AskingBristol

Unlocking resources. Empowering communities. Building a better Bristol.

AskingBristol is a pioneering service designed to redistribute resources across the Bristol region, connecting those who need support with those who can offer it. Developed by the University of Bristol and Voscur, AskingBristol strengthens the city’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector while offering students meaningful real-world experience and advancing the University’s civic mission.

How it works

At the heart of AskingBristol are trained student volunteers known as AskAuthors. These students work directly with VCSE organisations, known as Askers, to understand their needs and translate them into clear, actionable requests called Asks.

These Asks typically fall into one of four categories:

  • Time
  • Space
  • Expertise
  • Things

In this pilot phase, we’re focusing primarily on Expertise.

Once an Ask is defined, our team matches it with an Offer from a Giver, which could be a University department, business, city institution, or another VCSE organisation. AskAuthors maintain ongoing contact with Askers, ensuring continuity and support throughout the process.

Why it matters

Bristol’s VCSE sector is facing a crisis: rising demand, shrinking funding, and increasing costs. AskingBristol is a human-centred brokerage service, not just a digital platform, designed to address this challenge by unlocking under-utilised resources and building new connections across the city.

Our story

AskingBristol was originally conceived by John Manley, former High Sheriff of Bristol. After supporting dozens of community organisations during its first three pilot years, the model proved its value. John approached the University of Bristol to embed and scale the initiative. Today, AskingBristol is led by the University’s Civic Engagement Team, in partnership with Voscur, as part of a new two-year programme.

Get involved

Become an Asker

Are you a Bristol-based VCSE organisation in need of support?

Become a Giver

Do you have time, expertise, or resources to offer?

For further information please contact: asking-bristol@bristol.ac.uk