Supporting volunteering, connection and kindness across Bristol.

Can Do Bristol is a citywide digital platform that connects volunteers, groups, organisations and businesses to help build a stronger and more resilient city.

Back in 2016, Bristol City Council set out to promote volunteering and unlock the potential of communities. They chose Made Open to deliver the technology – a decision that’s grown into a long-standing partnership.

Since then, Can Do Bristol has evolved into a dynamic and inclusive platform used by thousands of people and organisations to connect, collaborate and create positive change.

The challenge: mobilising communities at scale

When Can Do Bristol was first conceived, the ambition was clear: empower residents in their communities using the resources already available around them.

Led by Di Robinson, Service Director for Neighbourhoods & Communities at Bristol City Council, the initiative aimed to:

• Make volunteering more accessible and inclusive.
• Encourage collaboration across sectors.
• Support local solutions to local problems.

The platform truly came into its own during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the city facing urgent health and welfare challenges, Bristol City Council mobilised Can Do Bristol to coordinate a citywide volunteer response.

In a matter of weeks, the platform helped:

• Mobilise 4,000 volunteers to support critical services.
• Provide direct assistance to 8,718 residents.
• Reach out to over 15,000 shielding residents.
• Enable self-organised community action, from food deliveries to wellbeing check-ins.

As Cllr Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol, put it:

 

The people of Bristol show kindness every day. Can Do Bristol played a crucial role in supporting the huge volunteer efforts that quickly emerged to help our shielding residents.

Our solution: Made Open’s community platform

Built around a simple belief - that everyone has something to offer - Can Do Bristol provides the infrastructure for individuals, community groups and businesses to connect, collaborate and make an impact.

Key features of Can Do Bristol include:

Real-world impact

Since its launch, Can Do Bristol has connected thousands across the city with well over 15,000 people engaged in volunteering and an average of 20,000 monthly visits.

 

Over four years, Bristol City Council has averaged a volunteering investment of £317,776 per year via Can Do Bristol. Given our conservative estimates, the actual figure is likely to be much higher.

Innovate UK

 

Can Do Bristol helps thousands of people in the city to connect with their neighbours. It enables and celebrates community action across the city.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol

Co-designing community-led recovery

In March 2025, we facilitated a co-design workshop with Bristol’s LERO (Lived Experience Recovery Organisation) community to support the next evolution of Can Do Bristol: a community-led approach to drug and alcohol recovery.

While Bristol already offers a range of professional services, this project focuses on creating more empathetic, peer-led pathways - guided by the insight and experiences of those who’ve walked the journey themselves.

This is the essence of Can Do Bristol: empowering people to help each other in meaningful, lasting ways.

Looking ahead

As the platform continues to grow, Can Do Bristol remains a shining example of what’s possible when local government, communities and businesses come together with a shared vision.

Together, we’re building a city where everyone can get involved, give back and make Bristol better - one connection at a time.

Visit: candobristol.co.uk