This year marks the 40^th anniversary of acta, Bristol’s longest running community theatre group. Established in 1985, acta brings together people from different cultures, experiences and generations to make and share creative work.

To help celebrate their milestone birthday award-winning developer Dandara Living, has pledged to continue its sponsorship of the charity’s Creative Wellbeing Café through to the end of 2025.

Dandara Living has supported the Café since 2023, which provides opportunities to participate in activities that support personal growth through creative expression, discuss mental wellbeing and build peer support networks through social and intergenerational connection, as Rosa Martyn, Communications Coordinator explains:

“With the generous sponsorship from Dandara Living, the Café has gone from strength to strength. Their assistance has enabled us to grow our community connections, hold sessions for over 300 individuals, strengthen our volunteer base, and expand the activities that are linked to the Creative Wellbeing Café itself.”

Open every Thursday from 10.30am until 2.30pm with a local artist in attendance between 11am and 1pm, the volunteer-run Café which serves affordable cakes, simple lunches and refreshments, also operates a pay-it -forward scheme where customers can ‘donate’ refreshments for those who may be struggling financially.

Acta also runs the youth theatre, Griffin, which manages a variety of projects including shows, street theatre and poetry performances throughout the year in conjunction with Bristol City Council and East Street revitalisation.

Commenting on the work of the charity, Zoe Sharpe, Dandara Living Senior Development Manager said: “As a local resident, I have direct experience of the work that acta does to drive social change and deliver tangible benefits for individuals and communities here in the city. We are delighted to support them again this year and wish them a very happy 40^th”.

The Big 40 campaign aims to raise £40,000 - £1,000 for each of the 40 years acta has been operating. For more information and to make a donation, please visit their website https://acta-bristol.com/actas-big-40/