

The Active Lives HIT is a founding member of Bristol Active City Network. This is a collaborative partnership focused on reducing barriers to physical activity, inclusion and promoting active lives.

The Network has developed 10 short films that brings to life the work that is supported in Bristol. Go to the YouTube playlist or watch each film at the links below.

The process that led to the development of the Network and the films has been captured in a report:

• Read the Realist Evaluation report
• Read the executive summary

To find out more about joining the Bristol Active City Network, contact [email protected]

Watch the films

Film 1: . Hosted by Nadia Holland who introduces the Bristol Active City Network

Film 2:  Guy Fishbourne describes some of the most fruitful aspects of the BACN over the past year and talks about what he sees as the main possibilities and challenges the network faces as it moves forwards in reducing entrenched physical activity inequalities across the city.

Film 3: Systems Maturity Workshops  This film documents the first of four workshops (held in August-September 2024) for Bristol’s submission of the System Maturity Matrix. It features contributions and reflections on the process from Pip Martin, Ruth Glanvill, Zoe Banks Gross, Sarah Mortiboys, Darron Hamilton, Dan White and Lorraine Harris.

Film 4: This film provides insights from Heidi Blunden and Daniel Palmer about their work and how this has linked with the BACN across the previous year.

Film 5:  Developing a BACN Theory of Change has been a significant piece of work over the past 12 months. Network member have invested a great deal of time in reflecting, discussing and trialling various iterations of the theory. This film revisits development of the current version.

Film 6: Here Kathy Kingdon, Danny Kite and Ellie Stanley talk about their work in different activity forms within communities across Bristol. Kathy describes some of the challenges supporting people into physical activity, for whom even getting out of their home can be a huge step. Danny reflects on how a private members club can find a place within the BACN. Ellie introduces us to her work with mum’s and young people who access the Gymnastics Centre. She reflects on her participation in the BACN and some challenges moving forward.

Film 7: a conversation between Dan White and Sarah Mortiboys at Ashton Gate Stadium. Their discussion covers a number of important strategic issues including how and why “deep rooted inequalities require long term investment” and what BACN can do to respond effectively to this understanding.

Film 8: Courtney Young talks about Empire Fighting Chance and their work with young people facing difficulties around school, mental health, and socio-economic inequalities. He discusses how sport and physical activity (in this case non-contact boxing) can be a “hook” that leads to wider positive changes in young people’s lives.

Film 9:  Steve Nelson offers in-depth reflections on the development of BACN over the past 12 months and discusses the strategic priorities and challenges he anticipates moving forward. He offers candid thoughts on issues such as collaborative working, community engagement, and funding as the network continues to evolve.

Film 10:  Narrative & Storytelling Workshop held in March 2025. It offers an introduction to how and why taking stories and narrative seriously can be a beneficial strategy for individuals, organisations and networks. It features contributions from Mark Lee, Subitha Baghirathan, Joey Murphy, Andy Trott, Harry Betts, Daniel Palmer and Nadia Holland.