Priya - Chair
I have always had a deep love of nature, in the wild and in our gardens. I've also been interested in natural foods. So it was essential for me to make a positive difference to benefit my community and also to counter my feelings of helplessness, which many of us have, in the face of our health, climate and other crises. My work with WSF has been a real journey from Anxiety to Action for me.
Central to my work is the empowerment of my community, making knowledge and opportunity available to all. In doing this, I achieve my main ambition, which is to build community.
Magdalena
I’m Magdalena, and my lifelong passion for nature and working with others has shaped my life. Growing up in Poland, surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness, I developed a deep appreciation for the environment and its ability to nurture physical and mental well-being. I believe that spending time in nature builds resilience, happiness, and community.
Through my involvement with The Bristol Rainforest, I’ve been able to engage my children in nature-based activities, teach them about good nutrition, and connect with others. Watching my children develop a love for nature has been one of my greatest joys.
I’m also excited to be part of the Wider Street Futures project, where I work on enhancing green spaces and promoting sustainable practices. I’m passionate about healthy living for women and families and believe we all play a vital role in building a sustainable future. By coming together, we can create positive change for our communities.
As a parent, I feel a deep responsibility to help create a better world for future generations. My experiences have taught me that when communities unite, we grow stronger and can tackle important challenges like climate change, infrastructure, and green space access.
Michelle
Community Development Worker
Michelle was born in Nairobi, Kenya, with origins from Seychelles, and used to live in Wales hence why she has a slight twang to her accent. Since her arrival in Bristol many years ago, Michelle became quickly got involved with local communities on a voluntary and paid basis and she continues to do this work today. Community Engagement is where her passion lies and is the reason behind everything she does. Michelle strongly believes that helping the community to help themselves is the best way to empower them. In summary, it allows for decision-making, relationship development, and capacity building.
Selby
Teaching is my passion. I find immense joy in empowering communities to learn, build confidence, and thrive. I am committed to facilitating and providing engaging classes for this project, with the goal of helping it expand and support as many families as possible. Ultimately, I hope to inspire these communities to become self-sufficient, teach others, and continue growing on their own