Community

Meet Your Community Development Worker

Helping West Cheltenham Thrive — One Connection at a Time

Say hello to your local Community Development Worker, Maria, She’s here to support, connect, and empower the people of West Cheltenham.

Whether you want to join an event, host an activity, volunteer your time, or get help finding support, she’s here to walk alongside you.

Who Are They Here For?

Over 75 or Feeling Isolated?
Enjoy gentle, friendly social spaces like:

  • Ash Tree Café coffee mornings
  • Community lunches
  • Warm welcomes for conversation and connection
  • Food pantry membership

Struggling with Mental Health?
You’re not alone. They’ll help connect you to:

  • Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Supportive groups and activities
  • Safe spaces to talk and be heard
  • Food pantry membership

Long-term sick or out of work?
They’re here to listen and help you reconnect with your community and available support services.

Parents & Families
Looking for fun things to do or parenting support?
They can help you with:

  • Family sessions at The HUB and Ash Tree Café
  • Access to education, jobs, childcare & parenting support
  • A chance to meet other families and build friendships
  • Food pantry membership

What Do They Do?

Hosting & Facilitating Events

You’ll often find them at:

  • The HUB at Hesters Way — a vibrant community space
  • Ash Tree Café — relaxed chats, crafts, and coffee, membership and volunteering opportunities
  • Hesters Way & Spring Bank Community Centres — the creative space and halls

They help run coffee mornings, training sessions, and community-led events for all ages and backgrounds.

Growing Community Involvement

They help residents:

  • Get involved in local projects and volunteering
  • Shape the future of West Cheltenham through shared decisions

Connecting You to Local Support

Need advice or guidance? They can signpost you to trusted services, including:

  • Food Pantry Membership
  • Housing & Benefits Support
  • Debt & Money Advice
  • Family & Parenting Help
  • Mental Health Services
  • Children and Adult Educational Courses
  • The Community Pantry and more

Promoting Community Life

From posters to social media, they share what’s happening in your neighbourhood, so you never miss out.

How They Work

  • Build relationships with residents, organisations, and local businesses
  • Listen to the community and shape local engagement plans
  • Promote inclusivity, sustainability, and equal opportunities
  • Support and empower volunteers and community leaders
  • Represent the West Cheltenham Partnership at local events and networks

Let’s Talk

Want to know how Maria can help? Whether you’re looking for support or making a referral, we’d love to hear from you.

Make a referral for myself or someone else.

Proudly Serving West Cheltenham

From big events to small acts of kindness, your Community Development Worker is here to connect people, make things happen, and help West Cheltenham grow stronger — together.